Glory and honor be to the Father, and to the + Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give praise and thanksgiving to God, and to our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who is in heaven. It is good and right so to do.
It is truly good and right, that we should always give thanks to you, O Holy Lord, everlasting Father, almighty God, … Therefore, with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify your glorious name, evermore praising you and saying:
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of the majesty of your glory. Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hagios, Hagios, Hagios, Kyrie ho Theos. (Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God.)
Truly holy and blessed are you, O God the Father almighty, for you sent your only Son to take on himself our nature and die for the sins of the whole world. By his cross and passion, he bore the burden of our sins and made an end of atoning sacrifices by that one offering of infinite worth.
Christ the Lord and eternal Redeemer, the day before he suffered, on the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread into his holy and venerable hands, and giving thanks, blessed, and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat, this is my + body, which is given for you. Do this, as often as you eat it, for a commemoration of me.” Amen.
Likewise, after supper, he took the cup, saying, “This is the Cup of the New Testament in my + blood which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, for a commemoration of me.” Amen.
Doing this, most holy Father, with these your holy gifts, which we now offer you, [1] we show forth the death of your only-begotten Son, by which we were redeemed, as he commanded us to do until he himself should come again, remembering his glorious passion, resurrection, and ascension, giving you most hearty thanks for the innumerable benefits procured to us by the same.
And we most humbly pray that, by the same Spirit by whom your blessed Son became incarnate for us, the holy and undivided Trinity would bless and sanctify these gifts and creatures of bread and wine, that we, receiving them according to our Savior Jesus Christ’s holy institution, may be made partakers of his most blessed body and blood. Amen.
Graciously hear us, O holy Lord our God, and through these your good gifts sanctified by you, grant us, your unworthy servants, your blessing to life eternal. Amen.
Source: From “Through Your Mercy, O Our God…” Prayers from the Mozarabic Church.
[1] In the early church, it was the custom for members of the church to present bread and wine as gifts to be used for the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, which is the “offering” (offerimus) mentioned here. Note that the offering of the bread and wine are the only things spoken of as an offering on the part of worshipers or priest. Also, earlier it is noted that Christ “made an end of atoning sacrifices by that one offering of infinite worth.”
The Liturgy of Addai and Mari has been in continuous use in the Church of the East since at least the 7th century. Parts of it may be from as early as the fifth century. It is part of the Persian Rite, with roots in Nestorian Christianity. The version presented below includes the Words of Institution (Verba), but originally it did not, and so for many years it was questioned as a valid rite for use in the church. Parts of the eucharistic prayer are the basis of the Prayer of Thanksgiving in The Service: Setting Two in Christian Worship: Hymnal (2021).
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God the Father and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and forever. Amen.
Lift up your hearts. To you, O God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, O glorious King!
We bring this offering to God, the Lord of all.[1] It is good and right.
Peace be with us.
Silent prayer by the priest.
O Lord, give us sincerity before you that with your boldness we may accomplish this living and holy service with our consciences cleansed from all evil and bitterness, and plant within us love and peace and concord toward one another and toward all people.
The priest then rises and prays aloud, stretching out his hands:
Worthy of praise from every mouth, worthy of confession from every tongue, worthy of worship and exaltation from every creature is your adorable and glorious name, O glorious Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. You created the world and all who live in it by your mercy, and you saved humanity by your compassion, and you give great grace to mortals.
Your majesty, O Lord, thousands upon thousands on high bow down and worship, and ten thousand times ten thousand holy angels and hosts of heaven, servants of fire and spirit, praise your name with holy cherubim and spiritual seraphim offering worship to your majesty, shouting and praising without ceasing, crying out to one another and saying:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of his praises, and the nature of his being, and the excellency of his glorious splendor. Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Silent prayer by the priest.
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of his praises, and the nature of his being, and the excellency of his glorious splendor, even as I fill heaven and earth, says the Lord. Holy are you, God the Father of truth, from whom all fatherhood in heaven and earth is named. Holy are you, eternal Son, by whom all things were made. Holy are you, Holy Spirit, by whom all things are sanctified. I am doomed! I am ruined, because I am a man with unclean lips, and I dwell among a people with unclean lips, and because my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts! How awe-inspiring is this place, for this day I have seen the Lord face to face. This is nothing other than the house of God, and this is the gate to heaven. And now, O Lord, let your grace be on us and purge our uncleanness and sanctify our lips and blend our weak voices with the hallowing of the seraphim and the halleluiahs of the angels. Praise be to your mercies for you have made creatures of dust partakers with spiritual beings!
The priest rises and says aloud:
Bless, O my Lord. Bless, O my Lord. Bless, O my Lord. My brothers, pray for me.
The priest continues:
With these heavenly hosts we give you thanks, O my Lord, even though we your servants are weak and frail and miserable, for you have given us great grace by taking on our human flesh that you might enliven it by your divinity, and have exalted our low estate, restored our fall, raised our mortality, forgiven our trespasses, justified our sinfulness, and enlightened our knowledge. Lord our God, you have condemned our enemies and have granted victory to the weakness of our frail nature in the overflowing mercies of your grace.
[Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “Take, eat. This is my + body, which is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
In the same way, after the meal, he also took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new testament in my + blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”]
For all your help and grace toward us, let us give you praise and honor and confession and worship, now and forever. Amen.
Pray in your minds. Peace be with us.
__________
Source: Liturgies Eastern and Westernedited by F. E. Brightman, Oxford, Clearendon Press, 1896. The Persian Rite, and The Liturgy of the Nestorians, p. 283-286.
This version, prepared for www.acollectionofprayers.com, was freely modified for contemporary language, and to highlight the poetic nature of the content.
In the early church, it was the custom for members of the church to present bread and wine as gifts to be used for the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, which is the “offering” or “setting before” (offerimus) mentioned here. Later (especially in the Council of Trent), the Lord’s Supper was wrongly viewed as a re-sacrificing of Christ’s body and blood. (See Hebrews 7:27 and 9:26).
The Way of the Nativity is a set of fourteen devotions in the same spirit and style as the the ancient Christian devotion of the Way of the Cross. While there are several versions of the Way of the Nativity, there is no official or dominant one. The stations and Scripture selections presented here were prepared for A Collection of Prayers.
The versicle and response, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen his glory, …” is from the Christmas Day Gospel, John 1:14.
The + Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin pledged in marriage to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women.” But she was greatly troubled by the statement and was wondering what kind of greeting this could be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, because you have found favor with God. Listen, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will never end.” Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Listen, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age even though she was called barren, and this is her sixth month. For nothing will be impossible for God.” Then Mary said, “See, I am the Lord’s servant. May it happen to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her. Luke 1:26–38
Jesus, brightness of your Father, calm our troubled hearts with the word of your promise, for nothing is impossible for you; you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.
Second Station: The Visitation
The + Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
In those days Mary got up and hurried to the hill country, to a town of Judah. She entered the home of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. Just as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She called out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why am I so favored that the mother of my Lord should come to me? In fact, just now, as soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy! Blessed is she who believed, because the promises spoken to her from the Lord will be fulfilled!” Luke 1:39–45
Jesus, brightness of your Father, you have shown us your Father’s favor by coming here to be our Savior. Grant that we also may believe your promises, and receive your blessings; you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.
Third Station: The Song of Mary
The + Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” Luke 1:46–55 ESV
Jesus, brightness of your Father, you have done mighty things and looked with favor on us, your lowly servants. Help your servants that we may remember your mercy and magnify your holy name; you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.
Fourth Station: The Dream of Joseph
The + Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ took place. His mother, Mary, was pledged in marriage to Joseph. Before they came together, she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her husband, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her. So he decided to divorce her privately. But as he was considering these things, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this happened to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son. And they will name him Immanuel,” which means, “God with us.” When Joseph woke up from his sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him. He took Mary home as his wife, but he was not intimate with her until she gave birth to her firstborn son. And he named him Jesus.” Matthew 1:18–25
Jesus, brightness of your Father, you became like us in every way, yet you were without sin. Save us from our sins through your pure and holy sacrifice; you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.
Fifth Station: The Journey to Bethlehem
The + Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governing Syria. And everyone went to register, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the town of Nazareth, into Judea, to the town of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was from the house and family line of David. He went to be registered with Mary, his wife, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child. Luke 2:1–5
Jesus, brightness of your Father, guide every event in our lives for your highest purpose and for our good, until we arrive in your house, and stand before your throne; you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.
Sixth Station: The Birth of Jesus
The + Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
And so it was that while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son, wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:6–7
Jesus, brightness of your Father, make room for yourself in our hearts, that you may dwell there until we dwell in heaven with you; you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.
Seventh Station: The Announcement of the Angels
The + Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
There were in the same country shepherds staying out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified! But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. For behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which will be for all people: Today in the town of David, a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude from the heavenly army, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward mankind.” Luke 2:8–14
Jesus, brightness of your Father, show us your glory that we may not be afraid, but be amazed at your humility and the hidden glory of your love; you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.
Eighth Station: The Shepherds Come to the Manger
The + Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Now let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they told others the message they had been told about this child. And all who heard it were amazed by what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:15–20
Jesus, brightness of your Father, amaze us with the good news of great joy, and open our mouths to tell all we have heard and seen; you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.
Ninth Station: The Name of Jesus
The + Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
After eight days passed, when the child was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. Luke 2:21
Jesus, brightness of your Father, you were given the name that is above every name, that name that means Yahweh is Salvation.[1] Reveal that name to us that we may know you, accept your truth, and trust you; you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.
Tenth Station: The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
The + Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. (As it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male will be called holy to the Lord.”) And they came to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, waiting for the comfort of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Moved by the Spirit he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what was customary according to the law, Simeon took him into his arms and praised God. He said, Lord, you now dismiss your servant in peace, according to your word, because my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel. Luke 2:22–32
Jesus, brightness of your Father, you fulfilled all of the law, so that you could be our holy and righteous Savior. Reveal your light to us, be our glory, and make us your new chosen Israel; you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.
Eleventh Station: The Visit of the Wise Men
The + Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, when Herod was king, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem. They asked, “Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this, he was alarmed, and all Jerusalem with him. He gathered together all the people’s chief priests and experts in the law. He asked them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, because this was written through the prophet: You, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are certainly not least among the rulers of Judah: because out of you will come a ruler, who will shepherd my people, Israel.” Then Herod secretly summoned the Wise Men and found out from them exactly when the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you find him, report to me, so that I may also go and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. Then the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them, until it stood still over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with overwhelming joy. After they went into the house and saw the child with Mary, his mother, they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Since they had been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another route. Matthew 2:1–12
Jesus, brightness of your Father, shine like the brightest star in the darkness of this world and in the darkness of our hearts. Shepherd us, your people, and receive our prayer, praise and worship; you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.
Twelfth Station: The Flight to Egypt
The + Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
After the Wise Men were gone, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to Joseph in a dream. He said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, because Herod will search for the child in order to kill him.” Joseph got up, took the child and his mother during the night, and left for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod. This happened to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” Matthew 2:13–15
Jesus, brightness of your Father, as Israel lived in Egypt until you led them out by Moses, you lived in Egypt until you could return in safety. Bless and keep all who live under the shadow of trouble, and when the time is right, lead them on; you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.
Thirteenth Station: The Death of the Innocents
The + Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Wise Men, he was furious. He issued orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and in all the surrounding countryside, from two years old and under. This was in keeping with the exact time he had learned from the Wise Men. Then what was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and she refused to be comforted, because they are no more. Matthew 2:16–18
Jesus, brightness of your Father, the darkness of this world fills our hearts with pain and our eyes with tears. Wipe away all tears and hold your promise before our eyes that you have overcome the world; you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.
Fourteenth Station: The Return to Nazareth
The + Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
After Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. The angel said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to kill the child are dead.” Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus, Herod’s son, had succeeded his father as ruler in Judea, he was afraid to go there. Since he had been warned in a dream, he went to the region of Galilee. When he arrived there, he settled in a city called Nazareth. So what was spoken through the prophets was fulfilled: “He will be called a Nazarene.” Matthew 2:19–23
Jesus, brightness of your Father, your heavenly and earthly fathers kept you safe, even as the devil and the world raged against you, until the appointed time. Keep us safe from all danger until you finally deliver us from all evil when you take us to yourself; you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.
[1]Jesus is the Greek form (Iesous) of the Hebrew name Joshua (Yeshua or Yehoshua) which is a combination of the divine name in the Old Testament (YHWH, sometimes rendered in English as Yahweh or Jehovah) and the Hebrew word for save.
This is not the work of A Collection of Prayers, but a very useful and amazing project.
Someone has researched and compiled Scripture references behind every rite and prayer in The Book of Common Prayer. Here is their preface:
The Book of Common Prayer (BCP) is a landmark document of the Anglican tradition and the English language. Its unique rites, formulations, and collects are suffused with Biblical quotation and allusion.
This resource is a port of The Book of Common Prayer: With marginal references to texts in the Holy Scriptures published by the Church of England in 1839 (archive.org link), which aims to catalogue each scriptural reference in the text of the 1662 BCP.
Inline Biblical quotations are taken from the New Revised Standard Version (BibleGateway link).
The Way of Light or Stations of Easter is a counterpart to the Stations of the Cross with the focus on the events following Christ’s resurrection.
The versicle and response, “We adore you, O Christ,…” is from the traditional devotions for the Stations of the Cross, expanded for use in the Easter season.
The prayers that follow each scriptural devotion are newly written for A Collection of Prayers. Each begins “Risen Lord, draw us to you,” based on the verse from Song of Songs 1:4 and the favorite Ascension hymn “Draw us to thee.”
Except where noted otherwise, Scripture is taken from The Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version,www.wartburgproject.org.
All art except for the fourteenth station is byJames Tissot. Art for the fourteenth station is based on an engraving by Gustave Doré.
The readings, prayers and art are available as a downloadable pdf, printable as a booklet.
We adore you, O + Christ, and we praise you. Because by your holy cross and the light of the resurrection you have redeemed the world.
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. Suddenly, there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, and going to the tomb, he rolled away the stone and was sitting on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards were so terrified of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here. He has risen, just as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. Go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead! And look, he is going ahead of you to Galilee. There you will see him.’ See, I have told you!” (Matthew 28:1–7)
Risen Lord, draw us to you. Drive away our fears with the good news of your resurrection, and fill us with joy as we tell others; you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.
Second station: The Disciples Find the Tomb Empty
We adore you, O + Christ, and we praise you. Because by your holy cross and the light of the resurrection you have redeemed the world.
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb. She saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she left and ran to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved. “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb,” she told them, “and we don’t know where they put him!” So Peter and the other disciple went out, heading for the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and got to the tomb first. Bending over, he saw the linen cloths lying there, yet he did not go in. Then Simon Peter, who was following him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there. The cloth that had been on Jesus’ head was not lying with the linen cloths, but was folded up in a separate place by itself. Then the other disciple, who arrived at the tomb first, also entered. He saw and believed. (They still did not yet understand the Scripture that he must rise from the dead.) (John 20:1–9)
Risen Lord, draw us to you. Open our minds and hearts that we may understand the testimony of Scripture that you have risen from the dead; you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.
Third station: The Risen Lord Appears to Mary Magdalene
We adore you, O + Christ, and we praise you. Because by your holy cross and the light of the resurrection you have redeemed the world.
Mary Magdalene stood outside facing the tomb, weeping. As she wept, she bent over, looking into the tomb. She saw two angels in white clothes sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and one at the feet. They asked her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She told them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I don’t know where they have laid him.” After she said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, though she did not know it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?” Supposing he was the gardener, she replied, “Sir, if you carried him off, tell me where you laid him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and replied in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means, “Teacher”). Jesus told her, “Do not continue to cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to my Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father—to my God and your God.’ ” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” She also told them the things he said to her. (John 20:11–18)
Risen Lord, draw us to you. Dry our tears, call us by name, and lead us to heaven where we may always cling to you; you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.
Fourth station: The Risen Lord Appears to Two Disciples on the Road to Emmaus
We adore you, O + Christ, and we praise you. Because by your holy cross and the light of the resurrection you have redeemed the world.
Now, on that same day, two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about all of these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing this, Jesus himself approached and began to walk along with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. He said to them, “What are you talking about as you walk along?” Saddened, they stopped. One of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked them. They replied, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet, mighty in deed and word before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be condemned to death. And they crucified him. But we were hoping that he was going to redeem Israel. Not only that, but besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. Also some women of our group amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning. When they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb. They found it just as the women had said, but they did not see him.” He said to them, “How foolish you are and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and to enter his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Luke 24:13–27)
Risen Lord, draw us to you. Drive out all foolishness, and open our hearts to believe all the Scriptures have spoken about you; you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.
Fifth station: The Risen Lord Is Recognized at the Breaking of Bread
We adore you, O + Christ, and we praise you. Because by your holy cross and the light of the resurrection you have redeemed the world.
As they approached the village where they were going, he acted as if he were going to travel farther. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, since it is almost evening, and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he reclined at the table with them, he took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and began giving it to them. Suddenly their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. Then he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was speaking to us along the road and while he was explaining the Scriptures to us?” They got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and those who were with them assembled together. They were saying, “The Lord really has been raised! He has appeared to Simon.” They themselves described what had happened along the road, and how they recognized him when he broke the bread. (Luke 24:28–35)
Risen Lord, draw us to you. Stay with us and bless us with your gracious presence that our hearts may burn within us, that we may recognize you in Word and Sacrament; you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.
Sixth station: The Risen Lord Appears to His Disciples
We adore you, O + Christ, and we praise you. Because by your holy cross and the light of the resurrection you have redeemed the world.
As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” But they were terrified and frightened and thought they were looking at a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled? Why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While they still did not believe it (because of their joy), and while they were still wondering, he said to them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish and some honeycomb. He took it and ate in front of them. (Luke 24:36–43)
Risen Lord, draw us to you. Give us your peace. Drive away all doubts. and fill our hearts with joy; you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.
Seventh station: The Lord Gives the Power to Forgive Sins
We adore you, O + Christ, and we praise you. Because by your holy cross and the light of the resurrection you have redeemed the world.
On the evening of that first day of the week, the disciples were together behind locked doors because of their fear of the Jews. Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you! Just as the Father has sent me, I am also sending you.” After saying this, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whenever you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven. Whenever you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” (John 20:19–23)
Risen Lord, draw us to you. As you have given us your peace, make us agents of your peace. As you have forgiven us our sins, move us to forgive those who have sinned against us; you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.
Eighth station: The Lord Confirms the Faith of Thomas
We adore you, O + Christ, and we praise you. Because by your holy cross and the light of the resurrection you have redeemed the world.
Thomas, one of the Twelve, the one called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples kept telling him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, and put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe.” After eight days, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at my hands. Take your hand and put it into my side. Do not continue to doubt, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:24–29)
Risen Lord, draw us to you. Give us faith in the word of your gospel that we may believe without seeing, and confess you as our Lord and our God; you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.
Ninth station: The Risen Lord Meets His Disciples on the Shore of Lake Tiberias
We adore you, O + Christ, and we praise you. Because by your holy cross and the light of the resurrection you have redeemed the world.
After this, Jesus showed himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. This is how he showed himself: Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I’m going fishing.” They replied, “We’ll go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Early in the morning, Jesus was standing on the shore, but the disciples did not know it was Jesus. Jesus called to them, “Boys, don’t you have any fish?” “No!” they answered. He told them, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” So they cast the net out. Then they were not able to haul it in because of the large number of fish. The disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard, “It is the Lord!” he tied his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the little boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about one hundred yards. When they stepped out on land, they saw some bread and a charcoal fire with fish on it. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” So Simon Peter climbed aboard and hauled the net to land, full of large fish, 153 of them. Yet even with so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come, eat breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread, and gave it to them, and also the fish. (John 21:1–13)
Risen Lord, draw us to you. As you surprised your disciples by appearing to them, and by giving them a large catch of fish, fill us with wonder by your constant presence, and with your many blessings; you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.
Tenth station: The Risen Lord Restores Peter
We adore you, O + Christ, and we praise you. Because by your holy cross and the light of the resurrection you have redeemed the world.
When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I care about you.” Jesus told him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time Jesus asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said, “Yes, Lord, you know that I care about you.” Jesus told him, “Be a shepherd for my sheep.” He asked him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you care about me?” Peter was grieved because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you care about me?” He answered, “Lord, you know all things. You know that I care about you.” “Feed my sheep,” Jesus said. (John 21:15–17)
Risen Lord, draw us to you. We are like sheep that have gone astray. Gather us, restore us, and empower us with your love and forgiveness, that we may feed your lambs and sheep; you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.
Eleventh station: The Risen Lord Entrusts to His Disciples the Mission to the World
We adore you, O + Christ, and we praise you. Because by your holy cross and the light of the resurrection you have redeemed the world.
The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him, but some hesitated because they were uncertain. Jesus approached and spoke to them saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and gather disciples from all nations by baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and by teaching them to keep all the instructions I have given you. And surely I am with you always until the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16–20)
Risen Lord, draw us to you. All authority in heaven and earth is yours. When we hesitate to speak your Word or do your work because of doubt and fear, remind us that you are with us always, and give us authority and power through your Word; you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.
Twelfth station: The Risen Lord Ascends to the Father
We adore you, O + Christ, and we praise you. Because by your holy cross and the light of the resurrection you have redeemed the world.
So when they were together with him, they asked, “Lord, is this the time when you are going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said these things, he was taken up while they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight. They were looking intently into the sky as he went away. Suddenly, two men in white clothes stood beside them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing here looking up into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:6–11)
Risen Lord, draw us to you. Let your kingdom come through us to the world as we live as your witnesses until you come again; you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.
Thirteenth station: Waiting for the Holy Spirit
We adore you, O + Christ, and we praise you. Because by your holy cross and the light of the resurrection you have redeemed the world.
Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. When they entered the city, they went to the upstairs room where they were staying. Peter and John were there, also James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. All of them kept praying together with one mind, along with the women, with Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. (Acts 1:12–14)
Risen Lord, draw us to you. Unite us, your church, that we may pray together with one mind, to hallow your name, advance your kingdom, and do your will; you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.
Fourteenth station: The Risen Lord Sends the Holy Spirit Promised to the Disciples
We adore you, O + Christ, and we praise you. Because by your holy cross and the light of the resurrection you have redeemed the world.
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the rushing of a violent wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw divided tongues that were like fire resting on each one of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, since the Spirit was giving them the ability to speak fluently. Now there were godly Jewish men from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. When this sound was heard, a crowd came together and was confused, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were completely baffled and said to each other, “Look, are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them speaking in his own native language? Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, and of Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt, and the parts of Libya around Cyrene; visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes; Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring in our own languages the wonderful works of God.” They were all amazed and perplexed. They kept saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others mocked them and said, “They are full of new wine.” (Acts 2:1–13)
Risen Lord, draw us to you. Send your Spirit to open our lips that we may declare the wonderful works of God; you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.
The Reproaches or Improperia are a series of antiphons and responses sung in Good Friday liturgies, usually in the afternoon. They first appeared in the ninth century. There are many different versions of the Reproaches with different verses. What is presented below is a shorter and possibly earlier version.
O my people, what have I done to you? How have I wearied you? Answer me! (Micah 6:3)
I led you out of the land of Egypt, and you have led your Savior to be scourged.
I led you out of the land of slavery, and you led your Redeemer to be nailed to the cross.
Lord God most holy, Lord most mighty, holy and most merciful Savior, deliver us from the bitter pains of eternal death.
I threw Pharaoh’s chariots and his army into the sea, and you delivered me to the chief priests and the Gentiles.
I fed you with manna, and gave you water to drink from the rock in the wilderness, and you gave me gall and vinegar to drink.
Lord God most holy, Lord most mighty, holy and most merciful Savior, deliver us from the bitter pains of eternal death.
O my people, what have I done to you? How have I wearied you? Answer me!
Lord God most holy, Lord most mighty, holy and most merciful Savior, deliver us from the bitter pains of eternal death.
Listen to the Improperia sung in Latin in an arrangement by Tomas Luis de Victoria.
Here is a different performance of the same piece that also includes the chant in the illustration at the top of this page.
German version:
The section in the German version “Heiliger Herre Gott…” is quoted from Luther’s hymn version, “Mitten wir in Leben sind…” Our translation above follows our translation of “In the midst of life…”
Was habe ich dir gethan , mein Volk, und womit habe ich dich beleidigt? antworte mir! (Micha 6:3).
Habe ich dich doch aus Aegyptenland geführt: und du hast zu Geißelung überantwortet deinen Heiland.
Habe ich dich doch aus dem Diensthause erlóset: und du hast ans Kreuz geschlagen deinen Erlöſer.
Heiliger Herre Gott! Heiliger starker Gott! Heiliger, barmherziger Heiland, Du ewiger Gott, Laß uns nicht verſinken in des bittern Todes Noth!
Habe ich doch Pharao und seine Reuter gestürzt ins Meer: und du hast mich überantwortet den Hohenprieſtern und den Heiden.
Habe ich dich doch gespeiſet mit Manna, und getrånker von dem Wasser des Felsen in der Wüste: und du haſt mich getränket mit Galle und Essig.
Heiliger Herre Gott! Heiliger starker Gott! Heiliger, barmherziger Heiland, Du ewiger Gott, Laß uns nicht versinken in des bittern Todes Noth.
Was habe ich dir gethan , mein Volk, und womit habe ich dich beleidigt? antworte mir!
Heiliger Herre Gott! Heiliger starker Gott! Heiliger, barmherziger Heiland, Du ewiger Gott, Laß uns nicht verſinken in des bittern Todes Noth!
Original in Latin:
Popule meus, quid feci tibi? Aut in quo contristavi te? Responde mihi.
Quia eduxi te de terra Ægypti: parasti Crucem Salvatori tuo.
Hagios o Theos. Sanctus Deus. Hagios Ischyros. Sanctus Fortis. Hagios Athanatos, eleison hymas. Sanctus Immortalis, miserere nobis.
Ego propter te flagellavi Ægyptum cum primogenitis suis: et tu me flagellatum tradidisti.
Popule meus, quid feci tibi? Aut in quo contristavi te? Responde mihi.
Ego eduxi te de Ægypto, demerso Pharaone in mare rubrum: et tu me tradidisti principibus sacerdotum.
Popule meus, quid feci tibi? Aut in quo contristavi te? Responde mihi.
The Western Rite is a term for the order of service used in many churches. It is called Western to distinguish it from the Eastern Rite (Churches in the “Orthodox” tradition, Greek, Russian, Armenian, etc.).
The Order of Mass in the Roman Catholic Church, the Order of Holy Communion or the Common Service in the Lutheran Church, and the Holy Eucharist in Anglican and Episcopal churchesare all versions of or derived from the Western Rite.
Nearly every version of the Western Rite follows this outline:
When preparing worship materials, how you print something is important to communicate what is happening in worship. The suggestions below are based on practices in several modern hymnals and worship books. The rites and prayers on this website follow the principles described below.
Directions or Rubrics
In ancient times, worship books put directions or descriptions in red, which is why they were called rubrics. Even when a book or service folder is printed with only black ink, the use of italics can indicate a direction. Somewhere I read that the slant and added detail in italic type make the eye slow down–ideal for making people pay attention to a direction or description.
Stand
Be seated
Silent prayer
Special prayers or intercessions may be made.
Dialogues
Worship often has dialogues between pastor/leader and people. This can be communicated with regular type for the leader and bold type for the group.
While initials can be used, they take up space, and the page looks more elegant without them. Compare…
Bless the Lord, O my soul. All that is within me, bless his holy name.
with…
P: Bless the Lord, O my soul. C: All that is within me, bless his holy name.
Older books often had even more written out:
Minister:Our help is in the name of the Lord. Congregation: The maker of heaven and earth.
When a congregation sees bold type, people instantly know that it’s their part and that they should read it. No announcement is necessary. My congregation prints out funeral services this way with no indicators for Minister or Congregation (M: or C:) and no special announcement, and the congregation of mostly visitors knows right away that they are supposed to read the parts in bold.
Since dialogues are often in couplets (the group answers the leader) print the dialogue in couplets. It will help show the connections. It also saves some space. Compare this…
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give him thanks and praise.
With this…
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Titles / Section Headings
Since congregation parts are printed in bold, you must be careful when printing titles. Some books use all caps to distinguish titles from text that is intended to be read:
APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
In social media, all caps are often interpreted as shouting. Other methods of indicating titles are to use a larger size, or a larger size with a different font. Using corresponding fonts can avoid a clash of styles. Fonts are discussed below.
Confusing the Typographical Language
It’s tempting to put the Lord’s Prayer or the Twenty-third Psalm in italics because it looks pretty. This should be avoided since it confuses the typographical language. If you establish the habit of using italics for directions, what does it mean when other text is in italics?
“But it looks pretty…”
That leads us to the thought about type styles. There are many artistic fonts available. Some imitate calligraphy, brush lettering, or Gothic lettering from an old book. Use those to make your own cover art with a short Bible passage, hymn stanza or prayer. Standard Roman style fonts are best for readability.
Some recommended fonts are:
Times New Roman (Good regular/bold contrast. Very basic. Some might say too basic! Italics are true italics, and more interesting than the regular.)
Linux Libertine (Roman-style font with some nice nuances. It is used for headings in Wikipedia. It is made to go with…)
Linux Biolinium (A sans-serif font with the same dimensions as Linux Libertine. Thin/thick lines correspond to Libertine.)
Merriweather (Similar to Linux Libertine, only it’s about 1.5 points bigger than it says it is. It is made to go with…)
Merriweather Sans. (Same font shapes only with uniform lines and no serifs.)
PT Serif (Another Roman-style font with nice nuances. It is made to go with…)
PT Sans (a corresponding sans version)
Palatino (Palladio and Book Antiqua are clones of Palatino) (Roman-style font with some calligraphic qualities.)
Century Schoolbook (for a very old-fashioned look)
EB Garamond (Very clear and stately. See the note on The Book of Common Prayer below.)
Libre Baskerville (This website uses Libre Baskerville because it has good contrast between regular and bold, and the italic is distinct from regular and looks good in black and in red. It was designed to look good on a computer screen, but prints very clearly, too.)
All of the above are available for free on the Internet. (https://www.dafont.com, https://fonts.google.com/) Download a few and test readability of different fonts with your worship materials as sample text. Test the contrast between regular and bold. See how the italics look. Are they true italics or just the same font slanted? It makes a difference in the look of your materials and the clarity of your directions.
Does the font draw attention to itself? Ornamental fonts say, “Look at me! I’m cool and curly!” (An old liturgy book in my denomination was printed entirely in something close to Goudy Bookletter 1911. It wasn’t the easiest to read.) More basic fonts are better for carrying the message of the text.
The lines of a serif font guide the eye in ways that sans fonts do not. I have seen sans fonts used to print liturgy/rites. GIA prints the liturgical sections of their hymnals in a sans font. However, they print the hymns with sans in the titles and serif in the lyrics.
Denominational Preferences
Episcopalians use The Book of Common Prayer, which has a different typographical language than what is described above. Text is printed in a clear and stately Garamond font. Rubrics/directions are in small italics, the leader’s part is in regular type, and a congregation’s shorter responses are in italics, in the same size as the leader’s part. Longer sections are in regular type, but with a small italic direction.
If the worship book of your denomination has a clear typographical language, imitate it as closely as you can. Some older hymnals were not consistent in use of bold for congregational parts. Some didn’t use bold at all, but had lengthy rubrics to direct who said what.
A Collection of Prayers 