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DIALOGUE
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Hymn 567
To You, Before the Close of Day
The images accompanying the music are from NASA. The 6th century hymn for compline is performed by the National Lutheran Choir in a setting by David Cherwien. The choir has made a number of their recordings appropriate for Lent, Holy Week, and Easter available for local congregational use during this time when choirs and congregations cannot gather to sing. In a striking juxtaposition of 6th century text and 21st century technology, you can find the Choir’s playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCQHBwJ_PsemUQGIbvQ7c1k50gE5n9 uxV&fbclid=IwAR3IoPrqhJOTQdw9X7QaPfVGFsP_unCBPksgw506fhUZHLXHPvcxlfF--k
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To you, before the close of day, Creator of the world, we pray. Your grace and peace to us allow and be our guard and keeper now.
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Save us from troubled, restless sleep, from all ill dreams your children keep; so calm our minds that fears may cease and rested bodies wake in peace.
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A healthy life we ask of you, the fire of love in us renew, and when the dawn new light will bring, your praise and glory we shall sing.
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Creator, this we ask be done through Jesus Christ, your only Son, whom with the Spirit we adore, with you, one God forevermore. Amen.
Confession I confess to God Almighty, before the whole company of heaven, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned by my own fault in thought, word, and deed. I pray God Almighty to have mercy on me, forgive me all my sins, and bring me to everlasting life. Almighty and merciful God grant you healing, pardon, and forgiveness of all your sins. Amen. I confess to God Almighty, before the whole company of heaven, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned by my own fault in thought, word, and deed. I pray God Almighty to have mercy on me, forgive me all my sins, and bring me to everlasting life. Almighty and merciful God grant you healing, pardon, and forgiveness of all your sins. Amen. Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 For God will give the angels charge over you, to guard you in all your ways. You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty you will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my stronghold, my God in whom I put my trust.” Refrain Because you have made the LORD your refuge, and the Most High your habitation, no evil will befall you, nor shall affliction come near your dwelling. For God will give the angels charge over you, to guard you in all your ways. Upon their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. Refrain You will tread upon the lion cub and viper; you will trample down the lion and the serpent. I will deliver those who cling to me; I will uphold them, because they know my name. They will call me, and I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble; I will rescue and honor them. With long life will I satisfy them, and show them my salvation. Refrain Psalm Prayer Into your hands we commend ourselves, O God, our bodies and souls and all that is ours. Give your holy angels charge over us, so that the wicked foe may have no power over us; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. 4
Anthem Isaiah 40: 11 He shall feed His flock like a shepherd; and He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. Matthew 11: 28-29 Come unto Him, all ye that labour, come unto Him that are heavy laden, and He will give you rest. Take his yoke upon you, and learn of Him, for He is meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Responsory
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Gospel Canticle
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Prayers
Eternal God, the hours both of day and night are yours, and to you the darkness is no threat. Be present, we pray, with those who labor in these hours of night, especially those who watch and work on behalf of others. Grant them diligence in their watching, faithfulness in their service, courage in danger, and competence in emergencies. Help them to meet the needs of others with confidence and compassion; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Lord’s Prayer
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Blessing Prayer We give thanks to you, heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ your dear Son, that you have graciously protected us today. We ask you to forgive us all our sins, where we have done wrong, and graciously to protect us tonight. Into your hands we commend ourselves: our bodies, our souls, and all that is ours. Let your holy angels be with us, so that the wicked foe may have no power over us. Amen.
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