whispered love
selected writing

 

 

 

December 20th 2006: The dead of winter

It's been a day of hard frosts, and as I type it is getting dark and a thick fog is settling in for the night. Tomorrow is the winter solstice. The shortest day.

I thought I'd read the Evensong from my Book of Common Prayer. I like the way it feels deep and resonant, preparing me for the night and helping me know God's presence before I sleep.

O Lord open thou our lips.

And our mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

O God, make speed to save us.

O Lord, make haste to help us.

* * * * *

And the Nunc Dimittis:

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word.

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people:

To be a light to lighten the Gentiles, and to be the glory of thy people Israel.

* * * * *

Then the collect:

Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord; and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of thy only Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

* * * * *

And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore.

Amen

 

return to selected writing index

return to homepage