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whispered
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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
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