1 Schedule Thursday 10:00 am – 12:30 pm Registration Christian Life Center (CLC) 12:30 pm Office at Sext CLC 1:00 pm Plenary I – Introduction to Christian Vocation (Age 13–Adult) CLC 2:00 pm Play Time 3:00 pm Women’s Breakout Session I CLC Men & Children Activity Outside 4:00 pm Free Time 5:30 pm Office at Vespers CLC 6:00 pm Dinner Dining Hall 7:00 pm Gemütlichkeit Fire Pits, *Fermented beverages are not allowed in the CLC or Dining Hall Bethel, Joppa 9:00 pm Office at Compline CLC Friday 8:00 am Breakfast Dining Hall 9:00 am Office at Matins CLC 9:30 am Plenary II – Christian Vocation in the Family (Age 13–Adult) CLC 10:30 am Men’s Breakout Session I CLC Women & Children Activity Dining Hall Basement 11:30 am Office at Sext CLC 12:00 pm Lunch Dining Hall 1:00 pm Plenary III – Christian Vocation in the Church (Age 13–Adult) CLC 2:00 pm Play Time 3:00 pm Women’s Breakout Session II CLC Men & Children Activity Outside 4:00 pm Free Time 5:30 pm Office at Vespers CLC 6:00 pm Dinner Dining Hall 7:00 pm English Country Dance CLC 9:00 pm Office at Compline CLC
Transcript
1
Schedule Thursday 10:00 am – 12:30 pm Registration Christian Life Center (CLC) 12:30 pm Office at Sext CLC 1:00 pm Plenary I – Introduction to Christian Vocation (Age 13–Adult) CLC 2:00 pm Play Time 3:00 pm Women’s Breakout Session I CLC Men & Children Activity Outside 4:00 pm Free Time 5:30 pm Office at Vespers CLC 6:00 pm Dinner Dining Hall 7:00 pm Gemütlichkeit Fire Pits, *Fermented beverages are not allowed in the CLC or Dining Hall Bethel, Joppa 9:00 pm Office at Compline CLC
Friday 8:00 am Breakfast Dining Hall 9:00 am Office at Matins CLC 9:30 am Plenary II – Christian Vocation in the Family (Age 13–Adult) CLC 10:30 am Men’s Breakout Session I CLC Women & Children Activity Dining Hall Basement 11:30 am Office at Sext CLC 12:00 pm Lunch Dining Hall 1:00 pm Plenary III – Christian Vocation in the Church (Age 13–Adult) CLC 2:00 pm Play Time 3:00 pm Women’s Breakout Session II CLC Men & Children Activity Outside 4:00 pm Free Time 5:30 pm Office at Vespers CLC 6:00 pm Dinner Dining Hall 7:00 pm English Country Dance CLC 9:00 pm Office at Compline CLC
2
Saturday 8:00 am Breakfast Dining Hall 9:00 am Office at Matins CLC 9:30 am Plenary IV – Christian Vocation in Society (Age 13–Adult) CLC 10:30 am Men’s Breakout Session II CLC Women & Children Activity Outside 11:30 am Office at Sext CLC During Plenary Sessions:
Nursery for 0–2 year-olds (Upstairs CLC) Mini VBS 3–5 year-olds (Dining Hall Basement) Mini VBS 6–7 year-olds (Bethel downstairs) Mini VBS 8–9 year-olds (Bethel upstairs) Mini VBS 10–12 year-olds (Joppa main floor)
3
Keynote Plenary Sessions:
Session 1: “Vocation: The Doctrine of Christian Callings” Clergy are not the only people “called by God” for special work. Nor is your “vocation” simply your job or career. Rather, “vocation” (from vocatio, Latin for “a calling”) encompasses the ma-ny ways in which your station in life serves as a channel of God’s blessings to the people around you. In fact, each person has multiple, overlapping vocations, such as husband, father, em-ployee, neighbor, and citizen. In each case, it is God who works through you for the blessing of others, even as He works through other people to bless you.
Session 2: “Your Christian Calling in the Family” With courts and legislatures redefining “marriage,” much confusion surrounds the nature and purpose of the family as God designed it at creation. God continually renews His creation of the family through the sanctifying of Christian spouses, parents, and children—as well as extended family. In this session you will rediscover God’s gracious design for the family and also reco-gnize your special place in God’s inter-generational plan for blessing you through others, and others through you.
Session 3: “Your Christian Calling in the Church” God also calls people for service to one another within the church. Certainly this includes the “divine call” of those serving in the public ministry, but church vocations also include every baptized child of God. In fact, St. Paul exhorted Titus, the Bishop of Crete, to mentor pastors who in turn would mentor older men and older women, who in turn would mentor younger men and younger women, who in turn would train up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Yes, your vocation in the church may include serving on church council or teaching Sunday school, but it also involves much more. As you receive spiritual counsel from elders in the faith, you also are maturing into a Christian mentor for someone else.
Session 4: “Your Christian Calling in Society” Christians have distinctive callings beyond the home and beyond the congregation as they serve as channels of God’s blessings to people in their community. This may include participation in civil government through voting, campaigning, lobbying, or office-holding. Other vocations in-clude the Fourth Petition blessing of “good neighbors” and volunteering in community organiza-tions. In such callings, Christians become the salt and the light of the world. As you live now in a neo-pagan and polytheistic culture that retains but a thin residue of Christianity in public life, your vocation in society provides important opportunities for evangelistic outreach as well as a bulwark for your family and your congregation against a self-destructing civilization. Rejoice, for God is at work through you!
4
Retreat Liturgists Offices at Sext: Rev. Jesse E. Krusemark St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Hollandale, Minnesota Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Waltham, Minnesota Offices at Matins, Rev. Paul F. Nus Vespers, and Compline Calvary Lutheran Church, Deep River, Iowa Trinity Lutheran Church, Millersburg, Iowa Preaching Thursday Vespers: Rev. Marcus G. Manley Saint Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ute, Iowa Friday Matins: Rev. Michael R. Standfest Saint Paul Lutheran Church, Boone, Iowa Trinity Lutheran Church, Dayton, Iowa Friday Vespers: Rev. Jerome P. Leckband Trinity Lutheran Church, Foster, Nebraska Saturday Matins: Rev. Jon C. Olson Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Pipestone, Minnesota Trinity Lutheran Church, Jasper, Minnesota Retreat Cantor Mr. Kurt A. Chione Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Aurora, Illinois
5
Office at Matins
Stand
6
Easter Invitatory LSB Altar Book 291
Venite LSB 220
7
Psalm Psalm 98:1–9; antiphon, v. 6b
L
6bMake a | joyful noise*
before the | King, the Lord! 1Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done | marvelous things!*
His right hand and his holy arm have worked salva- | tion for him.
C 2The Lord has made known his sal- | vation;*
he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the | nations.
L 3He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of | Israel.*
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation | of our God.
C 4Make a joyful noise to the Lord, | all the earth;*
break forth into joyous song and sing | praises!
L 5Sing praises to the Lord | with the lyre,*
with the lyre and the sound of | melody!
C 6With trumpets and the sound | of the horn*
make a joyful noise before the | King, the Lord!
L 7Let the sea roar, and all that | fills it;*
the world and those who | dwell in it!
8
C 8Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together
9be- | fore the
Lord,* for he comes to | judge the earth.
L He will judge the world with | righteousness,* and the peoples with | equity.
C Glory be to the Father and | to the Son* and to the Holy | Spirit; as it was in the be- | ginning,* is now and will be forever. | Amen.
L 6b
Make a | joyful noise* before the | King, the Lord!
Sit
Friday Office Hymn O Living Bread from Heaven LSB 642
9
Public domain
Saturday Office Hymn Where Charity and Love Prevail LSB 845
5 Let us recall that in our midst Dwells Christ, His only Son; As members of His body joined We are in Him made one.
6 For love excludes no race or clan That names the Savior’s name; His family embraces all Whose Father is the same.
L A reading from St. John, the sixth chapter. After the reading:
L O Lord, have mercy on us. C Thanks be to God.
Saturday Reading Matthew 5:38–48
L A reading from St. Matthew, the fifth chapter.
After the reading:
L O Lord, have mercy on us. C Thanks be to God.
Easter Responsory LSB 222
Sermon
Stand
11
Te Deum LSB 223
12
13
14
Kyrie LSB 227
Lord's Prayer
C Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Collect of the Week
L O God, You make the minds of Your faithful to be of one will. Grant that we may love what You have commanded and desire what You promise, that among the many changes of this world our hearts may be fixed where true joys are found; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
After each collect:
C Amen. OR
Additional Collects of Intercession and Thanksgiving
Collect for Grace
L O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, You have safely brought us to the begin-ning of this day. Defend us in the same with Your mighty power and grant that this day we fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger, but that all our doings, being ordered by Your govern-ance, may be righteous in Your sight; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
15
Benedicamus LSB 228
Benediction LSB 228
Acknowledgments
Matins from Lutheran Service Book Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version,
Collect for life in Christ Gracious Father, Your blessed Son came down from heaven to be the true bread that gives life to the world. Grant that Christ, the bread of life, may live in us and we in Him; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Collect for right reception of the Lord’s Supper O Lord, our God, in Holy Baptism You have called us to be Christians and granted us the remission of sins. Make us ready to receive the most holy body and blood of Christ for the forgiveness of all our sins, and grant us grateful hearts that we may give thanks to You, O Father, to Your Son, and to the Holy Spir-it, one God, now and forever.
Collect for our enemies Almighty, everlasting God, through Your only Son, our blessed Lord, You commanded us to love our ene-mies, to do good to those who hate us, and to pray for those who persecute us. Therefore, we earnestly implore You that by Your gracious working our enemies may be led to true repentance, may have the same love toward us as we have toward them, and may be of one accord and of one mind and heart with us and with Your whole Church; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Collect for the mission of the Church Almighty God, You have called Your Church to witness that in Christ You have reconciled us to Yourself. Grant that by Your Holy Spirit we may proclaim the good news of Your salvation so that all who hear it may receive the gift of salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Collect in the morning Faithful God, whose mercies are new to us every morning, we humbly pray that You would look upon us in mercy and renew us by Your Holy Spirit. Keep safe our going out and our coming in, and let Your blessing remain with us throughout this day. Preserve us in Your righteousness, and grant us a portion in that eternal life which is in Christ Jesus, our Lord.
Collect giving thanks in the morning Almighty God, our heavenly Father, Your mercies are new unto us every morning, and though we have not deserved Your goodness, You abundantly provide for all our wants of body and soul. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may heartily acknowledge Your merciful goodness towards us, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Collect on teaching the faith Almighty God, the fount of all wisdom, by Your Holy Spirit enlighten those who teach and those who learn that, rejoicing in the knowledge of Your truth, they may worship You and serve You from genera-tion to generation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Collect at a retreat Lord Jesus Christ, You withdrew Yourself for times of prayer and brought Your disciples with You that they might also rest with You. Be present with us during this time of retreat that, gathered together in Your name, we may profitably meditate on Your Word and be strengthened with a good will to serve You and Your people; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Collect for the sick O Father of mercies and God of all comfort, our only help in time of need, look with favor upon Your servant(s) [name(s)]. Assure [him/her/them] of Your mercy, deliver [him/her/them] from the temptations of the evil one, and give [him/her/them] patience and comfort in [his/her/their] illness. If it please You, restore [him/her/them] to health, or give [him/her/them] grace to accept this tribulation with courage and hope; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
17
Office at Sext
Throughout the office, observe that Choir ! is all those left and Choir @ all those right of the altar. Parts marked L are performed by the leader and C by the whole congregation.
Stand
Remain standing for the hymn
18
Thursday Office Hymn Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice LSB 556
The singing of the stanzas is divided this way: C 1, 2; ! 3, 5, 7; @ 4, 6, 8; C 9, 10.
5 God said to His belovèd Son: 7 To me He said: “Stay close to Me, “It’s time to have compassion. I am your rock and castle. Then go, bright jewel of My crown, Your ransom I Myself will be; And bring to all salvation. For you I strive and wrestle. From sin and sorrow set them free; For I am yours, and you are Mine, Slay bitter death for them that they And where I am you may remain; May live with You forever.” The foe shall not divide us.
6 The Son obeyed His Father’s will, 8 “Though he will shed My precious blood,
Was born of virgin mother; Me of My life bereaving, And God’s good pleasure to fulfill, All this I suffer for your good; He came to be my brother. Be steadfast and believing. His royal pow’r disguised He bore; Life will from death the vict’ry win; A servant’s form, like mine, He wore My innocence shall bear your sin, To lead the devil captive. And you are blest forever.
19
9 “Now to My Father I depart, 10 “What I on earth have done and taught From earth to heav’n ascending, Guide all your life and teaching; And, heavn’ly wisdom to impart, So shall the kingdom’s work be wrought The Holy Spirit sending; And honored in your preaching. In trouble He will comfort you But watch lest foes with base alloy And teach you always to be true The heav’nly treasure should destroy; And into truth shall guide you. This final word I leave you.”
Public domain
Friday Office Hymn Jesus Christ, My Sure Defense LSB 741
The singing of the stanzas is divided this way: C 1; ! 2, 4, 6; @ 3, 5, 7; C 8.
5 Glorified, I shall anew 6 Then take comfort and rejoice,
With this flesh then be enshrouded; For His members Christ will cherish. In this body I shall view Fear not, they will hear His voice; God, my Lord, with eyes unclouded; Dying, they will never perish; In this flesh I then shall see For the very grave is stirred Jesus Christ eternally. When the trumpet’s blast is heard.
20
7 Laugh to scorn the gloomy grave 8 O, then, draw away your hearts And at death no longer tremble; From all pleasures base and hollow; He, the Lord, who came to save Strive to share what He imparts Will at last His own assemble. While you here His footsteps follow. They will go their Lord to meet, As you now still wait to rise, Treading death beneath their feet. Fix your hearts beyond the skies!
Public domain
Saturday Office Hymn Awake, My Heart, with Gladness LSB 467
The singing of the stanzas is divided this way: C 1; ! 2, 4; @ 3, 5; C 6, 7.
5 The world against me rages, 6 Now I will cling forever
Its fury I disdain; To Christ, my Savior true; Though bitter war it wages, My Lord will leave me never, Its work is all in vain. Whate’er He passes through. My heart from care is free, He rends death’s iron chain; No trouble troubles me. He breaks through sin and pain; Misfortune now is play, He shatters hell’s grim thrall; And night is bright as day. I follow Him through all.
21
7 He brings me to the portal That leads to bliss untold, Whereon this rhyme immortal Is found in script of gold: “Who there My cross has shared Finds here a crown prepared; Who there with Me has died Shall here be glorified.”
Public domain
Thursday Psalm Psalm 118:14–24; antiphon, v. 20
Sit
Stand at “Glory be”
Friday Psalm Psalm 66:1–8; antiphon, v. 13b
Sit
24
Stand at “Glory be”
25
Saturday Psalm Psalm 107:1–9; antiphon, v. 5a, 8b
Sit
26
Stand at “Glory be”
27
Sit
Thursday Lection John 6:51
L A reading from St. John, the sixth chapter.
Friday Lection John 14:27
L A reading from St. John, the fourteenth chapter.
Saturday Lection 1 Corinthians 15:20–22
L A reading from St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, the fifteenth chapter.
After the lection:
Stand
Thursday Responsory
28
Friday Responsory
29
Saturday Responsory
Kyrie
Lord’s Prayer
30
Versicle
Collect of the Week
L O God, who makest the minds of the faithful to be of one will: grant unto Thy people that they may love what Thou commandest and desire what Thou dost promise, that among the manifold changes of this world our hearts may there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world with-out end.
31
After each collect:
C Amen. OR
Da Pacem
Versicle
Collect for the church
L O Lord, we beseech Thee mercifully to hear the prayers of Thy church that we, being delivered from all adversities and serving Thee with a quiet mind, may enjoy Thy peace all the days of our life; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord.
32
Thursday Versicle
Thursday Collect for our enemies
L O almighty, everlasting God, who through Thine only Son, our blessed Lord, hast commanded us to love our enemies, to do good to them that hate us, and to pray for them that persecute us, we ear-nestly beseech Thee that by Thy gracious visitation they may be led to true repentance and may have the same love and be of one accord and of one mind and heart with us and with Thy whole Church through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.
Friday Versicle
Friday Collect for prisoners
L Almighty God, who didst bring the Apostle Peter forth out of prison, have mercy upon all who are suffering unjust imprisonment and set them free from their bonds, that we may rejoice in their deliv-erance and continually give praise to Thee; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.
33
Saturday Versicle
Saturday Collect before travel
L Lord God our Father, Thou didst keep Abraham and Sarah in safety throughout the days of their pilgrimage, Thou didst conduct the children of Israel through the midst of the sea, and by a star Thou didst lead the Wise Men to the infant Jesus, protect and guide us now in this time as we set out to travel, make our ways safe and our homecomings joyful, and bring us at last to our heavenly home, where Thou dwellest in glory with Jesus Christ, Thy Son and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.
Salutation
Benedicamus
Sing three times
34
Benediction
Softly
Saturday Hymn Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow LSB 805
Thursday The office begins with the Versicle: “O Lord, open my lips” on the next page.
Friday Processional Hymn If God Himself Be for Me LSB 724
The singing of the stanzas is divided this way: C 1, 2; ! 3, 5, 7; @ 4, 6, 8; C 9, 10.
7 From me this is not hidden, Though life from me be taken
Yet I am not afraid; And ev’rything I own, I leave my cares, as bidden, I trust in You unshaken To whom my vows were paid. And cleave to You alone.
36
8 No danger, thirst, or hunger, 9 No angel and no gladness, No pain or poverty, No throne, no pomp, no show, No earthly tyrant’s anger No love, no hate, no sadness, Shall ever vanquish me. No pain, no depth of woe, Though earth should break asunder, No scheming, no contrivance, My fortress You shall be; No subtle thing or great No fire or sword or thunder Shall draw me from Your guidance Shall sever You from me. Nor from You separate.
10 My heart with joy is springing;
I am no longer sad. My soul is filled with singing; Your sunshine makes me glad. The sun that cheers my spirit Is Jesus Christ, my King; The heav’n I shall inherit Makes me rejoice and sing.
Public domain
Stand
37
Psalm Psalm 126:1–6; antiphon, v. 3
L
3The Lord has done great | things for us;*
we | are glad. 1When the Lord restored the fortunes of | Zion,*
we were like | those who dream.
C 2Then our mouth was filled with | laughter,*
and our tongue with | shouts of joy;
L then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great | things for them.”*
3The Lord has done great things for us; | we are glad.
C 4Restore our fortunes, | O Lord,*
like streams in the | Negeb!
L 5Those who | sow in tears*
shall reap with | shouts of joy!
C 6He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for | sowing,*
shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his | sheaves with him.
Glory be to the Father and | to the Son* and to the Holy | Spirit; as it was in the be- | ginning,* is now and will be forever. | Amen.
L 3The Lord has done great | things for us;*
we | are glad.
Sit
38
Thursday Office Hymn God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It LSB 594
Friday Office Hymn All Christians Who Have Been Baptized LSB 596
The singing of the stanzas is divided this way: C 1; ! 2, 4; @ 3, 5; C 6.
40
5 O Christian, firmly hold this gift 6 So use it well! You are made new— And give God thanks forever! In Christ a new creation! It gives the power to uplift As faithful Christians, live and do In all that you endeavor. Within your own vocation, When nothing else revives your soul, Until that day when you possess
L A reading from John, the third chapter. After the reading:
L O Lord, have mercy on us. C Thanks be to God.
Friday Reading John 15:1–13
L A reading from John, the fifteenth chapter. After the reading:
L O Lord, have mercy on us. C Thanks be to God.
Easter Responsory LSB 222
Sermon
Friday Blessing of Wittenberg Academy Seniors
41
Stand
Antiphon TDP O-66
Magnificat LSB 231
Choir ! is all those left and Choir @ all those right of the altar.
42
43
Kyrie LSB 233
Lord's Prayer LSB 233
C Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Collect of the Week
L O God, You make the minds of Your faithful to be of one will. Grant that we may love what You have commanded and desire what You promise, that among the many changes of this world our hearts may be fixed where true joys are found; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
After each collect:
C Amen. OR
Additional Collects of Intercession and Thanksgiving
Collect for Peace
L O God, from whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works, give to us, Your serv-ants, that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey Your command-ments and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quiet-ness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
44
Benedicamus LSB 234
Benediction LSB 234
Friday Processional Hymn Thanks to Thee, O Christ, Victorious LSB 548
45
Public domain
Acknowledgments
Vespers from Lutheran Service Book Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version,
Collect on life as a baptized child of God Merciful Father, through Holy Baptism You called us to by Your own possession. Grant that our lives may evidence the working of Your Holy Spirit in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, according to the image of Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Collect for defense from adversities O God, You see that of ourselves we have no strength. By Your mighty power defend us from all adversi-ties that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Collect for obedience to the Word O holy and most merciful God, You have taught us the way of Your commandments. We implore You to pour out Your grace into our hearts. Cause it to bear fruit in us that, being ever mindful of Your mercies and Your laws, we may always be directed to Your will and daily increase in love toward You and one another. Enable us to resist all evil and to live a godly life. Help us to follow the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to walk in His steps until we shall possess the kingdom that has been prepared for us in heaven; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Collect for blessing on the Word Lord God, bless Your Word wherever it is proclaimed. Make it a word of power and peace to convert those not yet Your own and to confirm those who have come to saving faith. May Your Word pass from the ear to the heart, from the heart to the lip, and from the lip to the life that, as You have promised, Your Word may achieve the purpose for which You send it; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Collect giving thanks to God Heavenly Father, God of all grace, govern our hearts that we may never forget Your blessings but stead-fastly thank and praise You for all Your goodness in this life until, with all Your saints, we praise You eter-nally in Your heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Collect for the whole Christian Church
Almighty and everlasting God, since You govern and sanctify the whole Christian Church by Your Holy Spirit, hear our prayers for all its members. Mercifully grant that, by Your grace, we may serve You in true faith; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Collect on teaching the faith Almighty God, our heavenly Father, even as You have committed the care and nurture of children to Your people, graciously enlighten those who teach and those who are committed to their instruction that they may know Your eternal truth and trust in You all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Collect for Christian vocation
Heavenly Father, grant Your mercy and grace to Your people in their many and various callings. Give them patience, and strengthen them in their Christian vocation of witness to the world and of service to their neighbor in Christ's name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Collect for those who mourn
Lord God, maker of heaven and earth and giver of life, we thank You for all the mercies You granted to our [brother(s)/sister(s)], [name(s)], during [his/her/their] earthly life (lives), especially for calling [him/her/them] to faith in Jesus Christ. Comfort the survivors who mourn [his/her/their] death(s) with the hope of the glorious resurrection and a joyful reunion in heaven. Keep us mindful that we are mortal so that we will ever be prepared to die in the faith and finally receive the glory promised to all who trust in Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
47
Office at Compline
The congregation assembles in silence.
Stand
L Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
Silence for self-examination. L I confess to God Almighty, before the whole company of heaven and to you, my brothers and sis-
ters, that I have sinned in thought, word, and deed by my fault, by my own fault, by my own most grievous fault; wherefore I pray God Almighty to have mercy on me, forgive me all my sins, and bring me to everlasting life. Amen.
C The almighty and merciful Lord grant you pardon, forgiveness, and remission of all your sins. Amen.
48
C I confess to God Almighty, before the whole company of heaven and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned in thought, word, and deed by my fault, by my own fault, by my own most grievous fault; wherefore I pray God Almighty to have mercy on me, forgive me all my sins, and bring me to everlasting life. Amen.
L The almighty and merciful Lord grant you pardon, forgiveness, and remission of all your sins. C Amen.
Antiphon
Psalm Psalm 4:1–8
L 1Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was |
in distress.* Be gracious to me and | hear my prayer!
C 2O men, how long shall my honor be turned | into shame?*
How long will you love vain words and seek | after lies?
L 3But know that the Lord has set apart the godly | for himself;*
the Lord hears when I | call to him.
C 4Be angry, and | do not sin;*
ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be | silent.
L 5Offer right sacri- | fices,*
and put your trust | in the Lord.
C 6There are many who say, “Who will show | us some good?*
Lift up the light of your face upon us, | O Lord!”
L 7You have put more joy | in my heart*
than they have when their grain and | wine abound.
C 8In peace I will both lie | down and sleep;*
for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in | safety.
Glory be to the Father and | to the Son* and to the Holy | Spirit; as it was in the be- | ginning,* is now and will be forever. | Amen.
49
Psalm Psalm 91:1–16
L 1He who dwells in the shelter of the | Most High*
will abide in the shadow of the Al- | mighty.
C 2I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my | fortress,*
my God, in | whom I trust.”
L 3For he will deliver you from the snare of the | fowler*
and from the deadly | pestilence.
C 4He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find | refuge;*
his faithfulness is a shield and | buckler.
L 5You will not fear the terror | of the night,*
nor the arrow that | flies by day,
C 6nor the pestilence that stalks in | darkness,*
nor the destruction that wastes at | noonday.
L 7A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your | right hand,*
but it will not come | near you.
C 8You will only look | with your eyes*
and see the recompense of the | wicked.
L 9Because you have made the Lord your | dwelling place—*
the Most High, who is my | refuge—
C 10
no evil shall be allowed to be- | fall you,* no plague come | near your tent.
L 11
For he will command his angels con- | cerning you* to guard you in | all your ways.
C 12
On their hands they will | bear you up,* lest you strike your foot a- | gainst a stone.
L 13
You will tread on the lion and the | adder;* the young lion and the serpent you will trample | underfoot.
C 14
“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will de- | liver him;* I will protect him, because he | knows my name.
L 15
When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in | trouble;* I will rescue him and | honor him.
C 16
With long life I will sat- | isfy him* and show him my sal- | vation.”
Glory be to the Father and | to the Son* and to the Holy | Spirit; as it was in the be- | ginning,* is now and will be forever. | Amen.
50
Psalm Psalm 134:1–3
L 1Come, bless the Lord, all you servants | of the Lord,*
who stand by night in the house | of the Lord!
C 2Lift up your hands to the | holy place*
and | bless the Lord!
L 3May the Lord bless you from | Zion,*
he who made | heaven and earth!
C Glory be to the Father and | to the Son* and to the Holy | Spirit; as it was in the be- | ginning,* is now and will be forever. | Amen.
Antiphon
Sit
Office Hymn Before the Ending of the Day LSB 889
51
Public domain
Little Chapter Jer. 14:9
L You, O Lord, are in the midst of us, and we are called by your name; do not leave us. C Thanks be to God.
Silence for reflection.
Responsory LSB 255
52
Stand
One or three or five of the following collects are prayed.
After each collect:
C Amen. OR
L Be present, merciful God, and protect us through the hours of this night, so that we who are wearied
by the changes and chances of life may find our rest in You; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
L O Lord, support us all the day long of this troubled life, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes and the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then, Lord, in your mercy grant us a safe lodging and a holy rest and peace at the last; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
53
L Be our light in the darkness, O Lord, and in Your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of Your only Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
L Visit our dwellings, O Lord, and drive from them all the snares of the enemy; let Your holy angels dwell with us to preserve us in peace; and let Your blessing be on us always; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
L 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 other with confidence and compassion; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
L Abide with us, Lord, for it is toward evening and the day is far spent. Abide with us and with Your whole Church. Abide with us at the end of the day, at the end of our life, at the end of the world. Abide with us with Your grace and goodness, with Your holy Word and Sacrament, with Your strength and blessing. Abide with us when the night of affliction and temptation comes upon us, the night of fear and despair, the night when death draws near. Abide with us and with all the faithful, now and forever.
Lord's Prayer LSB 257
L Taught by our Lord and trusting His promises, we are bold to pray: C Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Stand
Nunc Dimittis LSB 258
54
55
Benediction LSB 259
Acknowledgments
Compline from Lutheran Service Book Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version,
