An Order for Night Prayer (Compline)
The ancient office of Compline derives its name from a Latin word meaning ‘completion’ (completorium). It is above all a service of quietness and reflection before rest at the end of the day.
Preparation
The Lord almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end.
All Amen.
Our help is in the name of the Lord
All who made heaven and earth.
A period of silence for reflection on the past day may follow.
The following or other suitable words of penitence may be used
All Most merciful God, we confess to you,
before the whole company of heaven and one another,
that we have sinned in thought, word and deed
and in what we have failed to do.
Forgive us our sins, heal us by your Spirit
and raise us to new life in Christ. Amen.
O God, make speed to save us.
All O Lord, make haste to help us.
All Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever.
Amen.
Alleluia.
The following or another suitable hymn may be said or sung
Before the ending of the day,
Creator of the world, we pray
That you, with steadfast love, would keep
Your watch around us while we sleep.
From evil dreams defend our sight,
From fears and terrors of the night;
Tread underfoot our deadly foe
That we no sinful thought may know.
O Father, that we ask be done
Through Jesus Christ, your only Son;
And Holy Spirit, by whose breath
Our souls are raised to life from death.
The Word of God
One or more of Psalms 4, 91 and 134 may be used daily.
Or Sundays Psalm 104:1, 21-33, Monday Psalm 86, Tuesday Psalm 143, Wednesday Psalm 31:1-5, 19-end, Thursday Psalm 16, Friday Psalm 139:1-18, Saturday Psalm 91
Scripture Reading
One of the following short lessons or another suitable passage
Sunday: You, O Lord, are in the midst of us and we are called by your name; leave us not, O Lord our God. (Jeremiah 14.9)
Monday: Thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength. (Isaiah 30:15)
Tuesday: Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.’ (Matthew 11:28-30)
Wednesday: Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.’ (1 Peter 5:6,7)
Thursday: Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil is prowling round like a roaring lion, seeking for someone to devour. Resist him, strong in the faith. (1 Peter 5.8, 9)
Friday: God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. (1 Thess 5:9,10)
Saturday: A sabbath rest still remains for the people of God; for those who enter God’s rest also cease from their labours as God did from his. Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest. (Hebrews 4:9-11a)
The following responsory may be said
Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
All Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
For you have redeemed me, Lord God of truth.
All I commend my spirit.
Glory to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit.
All Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Keep me as the apple of your eye.
All Hide me under the shadow of your wings.
Gospel Canticle: The Nunc dimittis (The Song of Simeon)
All Save us, O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping,
that awake we may watch with Christ and asleep may rest in peace.
1 Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace: ♦
your word has been fulfilled.
2 My own eyes have seen the salvation ♦
which you have prepared in the sight of every people;
3 A light to reveal you to the nations ♦
and the glory of your people Israel.
All Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.
All Save us, O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping,
that awake we may watch with Christ and asleep may rest in peace.
Prayers
Time for your own prayers of thanksgiving and intercession
Visit this place, O Lord, we pray, and drive far from it the snares of the enemy; may your holy angels dwell with us and guard us in peace, and may your blessing be always upon us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Father, who art in heaven
The Conclusion
In peace we will lie down and sleep;
All for you alone, Lord, make us dwell in safety.
Abide with us, Lord Jesus,
All for the night is at hand and the day is now past.
As the night watch looks for the morning,
All so do we look for you, O Christ.
The Lord bless us and watch over us;
the Lord make his face shine upon us and be gracious to us;
the Lord look kindly on us and give us peace.
All Amen.
Common Worship: Daily Prayer is © Copyright Archbishops Council of the Church of England. Used by permission.
Prayers for our world
For those caught up in tragedy and disaster
O Lord our God,
source of all goodness and love,
accept the fervent prayers of your people;
in the multitude of your mercies look with compassion
upon all who turn to you for help;
for you are gracious, O lover of souls,
and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
now and for ever.
Amen.
For justice
Living God,
deliver us from a world without justice
and a future without mercy;
in your mercy, establish justice,
and in your justice, remember the mercy
revealed to us in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
For international unrest
Almighty Father,
whose will is to restore all things
in your beloved Son, the King of all:
govern the hearts and minds of those in authority,
and bring the families of the nations,
divided and torn apart by the ravages of sin,
to be subject to his just and gentle rule;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
At a time of despair
Restless with grief and fear,
the abandoned turn to you:
in every hour of trial,
good Lord, deliver us,
O God most holy, God most strong,
whose wisdom is the cross of Christ.
Amen.
For peace and safety amid unrest
O God, who would fold both heaven and earth in a single peace:
let the design of thy great love
lighten upon the waste of our wraths and sorrows:
and give peace to thy Church,
peace among nations,
peace in our dwellings,
and peace in our hearts:
through thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
For the refugee crisis
Heavenly Father,
you are the source of all goodness, generosity and love.
We thank you for opening the hearts of many
to those who are fleeing for their lives.
Help us now to open our arms in welcome,
and reach out our hands in support.
That the desperate may find new hope,
and lives torn apart be restored.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord,
who fled persecution at His birth
and at His last triumphed over death.
Amen.
For the cold and homeless
God of compassion,
your love for humanity was revealed in Jesus,
whose earthly life began in the poverty of a stable
and ended in the pain and isolation of the cross:
we hold before you those who are homeless and cold
especially in this bitter weather.
Draw near and comfort them in spirit
and bless those who work to provide them
with shelter, food and friendship.
We ask this in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
For union with creation
Father, we praise you with all your creatures.
They came forth from your all-powerful hand;
they are yours, filled with your presence and your tender love.
Praise be to you!
Son of God, Jesus,
through you all things were made.
You were formed in the womb of Mary our Mother,
you became part of this earth,
and you gazed upon this world with human eyes.
Today you are alive in every creature
in your risen glory.
Praise be to you!
Holy Spirit, by your light
you guide this world towards the Father’s love
and accompany creation as it groans in travail.
You also dwell in our hearts
and you inspire us to do what is good.
Praise be to you!
Triune Lord, wondrous community of infinite love,
teach us to contemplate you
in the beauty of the universe,
for all things speak of you.
Awaken our praise and thankfulness
for every being that you have made.
Give us the grace to feel profoundly joined
to everything that is.
God of love, show us our place in this world
as channels of your love
for all the creatures of this earth,
for not one of them is forgotten in your sight.
Enlighten those who possess power and money
that they may avoid the sin of indifference,
that they may love the common good, advance the weak,
and care for this world in which we live.
The poor and the earth are crying out.
O Lord, seize us with your power and light,
help us to protect all life,
to prepare for a better future,
for the coming of your Kingdom
of justice, peace, love and beauty.
Praise be to you!
Amen.
‘A Christian prayer for union with creation’ was published in Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’.
Our charitable giving – an update.
‘Once again thank you so much for the kind donation of £250 towards food. This will provide 25 families with a much needed supply of Poshu – the staple food there. They are also working hard to distribute seeds and equipment to help the community grow their own food. With schools closed due to the pandemic the children who would usually have food provided are not receiving any – your donation will ensure families will not starve. Thanks’.
To learn more about the charity’s work or to donate visit their website
Thank you for your continued support.
Keep us, good Lord,
under the shadow of your mercy
in this time of uncertainty and distress.
Sustain and support the anxious and fearful,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may rejoice in your comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Prayers for our world
For those caught up in tragedy and disaster
O Lord our God,
source of all goodness and love,
accept the fervent prayers of your people;
in the multitude of your mercies look with compassion
upon all who turn to you for help;
for you are gracious, O lover of souls,
and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
now and for ever.
Amen.
For justice
Living God,
deliver us from a world without justice
and a future without mercy;
in your mercy, establish justice,
and in your justice, remember the mercy
revealed to us in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
For international unrest
Almighty Father,
whose will is to restore all things
in your beloved Son, the King of all:
govern the hearts and minds of those in authority,
and bring the families of the nations,
divided and torn apart by the ravages of sin,
to be subject to his just and gentle rule;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
At a time of despair
Restless with grief and fear,
the abandoned turn to you:
in every hour of trial,
good Lord, deliver us,
O God most holy, God most strong,
whose wisdom is the cross of Christ.
Amen.
For peace and safety amid unrest
O God, who would fold both heaven and earth in a single peace:
let the design of thy great love
lighten upon the waste of our wraths and sorrows:
and give peace to thy Church,
peace among nations,
peace in our dwellings,
and peace in our hearts:
through thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
For the refugee crisis
Heavenly Father,
you are the source of all goodness, generosity and love.
We thank you for opening the hearts of many
to those who are fleeing for their lives.
Help us now to open our arms in welcome,
and reach out our hands in support.
That the desperate may find new hope,
and lives torn apart be restored.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord,
who fled persecution at His birth
and at His last triumphed over death.
Amen.
For the cold and homeless
God of compassion,
your love for humanity was revealed in Jesus,
whose earthly life began in the poverty of a stable
and ended in the pain and isolation of the cross:
we hold before you those who are homeless and cold
especially in this bitter weather.
Draw near and comfort them in spirit
and bless those who work to provide them
with shelter, food and friendship.
We ask this in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
For union with creation
Father, we praise you with all your creatures.
They came forth from your all-powerful hand;
they are yours, filled with your presence and your tender love.
Praise be to you!
Son of God, Jesus,
through you all things were made.
You were formed in the womb of Mary our Mother,
you became part of this earth,
and you gazed upon this world with human eyes.
Today you are alive in every creature
in your risen glory.
Praise be to you!
Holy Spirit, by your light
you guide this world towards the Father’s love
and accompany creation as it groans in travail.
You also dwell in our hearts
and you inspire us to do what is good.
Praise be to you!
Triune Lord, wondrous community of infinite love,
teach us to contemplate you
in the beauty of the universe,
for all things speak of you.
Awaken our praise and thankfulness
for every being that you have made.
Give us the grace to feel profoundly joined
to everything that is.
God of love, show us our place in this world
as channels of your love
for all the creatures of this earth,
for not one of them is forgotten in your sight.
Enlighten those who possess power and money
that they may avoid the sin of indifference,
that they may love the common good, advance the weak,
and care for this world in which we live.
The poor and the earth are crying out.
O Lord, seize us with your power and light,
help us to protect all life,
to prepare for a better future,
for the coming of your Kingdom
of justice, peace, love and beauty.
Praise be to you!
Amen.
‘A Christian prayer for union with creation’ was published in Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’.
Our charitable giving – an update.
‘Once again thank you so much for the kind donation of £250 towards food. This will provide 25 families with a much needed supply of Poshu – the staple food there. They are also working hard to distribute seeds and equipment to help the community grow their own food. With schools closed due to the pandemic the children who would usually have food provided are not receiving any – your donation will ensure families will not starve. Thanks’.
To learn more about the charity’s work or to donate visit their website
Thank you for your continued support.
Keep us, good Lord,
under the shadow of your mercy
in this time of uncertainty and distress.
Sustain and support the anxious and fearful,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may rejoice in your comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Prayers for our times
Prayer for this Month
Loving God,
We pray during these difficult times for all lives lost over the past few weeks, may they rest in Your eternal light and love.
We pray that their families and friends find comfort and strength.
We give thanks for all of our key workers who are working extremely hard to support health and welfare in all parts of your world.
Although we are living through a devastating pandemic, we thank you God for the ever increasing kindness, generosity and sharing that is bringing and growing communities together reminding us that You are truly with us and continue to carry us even through darkness.
Amen
Clare Byfield
God of redemption,
your challenge is peace.
Given not as the world gives it – with limits, conditions and reversibility,
but unconditionally – with infinite love.
We pray today for those of us who find ourselves
in places we do not want to inhabit –
a home or community where we no longer feel welcome;
an identity that feels cut off at its roots.
We pray for those of us with feelings we do not know what to do with –
loss and grief,
fear and anxiety,
aggression and vengeance,
exclusion and banishment,
uncertainty about our future.
Bless us now, whatever we feel and whoever we are.
Dwell in our souls deeply.
Give us the courage to tell our stories honestly and openly;
the compassion to hear the stories of others with an open heart;
the discipline to share what we have;
the discernment to advocate for those more vulnerable than we are,
and the means to be agents of care and connection,
justice and hope –
to seek out and celebrate the life and joy in our communities,
setting a tone in harmony with you.
We ask these things in the name of Jesus and those who came after him,
who lived in times of bitter conflict,
who were perplexed but not driven to despair,
afflicted in every way, but not crushed,
persecuted, but not forsaken.
All the time, proclaiming you.
Amen
Revd Toby’s May Pastoral Newsletter
United Benefice of Altham and Clayton-le-Moors
Vicar: Revd Toby Webber, The Vicarage, Church St, Clayton-le-Moors
(01254) 384321 tobywebber@btinternet.com
May 2020
Dear friends
Well, how are you doing? I have managed to speak to some of you (whether on the phone or at a distance when passing during exercise) and have seen social media updates or had messages from others. Some I’ve had updates of from our pastoral team, who are ringing many of our ‘older’ parishioners on a regular basis. Others I haven’t had any contact with and I hope that no news is good news. Don’t be afraid to get in touch one way or the other if you’d like a chat or yourself or someone else to be kept in prayer (publicly or privately).
I know that a number of you or your loved ones have been directly affected by the coronavirus. A few have been very ill, and others more mildly so. A few have lost loved ones during this time, in some cases with Covid-19 as the main or contributory cause of death. Others of you are already living with bereavement or sickness of yourself or a loved one and are having to do so without the physical comfort of relatives or many of the activities and services which can help us through.
Nationally it is good to observe that we are ‘past the peak’, but shocking to recognize that at least 30,000 lives have now been taken by this virus in our country already. I note, too, that numbers of people in hospital with Covid19 here in the North-West remain high, in recent days overtaking the number in London.
I think that by and large we are all trying to remain as positive as we can and ‘get through’ but we will need to allow time individually and as a society to work through the trauma of this experience. I pray that we will also take the time to think through carefully what we need to learn from it and how life can and should be different, post-pandemic.
Some of you are in one way or the other on the ‘frontline’. The whole parish is proud of those of our number who are nursing the very sick and at times accompanying the dying. Everyone’s thoughts and prayers are also with all those whose work brings them into heightened risk from this virus, whether as carers, in shops, in the emergency services or whatever it may be. Whilst many of us seek to stay safe and work from home, you are out there day by day. Our schools and their staffs are working very hard to support home learning, to care for those who need to be in school, and to keep in particular touch with those where there is a special need for support.
We are now in the seventh week of lockdown. We are now beginning to look for how it will be eased and a gradual move towards greater freedom made be possible, hopefully without compromising public health. The very simple message will become more complicated and so it will be very important that we continue to follow the instructions we are given. A good number of you fall into the clinically very vulnerable group and have several more of your minimum twelve weeks minimum ‘shielding’ yet to come. Our thoughts are with you as you cope with these strictures , especially those who live alone.
We are now well into the Easter season. For many of us going through Holy Week and Easter without going ‘to church’ was very odd. However, I hope whether through the services on facebook or through your own times of worship at home, you were still able to feel the reality of the Easter gospel of God’s redeeming act in the death and resurrection of Jesus. And I hope that whilst physically apart we still feel ourselves to be members of one body, as indeed we are, the body of our risen Lord Jesus Christ.
I hope that everyone is now aware of our Facebook live services (Sundays from 10:45, Fridays at 6:30pm) and prayer times (Wednesday and Friday morning prayer and litany at 10am, daily night prayer at 9:30) and that you can access these on-line even if you do not have a Facebook account. Google ‘Facebook All Saints Clayton’ and you should get the link.
If you aren’t on-line then I hope you have found the Sunday worship services on BBC television or radio. There is now also a facility to access a FREE Church of England resource called ’Daily Hope’ by ringing 0800 804 8044. There is a choice of listening, from hymns to a full service and the Mothers’ Union midday prayer. Also, to enable you to join in the Night Prayer that some of us are sharing in at 9:30pm, I’m including the order of service with this mailing. It is a very peaceful way to reflect and wind down at the end of the day and to place ourselves and the hurting world into God’s hands in prayer.
Some of you have asked about giving during this time. The PCCs of both parishes are very grateful to those who give by standing order and whose contributions have continued. They are very conscious that for some the lockdown has brought financial difficulties through unemployment, being placed on furlough, or the self-employed losing their income. We quite understand where individuals need to suspend or reduce their giving. Others who normally give by envelope may wish to help by giving via standing order, or if preferred via one or more one-off BACS payments. Details for giving to All Saints’ can be found on the church website – or simply get in touch with me or Les Moore at Altham or Linda Bracewell at All Saints’ for details or a form. Alternatively, you can simply accumulate your giving and bring it when the churches finally re-open.
Both our churches pledge to give 10% of our general income in charitable donations. As part of this, All Saints’ PCC have now gifted £1000 during the lockdown to Clayton Baptist Church to help them help our community. They are very active as part of the Hyndburn Hub, and at the request of social services also helping needy families more widely across East Lancashire. Some need a food parcel to tide them over, or because they have no-one to go shopping for them. Others have come out of prison, or left an abusive relationship or similar and have absolutely nothing. The Baptist Church on Sparth Road is open daily and you can always drop off food, household essentials, toys/colouring/craft things for children.
One effect of these strange times is the rediscovery of prayer by many who had perhaps given it up as old fashioned or irrelevant. I’m sure that those of us who pray anyway have found ourselves praying more intently and regularly as we seek God’s peace, his healing for the sick, his strength and protection for the carers. In prayer may we know his strength to carry us, his peace that passes understanding and courage for the path each of us is called to walk. And in prayer may we seek his will, his direction for our futures, and that his kingdom come, on earth as in heaven. Here is a prayer you might like to use:
Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy
in this time of uncertainty and distress.
Sustain and support the anxious and fearful,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may all rejoice in your comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
With my love, prayers and best wishes,
Toby
Christian Aid
Last week is Christian Aid Week – We won’t have envelops through the door or at church – so why not donate on line. The need is very great, especially at the moment under the circumstances the world finds themselves in.
If you wish to donate you can do so here.
Revd Toby’s May Pastoral Newsletter
United Benefice of Altham and Clayton-le-Moors
Vicar: Revd Toby Webber, The Vicarage, Church St, Clayton-le-Moors
(01254) 384321 tobywebber@btinternet.com
May 2020
Dear friends
Well, how are you doing? I have managed to speak to some of you (whether on the phone or at a distance when passing during exercise) and have seen social media updates or had messages from others. Some I’ve had updates of from our pastoral team, who are ringing many of our ‘older’ parishioners on a regular basis. Others I haven’t had any contact with and I hope that no news is good news. Don’t be afraid to get in touch one way or the other if you’d like a chat or yourself or someone else to be kept in prayer (publicly or privately).
I know that a number of you or your loved ones have been directly affected by the coronavirus. A few have been very ill, and others more mildly so. A few have lost loved ones during this time, in some cases with Covid-19 as the main or contributory cause of death. Others of you are already living with bereavement or sickness of yourself or a loved one and are having to do so without the physical comfort of relatives or many of the activities and services which can help us through.
Nationally it is good to observe that we are ‘past the peak’, but shocking to recognize that at least 30,000 lives have now been taken by this virus in our country already. I note, too, that numbers of people in hospital with Covid19 here in the North-West remain high, in recent days overtaking the number in London.
I think that by and large we are all trying to remain as positive as we can and ‘get through’ but we will need to allow time individually and as a society to work through the trauma of this experience. I pray that we will also take the time to think through carefully what we need to learn from it and how life can and should be different, post-pandemic.
Some of you are in one way or the other on the ‘frontline’. The whole parish is proud of those of our number who are nursing the very sick and at times accompanying the dying. Everyone’s thoughts and prayers are also with all those whose work brings them into heightened risk from this virus, whether as carers, in shops, in the emergency services or whatever it may be. Whilst many of us seek to stay safe and work from home, you are out there day by day. Our schools and their staffs are working very hard to support home learning, to care for those who need to be in school, and to keep in particular touch with those where there is a special need for support.
We are now in the seventh week of lockdown. We are now beginning to look for how it will be eased and a gradual move towards greater freedom made be possible, hopefully without compromising public health. The very simple message will become more complicated and so it will be very important that we continue to follow the instructions we are given. A good number of you fall into the clinically very vulnerable group and have several more of your minimum twelve weeks minimum ‘shielding’ yet to come. Our thoughts are with you as you cope with these strictures , especially those who live alone.
We are now well into the Easter season. For many of us going through Holy Week and Easter without going ‘to church’ was very odd. However, I hope whether through the services on facebook or through your own times of worship at home, you were still able to feel the reality of the Easter gospel of God’s redeeming act in the death and resurrection of Jesus. And I hope that whilst physically apart we still feel ourselves to be members of one body, as indeed we are, the body of our risen Lord Jesus Christ.
I hope that everyone is now aware of our Facebook live services (Sundays from 10:45, Fridays at 6:30pm) and prayer times (Wednesday and Friday morning prayer and litany at 10am, daily night prayer at 9:30) and that you can access these on-line even if you do not have a Facebook account. Google ‘Facebook All Saints Clayton’ and you should get the link.
If you aren’t on-line then I hope you have found the Sunday worship services on BBC television or radio. There is now also a facility to access a FREE Church of England resource called ’Daily Hope’ by ringing 0800 804 8044. There is a choice of listening, from hymns to a full service and the Mothers’ Union midday prayer. Also, to enable you to join in the Night Prayer that some of us are sharing in at 9:30pm, I’m including the order of service with this mailing. It is a very peaceful way to reflect and wind down at the end of the day and to place ourselves and the hurting world into God’s hands in prayer.
Some of you have asked about giving during this time. The PCCs of both parishes are very grateful to those who give by standing order and whose contributions have continued. They are very conscious that for some the lockdown has brought financial difficulties through unemployment, being placed on furlough, or the self-employed losing their income. We quite understand where individuals need to suspend or reduce their giving. Others who normally give by envelope may wish to help by giving via standing order, or if preferred via one or more one-off BACS payments. Details for giving to All Saints’ can be found on the church website – or simply get in touch with me or Les Moore at Altham or Linda Bracewell at All Saints’ for details or a form. Alternatively, you can simply accumulate your giving and bring it when the churches finally re-open.
Both our churches pledge to give 10% of our general income in charitable donations. As part of this, All Saints’ PCC have now gifted £1000 during the lockdown to Clayton Baptist Church to help them help our community. They are very active as part of the Hyndburn Hub, and at the request of social services also helping needy families more widely across East Lancashire. Some need a food parcel to tide them over, or because they have no-one to go shopping for them. Others have come out of prison, or left an abusive relationship or similar and have absolutely nothing. The Baptist Church on Sparth Road is open daily and you can always drop off food, household essentials, toys/colouring/craft things for children.
One effect of these strange times is the rediscovery of prayer by many who had perhaps given it up as old fashioned or irrelevant. I’m sure that those of us who pray anyway have found ourselves praying more intently and regularly as we seek God’s peace, his healing for the sick, his strength and protection for the carers. In prayer may we know his strength to carry us, his peace that passes understanding and courage for the path each of us is called to walk. And in prayer may we seek his will, his direction for our futures, and that his kingdom come, on earth as in heaven. Here is a prayer you might like to use:
Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy
in this time of uncertainty and distress.
Sustain and support the anxious and fearful,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may all rejoice in your comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
With my love, prayers and best wishes,
Toby
Night Prayers – Order of Service
An Order for Night Prayer (Compline)
The ancient office of Compline derives its name from a Latin word meaning ‘completion’ (completorium). It is above all a service of quietness and reflection before rest at the end of the day.
Preparation
The Lord almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end.
All Amen.
Our help is in the name of the Lord
All who made heaven and earth.
A period of silence for reflection on the past day may follow.
The following or other suitable words of penitence may be used
All Most merciful God, we confess to you,
before the whole company of heaven and one another,
that we have sinned in thought, word and deed
and in what we have failed to do.
Forgive us our sins, heal us by your Spirit
and raise us to new life in Christ. Amen.
O God, make speed to save us.
All O Lord, make haste to help us.
All Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever.
Amen.
Alleluia.
The following or another suitable hymn may be said or sung
Before the ending of the day,
Creator of the world, we pray
That you, with steadfast love, would keep
Your watch around us while we sleep.
From evil dreams defend our sight,
From fears and terrors of the night;
Tread underfoot our deadly foe
That we no sinful thought may know.
O Father, that we ask be done
Through Jesus Christ, your only Son;
And Holy Spirit, by whose breath
Our souls are raised to life from death.
The Word of God
Psalmody
One or more of Psalms 4, 91 and 134 may be used daily.
Or Sundays Psalm 104:1, 21-33, Monday Psalm 86, Tuesday Psalm 143, Wednesday Psalm 31:1-5, 19-end, Thursday Psalm 16, Friday Psalm 139:1-18, Saturday Psalm 91
Scripture Reading
One of the following short lessons or another suitable passage
Sunday: You, O Lord, are in the midst of us and we are called by your name; leave us not, O Lord our God. (Jeremiah 14.9)
Monday: Thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength. (Isaiah 30:15)
Tuesday: Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.’ (Matthew 11:28-30)
Wednesday: Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.’ (1 Peter 5:6,7)
Thursday: Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil is prowling round like a roaring lion, seeking for someone to devour. Resist him, strong in the faith. (1 Peter 5.8, 9)
Friday: God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. (1 Thess 5:9,10)
Saturday: A sabbath rest still remains for the people of God; for those who enter God’s rest also cease from their labours as God did from his. Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest. (Hebrews 4:9-11a)
The following responsory may be said
Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
All Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
For you have redeemed me, Lord God of truth.
All I commend my spirit.
Glory to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit.
All Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Keep me as the apple of your eye.
All Hide me under the shadow of your wings.
Gospel Canticle: The Nunc dimittis (The Song of Simeon)
All Save us, O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping,
that awake we may watch with Christ and asleep may rest in peace.
1 Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace: ♦
your word has been fulfilled.
2 My own eyes have seen the salvation ♦
which you have prepared in the sight of every people;
3 A light to reveal you to the nations ♦
and the glory of your people Israel.
All Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.
All Save us, O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping,
that awake we may watch with Christ and asleep may rest in peace.
Prayers
Time for your own prayers of thanksgiving and intercession
Visit this place, O Lord, we pray, and drive far from it the snares of the enemy; may your holy angels dwell with us and guard us in peace, and may your blessing be always upon us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Father, who art in heaven
The Conclusion
In peace we will lie down and sleep;
All for you alone, Lord, make us dwell in safety.
Abide with us, Lord Jesus,
All for the night is at hand and the day is now past.
As the night watch looks for the morning,
All so do we look for you, O Christ.
The Lord bless us and watch over us;
the Lord make his face shine upon us and be gracious to us;
the Lord look kindly on us and give us peace.
All Amen.
Common Worship: Daily Prayer is © Copyright Archbishops Council of the Church of England. Used by permission.
Revd Toby’s May Pastoral Newsletter
United Benefice of Altham and Clayton-le-Moors
Vicar: Revd Toby Webber, The Vicarage, Church St, Clayton-le-Moors
(01254) 384321 tobywebber@btinternet.com
May 2020
Dear friends
Well, how are you doing? I have managed to speak to some of you (whether on the phone or at a distance when passing during exercise) and have seen social media updates or had messages from others. Some I’ve had updates of from our pastoral team, who are ringing many of our ‘older’ parishioners on a regular basis. Others I haven’t had any contact with and I hope that no news is good news. Don’t be afraid to get in touch one way or the other if you’d like a chat or yourself or someone else to be kept in prayer (publicly or privately).
I know that a number of you or your loved ones have been directly affected by the coronavirus. A few have been very ill, and others more mildly so. A few have lost loved ones during this time, in some cases with Covid-19 as the main or contributory cause of death. Others of you are already living with bereavement or sickness of yourself or a loved one and are having to do so without the physical comfort of relatives or many of the activities and services which can help us through.
Nationally it is good to observe that we are ‘past the peak’, but shocking to recognize that at least 30,000 lives have now been taken by this virus in our country already. I note, too, that numbers of people in hospital with Covid19 here in the North-West remain high, in recent days overtaking the number in London.
I think that by and large we are all trying to remain as positive as we can and ‘get through’ but we will need to allow time individually and as a society to work through the trauma of this experience. I pray that we will also take the time to think through carefully what we need to learn from it and how life can and should be different, post-pandemic.
Some of you are in one way or the other on the ‘frontline’. The whole parish is proud of those of our number who are nursing the very sick and at times accompanying the dying. Everyone’s thoughts and prayers are also with all those whose work brings them into heightened risk from this virus, whether as carers, in shops, in the emergency services or whatever it may be. Whilst many of us seek to stay safe and work from home, you are out there day by day. Our schools and their staffs are working very hard to support home learning, to care for those who need to be in school, and to keep in particular touch with those where there is a special need for support.
We are now in the seventh week of lockdown. We are now beginning to look for how it will be eased and a gradual move towards greater freedom made be possible, hopefully without compromising public health. The very simple message will become more complicated and so it will be very important that we continue to follow the instructions we are given. A good number of you fall into the clinically very vulnerable group and have several more of your minimum twelve weeks minimum ‘shielding’ yet to come. Our thoughts are with you as you cope with these strictures , especially those who live alone.
We are now well into the Easter season. For many of us going through Holy Week and Easter without going ‘to church’ was very odd. However, I hope whether through the services on facebook or through your own times of worship at home, you were still able to feel the reality of the Easter gospel of God’s redeeming act in the death and resurrection of Jesus. And I hope that whilst physically apart we still feel ourselves to be members of one body, as indeed we are, the body of our risen Lord Jesus Christ.
I hope that everyone is now aware of our Facebook live services (Sundays from 10:45, Fridays at 6:30pm) and prayer times (Wednesday and Friday morning prayer and litany at 10am, daily night prayer at 9:30) and that you can access these on-line even if you do not have a Facebook account. Google ‘Facebook All Saints Clayton’ and you should get the link.
If you aren’t on-line then I hope you have found the Sunday worship services on BBC television or radio. There is now also a facility to access a FREE Church of England resource called ’Daily Hope’ by ringing 0800 804 8044. There is a choice of listening, from hymns to a full service and the Mothers’ Union midday prayer. Also, to enable you to join in the Night Prayer that some of us are sharing in at 9:30pm, I’m including the order of service with this mailing. It is a very peaceful way to reflect and wind down at the end of the day and to place ourselves and the hurting world into God’s hands in prayer.
Some of you have asked about giving during this time. The PCCs of both parishes are very grateful to those who give by standing order and whose contributions have continued. They are very conscious that for some the lockdown has brought financial difficulties through unemployment, being placed on furlough, or the self-employed losing their income. We quite understand where individuals need to suspend or reduce their giving. Others who normally give by envelope may wish to help by giving via standing order, or if preferred via one or more one-off BACS payments. Details for giving to All Saints’ can be found on the church website – or simply get in touch with me or Les Moore at Altham or Linda Bracewell at All Saints’ for details or a form. Alternatively, you can simply accumulate your giving and bring it when the churches finally re-open.
Both our churches pledge to give 10% of our general income in charitable donations. As part of this, All Saints’ PCC have now gifted £1000 during the lockdown to Clayton Baptist Church to help them help our community. They are very active as part of the Hyndburn Hub, and at the request of social services also helping needy families more widely across East Lancashire. Some need a food parcel to tide them over, or because they have no-one to go shopping for them. Others have come out of prison, or left an abusive relationship or similar and have absolutely nothing. The Baptist Church on Sparth Road is open daily and you can always drop off food, household essentials, toys/colouring/craft things for children.
One effect of these strange times is the rediscovery of prayer by many who had perhaps given it up as old fashioned or irrelevant. I’m sure that those of us who pray anyway have found ourselves praying more intently and regularly as we seek God’s peace, his healing for the sick, his strength and protection for the carers. In prayer may we know his strength to carry us, his peace that passes understanding and courage for the path each of us is called to walk. And in prayer may we seek his will, his direction for our futures, and that his kingdom come, on earth as in heaven. Here is a prayer you might like to use:
Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy
in this time of uncertainty and distress.
Sustain and support the anxious and fearful,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may all rejoice in your comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
With my love, prayers and best wishes,
Toby