Prayers for Home


Excerpts from The Book of Common Prayer
In the Morning
At Noonday
In the Early Evening
At the Close of Day


In the Morning

from Psalm 51 [BCP p. 657]
The Psalm may be read by all in unison or read responsively, with the leader beginning.

Open my lips, O Lord, *
and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, *
and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from your presence *
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.

Give me the joy of your saving help again *
and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

A Reading from the First Letter of Peter [1:3]
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy we have
been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

A period of silence may follow.

The Apostles’ Creed [BCP p. 96] said by all

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
     and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
     and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church,
     the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
     the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Prayers
Any or all of the following prayers may be said

On Sunday [BCP p. 835]
O God our King, by the resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ on the first day of the
week, you conquered sin, put death to flight, and gave us the hope of everlasting life:
Redeem all our days by this victory; forgive our sins, banish our fears, make us bold to
praise you and to do your will; and steel us to wait for the consummation of your
kingdom on the last great Day; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Mission of the Church [BCP p. 816]
Everliving God, whose will it is that all should come to you through your Son Jesus
Christ: Inspire our witness to him, that all may know the power of his forgiveness and
the hope of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.

For the Nation [BCP p. 258]
Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve
you in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the
strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious
will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

For Peace Among the Nations [BCP p. 816]
Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the world into the way of justice
and truth, and establish among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that
they may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

For St. Margaret’s Church [BCP p. 817]
Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers
for St. Margaret’s Church. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the
penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one
heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Poor and the Neglected [BCP p. 826]
Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you all poor and neglected
persons whom it would be easy for us to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old
and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those who are
broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this, Father, for the
love of your Son, who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Sick [BCP p. 260]
Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve your sick servants, and
give your power of healing to those who minister to their needs, that those for whom our
prayers are offered may be strengthened in their weakness and have confidence in your
loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

For the Departed [BCP p. 253]
Eternal Lord God, you hold all souls in life: Give to your whole Church in paradise and
on earth your light and your peace; and grant that we, following the good examples of
those who have served you here and are now at rest, may at the last enter with them into
your unending joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the
unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

For the Good Use of Leisure [BCP p. 825]
O God, in the course of this busy life, give us times of refreshment and peace; and grant
that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds, that our
spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

For Travelers [BCP p. 831]
O God, our heavenly Father, whose glory fills the whole creation, and whose presence we
find wherever we go: Preserve us as we travel; surround us with your loving care; protect
us from every danger; and bring us in safety to our journey’s end; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer [BCP p. 364] said by all

Our Father, who art in heaven,                   Our Father in heaven,
       hallowed be thy Name,                                hallowed be your Name,
       thy kingdom come,                                       your kingdom come,
       thy will be done,                                            your will be done,
       on earth as it is in heaven.                          on earth as in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.                Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,                   Forgive us our sins
       as we forgive those                                     as we forgive those
       who trespass against us.                            who sin against us.
And lead us not into temptation,                  Save us from the time of trial,
       but deliver us from evil.                                and deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,                              For the kingdom, the power,
       and the power,                                              and the glory, and the glory are yours,
       for ever and ever. Amen.                              now and for ever. Amen.

The Closing Collect [BCP p. 137]
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new
day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome
by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
At Noon

from Psalm 113 [BCP p. 756]
The Psalm may be read by all in unison or read responsively, with the leader beginning.

Give praise, you servants of the Lord; *
praise the Name of the Lord.

Let the Name of the Lord be blessed, *
from this time forth for evermore.

From the rising of the sun to its going down *
let the Name of the Lord be praised.

The Lord is high above all nations, *
and his glory above the heavens.

A Reading from Isaiah [26:3; 30:15]
O God, you will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are fixed on you; for in
returning and rest we shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be our strength.

The Prayers
Any or all of the following prayers may be said

On Sunday [BCP p. 835]
O God our King, by the resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ on the first day of the
week, you conquered sin, put death to flight, and gave us the hope of everlasting life:
Redeem all our days by this victory; forgive our sins, banish our fears, make us bold to
praise you and to do your will; and steel us to wait for the consummation of your
kingdom on the last great Day; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Mission of the Church [BCP p. 816]
Everliving God, whose will it is that all should come to you through your Son Jesus
Christ: Inspire our witness to him, that all may know the power of his forgiveness and
the hope of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.

For the Nation [BCP p. 258]
Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve
you in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the
strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious
will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

For Peace Among the Nations [BCP p. 816]
Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the world into the way of justice
and truth, and establish among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that
they may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
 
For St. Margaret’s Church [BCP p. 817]
Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers
for St. Margaret’s Church. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the
penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one
heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Poor and the Neglected [BCP p. 826]
Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you all poor and neglected
persons whom it would be easy for us to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old
and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those who are
broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this, Father, for the
love of your Son, who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Sick [BCP p. 260]
Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve your sick servants, and
give your power of healing to those who minister to their needs, that those for whom our
prayers are offered may be strengthened in their weakness and have confidence in your
loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

For the Departed [BCP p. 253]
Eternal Lord God, you hold all souls in life: Give to your whole Church in paradise and
on earth your light and your peace; and grant that we, following the good examples of
those who have served you here and are now at rest, may at the last enter with them into
your unending joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the
unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

For the Good Use of Leisure [BCP p. 825]
O God, in the course of this busy life, give us times of refreshment and peace; and grant
that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds, that our
spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

For Travelers [BCP p. 831]
O God, our heavenly Father, whose glory fills the whole creation, and whose presence we
find wherever we go: Preserve us as we travel; surround us with your loving care; protect
us from every danger; and bring us in safety to our journey’s end; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer [BCP p. 364] said by all

Our Father, who art in heaven,                   Our Father in heaven,
       hallowed be thy Name,                                hallowed be your Name,
       thy kingdom come,                                       your kingdom come,
       thy will be done,                                            your will be done,
       on earth as it is in heaven.                          on earth as in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.                Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,                   Forgive us our sins
       as we forgive those                                     as we forgive those
       who trespass against us.                            who sin against us.
And lead us not into temptation,                  Save us from the time of trial,
       but deliver us from evil.                                and deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,                              For the kingdom, the power,
       and the power,                                              and the glory, and the glory are yours,
       for ever and ever. Amen.                              now and for ever. Amen.

The Closing Collect [BCP p. 138]
Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles, “Peace I give to you; my own peace I leave
with you:” Regard not our sins, but the faith of your Church, and give to us the peace
and unity of that heavenly City, where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and
reign, now and for ever. Amen.

In the Early Evening
This devotion may be used before or after the evening meal.

O Gracious Light [BCP p. 139] said by all

O gracious Light,
       pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven,
O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!
Now as we come to the setting of the sun,
       and our eyes behold the vesper light,
we sing your praises O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices,
O Son of God, O Giver of life,
       and to be glorified through all the worlds.

A Reading the Second Letter of Paul to the Corinthians [4:5-6]
It is not ourselves that we proclaim; we proclaim Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as
your servants, for Jesus’ sake. For the same God who said, “Out of darkness let light
shine,” has caused his light to shine within us, to give the light of revelation--the
revelation of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

The Prayers
Any or all of the following prayers may be said

On Sunday [BCP p. 835]
O God our King, by the resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ on the first day of the
week, you conquered sin, put death to flight, and gave us the hope of everlasting life:
Redeem all our days by this victory; forgive our sins, banish our fears, make us bold to
praise you and to do your will; and steel us to wait for the consummation of your
kingdom on the last great Day; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Mission of the Church [BCP p. 816]
Everliving God, whose will it is that all should come to you through your Son Jesus
Christ: Inspire our witness to him, that all may know the power of his forgiveness and
the hope of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.

For the Nation [BCP p. 258]
Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve
you in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the
strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious
will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
 
For Peace Among the Nations [BCP p. 816]
Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the world into the way of justice
and truth, and establish among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that
they may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

For St. Margaret’s Church [BCP p. 817]
Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers
for St. Margaret’s Church. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the
penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one
heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Poor and the Neglected [BCP p. 826]
Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you all poor and neglected
persons whom it would be easy for us to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old
and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those who are
broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this, Father, for the
love of your Son, who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Sick [BCP p. 260]
Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve your sick servants, and
give your power of healing to those who minister to their needs, that those for whom our
prayers are offered may be strengthened in their weakness and have confidence in your
loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

For the Departed [BCP p. 253]
Eternal Lord God, you hold all souls in life: Give to your whole Church in paradise and
on earth your light and your peace; and grant that we, following the good examples of
those who have served you here and are now at rest, may at the last enter with them into
your unending joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the
unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

For the Good Use of Leisure [BCP p. 825]
O God, in the course of this busy life, give us times of refreshment and peace; and grant
that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds, that our
spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

For Travelers [BCP p. 831]
O God, our heavenly Father, whose glory fills the whole creation, and whose presence we
find wherever we go: Preserve us as we travel; surround us with your loving care; protect
us from every danger; and bring us in safety to our journey’s end; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer [BCP p. 364] said by all

Our Father, who art in heaven,                   Our Father in heaven,
       hallowed be thy Name,                                hallowed be your Name,
       thy kingdom come,                                       your kingdom come,
       thy will be done,                                            your will be done,
       on earth as it is in heaven.                          on earth as in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.                Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,                   Forgive us our sins
       as we forgive those                                     as we forgive those
       who trespass against us.                            who sin against us.
And lead us not into temptation,                  Save us from the time of trial,
       but deliver us from evil.                                and deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,                              For the kingdom, the power,
       and the power,                                              and the glory, and the glory are yours,
       for ever and ever. Amen.                              now and for ever. Amen.

The Closing Collect [BCP p. 139]
Lord Jesus, stay with us, for evening is at hand and the day is past; be our companion in
the way, kindle our hearts, and awaken hope, that we may know you as you are revealed
in Scripture and the breaking of bread. Grant this for the sake of your love. Amen.
 
At the Close of Day

Psalm 134 [BCP p. 787] 
The Psalm may be read by all in unison or read responsively, with the leader beginning.

Behold now, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, *
you that stand by night in the house of the Lord.

Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the Lord; *
the Lord who made heaven and earth bless you out of Zion.

A Reading from Jeremiah [14:9, 22]
Lord, you are in the midst of us and we are called by your Name: Do not forsake us, O
Lord our God.

The Nunc dimittis, [BCP p. 140]
said by all in unison or read responsively, with the leader beginning.
Lord, you now have set your servant free *
to go in peace as you have promised;
For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, *
whom you have prepared for all the world to see:
A Light to enlighten the nations, *
and the glory of your people Israel.
The Prayers
Any or all of the following prayers may be said
On Sunday [BCP p. 835]
O God our King, by the resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ on the first day of the
week, you conquered sin, put death to flight, and gave us the hope of everlasting life:
Redeem all our days by this victory; forgive our sins, banish our fears, make us bold to
praise you and to do your will; and steel us to wait for the consummation of your
kingdom on the last great Day; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Mission of the Church [BCP p. 816]
Everliving God, whose will it is that all should come to you through your Son Jesus
Christ: Inspire our witness to him, that all may know the power of his forgiveness and
the hope of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.

For the Nation [BCP p. 258]
Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve
you in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the
strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious
will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
 
For Peace Among the Nations [BCP p. 816]
Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the world into the way of justice
and truth, and establish among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that
they may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

For St. Margaret’s Church [BCP p. 817]
Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers
for St. Margaret’s Church. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the
penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one
heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Poor and the Neglected [BCP p. 826]
Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you all poor and neglected
persons whom it would be easy for us to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old
and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those who are
broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this, Father, for the
love of your Son, who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Sick [BCP p. 260]
Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve your sick servants, and
give your power of healing to those who minister to their needs, that those for whom our
prayers are offered may be strengthened in their weakness and have confidence in your
loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

For the Departed [BCP p. 253]
Eternal Lord God, you hold all souls in life: Give to your whole Church in paradise and
on earth your light and your peace; and grant that we, following the good examples of
those who have served you here and are now at rest, may at the last enter with them into
your unending joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the
unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

For the Good Use of Leisure [BCP p. 825]
O God, in the course of this busy life, give us times of refreshment and peace; and grant
that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds, that our
spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

For Travelers [BCP p. 831]
O God, our heavenly Father, whose glory fills the whole creation, and whose presence we
find wherever we go: Preserve us as we travel; surround us with your loving care; protect
us from every danger; and bring us in safety to our journey’s end; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer [BCP p. 364] said by all

Our Father, who art in heaven,                   Our Father in heaven,
       hallowed be thy Name,                                hallowed be your Name,
       thy kingdom come,                                       your kingdom come,
       thy will be done,                                            your will be done,
       on earth as it is in heaven.                          on earth as in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.                Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,                   Forgive us our sins
       as we forgive those                                     as we forgive those
       who trespass against us.                            who sin against us.
And lead us not into temptation,                  Save us from the time of trial,
       but deliver us from evil.                                and deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,                              For the kingdom, the power,
       and the power,                                              and the glory, and the glory are yours,
       for ever and ever. Amen.                              now and for ever. Amen.

The Closing Collect [BCP p. 140]
Visit this place, O Lord, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy; let your holy angels
dwell with us to preserve us in peace; and let your blessing be upon us always; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us.
Amen.