A Collect for Evening

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.
~ from the Book of Common Prayer

Evening light at the Sagrada familia, Barcelona. Photo by Caroline Carson

Lord it is night. The night is for stillness.

Lord it is night. The night is for stillness. Let us be still in the presence of God. It is night after a long day. What has been done has been done; what has not been done has not been done. Let it be. The night is dark. Let our fears of the darkness of the world and of our own lives rest in you. The night is quiet. Let the quietness of your peace enfold us, all dear to us, and all who have no peace. The night heralds the dawn. Let us look expectantly to a new day, new joys, new possibilities. In your name we pray. Amen.

Keep Watch, Dear Lord

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or
weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who
sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.
#Episcopal #Anglican #EveningPrayer #prayer# #night

The #MilkyWay fills the night sky over the Durdle Door rock archway. Picture: Andrew Whyte / Carters News

“Look down, O Lord, from your heavenly throne, and illumine this night with your celestial brightness”

“Look down, O Lord, from your heavenly throne, and illumine this night with your celestial brightness.”

Found on a wallpaper site from googling "red aurora"

An Evening Hymn

An Evening Hymn

Now, now that the sun hath veil’d his light

And bid the world goodnight;

To the soft bed my body I dispose,

But where shall my soul repose? 

Dear, dear God, even in Thy arms, 

And can there be any so sweet security! 

Then to thy rest, O my soul! 

And singing, praise the mercy 

That prolongs thy days. 

Hallelujah! 

~ text by Dr. William Fuller (1608-1675)
Henry Purcell also famously set this as "An Evening Hymn"

Over the Top 
Image Credit & Copyright: Luc Perrot
Taken in February, the photograph was voted the winner of the2014 International Earth and Sky Photo Contest's Beauty of the Night Sky Category.

Episcopal Prayer: The Wonders and Mysteries of the Universe

God, grant as we discover the fascinating wonders and mysteries of the universe, we may
come to know you more truly! Amen .

Hubble Ultra Deep Field 2014
Image Credit: NASA, ESA, H.Teplitz and M.Rafelski (IPAC/Caltech),
A. Koekemoer (STScI), R. Windhorst(ASU), Z. Levay (STScI)

Wonders and Mysteries of the Universe

God, grant as we discover the fascinating wonders and mysteries of the universe, we may come to know you more truly! Amen.

The Pleiades Deep and Dusty from NASA_app. Image by David Lane

For the beauty and wonder of your creation, in earth and sky and sea. We thank you, Lord.

“For the beauty and wonder of your creation, in earth and sky and sea. We thank you, Lord."

"Milky Way Above Durdle Door" by Stephen Banks. Gorgeous! You can buy a print HERE

"I am the Light of the world"

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12

Milky Way image by Derek Rowly, found at:
http://ourstoriesandperspectives.com/2013/01/17/unwrapping-the-milky-way-at-riverbend-park/