The order of Evening Prayer, Rite Two

The order, part by part

1. Opening sentencep. 115

   Follows the season or feast

   October 16, 2026: Psalm 141:2 On an ordinary day, one of Evening Prayer’s own sentences for any time, taken in turn.

   Evening Prayer begins with a sentence of Scripture. The prayer book groups them by season; any may be used at any time (p. 141). The app uses the season’s sentences, taking them in turn, and Evening Prayer’s own on ordinary days.

   41 texts to choose from ›

   Opening sentence

   41 texts to choose from, p. 115

   • Advent

     Watch, for you know not when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning; lest he come suddenly and find you asleep.

     Mark 13:35, 36

   • Advent

     In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

     Isaiah 40:3

   • Advent

     The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

     Isaiah 40:5

   • Christmas

     Behold, I bring you good news of a great joy, which will come to all the people; for unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

     Luke 2:10, 11

   • Christmas

     Behold, the dwelling of God is with mankind. He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them, and be their God.

     Revelation 21:3

   • Epiphany

     Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.

     Isaiah 60:3

   • Epiphany

     I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.

     Isaiah 49:6b

   • Epiphany

     From the rising of the sun to its setting my Name shall be great among the nations, and in every place incense shall be offered to my Name, and a pure offering: for my Name shall be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts.

     Malachi 1:11

   • Lent

     If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us; but if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

     I John 1:8, 9

   • Lent

     Rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and repents of evil.

     Joel 2:13

   • Lent

     I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son."

     Luke 15:18, 19

   • Lent

     To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, because we have rebelled against him and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God by following his laws which he set before us.

     Daniel 9:9, 10

   • Lent

     Jesus said, "If anyone will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."

     Mark 8:34

   • Holy Week

     All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

     Isaiah 53:6

   • Holy Week

     Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow which was brought upon me, whom the Lord hath afflicted.

     Lamentations 1:12

   • Easter Season

     Alleluia! Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!

   • Easter Season

     On this day the Lord has acted; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

     Psalm 118:24

   • Easter Season

     Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

     1 Corinthians 15:57

   • Easter Season

     If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

     Colossians 3:1

   • Ascension Day

     Christ has entered, not into a sanctuary made with hands, a copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.

     Hebrews 9:24

   • The Day of Pentecost

     You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

     Acts 1:8

   • Trinity Sunday

     Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.

     Revelation 4:8

   • All Saints and other Major Saints’ Days

     We give thanks to the Father, who has made us worthy to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

     Colossians 1:12

   • All Saints and other Major Saints’ Days

     You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.

     Ephesians 2:19

   • All Saints and other Major Saints’ Days

     Their sound has gone out into all lands, and their message to the ends of the world.

     Psalm 19:4

   • Occasions of thanksgiving

     O give thanks to the Lord, and call upon his Name; make known his deeds among the peoples.

     Psalm 105:1

   • At any time

     Grace to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

     Philippians 1:2

   • At any time

     I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord."

     Psalm 122:1

   • At any time

     Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.

     Psalm 19:14

   • At any time

     Send out your light and your truth, that they may lead me, and bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling.

     Psalm 43:3

   • At any time

     The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him.

     Habakkuk 2:20

   • At any time

     The hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for such the Father seeks to worship him.

     John 4:23

   • At any time

     Thus says the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy, "I dwell in the high and holy place and also with the one who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite."

     Isaiah 57:15

   • At any time (Evening Prayer’s own)

     Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

     Psalm 141:2

   • At any time (Evening Prayer’s own)

     Grace to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

     Philippians 1:2

   • At any time (Evening Prayer’s own)

     Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; let the whole earth tremble before him.

     Psalm 96:9

   • At any time (Evening Prayer’s own)

     Yours is the day, O God, yours also the night; you established the moon and the sun. You fixed all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter.

     Psalm 74:15,16

   • At any time (Evening Prayer’s own)

     I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel; my heart teaches me, night after night. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not fall.

     Psalm 16:7,8

   • At any time (Evening Prayer’s own)

     Seek him who made the Pleiades and Orion, and turns deep darkness into the morning, and darkens the day into night; who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out upon the surface of the earth: The Lord is his name.

     Amos 5:8

   • At any time (Evening Prayer’s own)

     If I say, "Surely the darkness will cover me, and the light around me turn to night," darkness is not dark to you, O Lord; the night is as bright as the day; darkness and light to you are both alike.

     Psalm 139:10,11

   • At any time (Evening Prayer’s own)

     Jesus said, "I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

     John 8:12

2. Confession of Sinpp. 116–117

   The same every day

   The invitation, a silence, the confession said together, and the absolution (or, without a priest, a prayer for forgiveness).

   The office may begin at once with “O God, make speed to save us” instead.

3. O God, make speed to save usp. 117

   Follows the season or feast

   October 16, 2026: With “Alleluia,” as in every season but Lent.

   The versicle and the Gloria Patri, with “Alleluia” after them in every season but Lent.

4. O Gracious Lightp. 118

   The same every day

   October 16, 2026: O Gracious Light

   The Phos hilaron, “or some other suitable hymn, or an Invitatory Psalm.”

5. The Psalmsp. 118

   Appointed for the day by the lectionary

   October 16, 2026: Psalm 22 Appointed for this day in Year Two.

   The Daily Office Lectionary (pp. 934–1001) appoints psalms and three readings for every day of a two-year cycle. Year One begins on the First Sunday of Advent before odd-numbered years. Bracketed psalms may be left out. The Gloria Patri ends the psalms.

6. The First Lessonp. 118

   Appointed for the day by the lectionary

   October 16, 2026: Jeremiah 38:14-28 The Old Testament reading for this day in Year One, so that both offices have two readings.

   When both offices have two readings, Evening Prayer’s first is the Old Testament reading for the other year of the cycle (p. 934).

7. Canticle after the first lessonpp. 119–120, 145

   Follows the weekday, or rotates

   October 16, 2026: A Song of Praise The table’s canticle for Fridays.

   The Table of Suggested Canticles (pp. 144–145) gives one for each weekday, with changes in Advent, Lent, and Easter and on major feasts. Any canticle may be used.

8. The Second Lessonp. 118

   Appointed for the day by the lectionary

   October 16, 2026: Acts 28:1-16 The day’s Epistle, Year Two.

   The day’s New Testament reading: the Epistle, or the Gospel when it falls at this office.

9. Canticle after the second lessonpp. 119–120, 145

   Follows the weekday, or rotates

   October 16, 2026: The Song of Simeon The table’s canticle for Fridays.

   From the same table: the Song of Mary or the Song of Simeon, on the days the table gives.

10. The Apostles’ Creedp. 120

    The same every day

    Said by everyone, standing.

    Omitted when the Eucharist with its own Creed follows; it may also be omitted at one of the offices on weekdays (p. 142).

11. The Lord’s Prayerp. 121

    The same every day

    The salutation, then the Lord’s Prayer in contemporary or traditional words.

    May be omitted when the Litany or the Eucharist follows immediately (p. 142).

12. Suffragespp. 121–122

    The same every day

    October 16, 2026: Suffrages B

    Either set of versicles and responses may be used. The app uses B in the evening.

    2 texts to choose from ›

    Suffrages

    2 texts to choose from, pp. 121–122

    • Suffrages Ap. 121

      Show us your mercy, O Lord;

      And grant us your salvation.

      Clothe your ministers with righteousness;

      Let your people sing with joy.

      Give peace, O Lord, in all the world;

      For only in you can we live in safety.

      Lord, keep this nation under your care;

      And guide us in the way of justice and truth.

      Let your way be known upon earth;

      Your saving health among all nations.

      Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten;

      Nor the hope of the poor be taken away.

      Create in us clean hearts, O God;

      And sustain us with your Holy Spirit.

    • Suffrages Bp. 122

      That this evening may be holy, good, and peaceful,

      We entreat you, O Lord.

      That your holy angels may lead us in paths of peace and goodwill,

      We entreat you, O Lord.

      That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offenses,

      We entreat you, O Lord.

      That there may be peace to your Church and to the whole world,

      We entreat you, O Lord.

      That we may depart this life in your faith and fear, and not be condemned before the great judgment seat of Christ,

      We entreat you, O Lord.

      That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit in the communion of all your saints, entrusting one another and all our life to Christ,

      We entreat you, O Lord.

13. The Collect of the Daypp. 122–123; 159–261

    Follows the season or feast

    October 16, 2026: The Collect for Proper 23 The collect of the Sunday before, said through the week.

    The collect of the Sunday, season, or Holy Day. A Sunday’s collect is said through the week that follows.

    Every collect of the church year

14. A collect for the daypp. 122–123

    Follows the weekday, or rotates

    October 16, 2026: A Collect for Fridays The app’s collect for Fridays.

    The prayer book gives collects for Sundays, Fridays, and Saturdays and four more for any day. The app gives each weekday its own.

    7 texts to choose from ›

    A collect for the day

    7 texts to choose from, pp. 122–123

    • A Collect for Sundays

      Lord God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ triumphed over the powers of death and prepared for us our place in the new Jerusalem: Grant that we, who have this day given thanks for his resurrection, may praise you in that City of which he is the light, and where he lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

    • A Collect for Fridays

      Lord Jesus Christ, by your death you took away the sting of death: Grant to us your servants so to follow in faith where you have led the way, that we may at length fall asleep peacefully in you and wake up in your likeness; for your tender mercies' sake. Amen.

    • A Collect for Saturdays

      O God, the source of eternal light: Shed forth your unending day upon us who watch for you, that our lips may praise you, our lives may bless you, and our worship on the morrow give you glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    • A Collect for Peace

      Most holy God, the source of all good desires, all right judgments, and all just works: Give to us, your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, so that our minds may be fixed on the doing of your will, and that we, being delivered from the fear of all enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through the mercies of Christ Jesus our Savior. Amen.

    • A Collect for Aid against Perils

      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, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

    • A Collect for Protection

      O God, the life of all who live, the light of the faithful, the strength of those who labor, and the repose of the dead: We thank you for the blessings of the day that is past, and humbly ask for your protection through the coming night. Bring us in safety to the morning hours; through him who died and rose again for us, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

    • A Collect for the Presence of Christ

      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.

15. A prayer for missionpp. 124–125

    Follows the weekday, or rotates

    October 16, 2026: Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or… One of the three, taken in turn.

    One of three prayers, unless the Eucharist or a form of general intercession follows. The app takes them in turn.

    3 texts to choose from ›

    A prayer for mission

    3 texts to choose from, pp. 124–125

    • O God and Father of all, whom the whole heavens adore: Let the whole earth also worship you, all nations obey you, all tongues confess and bless you, and men and women everywhere love you and serve you in peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    • 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.

    • O God, you manifest in your servants the signs of your presence: Send forth upon us the spirit of love, that in companionship with one another your abounding grace may increase among us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

16. Hymn, intercessions, and thanksgivingsp. 125

    The same every day

    A hymn or anthem may be sung, and authorized intercessions and thanksgivings may follow.

17. The General Thanksgivingpp. 125–126

    The same every day

    Before the close, the General Thanksgiving, a Prayer of St. Chrysostom, or both may be used. The app says the General Thanksgiving.

    2 texts to choose from ›

    The General Thanksgiving

    2 texts to choose from, pp. 125–126

    • The General Thanksgiving

      Almighty God, Father of all mercies,

      we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks

      for all your goodness and loving-kindness

      to us and to all whom you have made.

      We bless you for our creation, preservation,

      and all the blessings of this life;

      but above all for your immeasurable love

      in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ;

      for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.

      And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies,

      that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise,

      not only with our lips, but in our lives,

      by giving up our selves to your service,

      and by walking before you

      in holiness and righteousness all our days;

      through Jesus Christ our Lord,

      to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,

      be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.

    • A Prayer of St. Chrysostom

      Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen.

18. Dismissalp. 126

    Follows the season or feast

    October 16, 2026: Without Alleluias, which are added only in Easter Season.

    “Let us bless the Lord,” with “Alleluia, alleluia” added from Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost.

19. Concluding sentencep. 126

    The same every day

    The officiant may close with one of three sentences. The app uses the grace.

    3 texts to choose from ›

    Concluding sentence

    3 texts to choose from, p. 126

    • The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.

    • May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

    • Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen.

The Table of Suggested Canticles

The canticles after the lessons come from this table on pages 144–145 of the prayer book. The app uses it as printed, and the day shown above is marked.

The other offices

• The order of Morning Prayer, Rite Two
• The order of Noonday Prayer
• The order of Compline
• How to pray the Daily Office
• Today’s Evening Prayer