The Lord is my light and my salvation:
my God shall make my darkness to be bright.

The light and peace of Jesus Christ be with you
Alland also with you.

This, or a seasonal prayer of thanksgiving, is said

Blessed are you, Lord God, creator of day and night:
to you be praise and glory for ever.
As darkness falls you renew your promise
to reveal among us the light of your presence.
By the light of Christ, your living Word,
dispel the darkness of our hearts
that we may walk as children of light
and sing your praise throughout the world.
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
AllBlessed be God for ever.

Other candles may be lit as Phos Hilaron – A Song of the Light (page 635), the following, or another suitable hymn or canticle, is sung

Hail, gladdening Light, of his pure glory poured
who is the immortal Father, heavenly, blest,
holiest of holies, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Now we are come to the sun’s hour of rest,
the lights of evening round us shine,
we hymn the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit divine.

Worthiest art thou at all times to be sung
with undefilèd tongue,
Son of our God, giver of life, alone:
therefore in all the world thy glories, Lord, they own.

Greek, tr: John Keble

Verses from Psalm 141 – A Song of the Evening Sacrifice may be said and incense may be burned

AllLet my prayer rise before you as incense, •
the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

O Lord, I call to you; come to me quickly; •
hear my voice when I cry to you.

Set a watch before my mouth, O Lord, •
and guard the door of my lips;

AllLet my prayer rise before you as incense, •
the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

Let not my heart incline to any evil thing; •
let me not be occupied in wickedness with evildoers.

But my eyes are turned to you, Lord God; •
in you I take refuge; do not leave me defenceless.

AllLet my prayer rise before you as incense, •
the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

Psalm 141.1-4b, 8

This opening prayer may be said

That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful,
let us pray with one heart and mind.

Silence is kept.

As our evening prayer rises before you, O God,
so may your mercy come down upon us
to cleanse our hearts
and set us free to sing your praise
now and for ever.
AllAmen.