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Event Information:

  • Wed
    20
    Mar
    2019

    Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts for Wednesday of the Third Week of Great Lent

    LITURGY OF THE PRESANCTIFIED GIFTS

    At Psalm 140

    In Tone 4

    1. Lead my soul forth from prison* that I may give thanks to Your name.

    Like the prodigal I squandered my paternal inheritance,
    and now I am in desolation.
    I dwell in the land of the wicked.
    In my folly, I became like the unreasoning beasts,
    stripped of all divine grace.
    So I return and cry out to You:
    O merciful and compassionate Father,
    I have sinned, O God.
    Receive me as a penitent and have mercy on me.

    1. The just shall gather around me* when You have been good to me.

    Like the prodigal I squandered my paternal inheritance,
    and now I am in desolation.
    I dwell in the land of the wicked.
    In my folly, I became like the unreasoning beasts,
    stripped of all divine grace.
    So I return and cry out to You:
    O merciful and compassionate Father,
    I have sinned, O God.
    Receive me as a penitent and have mercy on me.

    1. Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!

    O martyrs of the Lord,
    you are living sacrifices and spiritual offerings
    and perfect incense burnt to God.
    You are sheep that know God and are known to Him,
    and wolves cannot break into His fold.
    Pray that we may be led with you
    to pasture beside the still waters.

    In Tone 6

    1. Let Yours ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.

    O apostles who have seen God,
    and who reflect the light of the spiritual Sun for us,
    pray for the illumination of our souls
    and deliver us from the gloomy darkness of suffering.
    Intercede that we may behold the day of salvation.
    Through your prayers and intercessions
    cleanse our heart which the Evil One has wounded,
    so that, saved by faith, we may ever honour you
    who brought the world salvation through your all-wise preaching.

    1. If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.

    Into an evil land I have wandered,
    prodigal that I am;
    the wealth You gave to me, O compassionate Father,
    I have squandered in a life filled with vice.
    And now in hunger I long for the good I lost;
    I am clothed with the shame of my transgression.
    I have been stripped of righteous deeds and of divine grace.
    Now I cry out that I have sinned.
    But I know Your righteousness, O Christ;
    in Your kindness receive me as Your hired servant,
    through the prayers of Your apostles who love You.

    1. I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.

    Apostles of the Lord and bright lights of the universe,
    you made us the recipients of salvation,
    and like the heavens you proclaim the glory of God;
    you are adorned with wonders and bright miracles.
    Intercede for us unceasingly before the Lord,
    that He may receive our prayers as a pleasing aroma,
    and grant that with love we may contemplate and kiss His life-giving Cross.
    In Your love for humankind,
    grant mercy to us who bow low before Your Cross, O Saviour.

    In Tone 4

    1. From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.

    You desired the glory which is eternal and does not pass away,
    scorning the glory that is transitory and perishing.
    You took up your Cross and followed after the crucified One,
    subjecting your flesh to ascetic struggles.
    therefore, James, we celebrate your memory!

    1. For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.

    You desired the glory which is eternal and does not pass away,
    scorning the glory that is transitory and perishing.
    You took up your Cross and followed after the crucified One,
    subjecting your flesh to ascetic struggles.
    therefore, James, we celebrate your memory!

    1. Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.

    You were crucified to the world and to the passions,
    preserving your soul undefiled and pure,
    untainted by low things, Father James.
    Thus you soared to the heavens with mystical visions.
    there you set forth your life as a true friend of Christ,
    ever-memorable one, and a most faithful saint.

    1. Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.

    Ever-memorable one,
    you were revealed to be innocent, guileless, and merciful,
    filled with brotherly love, humility, meekness and charity.
    You were adorned with compassion,
    gifted with patience, faith and hope.
    You were enriched with prayer.
    In holiness, you were illumined by the brightness of God!

    In Tone 3, Glory… Now…

    By your great power, O pure one,
    deliver us from sorrows and save us from death!
    Protect us from every attack of the devil;
    free us from every affliction.
    Pray without ceasing to your Son,
    that He may deliver us from every oppression.

    Prokeimenon I, Tone 4
    I trust in the goodness of God* forever and ever.
    verse: I will thank You forevermore; for this is Your doing.

    Reading I
    Genesis 7:6-9

    Prokeimenon II, Tone 4
    When God delivers His people from bondage,* then Jacob will be glad and Israel rejoice.
    verse: Fools have said in their hearts: There is no God above.

    Reading II
    Proverbs 9:12-18