A liturgy of candle-lighting in a time of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic
The Order of Service is set out below. Download a PDF with musical responses here.
LUCERNARIUM
for Eastertide, during a time of isolation
Before this service, there should be as little artificial light as possible. One candle is lit as the Leader begins.
I. Little Blessing & Short Lesson
V. Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
Jesus said, ‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one lights a lamp to put it out of sight, but on a stand where it gives light for everyone in the house. And you, like the lamp, must shed light among others, so that they may see the good you do, and give glory to your Father in heaven.’
II. Prayer for Light
Before the Prayer is first sung
Let us pray.
Eternal God, who led your ancient people into freedom by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night: Grant that we who walk in the light of your presence may rejoice in the liberty of the children of God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
During the singing of Phos hilaron, the People may bring their candles and place them in a window of their homes. Other candles may be lighted. Incense may be used here.
III. Phos hilaron
Antiphon
The same God who said, ‘Out of darkness let light shine,’ has caused light to shine within us.
O gracious Light, pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven, O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed! Repeat Antiphon.
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. Repeat Antiphon.
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. Repeat Antiphon.
—
Recorded in St Mary’s Cathedral, Glasgow on 18 April 2020 • Setting: © 2009 alt.compline Oliver Brewer-Lennon; Psalm Tone 6 © 1993 St Meinrad Archabbey • Words: Little Blessing, The Book of Common Prayer 1979; Short Lesson, Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV, alt.); Prayer for Light, The Book of Common Prayer, 1979; Antiphon, 2 Corinthians 4:6 (NEB); Phos hilaron, The Book of Common Prayer, 1979