Somewhat like the week following Easter, the week following Pentecost is rather important. No other feasts are held this day. Ember Day services may be held on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday of this week. Specific lessons are also provided for use on Monday and Tuesday of this week, as well as an additional service that can be said for the Unity of The Christian Church.
The Book of Common Prayer provides for a number of services which can be performed during this week.
The following is taken from:
- The Book of Common Prayer (1962), Anglican Church of Canada, Anglican Book Centre, Toronto © The General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada, 1962, Used without permission.
- The English Gradual: Part II - The Proper, Edited by Francis Burgess, originally produced by the Plainchant and Mediaeval Music Society, Royal School of Church Music, Dorking.
Using the same propers and chants as Sunday with the following
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons; but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching good tidings of peace by Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all); that word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed by the devil: for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did, both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew, and hanged on a tree: him God raised up the third day, and showed him openly; not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to bear witness that it is he who was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive forgiveness of sins. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Spirit as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Acts 10:34-48 NIV KJV NRSV NASB RSV NKJV ESV
The Book of Common Prayer (1962), Pages 207-208
God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not judged: but he that believeth not is judged already; because he hath not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God. And this is the judgement, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
John 3:16-21 NIV KJV NRSV NASB RSV NKJV ESV
The Book of Common Prayer (1962), Pages 208-209
Using the same propers and chants as Sunday with the following
When the Apostles, which were at Jerusalem, heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John; who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit: (for as yet he was fallen upon none of them; only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Acts 8:14-17 NIV KJV NRSV NASB RSV NKJV ESV
The Book of Common Prayer (1962), Page 209
Jesus said unto his disciples, Verily, verily I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheep-fold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep: to him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice, and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And, when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him; for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow; but will flee from him; for they know not the voice of strangers. This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. Then said Jesus unto them again; Verily, verily I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers; but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
John 10:1-10 NIV KJV NRSV NASB RSV NKJV ESV
The Book of Common Prayer (1962), Page 210
The same propers and chants as on Sunday with the following
Almighty God, the giver of all good gifts, who of thy divine providence hast appointed divers Orders in thy Church: Give thy grace, we humbly beseech thee, to all those who are to be called to any office and administration in the same; and so replenish them with the truth of thy doctrine, and endue them with innocency of life, that they may faithfully serve before thee, to the glory of thy great Name, and to the benefit of thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, who as at this time didst teach the hearts of thy faithful people, by the sending to them the light of thy Holy Spirit: Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgement in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
The Collect of Pentecost is to be used daily until Trinity Sunday.
The Book of Common Prayer (1962), Pages 210-211
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office; so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering; or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love, in honour preferring one another: not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you; bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Romans 12.3-17 NIV KJV NRSV NASB RSV NKJV ESV
The Book of Common Prayer (1962), Pages 211-212
Therefore said Jesus unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: and heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
Luke 10.2-9 NIV KJV NRSV NASB RSV NKJV ESV
The Book of Common Prayer (1962), Page 212
To be performed on any day during the Octave
Antiphon: Psalm 106. Deliver us, O Lord our God, and Gather us from among the heathen: that we may give thanks unto thy holy Name, and make our boast of thy praise.
Verse: Ibid O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious: and his mercy endureth for ever.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Repeat the Antiphon Deliver us, O Lord ...
The English Gradual: Part II - The Proper, Pages 209-216
O Lord Jesus Christ, who didst say unto thine Apostles, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: Regard not our sins, but the faith of thy Church, and grant unto it that peace and unity which is agreeable to thy will; who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
O God, who as at this time didst teach the hearts of thy faithful people, by the sending to them the light of thy Holy Spirit: Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgement in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
The Collect of Pentecost is to be used daily until Trinity Sunday.
The Book of Common Prayer (1962), Page 213
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. And unto every one of us is given grace, according to the measure of the gift of Christ; wherefore it is said, He ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, He gave gifts unto men. And when it is said, He ascended, what is it but that he also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things. And he gave some, Apostles; and some, Prophets; and some, Evangelists; and some, Pastors and Teachers; for the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ; till we all come, in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.
Ephesians 4.4-13 NIV KJV NRSV NASB RSV NKJV ESV
The Book of Common Prayer (1962), Page 213
Ps. 122. O pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love three. Peace be within thy walls: and plenteous within thy palaces.
Alleluia. Alleluia. Ps. 147. Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem: praise thy God, O syon. Alleluia.
The English Gradual: Part II - The Proper, Pages 209-216
Come, Thou holy Paraclete,
And from Thy celestial seat Send Thy light and brilliancy:
Father of the poor, draw near; Giver of all gifts, be here; Come, the soul’s true radiancy.
Come, of comforters the best, Of the soul the sweetest guest, Come in toil refreshingly:
Thou in labor rest most sweet, Thou art shadow from the heat, Comfort in adversity.
O Thou Light, most pure and blest, Shine within the inmost breast Of Thy faithful company.
Where Thou art not, man hath naught; Every holy deed and thought Comes from Thy divinity.
What is soilèd, make Thou pure; What is wounded, work its cure; What is parchèd, fructify;
What is rigid, gently bend; What is frozen, warmly tend; Strengthen what goes erringly.
Fill Thy faithful, who confide In Thy power to guard and guide, With Thy sevenfold mystery.
Here Thy grace and virtue send: Grant salvation to the end, And in Heav’n felicity. Amen. Alleluia.
And Jesus said, Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also that shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me, I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them. and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, even as thou hast loved me. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me; for thou didst love me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me; and I have declared unto them thy Name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.
John 17.20-26 NIV KJV NRSV NASB RSV NKJV ESV
The Book of Common Prayer (1962), Page 214
Romans 15. God grant you to be like-minded one towards another: that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God.
The English Gradual: Part II - The Proper, Pages 209-216
Upon Whitsunday, and six days after, and at Ordinations and Synods.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord; according to whose most true promise, the Holy Spirit came down as at this time from heaven, lighting upon the disciples to teach them, and to lead them into all truth; giving them both the gift of tongues, and also boldness with fervent zeal constantly to preach the Gospel unto all nations; whereby we have been brought out of darkness and error into the clear light and true knowledge of thee, and of thy Son Jesus Christ. Therefore with Angels, etc.
The Book of Common Prayer (1962), Pages 80-81
1 Corinthians 10. We being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread and one cup.
The English Gradual: Part II - The Proper, Pages 209-216