Published on
March 14, 2019
Video length
26 mins

2019 Calvin Symposium on Worship | Vesper


Vesper


Evening Prayer: Let My Prayer Rise Up

Part of the Liturgy of the Hours (daily prayer), Vespers, or Evening Prayer, fulfills Christ’s teaching in Luke 18:1, where he says, “Pray always.” The Liturgy of the Hours is comprised of several specific times of prayer, most importantly, Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer, marked by the rising and setting of the sun. Throughout the day there are the Office of Readings, Daytime Prayer(s), and Night Prayer before bed.

This service of Evening Prayer follows the traditional form for the service, giving thanks for the day and giving praise to God. 

Invitatory

 

Hymn: “Love, Burn Bright”

 

Collect

 

Psalm: “Psalm 141: Let My Prayer Rise Up”

 

Psalm Prayer

 

Psalm: “Psalm 131: I Have Found My Peace”

 

Psalm Prayer

 

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1–4

 

Canticle: “Magnificat”

 

Intercessions: “Watch, O Lord”

 

The Lord’s Prayer

 

Blessing

 

Sign of Peace

 

The National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) is an association that seeks to foster the art of musical liturgy. The Grand Rapids chapter seeks to do this locally with education, networking, and collegiality of the pastoral musicians who serve within the Diocese of Grand Rapids, providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and mutual support of church musicians. NPM members are regularly involved in activities with the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, and vice versa.


We are grateful to the Grand Rapids Chapter of National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) for participating in the service, along with music ministers Tony Alonso and Robert Batastini, presider Kate Williams, and lector Kimberly Hope Belcher.


 

Recent Media Resources

Psalms for Every Tribe and Tongue

Drawing inspiration from Revelation 7:9, Terry and Darlene Wildman will lead this workshop exploring how the First Nations Version: Psalms speaks into—and flows out from—the hearts of Indigenous North American cultures today through storytelling, songs, and interactive activities. Participants will experience how these ancient prayers continue to inspire worship that celebrates cultural diversity and unity in Creator’s Sacred Family.

June 4, 2026 | 79 min video
What Visual Artists See in the Psalms

The psalms present a world full of color, texture, and depth. Join us for this panel discussion in which participants explore the contribution of visual artists to our experience of the psalms. What do visual artists see when they approach the psalms? How can visual artists help form our theological imaginations? What role do the visual arts play in interpretation? This stimulating discussion aims to equip worshipers and leaders with resources for engaging the rich visual imagery of the psalms. 

May 28, 2026 | 90 min video
Local Songwriting as CSA: Support Your Local Psalm Grower!

Riffing on the themes of community-supported agriculture (CSA), Cardiphonia and Bellwether Arts have been partnering with homegrown liturgical artists to create local, organically produced fruits of the psalms through song, art, and prayer—community-supported artistry. Since 2015 they’ve been on a journey of seasonal engagement through which they have lovingly harvested almost two hundred songs, dozens of original artworks, and other liturgical produce. In this workshop you will hear from a variety of growers who sow and reap in West Michigan in various soils and sediments.

May 28, 2026 | 81 min video