Visit # 127 and #128 ~ Presanctified Liturgy and Vespers!

Let my Prayer Arise

Great Lent is a fantastic opportunity to attend many services and last week I was able to go to the Presanctified Liturgy on Wednesday and Vespers last night (Saturday.) The Presanctified Liturgy is beautiful and a great way to bring yourself to repentance. I really enjoyed chanting the Psalms but I must say my favorite part is the hymn sung, Let My Prayer Arise. The above video is a small sampling of what it sounds like (as sung by two girls, I believe) but what I heard in Church Wednesday night was so much better. It was the deep, solo, mournful voice of Fr Gary, echoing in the Church as we all are prostrated in the Nave.   If that doesn't say Great Lent, then I don't know what does!

Vespers last night, of course, kept the same spirit of repentance. We heard no joyful bells on the incense ball censer and by attending Vespers only three days after the Presanctified Liturgy, I was able to keep this week in proper focus. Besides the increased service attendance, I find myself reading more of Sacred Scripture. I confess I had let that lapse a bit but I am following a reading plan in a new prayer book I bought for my kindle.

You can purchase it for yourself  here. In fact, Amazon lets me loan the book out once to anyone I choose for 14 days so if you'd like me to lend it to you, comment below and I will get it to you.  First come, first served! ☺ I do love this prayer book. My old prayer book is falling apart which I suppose is a good thing, meaning it has gotten a lot of use over the last few years.

When I walked into the narthex last night, I noticed the icon of St. Patrick whose feast day is this Monday. Last night we commemorated Gregory of Palamas but I know that Patrick is near and dear to many, including myself so I am glad his icon was displayed. Here is a photo I took with my phone.

St. Patrick, pray for us all!