Gregory the Great
Gregory was born about 540 and became pope in a turbulent era. He used his great ability as an organiser to defend Italy against the Lombard invasions and to arrange extensive relief for the poor. He was responsible for sending Augustine to Britain, and wrote a text-book for the episcopate on pastoral care. Gregory also promoted monasticism as a vigorous outreach of the church. He died in 604. FATS
Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/49pehsu3
Jerusalem, arise and stand upon the heights,
and behold the joy which comes to you from God. Baruch 5
Merciful God,
you pardon all who truly repent and turn to you.
We humbly confess our sins and ask your mercy.
We have not loved you with a pure heart,
nor have we loved our neighbor as ourselves.
We have not done justice, loved kindness,
or walked humbly with you, our God.
Have mercy on us, O God, in your loving-kindness.
In your great compassion,
cleanse us from our sin.
Create in us a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within us.
Do not cast us from your presence,
or take your Holy Spirit from us.
Restore to us the joy of your salvation
and sustain us with your bountiful Spirit. Amen. BCW
Music: https://tinyurl.com/ufxekitx
God, come to my assistance.
Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
HYMN: Gregory the Great; trans. John Mason Neale; alt. Peter Scagnelli ©
Tune: Erhalt uns, Herr https://tinyurl.com/bdevxb6s
1 Again we keep this solemn fast,
A gift of faith from ages past,
This Lent which binds us lovingly
To faith and hope and charity.
2 The law and prophets from of old
In figured ways this Lent foretold,
Which Christ, all ages’ Lord and Guide,
In these last days has sanctified.
3 More sparing, therefore, let us make
The words we speak, the food we take,
Our sleep, our laughter, ev’ry sense;
Learn peace through holy penitence.
4 Let us avoid each harmful way
That lures the careless mind astray;
By watchful prayer our spirits free
From scheming of the enemy.
5 We pray, O blessed Three-in-One,
Our God while endless ages run,
That this, our Lent of forty days,
May bring us growth and give you praise.
PSALMS
Psalm 62 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/y9slywgl)
1 My soul truly waiteth still upon God *
for of him cometh my salvation.
2 He verily is my strength and my salvation *
he is my defence, so that I shall not greatly fall.
3 How long will ye imagine mischief against every man *
ye shall be slain all the sort of you;
yea, as a tottering wall shall ye be, and like a broken hedge.
4 Their device is only how to put him out whom God will exalt *
their delight is in lies; they give good words with their mouth,
but curse with their heart.
5 Nevertheless, my soul, wait thou still upon God *
for my hope is in him.
6 He truly is my strength and my salvation *
he is my defence, so that I shall not fall.
7 In God is my health, and my glory *
the rock of my might, and in God is my trust.
8 O put your trust in him alway, ye people *
pour out your hearts before him, for God is our hope.
9 As for the children of men, they are but vanity *
the children of men are deceitful upon the weights,
they are altogether lighter than vanity itself.
10 O trust not in wrong and robbery, give not yourselves unto vanity *
if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
11 God spake once, and twice I have also heard the same *
that power belongeth unto God;
12 And that thou, Lord, art merciful *
for thou rewardest every man according to his work.
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.
Psalm 63 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/y7dmyzy2)
1 O God, thou art my God *
early will I seek thee.
2 My soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh also longeth after thee *
in a barren and dry land where no water is.
3 Thus have I looked for thee in holiness *
that I might behold thy power and glory.
4 For thy loving-kindness is better than the life itself *
my lips shall praise thee.
5 As long as I live will I magnify thee on this manner *
and lift up my hands in thy Name.
6 My soul shall be satisfied, even as it were with marrow and fatness *
when my mouth praiseth thee with joyful lips.
7 Have I not remembered thee in my bed *
and thought upon thee when I was waking?
8 Because thou hast been my helper *
therefore under the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.
9 My soul hangeth upon thee *
thy right hand hath upholden me.
10 These also that seek the hurt of my soul *
they shall go under the earth.
11 Let them fall upon the edge of the sword *
that they may be a portion for foxes.
12 But the King shall rejoice in God;
all they also that swear by him shall be commended *
for the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.
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.
Psalm 64 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/ydc4zq6h)
1 Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer *
preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
2 Hide me from the gathering together of the froward *
and from the insurrection of wicked doers;
3 Who have whet their tongue like a sword *
and shoot out their arrows, even bitter words;
4 That they may privily shoot at him that is perfect *
suddenly do they hit him, and fear not.
5 They encourage themselves in mischief *
and commune among themselves how they may lay snares,
and say, that no man shall see them.
6 They imagine wickedness, and practise it *
that they keep secret among themselves,
every man in the deep of his heart.
7 But God shall suddenly shoot at them with a swift arrow *
that they shall be wounded.
8 Yea, their own tongues shall make them fall *
insomuch that whoso seeth them shall laugh them to scorn.
9 And all men that see it shall say, This hath God done *
for they shall perceive that it is his work.
10 The righteous shall rejoice in the Lord, and put his trust in him *
and all they that are true of heart shall be glad.
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.
Psalm 62 (Plainsong: http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-62.mp3)
1 For God alone my soul in silence waits; *
from him comes my salvation.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, *
my stronghold, so that I shall not be greatly shaken.
3 How long will you assail me to crush me,
all of you together, *
as if you were a leaning fence, a toppling wall?
4 They seek only to bring me down from my place of honor; *
lies are their chief delight.
5 They bless with their lips, *
but in their hearts they curse.
6 For God alone my soul in silence waits; *
truly, my hope is in him.
7 He alone is my rock and my salvation, *
my stronghold, so that I shall not be shaken.
8 In God is my safety and my honor; *
God is my strong rock and my refuge.
9 Put your trust in him always, O people, *
pour out your hearts before him, for God is our refuge.
10 Those of high degree are but a fleeting breath, *
even those of low estate cannot be trusted.
11 On the scales they are lighter than a breath, *
all of them together.
12 Put no trust in extortion;
in robbery take no empty pride; *
though wealth increase, set not your heart upon it.
13 God has spoken once, twice have I heard it, *
that power belongs to God.
14 Steadfast love is yours, O Lord, *
for you repay everyone according to his deeds.
Psalm 63 (Plainsong: http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-63-MH.mp3)
2 O God, you are my God, for you I long;
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you
like a dry, weary land without water.
3 So I gaze on you in the sanctuary
to see your strength and your glory.
4 For your love is better than life,
my lips will speak your praise.
5 So I will bless you all my life,
in your name I will lift up my hands.
6 My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,
my mouth shall praise you with joy.
7 On my bed I remember you.
On you I muse through the night
8 for your have been my help;
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
9 My soul clings to you;
your right hand holds me fast.
10 Those who seek to destroy my life
shall go down to the depths of the earth.
11 They shall be put into the power of the sword
and left as the prey of the jackals.
12 But the king shall rejoice in God;
(all that swear by him shall be blessed,)
for the mouth of liars shall be silenced.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son :
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be :
world without end. Amen.
Psalm 64 (Plainsong: http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-64-MH.mp3)
2 Hear my voice, O God, as I complain,
guard my life from dread of the foe.
3 Hide me from the band of the wicked,
from the throng of those who do evil.
4 They sharpen their tongues like swords;
they aim bitter words like arrows
5 to shoot at the innocent from ambush,
shooting suddenly and recklessly.
6 They scheme their evil course;
they conspire to lay secret snares.
They say: “Who will see us?
7 Who can search out our crimes?”
He will search who searches the mind
and knows the depths of the heart.
8 God has shot them with his arrow
and dealt them sudden wounds.
9 Their own tongue has brought them to ruin
and all who see them mock.
10 Then will all men fear;
they will tell what God has done.
They will understand God’s deeds.
11 The just will rejoice in the Lord
and fly to him for refuge.
All the upright hearts will glory.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son :
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be :
world without end. Amen.
PRAYER
God of might and mercy,
you bring us to new life each day,
and nurture us in your tender love.
Keep us far from all sinfulness,
that our lives may be a blessing to you;
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. BCW
THE WORD OF GOD
The Lord’s word came to me:
Go and proclaim to the people of Jerusalem,
The Lord proclaims:
I remember your first love,
your devotion as a young bride,
how you followed me in the wilderness,
in an unplanted land.
Israel was devoted to the Lord,
the early produce of the harvest.
Whoever ate from it became guilty;
disaster overtook them,
declares the Lord.
Listen to the Lord’s word,
people of Judah,
all you families of the Israelite household.
This is what the Lord says:
What wrong did your ancestors find in me
that made them wander so far?
They pursued what was worthless
and became worthless.
They didn’t ask,
“Where’s the Lord who brought us up from the land of Egypt,
who led us through the wilderness,
in a land of deserts and ravines,
in a land of drought and darkness,
in a land of no return,
where no one survives?”
I brought you into a land of plenty,
to enjoy its gifts and goodness,
but you ruined my land;
you disgraced my heritage.
The priests didn’t ask,
“Where’s the Lord?”
Those responsible for the Instruction didn’t know me;
the leaders rebelled against me;
the prophets spoke in the name of Baal,
going after what has no value.
That is why I will take you to court
and charge even your descendants,
declares the Lord.
Look to the west as far as the shores of Cyprus
and to the east as far as the land of Kedar.
Ask anyone there:
Has anything this odd ever taken place?
Has a nation switched gods,
though they aren’t really gods at all?
Yet my people have exchanged their glory
for what has no value.
Be stunned at such a thing, you heavens;
shudder and quake,
declares the Lord.
My people have committed two crimes:
They have forsaken me, the spring of living water.
And they have dug wells, broken wells that can’t hold water.
HYMN: Anne Steele
Tune: Culross
1 How oft, alas! this wretched heart
Has wandered from the Lord,
How oft my roving thoughts depart,
Forgetful of His word.
2 Yet sovereign mercy calls, “Return;”
Dear Lord, and may I come?
My vile ingratitude I mourn;
O take the wanderer home.
3 And canst Thou, wilt Thou yet forgive,
And bid my crimes remove?
And shall a pardoned rebel live
To speak Thy wondrous love?
4 Almighty grace, thy healing power,
How glorious, how Divine!
That can to bliss and life restore
So vile a heart as mine.
5 Thy pardoning love, so free, so sweet,
Dear Saviour, I adore;
O keep me at Thy sacred feet
And let me rove no more.
My brothers and sisters, when you show favoritism you deny the faithfulness of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has been resurrected in glory. Imagine two people coming into your meeting. One has a gold ring and fine clothes, while the other is poor, dressed in filthy rags. Then suppose that you were to take special notice of the one wearing fine clothes, saying, “Here’s an excellent place. Sit here.” But to the poor person you say, “Stand over there”; or, “Here, sit at my feet.” Wouldn’t you have shown favoritism among yourselves and become evil-minded judges?
My dear brothers and sisters, listen! Hasn’t God chosen those who are poor by worldly standards to be rich in terms of faith? Hasn’t God chosen the poor as heirs of the kingdom he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Don’t the wealthy make life difficult for you? Aren’t they the ones who drag you into court? Aren’t they the ones who insult the good name spoken over you at your baptism?
You do well when you really fulfill the royal law found in scripture, Love your neighbor as yourself. But when you show favoritism, you are committing a sin, and by that same law you are exposed as a lawbreaker. Anyone who tries to keep all of the Law but fails at one point is guilty of failing to keep all of it. The one who said, Don’t commit adultery, also said, Don’t commit murder. So if you don’t commit adultery but do commit murder, you are a lawbreaker. In every way, then, speak and act as people who will be judged by the law of freedom. There will be no mercy in judgment for anyone who hasn’t shown mercy. Mercy overrules judgment.
HYMN: Gregory the Great; trans. John Chandler
Tune: University College https://tinyurl.com/yuk2fucv
1 Source of light and life divine,
Thou didst cause the light to shine;
Thou didst bring Thy sunbeams forth
O’er Thy new-created earth.
2 Shade of eve, and morning ray,
Took from Thee the name of day:
Now the shades of night are nigh,
Listen to our mournful cry.
3 May we ne’er, by guilt opprest,
Lose the way to endless rest;
May no thoughts impure and vain
Draw our souls to earth again.
4 Rather lift them to the skies,
Where our dear-bought treasure lies;
Help us in our daily strife,
Make us struggle into life.
5 Holy Father, Holy Son,
Holy Spirit, Three in One,
Praise and glory be to Thee,
Now and through eternity.
After calling the crowd together with his disciples, Jesus said to them, “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross, and follow me. All who want to save their lives will lose them. But all who lose their lives because of me and because of the good news will save them. Why would people gain the whole world but lose their lives? What will people give in exchange for their lives? Whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this unfaithful and sinful generation, the Human One will be ashamed of that person when he comes in the Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
CANTICLE Revelation 11:17-18; 12:10b-12a
(Chant by John Michael Talbot: https://tinyurl.com/ycrn2d4f)
Ant. The Father has given Christ all power, honor, and kingship,
All people will obey him.
We praise you, the Lord God Almighty,
who is and who was.
You have assumed your great power,
you have begun your reign.
the nations have raged in anger,
but then came your day of wrath
and the moment to judge the dead:
the time to reward your servants the prophets
and the holy ones who revere you,
the great and the small alike.
Now have salvation and power come,
the reign of our god and the authority
of his anointed one,
for the accuser of our brothers is cast out,
who night and day accused them before God.
They defeated him by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
love for life did not deter them from death.
So rejoice, you heavens,
and you that dwell therein!
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
THE PRAYERS WS2
Giver of life, we wait with you to offer the hope
that comes from the cross to earth’s darkest places.
Where pain is deep and affection is denied:
let love break through.
Where justice is destroyed,
let sensitivity to right spring up.
Where hope is crucified,
let faith persist.
Where peace has no chance,
let passion live on.
Where truth is trampled underfoot,
let the struggle continue.
Where fear paralyzes,
let forgiveness break through.
Eternal God, reach into the silent darkness of our souls
with the radiance of the cross.
O you who are the bearer of all pain,
have mercy on us.
Giver of life,
have mercy on us.
Merciful God,
have mercy on us. Amen.
Setting by Eric Wyse:2
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your Name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread;
and forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours,
now and for ever. Amen.
Gracious and eternal God, you called Gregory of Rome to be a persistent servant and pastor of your people; keep your church in the faith that he taught and unwavering in its mission in the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. FATS
Music: https://tinyurl.com/y9efvwm5
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen. 2 Cor. 13:14
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BCW Book of Common Worship, Presbyterian Church U.S.A., 1993.
WS2 The Worship Sourcebook, 2nd edition, © 2013, Faith Alive Christian Resources
FATS For All the Saints, © The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia, 2014
The three main scripture readings are © 2011 Common English Bible.
The traditional language psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer (1662). The modern version of Psalm 62 is from Book of Common Prayer (1979) and is sung by Ryland Angel. Psalms 63 and 64 are from The Grail Psalter and are from the Manual Hopper YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/manualhopper/featured.
Musical links are usually either to artists’ albums posted on Spotify or to recordings made available at smallchurchmusic.com. Audio stripped from YouTube videos is footnoted accordingly above.
Compilation © 2025 Stephen T. Benner. All links worked at the time they were created, but I cannot accept responsibility for their content or any damage resulting from their use. The linked content is under the control of the respective content creators and is subject to change at any time. Any copyright texts included in this compilation are provided for non-commercial purposes related to study or worship. Please contact the respective copyright holders for permission to use the texts in other contexts.
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