Holden Evening Prayer, crafted by Marty Haugen, is a beautiful vespers service from Holden Village, blending traditional forms with contemporary language for inclusive worship, widely appreciated in many communities globally.
Background and Purpose
Holden Evening Prayer, created by Marty Haugen for the winter community at Holden Village in 1985-1986, is a contemporary setting of vespers blending traditional liturgical elements with inclusive language. Designed for a remote, ecumenical community, it provides a meaningful way to mark the transition from day to night. The service emphasizes themes of light, hope, and gratitude, offering comfort and spiritual reflection. Its adaptability has made it a popular choice for congregations worldwide, while its roots in Holden Village continue to inspire its use in diverse worship settings.
Structure and Components
Holden Evening Prayer is structured as a vespers service, beginning with a Service of Light, featuring a procession, candle lighting, and an invocation. The Evening Hymn, composed by Marty Haugen, is central to the liturgy, emphasizing themes of light and divine presence. The service includes Evening Thanksgiving, a Prayer of Thanksgiving, and the Lord’s Prayer. It also incorporates Psalmody, with psalm prayers and scripture readings, followed by Prayers and Intercessions. The liturgy concludes with a Final Blessing and Dismissal, offering spiritual reflection and closure through hymns and benediction.
Service of Light
The Service of Light begins with a procession and candle lighting, symbolizing Christ as the light of the world. The leader invokes God’s presence, and the community responds.
Procession and Opening Hymn
The Service of Light begins with a solemn procession, led by a leader who declares, “Jesus Christ is the light of the world.” The community responds, affirming Christ’s presence. This is followed by the Opening Hymn, which joyfully celebrates God’s light and creation, setting a contemplative tone for the evening prayer. The hymn’s lyrics, such as “Joyous light of heavenly glory,” reflect themes of divine illumination and universal praise, inviting worshippers to reflect on God’s enduring presence in all times.
Lighting of Candles and Invocation
The Lighting of Candles symbolizes Christ’s presence as light in the darkness, marking the transition to evening worship. Candles are lit during the procession, representing the illumination of hearts and minds. The Invocation follows, where the leader prays, “May the light of your Christ make our darkness bright,” invoking God’s presence and guidance. This act prepares the community to seek divine light and refuge, setting a contemplative tone for the remainder of the service. It emphasizes trust in God’s enduring care and the hope of spiritual renewal.
Evening Hymn
The Evening Hymn, composed by Marty Haugen, is a central part of Holden Evening Prayer, expressing gratitude and seeking divine light. Its lyrical beauty enhances worship experiences.
Lyrics and Musical Composition
The Evening Hymn in Holden Evening Prayer, composed by Marty Haugen, features lyrical verses that reflect themes of light, gratitude, and divine presence. The hymn begins with “Joyous light of heavenly glory,” emphasizing God’s radiant love. Musically, it is crafted with a simple yet powerful melody, often accompanied by guitar or keyboard, making it accessible for communal singing. The composition blends contemporary and traditional elements, creating a harmonious and uplifting worship experience. Its inclusive language and poetic imagery resonate deeply with worshippers, fostering a sense of unity and spiritual connection.
Spiritual Significance and Reception
The Holden Evening Prayer holds profound spiritual significance as a reflective and inclusive worship service. Its blend of traditional and contemporary elements creates a meaningful connection with worshippers, fostering a sense of community and divine presence. The service, originating from Holden Village, has been widely embraced for its ability to inspire introspection and joy. Many find comfort in its familiar hymns and prayers, while its emphasis on light and gratitude resonates deeply. It is particularly cherished for its accessibility and emotional depth, making it a beloved part of evening worship in diverse religious communities.
Evening Thanksgiving
Evening Thanksgiving in Holden Evening Prayer invites worshippers to express gratitude through prayer and song, led by a leader, emphasizing God’s presence and the light of Christ.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
The Prayer of Thanksgiving in Holden Evening Prayer is a heartfelt expression of gratitude, led by the leader. It begins with, “Blessed are you, Creator of the universe, from old you have led your people by night and day.” The prayer invokes God’s light to dispel darkness and acknowledges Christ’s presence. It emphasizes thanksgiving for God’s guidance and the illuminating power of faith. The congregation joins in acclamation, affirming God’s sovereignty and grace, making it a unifying and spiritually enriching moment in the service.
Liturgical Significance
Holden Evening Prayer holds profound liturgical significance as a contemporary vespers service blending tradition with inclusive language. Created by Marty Haugen, it offers a structured yet adaptable format for evening worship, making it accessible across diverse congregations. Its use of light symbolism and participatory elements fosters community and spiritual connection. The service is widely embraced for its ability to bridge traditional liturgical practices with modern expressions of faith, enriching worship experiences and deepening congregational engagement in the liturgical life of the church.
Psalmody and Readings
The service includes carefully selected psalms and canticles, reflecting faith and devotion. Scripture readings follow, accompanied by moments of silence for meditation, enriching spiritual reflection and understanding.
Selection of Psalms and Canticles
The Holden Evening Prayer incorporates a thoughtful selection of psalms and canticles, chosen for their ability to inspire reflection and deepen faith. Each psalm is paired with a brief prayer, allowing for personal and communal contemplation. Canticles, such as the Magnificat, are included to enrich the liturgical experience. The psalms are often sung or recited, creating a connection to ancient traditions while maintaining relevance for modern worship. This blend of scripture and song fosters a meaningful dialogue between God and the congregation, enhancing the spiritual journey of all participants.
Scripture Readings and Meditation
Scripture readings in Holden Evening Prayer are carefully chosen to reflect themes of light, hope, and trust in God. Typically, one or two lessons are read, often including a Gospel passage, followed by a period of silence for meditation. The readings are accompanied by a responsive refrain, such as “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5); This structure encourages participants to reflect deeply on the Word and its relevance to their lives, fostering a sense of spiritual connection and communal worship. The readings are often followed by a brief prayer or meditation, further enriching the experience.
Prayers and Intercessions
The Lord’s Prayer is central, followed by intercessory prayers for the world, leaders, and those in need, fostering a sense of community and shared spiritual support.
Lord’s Prayer and Intercessory Prayers
The Lord’s Prayer is central to Holden Evening Prayer, serving as a unifying element in worship. It is recited in its traditional form, emphasizing themes of reverence, forgiveness, and divine provision. Following this, intercessory prayers are offered, petitioning God for guidance, healing, and peace in the world. These prayers often include specific intentions for leaders, the sick, and those in need, fostering a sense of communal responsibility and compassion. Together, they create a sacred space for spiritual connection and collective supplication to God.
Prayer Practices and Participation
Holden Evening Prayer encourages active participation through congregational singing, responsive prayers, and moments of silence for meditation. The service incorporates liturgical practices that invite the community to engage deeply, fostering a sense of unity and shared spiritual experience. Leaders guide the prayers, while the congregation joins in hymns, intercessions, and the Lord’s Prayer. This collaborative approach creates a dynamic worship environment, emphasizing the importance of collective prayer and personal devotion. The service is designed to be accessible, allowing all participants to connect with the liturgy and deepen their faith.
The service ends with a final blessing, dismissing the congregation in peace. A closing hymn seals the evening, leaving participants with a sense of renewal and reflection.
Final Blessing and Dismissal
The service concludes with a final blessing, where the leader invokes God’s grace and peace upon the congregation. The dismissal follows, sending the people forth in faith and hope. This moment emphasizes spiritual renewal and readiness to live out God’s love in daily life. The closing hymn enhances the sense of unity and reflection, ensuring a meaningful end to the Holden Evening Prayer experience;
Spiritual Reflection and Closing Hymn
The closing hymn serves as a heartfelt culmination of the Holden Evening Prayer, fostering spiritual reflection and unity among worshippers. Sung by all, it reinforces the evening’s themes of light, gratitude, and divine presence. The hymn’s lyrics, such as “Joyous light of heavenly glory,” deepen personal reflection and communal connection. This moment bridges the sacred and the ordinary, preparing participants to carry the spirit of prayer into their daily lives with renewed hope and mindfulness.
Availability and Resources
The Holden Evening Prayer PDF is widely available for download from various religious websites and publishers like GIA Publications, offering convenient access for worship planning and participation.
PDF Downloads and Online Access
The Holden Evening Prayer PDF is readily available for download from various sources, including GIA Publications and other religious websites. This convenient format allows worshippers to access the full liturgy, featuring the Service of Light, Evening Hymn, Thanksgiving Prayer, psalms, readings, and canticles. The PDF is based on the Book of Common Prayer and the Revised Common Lectionary, ensuring a structured and meaningful worship experience. It is widely used in churches and communities, making it easy to incorporate into evening services or personal devotion.
Copyright and Licensing Information
The Holden Evening Prayer is copyrighted by GIA Publications, Inc., with rights reserved since its publication in 1990. The liturgy, composed by Marty Haugen, is protected under copyright laws but is widely licensed for worship use through programs like OneLicense.net. This ensures proper attribution while allowing churches and communities to legally incorporate the prayer into their services. The copyright notice must be included in all printed or digital materials, reflecting respect for the artist’s work and the publisher’s rights.
Cultural and Liturgical Impact
Holden Evening Prayer, created by Marty Haugen at Holden Village, has become a beloved liturgical resource, influencing worship globally with its inclusive language and blend of tradition and modernity.
Use in Worship Services
Holden Evening Prayer is widely used in worship services, particularly during evening gatherings and Lenten seasons. Its inclusive language and contemporary style resonate with diverse congregations. The service often begins with a procession and hymn, followed by the lighting of candles, symbolizing Christ’s light in the world. Many churches, such as Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, incorporate it into their Wednesday evening services. Marty Haugen’s setting has made it accessible for choirs and congregations alike, blending tradition with modern worship practices to create a reflective and meaningful experience for all participants.
Reception in Religious Communities
Holden Evening Prayer has been warmly received across various religious communities for its inclusive and contemplative nature. Many Lutheran and ecumenical congregations have embraced it as a meaningful way to connect with faith through music and prayer. Marty Haugen’s contemporary style resonates with both traditional and modern worshippers, fostering a sense of unity. Its universal themes of light, gratitude, and spiritual reflection have made it a beloved part of evening worship in numerous churches worldwide, enriching congregational life and deepening spiritual experiences for all who participate.
