What is the Order of Morning Prayer?

FIRST CYCLE

Confession of sin: Following a ceremonial procession, the service begins with congregational confession of sin. “Anytime someone enters the presence of God in Scripture, confession is always the first step.” The confession addresses “sins of omission and commission, and sins of the heart as well as sins of the flesh.”

Declaration of Grace: The minister declares God’s forgiveness to those who are “truly penitent,” offering comfort through Christ’s redemption.

Response of Faith: The congregation responds by reciting the Lord’s Prayer, which serves as “a statement of faith.”

SECOND CYCLE

Following brief transitional exchanges, the service continues with:

Confession: Psalms are sung responsively as “confessions before the Lord about man and God.”

Grace: Scripture readings from the Old and New Testaments are followed by congregational singing of Scripture in response.

Response: The congregation recites either the Apostle’s Creed or Nicene Creed, expressing doctrinal faith centered on “the Holy Trinity.”

The sermon and offering may follow here or conclude the service, serving as “specific responses of faith.”

THIRD CYCLE

Confession: A transitional versicle requests, “O God, make clean our hearts within us.”

Grace: Two collects and prayers for the nation and Church are offered, including “A Collect for Grace” petitioning for “protection and safety as well as a prayer for righteousness.”

Response: The congregation concludes with a “General Thanksgiving” prayer, expressing gratitude for “God’s great mercy.”

The service ends with “The Grace” benediction.