A Blessing Specific to the Feast of the Presentation

Published by

Michael K. Marsh

January 29, 2015

The Book of Occasional Services, one of the liturgical books in the Episcopal Church, offers several blessings specific to seasons and feast days. It does not, however, offer a blessing specific to the Feast of the Presentation, a major feast in the liturgical year.

The following blessing has been prepared based upon the collects and gospel reading (Luke 2:22-40) for the day:

May Almighty God, who today revealed to Simeon the light which enlightens the nations, fill your hearts with the light of faith. Amen.

May Jesus Christ, who was this day presented in the temple, present you before Almighty God with pure and clean hearts. Amen.

May the Holy Spirit who guided Simeon to the temple to see God’s salvation, guide you in the path of goodness and bring you to the Light that shines for ever. Amen.

And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.

The Feast of the Presentation, also known as Candlemas, is also a day for blessing candles; the candles used in the procession on this day, the candles that will be used throughout the liturgical year, and candles to be given to the congregation after the liturgy.

Liturgical Feasts and Fasts, Liturgy

Blessing, Candlemas, Feast of Meeting, Feast of the Presentation, Luke 2:22-40, Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, Purification of Mary

7 responses to “A Blessing Specific to the Feast of the Presentation”

Blessing Candles on the Feast of the Presentation (Candlemas) | Interrupting the Silence

January 29, 2015

[…] and carried. We receive it as did St. Simeon. That light is Christ himself, our salvation and life.The final blessing given at the end of the liturgy incorporates the theme and symbolism of this […]

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rector2012

January 29, 2015

This from the Church of England Liturgy

Christ, whose glory fills the skies,
fill you with radiance
and scatter the darkness from your path.
All Amen.
Christ,the Sun of Righteousness,
gladden your eyes and warm your heart.
All Amen.
Christ, the Dayspring from on high,
draw near to guide your feet into the way of peace.
All Amen.
And the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.
All Amen.

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1. Michael K. Marsh
  
  January 30, 2015
  
  I am glad to have this blessing. Thank you for sharing it.
  
  A blessed Feast of the Presentation to you,
  Mike+
  
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Ann Prentice, OSH

January 29, 2015

Where is mention of Anna the prophetess? Many readings leave out Anna, this prayer leaves out Anna, and yet they are the old man AND the old woman there in the temple when Jesus is presented. “There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.” She was right there and came forward at that very time, giving thanks to God and speaking about the child–although her words are not recorded in the book, she is named as is her heritage, and her presence and actions are part of our Scripture. Let’s make her name and presence and actions part of our worship on this Feast! (You might want to check out the Episcopal Society of St. Anna the Prophet, for women OVER 50.)

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1. Michael K. Marsh
  
  January 30, 2015
  
  Ann, thank you for your corrective. You are right, the absence of Anna’s words in scripture is not her absence. I want to think about how the prayer might be rewritten to include Anna and name what she brings and how she might be our guide and teacher. I would certainly welcome your ideas and suggestions. I am not sure I will get this done before the feast day but I will do it. Again, thank you.
  
  Blessed Feast day to you and your sisters,
  Mike+
  
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Prayer and Meditation for Monday, February 2, 2015 — Candlemas — “And the Holy Spirit was upon Him.” | Peace and Freedom

February 1, 2015

[…] and carried. We receive it as did St. Simeon. That light is Christ himself, our salvation and life. The final blessing given at the end of the liturgy incorporates the theme and symbolism of this […]

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Prayer and Meditation for Tuesday, February 2, 2016 — Jesus is consecrated to the Lord — Feast of the Presentation | Peace and Freedom

February 1, 2016

[…] and carried. We receive it as did St. Simeon. That light is Christ himself, our salvation and life. The final blessing given at the end of the liturgy incorporates the theme and symbolism of this […]

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