When the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. (Ezekiel 18:27) I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. (Psalm 51:3) Hide thy face from my sins: and blot out all mine iniquities. (Psalm 51:9) The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. (Psalm 51:17) Rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. (Joel 2:13) To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him: neither have we obeyed the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in his laws which he set before us. (Daniel 9:9-10)
Evening Prayer: Opening
Also known as BCP Evening Prayer · Evensong Opening · The Order for Evening Prayer
About this prayer
Evening Prayer, called Evensong when sung, is the second Daily Office of the Book of Common Prayer. It replaced the medieval offices of Vespers and Compline with a single vernacular evening service. The structure of Evening Prayer mirrors Morning Prayer: it opens with sentences of scripture, an exhortation, the General Confession, and Absolution. It then moves through versicles, psalms, lessons, the Magnificat (or Cantate Domino), the Nunc Dimittis (or Deus Misereatur), the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and three collects. Choral Evensong, as sung in cathedrals and collegiate chapels, is one of the distinctive contributions of the Anglican tradition to Christian worship. The opening texts given here cover the opening sentences and exhortation.
When it's said
Evening Prayer is said daily in Anglican parish churches and cathedrals. Choral Evensong is sung in cathedrals and collegiate chapels throughout the Church of England and the broader Anglican Communion. The BBC broadcasts Choral Evensong weekly from English cathedrals. In parish churches, Evening Prayer is less commonly celebrated than Morning Prayer but remains the appointed daily office.
Notes on the text
The opening of Evening Prayer uses a series of penitential sentences from the Old Testament rather than a single opening sentence. These sentences serve the same function as the exhortation in Morning Prayer: preparing the congregation for the General Confession. The sentences draw heavily on Psalm 51, connecting Evening Prayer's opening to the great penitential psalm of both Jewish and Christian tradition.
Book of Common Prayer, 1549; 1662 form used here. Opening sentences drawn from Ezekiel 18:27, Psalm 51, Joel 2:13, and Daniel 9:9-10. Public domain.
Last reviewed: May 2026 against primary source.