Please join in saying the words and singing the hymns printed in bold type.

The church is served by a hearing loop. Users should turn their hearing aid to the setting marked T.

Photography, filming, and sound recording are not allowed in the Abbey during services. Please ensure that mobile telephones and other electronic devices are silent.

The service is sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey.

Setting: Mass of St Edward the Confessor, James MacMillan (b 1959)

During the offertory hymn, a collection will be taken; the money from today's services will be divided equally between Open Doors and the work of the Abbey. Open Doors helps persecuted Christians around the world continue to follow Jesus courageously.

This service is attended by The King's Scholars of Westminster School.

Order of Service

All stand as the choir and clergy enter, and to sing the Hymn

Crown him with many crowns,
   the Lamb upon his throne;
hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns
   all music but its own:
awake, my soul, and sing
   of him who died for thee,
and hail him as thy matchless King
   through all eternity.

Crown him the Virgin's Son,
   the God incarnate born,
whose arm those crimson trophies won
   which now his brow adorn:
Fruit of the mystic Rose,
   as of that Rose the Stem;
the Root whence mercy ever flows,
   the Babe of Bethlehem.

Crown him the Lord of love!
   Behold his hands and side,
rich wounds yet visible above
   in beauty glorified:
no angel in the sky
   can fully bear that sight,
but downward bends his burning eye
   at mysteries so bright.

Crown him the Lord of peace,
   whose power a sceptre sways
from pole to pole, that wars may cease,
   absorbed in prayer and praise:
his reign shall know no end,
   and round his piercèd feet
fair flowers of paradise extend
   their fragrance ever sweet.

Crown him the Lord of years,
   the Potentate of time,
creator of the rolling spheres,
   ineffably sublime.
Glassed in a sea of light,
   where everlasting waves
reflect his throne—the Infinite!
   who lives—and loves—and saves.

Words: Matthew Bridges (1800–94)
Tune: 'Diademata' 352 NEH, George Elvey (1816–93)

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

All remain standing. The president introduces the Prayers of Penitence, after which all say

Almighty God, our heavenly Father,
we have sinned against you
and against our neighbour
in thought and word and deed,
through negligence, through weakness,
through our own deliberate fault.
We are truly sorry
and repent of all our sins.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
who died for us,
forgive us all that is past
and grant that we may serve you in newness of life
to the glory of your name.
Amen.

The president gives the Absolution

Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in life eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The choir sings Gloria in excelsis Deo

Gloria in excelsis Deo,

All sit

et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis.

Laudamus te, benedicimus te, adoramus te, glorificamus te, gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam, Domine Deus, Rex caelestis, Deus Pater omnipotens.

Domine Fili unigenite, Jesu Christe; Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis; qui tollis peccata mundi, suscipe deprecationem nostram; qui sedes ad dexteram Patris, miserere nobis.

Quoniam tu solus Sanctus, tu solus Dominus, tu solus Altissimus, Jesu Christe, cum Sancto Spiritu, in gloria Dei Patris. Amen.

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

All stand for the Collect

Let us pray.

All sit for the Reading from the Old Testament, 2 Samuel 23: 1–5

These are the last words of David:
The oracle of David, son of Jesse,
   the oracle of the man whom God exalted,
the anointed of the God of Jacob,
   the favourite of the Strong One of Israel:

The spirit of the Lord speaks through me,
   his word is upon my tongue.
The God of Israel has spoken,
   the Rock of Israel has said to me:
One who rules over people justly,
   ruling in the fear of God,
is like the light of morning,
   like the sun rising on a cloudless morning,
   gleaming from the rain on the grassy land.

Is not my house like this with God?
   For he has made with me an everlasting covenant,
   ordered in all things and secure.
Will he not cause to prosper
   all my help and my desire?

The choir sings Psalm 78: 65–end

Antiphon I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him.

He rejected the tent of Joseph,
   and chose not the tribe of Ephraim,
But he chose the tribe of Judah,
   and the hill of Zion, which he loved.
And there he built his sanctuary like the heights of heaven,
   like the earth, which he founded for ever.
He chose David also, his servant,
   and took him away from the sheepfolds;
from following the ewes with their lambs he took him,
   that he might shepherd Jacob his people,
   and Israel, his inheritance.
So he shepherded them with a devoted heart,
   and with skilful hands he guided them.

The Epistle, 1 John 4: 13–16

By this we know that we abide in God and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Saviour of the world. God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. So we have known and believe the love that God has for us.

God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.

All stand for the Procession of the Gospel. The choir sings

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

and all repeat

I have called you friends, says the Lord, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

The reader announces the Gospel, Matthew 20: 20–28

The mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favour of him. And he said to her, 'What do you want?' She said to him, 'Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.' But Jesus answered, 'You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?' They said to him, 'We are able.' He said to them, 'You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.'

When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.'

The Sermon by The Reverend Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian and Almoner

All stand to say the Creed

We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is,
seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,
was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come.
Amen.

All remain standing for the Prayers of Intercession. At the end of each petition there is said

The intercession ends

Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

The president introduces the Peace

May the God of peace sanctify you: may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before him at the coming of our Lord Jesus with his saints.

All may greet one another with the words Peace be with you.

All remain standing to sing the Hymn during the Preparation of the Altar. A collection will be taken. Alternatively, cash and contactless donations may be given as you leave via the Great West Door

Hark! the sound of holy voices,
   chanting at the crystal sea,
Alleluia, alleluia,
   alleluia, Lord, to thee:
multitude, which none can number,
   like the stars in glory stands,
clothed in white apparel, holding
   palms of victory in their hands.

Patriarch and holy prophet,
   who prepared the way of Christ,
king, apostle, saint, confessor,
   martyr, and evangelist,
saintly maiden, godly matron,
   widows who have watched to prayer,
joined in holy concert, singing
   to the Lord of all, are there.

They have come from tribulation,
   and have washed their robes in blood,
washed them in the blood of Jesus;
   tried they were, and firm they stood;
gladly, Lord, with thee they suffered;
   gladly, Lord, with thee they died,
and by death to life immortal
   they were born, and glorified.

Now they reign in heavenly glory,
   now they walk in golden light,
now they drink, as from a river,
   holy bliss and infinite;
love and peace they taste for ever,
   and all truth and knowledge see
in the beatific vision
   of the blessèd Trinity.

God of God, the One-begotten,
   Light of light, Emmanuel,
in whose Body joined together
   all the saints for ever dwell;
pour upon us of thy fullness,
   that we may for evermore
God the Father, God the Son, and
   God the Holy Ghost adore.
      Amen.

Words: Christopher Wordsworth (1807–85) Canon of Westminster 1844–69
Tune: 'Deerhurst' 226 NEH, James Langran (1835–1909)

All remain standing for the Eucharistic Prayer. The president says

It is indeed right, out duty and our joy, always and everywhere to give you thanks, holy Father, almighty and eternal God, through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. We rejoice in the glorious splendour of your majesty for you have given us a share with Edward in the inheritance of the saints in light. In the darkness of this passing age they proclaim the glory of your kingdom. Chosen as lights in the world, they surround our steps as we journey on towards the city of eternal light where they sing the everlasting song of triumph. In communion with angels and archangels and all who have served you on earth and worship you now in heaven, we raise our voices to proclaim your glory, for ever praising you and saying:

The choir sings Sanctus and Benedictus

Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth, pleni sunt caeli et terra gloria tua. Hosanna in excelsis. Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini. Hosanna in excelsis.

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

The president continues the Eucharistic Prayer

Lord, you are holy indeed, the source of all holiness; grant that by the power of your Holy Spirit, and according to your holy will, these gifts of bread and wine may be to us the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ;

who, in the same night that he was betrayed, took bread and gave you thanks; he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.

In the same way, after supper he took the cup and gave you thanks; he gave it to them, saying: Drink this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.

The president concludes the Eucharistic Prayer

And so, Father, calling to mind his death on the cross, his perfect sacrifice made once for the sins of the whole world; rejoicing in his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension, and looking for his coming in glory, we celebrate this memorial of our redemption. As we offer you this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, we bring before you this bread and this cup and we thank you for counting us worthy to stand in your presence and serve you.

All remain standing. The president introduces the Lord's Prayer

As we join our prayers with those of the Church Universal, so we say, each in our own language, the prayer that Jesus Christ has taught us,

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.

All remain standing for the Breaking of the Bread

The congregation is invited to sit as the president and other ministers begin the distribution of Holy Communion. Those wishing to receive come forward as directed by the Stewards. If you receive communion in your own church you are welcome to do so here. Gluten-free wafers are available. Please refrain from dipping the wafer in the chalice. Those who do not wish to receive communion are invited to come for a blessing; please bow your head as you approach. The minister says to each communicant

The body of Christ. Amen.

The blood of Christ. Amen.

During the giving of communion, the choir sings Agnus Dei and the Motet

O quam suavis est, Domine, Spiritus tuus, qui ut dulcedinem tuam in filios demonstrares, pane suavissimo de caelo praestito, esurientes reples bonis, fastidiosos divites dimittens inanes.

O how gentle, Lord, is your Spirit, who to show your kindness to your children have given the choicest bread of heaven, have filled the hungry with good things, and sent the haughty rich empty away.

Words: after Luke 1: 52
Music: Alonso Lobo (c 1555–1617)

All stand to sing the Hymn

Rejoice, the Lord is King,
   your Lord and King adore;
mortals, give thanks and sing,
   and triumph evermore:
lift up your heart, lift up your voice;
rejoice, again I say, rejoice.

Jesus, the Saviour, reigns,
   the God of truth and love;
when he had purged our stains,
   he took his seat above:
lift up your heart, lift up your voice;
rejoice, again I say, rejoice.

His kingdom cannot fail;
   he rules o'er earth and heaven;
the keys of death and hell
   are to our Jesus given:
lift up your heart, lift up your voice;
rejoice, again I say, rejoice.

He sits at God's right hand
   till all his foes submit,
and bow to his command,
   and fall beneath his feet:
lift up your heart, lift up your voice;
rejoice, again I say, rejoice.

Words: Charles Wesley (1707–88)
Tune: 'Gopsal' 443 NEH, George Frideric Handel (1685–1759)

Let us pray.

All remain standing. The president says the Prayer after Communion

God our redeemer, who inspired Saint Edward to witness to your love and to work for the coming of your kingdom: may we, who in this sacrament share the bread of heaven, be fired by your Spirit to proclaim the gospel in our daily living and never to rest content until your kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The president pronounces the Blessing

May God, who kindled the fire of his love in the hearts of Saint Edward the Confessor and all the saints, pour upon you the riches of his grace. Amen.

May he give you joy in their fellowship and a share in their praises. Amen.

May he strengthen you to follow them in the way of holiness and to come to the full radiance of glory. Amen.

And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

Music after the service

Prelude in E flat BWV 552i, Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)

Choristerships at Westminster Abbey

St Margaret's Choristers

If you have a daughter aged 10 or 11 who would like to sing with the St Margaret's Choristers, please contact Greg Morris, Director of Music, St Margaret's Church, [email protected]. Find out more about Music at St Margaret's Church.

The Choir of Westminster Abbey

If you have a son who enjoys singing, you can find out more information about our world-renowned Abbey Choir and its unique Choir School. 

Alternatively, please contact Dr Emma Margrett, Headteacher, Westminster Abbey Choir School, [email protected]. Mr Andrew Nethsingha, Organist and Master of the Choristers, [email protected].

Sunday Lunch

Come and enjoy Sunday lunch at the Cellarium

The Cellarium Café and Terrace serves a traditional roast lunch, with a selection of starters and desserts. From £20.00 per person. Open from noon.

If you attend worship at the Abbey regularly, you may like to add this page to your home screen for easy access to our orders of service.

Hymns covered by Christian Copyright Licensing (International) Ltd are reproduced under CCL no 1040271 and MRL no 1040288. Common Worship (Church House Publishing, 2000), material from which is included in this service, is copyright © The Archbishops' Council. Scripture Readings are from the New Revised Standard Version.