A Book of Vigils

Christopher L. Webber

• Publisher: Church Publishing
• Year: 2000
• ISBN:
  9780898697414
• Topic: Teologia e religione
• Subtopic: Religione

This useful book falls in the category of resources for structuring liturgies to fit local occasions. In addition to seven complete vigil services inspired by the ancient monastic discipline of nighttime prayer and meditation, there are new models such as "A Vigil in the Presence of God" or "A Vigil for Peace and Justice". Ample notes throughout explain the history of vigils and offer advice for planning small private and large public vigils.

A Vigil
for Peace
and
Justice

NOTES FOR

A Vigil for
Peace and Justice

The keeping of a Vigil for Peace and Justice is appropriate for, and spiritually beneficial to, a large, public gathering or individuals taking turns in keeping vigils that last for several hours. The material as provided here is more appropriate to a long, private vigil, and some adaptation will be required for public gatherings.

For private vigils

The material is presented in four very long sections called “hours.” The model for the First Hour (“The Presence of God”) has not been printed here; if you wish to follow a four-hour model, use the previous vigil in this book, A Vigil in the Presence of God, as the model for the first hour. The Second Hour (“The Peace of God”), the Third Hour (“The Justice of God”), and the Fourth Hour (“The Mercy of God”) may be used as is or followed closely as models. Each hour is divided into four “segments” which are similar in length and content to the roman numeral vigil segments used elsewhere in this book. In addition, there is a section called “Closing Prayers” at the very end of the vigil.

There are readings, psalms (or hymns), prayers, and silences in each of the four segments for each hour. If these silences are kept as intended, and if the keepers of the vigil meditate upon each reading, psalm, hymn, or prayer, then each so-called vigil “hour” should indeed last an hour or even longer. Each individual (or small group) may keep one vigil hour, with the first participant(s) taking the First Hour, the second taking the Second Hour, and so on. Make sure each participant knows which hour she/he is to keep. If the vigil is to last longer than four hours, begin the cycle again. Note that each hour has its own concluding prayer, but the “Closing Prayers” section at the very end of the vigil (following the Fourth Hour) may, if desired, be used to conclude each and every participants’ hour of vigil; in this way, vigils are kept differently in some ways and, in others, are kept in common.

Once you have determined the length of your vigil and the number of participants, and have assembled all the rubrics, prayers, psalms, and hymns, make a sufficient number of copies: 1) one for each person signed up to keep the vigil or; 2) two or three “master copies,” which will remain in place as people come and go, keeping their hours of watch. Provide any other useful meditation materials, such as separate “bulletin insert” copies of the Jesus Prayer, which is a centering device suggested throughout this vigil. You also may wish to provide insert copies of the “Closing Prayers” section, if that section is to be used by every participant.

You may wish to use candles—one lighted by each participant—as a way to mark the cumulative prayers as the vigil progresses. See notes for a Vigil in the Presence of God for more information on the Jesus prayer and the use of candles.

For public vigils

There are more readings, prayers, hymns, and psalms provided in these four “hours” of material than can be fitted into a large, public occasion. Remember also that it may be appropriate to include speakers in a vigil devoted to justice and peace. Do not include so much material that the pace will be rushed in order to get through it all in a reasonable amount of time. Always allow ample time for silences.

Those planning the vigil should choose those selections that best suit the purpose of the vigil. For those who wish to adhere closely to the model provided, the simplest solution is to assemble ...