The Scottish Episcopal Church began as a distinct church tradition in 1582, when the Church of Scotland began to adopt a Presbyterian polity and reformed theology. In 1584, the Scottish Parliament under James VI of Scotland passed the “Black Acts,” appointing two bishops and administered the Church of Scotland under royal authority. This resulted in opposition and was forced to concede that administration was under the General Assembly. In 1633, Charles I was crowned in Holyrood Abbey with full Anglican rites and attempted to introduce the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) in 1637. It was a synthesis of liturgical material from the Anglican BCP and the Church of Scotland’s Book of Common Order, composed most notably by the Archbishop of St. Andrews, John Spottiswoode, the Bishop of Ross, John Maxwell, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, William Laud. On 23 July 1637, the use of this new liturgy resulted in a riot that broke out in St. Giles’ Edinburgh that indirectly resulted in the Bishops’ Wars. The Scottish BCP came into use under the reign of William and Mary, where the Communion Office was compiled by non-jurors – clergy that refused to swear allegiance to the monarch – in accordance with primitive models. The modifications that differed from the English liturgy would later be present in the liturgy used by the American Episcopal Church.
The BCP was first published in Scots Gaelic in 1794, where it was believed that the existing Irish Gaelic BCP was acceptable – though this was an erroneous view – and to avoid controversy with the Church of Scotland. Provided herein is An t-Òrdugh Airson Ùrnaigh Feasgair - The Order for Evening Prayer - from the 1895 Gaelic BCP. Special thanks to Dr. Adam Dahmer, who has edited the prayers to conform to contemporary Gaelic grammar and has kindly provided an audio example. This will greatly benefit those who are fluent in Gaelic, or perhaps still learning, how to pray in their ancestral tongue.
AN T-ÒRDUGH AIRSON ÙRNAIGH FEASGAIR
The Order for Evening Prayer
A Bhràithrean ro-ionmhainn, tha ‘n Sgriobtair ‘g ar brosnachadh ann an iomadh àite a dh’aithneachadh, agus a dh’aideachadh ar peacaidhean agus ar n-aingidheachd lìonmhor, agus nach bu chòir dhuinn a bhi ‘g an ceiltinn no ‘g an sgàileadh ann an làthair Dhè Uile-chumhachdaich ar n-Athair nèamhaidh, ach an aideachadh le cridhe umhal, ìosal, aithreach, agus iriosal, a chum gum faigh sinn maitheanas annta tre a mhaitheas agus a thròcair shìorraidh. Agus ged bu chòir dhuinn anns gach uile àm ar peacaidhean gu h-umhal aideachadh ann an làthair Dhè, gidheadh is còir dhuinn gu ro àraid sin a dhèanamh, an uair a chruinnicheas, agus a thig sinn an ceann a chèile, a thoirt buidheachais dha air son nan sochairean mòra, a fhuair sinn o ‘làimh, a chur suas a mholaidh ro òirdheirc, a dh’ èisteachd ‘fhacail ro naoimh, agus a dh’iarraidh nan nithe sin, a tha iomchaidh, agus feumail, airson a’ chuirp cho maith agus air son an anama. Air an adhbhar sin tha mi ‘g iarraidh, agus a’ guidhe oirbhse uile a tha ‘n seo an làthair, mise cho-imeachd, le cridhe glan, agus le guth umhal gu cathair a’ ghràis nèamhaidh, ag ràdh às mo dhèidh:
Dearly beloved brethren, the Scripture moveth us in sundry places to acknowledge and confess our manifold sins and wickedness; and that we should not dissemble nor cloke them before the face of Almighty God our heavenly Father; but confess them with an humble, penitent, and obedient heart; to the end that we may obtain forgiveness of the same, by his infinite goodness and mercy. And although we ought at all times humbly to acknowledge our sins before God; yet ought we most chiefly so to do, when we assemble and meet together to render thanks for the great that have received at his hands, to set forth his most holy Word, and to ask those things which are requisite and necessary, as well for the body as the soul. Wherefore I pray and beseech you, as many as are here present, to accompany me with a pure heart, and humble voice, unto the throne of the heavenly grace, saying after me:
Confession
Athair Uile-chumhachdaich agus ro-thròcairich; Chaidh sinn a’ mearachd, agus air seacharan o d’ shlighibh mar chaoirich chaillte. Lean sinn tuilleadh ‘s fada innleachdan, agus miannan ar cridheachan fhèin. Chiontaich sinn an aghaidh do laghannan naomha. Dh’fhàg sinn gun dèanadh na nithe sin, a bu chòir dhuinn a dhèanamh; Agus rinn sinn na nithe sin, nach bu chòir dhuinn a dhèanamh; Agus chan eil slàinte annainn. Ach dèan thusa, a Thighearna, tròcair oirnne, ciontaich thruagha. Caomhain iadsan, a Dhé, a tha ‘g aideachadh an lochdan. Gabh air an ais a’ mhuinntir, a tha aithreach; A-rèir do gheallaidhean air an nochdadh dhan chinne-daoine ann an Iosa Crìosd ar Tighearn. Agus deònaich, Athair ro-thròcairich, air a sgàth-san; Gun caith sinn an seo suas beatha dhiadhaidh, ionraic, agus mheasarra, a chum glòire d’ Ainme naoimh. Amen.
Almighty and most merciful Father, We have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against thy holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; And we have done those things which we ought not to have done; And there is no health in us. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare thou them, O God, which confess their faults. Restore thou them that are penitent; According to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesu our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake; That we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, To the glory of thy Name. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Ar n-Athair, a tha air Nèamh, gun naomhaichear d’ Ainm. Thigeadh do Rìoghachd. Dèanar do thoil air an Talamh, mar thathar a dhèanamh air Nèamh. Thoir dhuinn an diugh ar n-aran làitheil. Agus maith dhuinn ar cionta, mar a mhaitheas sinne dhaibhsan, a tha ‘ciontachadh nar n-aghaidh. Agus na leig ann am buaireadh sinn; Ach saor sinn o olc: Oir is leatsa an Rìoghachd, a’ chumhachd, agus a’ Ghlòir, gu sìorraidh agus gu sìorraidh. Amen.
Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed by thy Name; Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven: Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.
Sagart. A ‘Thighearna, fosgail thusa ar bilean.
Freagairt. Agus taisbeanaidh ar beul do mholadh.
S. A Dhè, dèan cabhag d’ ar saoradh.
F. A Thighearna, greas gur còmhnadh.
S. Glòir dhan Athair, agus dhan Mhac: agus dhan Spiorad Naomh;
F. Mar a bha air tùs, a tha nis, agus a bhitheas gu bràth: saoghal gun chrìch. Amen.
S. Molaibh an Tighearn.
F. Bitheadh ainm an Tighearna air a mholadh.
Priest: O Lord, open thou our lips;
Answer: And our mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
P: O God, make speed to save us.
A: O Lord, make haste to help us.
P: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;
A: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.
P: Praise ye the Lord.
A: The Lord’s Name be praised.
Psalm appointed for the day is placed here.
Magnificat. N. Lucas 1.
Tha m’ anam ag àrd-mholadh an Tighearna: agus tha mo spiorad a’ dèanamh gàirdeachais ann an Dia mo Shlànaighear.
A chionn gun d’ amhairc e air staid ìosail a bhan-òglaich.
Oir feuch, o seo suas, goiridh gach linn beannaichte dhìom.
Do bhrìgh gun do rinn an Tì a tha cumhachdach nithean mòra dhomh: agus is naomh ‘Ainm.
Agus tha a thròcair-san o linn gu linn dhan dream dhan eagal e.
Nochd e neart le ’ghàirdean: sgap e na h-uaibhrich ann an smuaintibh an cridhe fhèin.
Thug e nuas na daoine cumhachdach o ’n caithrichibh rìoghail: agus dh’àrdaich e iadsan a bha ìosal.
Lìon e an dream a bha òcrach le nithibh maithe: agus chuir e uaith na daoine saoibhir falamh.
Rinn e còmhnadh ri Israel ‘òglach fhèin ann an cuimhneachadh a thròcair: mar a labhair e r’ ar n-aithrichibh, do Abraham agus d’ a shliochd gu bràth.
S. Glòir dhan Athair, agus dhan Mhac: agus dhan Spiorad Naomh;
F. Mar a bha air tùs, a tha nis, agus a bhitheas gu bràth: saoghal gun chrìch. Amen.
My soul doth magnify the Lord: and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
For he hath regarded: the lowliness of his hand-maiden.
For, behold, from henceforth: all generations shall call me blessed.
For he that is mighty hath magnified me: and holy is his name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him: throughout all generations.
He hath showed strength with his arm: he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble and meek.
He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He remembering of his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel: as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed, for ever.
P: Glory be to the Father and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;
A: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.
Psalm appointed for the day is placed here.
First Lesson of the Day is placed here (Old Testament).
Cantate Domino. Salm 98.
Seinnibh dhan Tighearn laoidh nuadh, oir rinn e nithean iongantach.
Dh’oibrich a dheas làmh, agus a ghàirdean naomh slàinte dha.
Thaisbean an Tighearn a shlàinte : ann an sealladh nan cinneach dh’fhoillsich e ‘fhìreantachd.
Chuimhnich e a thròcair agus ‘fhìrinn do theaghlach Israeil: chunnaic uile chrìochan na talmhainn slàinte ar Dè.
Togaibh iolach ait dhan Tighearn, a thìrean uile: togaibh bhur guth, dèanaibh gàirdeachas, agus seinnibh cliù.
Seinnibh dhan Tighearn le clàrsaich : le clàrsaich agus guth sailm.
Le trompaidibh agus guth na h-adhairc’ : togaibh iolach ait an làthair an Rìgh Iehòbhah.
Beucadh an fhairge agus a làn : an saoghal agus iadsan a tha ‘n an còmhnaidh ann.
Buaileadh na tuiltean am boisean, cuideachd dèanadh na beanntan luathghàir an làthair an Tighearna : oir tha e a’ teachd a thoirt breith air an talamh.
Bheir e breith air an t-saoghal ann am fìreantachd : agus air na slòigh ann an ceartas.
S. Glòir dhan Athair, agus dhan Mhac: agus dhan Spiorad Naomh;
F. Mar a bha air tùs, a tha nis, agus a bhitheas gu bràth: saoghal gun chrìch. Amen.
O SING unto the Lord a new song: for he hath done marvellous things.
With his own right hand, and with his holy arm: hath he gotten himself the victory.
The Lord declared his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly showed in the sight of the nations.
He hath remembered his mercy and truth toward the house of Israel: and all the ends of the world have seen the salvation of our God.
Shew yourselves joyful unto the Lord, all ye lands: sing, rejoice, and give thanks.
Praise the Lord upon the harp: sing to the harp with a psalm of thanksgiving.
With trumpets also and shawms: O shew yourselves joyful before the Lord, the King.
Let the sea make a noise, and all that therein is: the round world, and they that dwell therein.
Let the floods clap their hands, and let the hills be joyful together before the Lord: for he cometh to judge the earth.
With righteousness shall he judge the world: and the peoples with equity.
P: Glory be to the Father and to the Son : and to the Holy Ghost;
A: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without end. Amen.
The Second Lesson of the Day is placed here (New Testament).
Apostles’ Creed
Tha mi ‘creidsinn ann an Dia, an t-Athair Uile-chumhachdach, Cruithear nèimh agus talmhainn:
Agus ann an Iosa Crìosd, ‘aon Mhac-san ar Tighearn, A ghabhadh leis an Spiorad naomh, A rugadh leis an Òigh Muire, A dh’fhulaing fo Phointius Piolat, A cheusadh, a fhuair bàs, agus a dh’ adhlaiceadh; Chaidh e sìos do dh’ifrinn, Air an treas là dh’éirich e a-rithist o na mairbh, Chaidh e suas gu Nèamh, Agus tha e na shuidhe air deas làimh Dhé, an t-Athair Uile-chumhachdach; Às an sin thig e thoirt breith air na bèothaibh agus air na mairbh.
Tha mi ‘creidsinn anns an Spiorad naomh; ‘S an Eaglais naomh Choitcheann; An Co-chomann nan Naomh; Am maitheanas pheacaidhean; ‘An aiseirigh a’ chuirp, Agus ‘s a’ bheatha shìorraidh, Amen.
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:
And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary, Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried: He descended into hell; The third day he rose again from the dead: He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; The holy Catholic Church; The Forgiveness of Sins; The resurrection of the Body, And the Life everlasting. Amen.
S. Gun robh an Tighearn maille ribh.
F. Agus maille ri d’ Spiorad-sa.
S. Dèanamaid ùrnaigh.
A Thighearna dèan tròcair oirnn.
A Chrìosd dèan tròcair oirnn.
A Thighearna dèan tròcair oirnn.
P: The Lord be with you:
A: And with thy spirit.
P: Let us pray.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Lord’s Prayer
Ar n-Athair, a tha air nèamh, gun naomhaichear d ‘Ainm. Thigeadh do Rìoghachd. Dèanar do thoil, air an talamh, mar thathar a dhèanamh air nèamh. Thoir dhuinn an diugh ar n-aran làitheil, Agus maith dhuinn ar cionta, mar a mhaitheas sinne dhaibhsan, a tha ‘ciontachadh nar n-aghaidh. Agus na leig ann am buaireadh sinn: Ach saor sinn o olc. Amen.
Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed by thy Name; Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven: Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil: Amen.
Suffrages
S. A Thighearna, taisbean dhuinn do thròcair.
F. Agus deònaich dhuinn do shlàinte.
S. Sgeadaich do mhinistearan le fìreantachd.
F. Agus dèan do shluagh taghta aoibhneach.
S. A Thighearna, sàbhail do shluagh.
F. Agus beannaich d’ oighreachd.
S. Thoir sìth ‘n ar linne, a Thighearna.
F. Do bhrìgh nach eil neach air bith eile a tha ‘cogadh air ar son, ach thusa a-mhàin, a Dhé.
S. A Dhé, glan ar cridheachan ‘an taobh a-staigh dhinn.
F. Agus na toir uainn do Spiorad Naomh.
P: O Lord, shew thy mercy upon us.
A: And grant us thy salvation.
P: Endue thy Ministers with righteousness.
A: And make thy chosen people joyful.
P: O Lord, save thy people.
A: And Bless thine inheritance.
P: Give peace in our time, O Lord.
A: Because there is none other that fighteth for us, but only thou, O God.
P: O God, make clean our hearts within us.
A: And take not thy Holy Spirit from us.
Second Collect at Evening Prayer.
A Dhé, on a bheil gach uile rùn naomh, gach uile dheagh chomhairle, agus gach uile oibre cheart a’ sruthadh; Thoir do d’ sheirbheisich an t-sìth sin nach urrainn an saoghal a thoirt seachad, a chum gum bi araon ar cridheachan air an suidheachadh gu gèill a thoirt do d’ àitheantaibh, agus cuideachd air dhuinn a bhi air ar dìon leatsa o eagal ar nàimhdean, gun caith sinn ar n-aimsir ann am fois agus ann an sàmhchair, tre dheagh-thoillteanas Iosa Crìosd ar Slànaigheir. Amen.
O GOD, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed; Give unto thy servants that peace which the world cannot give; that both our hearts may be set to obey thy commandments, and also that by thee we being defended from the fear of our enemies may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Third Collect, for Aid Against Perils.
Soillsich ar dorchadas, tha sinn a’ guidhe ort, a Thighearna, agus le d’ mhòr-thròcair dìon sinn o gach uile ghàbhaidhibh agus chunnartaibh na h-oidhche a-nochd, air son gràidh d’ aon-ghin Mhic, ar Slànaigheir, Iosa Crìosd. Amen.
LIGHTEN our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord; and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of thy only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer for the Clergy and People
A Dhé Uile-chumhachdaich agus mhaireannaich, a tha nad aonar ag oibreachadh mhìorbhailean mòra; cuir Spiorad slàinteil do ghràis a nuas air ar n-Easbaigibh, agus air ar Buachaillibh spioradail, agus air gach uile Cho-thional a tha fo ‘n curam; agus a chum ‘s gum fìor-thoilich iad thu, dòirt a-nuas orra sìor-dhrùchd do bheannachaidh. Deònaich seo, a Thighearna, air son onair ar Fir-tagraidh agus ar n-Eadar-mheadhanair, Iosa Crìosd. Amen.
Almighty and everlasting God, who alone workest great marvels; Send down upon our Bishops and Curates, and all Congregations committed to their charge, the healthful Spirit of thy grace; And that they may truly please thee, pout upon them the continual dew of thy blessing. Grant this, O Lord, for the honour of our Advocate and Mediator, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer of St. Chrysostom
A Dhé Uile-chumhachdaich, a thug dhuinn gràs anns an àm seo ar n-athchuingean choitcheann a dhèanamh riut le aon rùn, agus a tha ‘gealltainn, an uair a chruinnicheas dithis no triùir ‘an ceann a chèile nad Ainm, gun toir thu dhaibh an iarrtais; Co-lìon a-nis, a Thighearna, miannan agus iarrtais do sheirbheiseach, mar is ro-fheumail e dhaibh; a’ deònachadh dhuinn anns an t-saoghal seo eòlas air d’ fhìrinn, agus anns an t-saoghal a tha ri teachd a’ bheatha mhaireannach. Amen.
Almighty God, who hast given us grace, at this time, with one accord to make our common supplications unto thee; and dost promise, that when two or three are gathered together in thy Name, thou wilt grant their requests: Fulfil now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of thy servants, as may be most expedient for them; granting us in this world knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.
Gràs ar Tighearna Iosa Crìosd, agus gràdh Dhè, agus co-chomann an Spioraid Naoimh gun robh maille rinn uile gu sìorraidh. Amen. 2 Cor. xiii. 14.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen. 2 Cor. xiii. 14.