Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Anglican Church) A daily evening service with prayers prescribed in the Book of Common Prayer: "Evening prayer" refers specifically to the official liturgical service of evening worship in the Anglican tradition, following the forms set out in the Book of Common Prayer.

Usage

• The term "evening prayer" is a proper noun when referring to this specific Anglican service and is often capitalized as "Evening Prayer."
• It denotes a formal, scheduled religious observance held at the close of the day.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The parish gathers for Evening Prayer at six o'clock every day.
  • The readings for today's Evening Prayer are from the Psalms.

Advanced Usage

• "to say Evening Prayer": to participate in or conduct the service.
  • The vicar asked the choir to assist in saying Evening Prayer.
• "Evening Prayer and Morning Prayer": often mentioned together as the two main daily offices (services) in Anglican practice.
  • The rhythm of monastic life is built around Evening Prayer and Morning Prayer.

Variants and Related Words

• Evensong (n): Another name for Evening Prayer, especially when the service is musical.
  • The choir's Evensong was particularly beautiful this Sunday.
• Vespers (n): In other Christian traditions (e.g., Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox), a similar evening prayer service.
  • While similar in purpose, Vespers and Evening Prayer have different liturgical structures.

Synonyms

• Evensong: (As above) A synonym, particularly for a choral service.
• Night Prayer: A more general term that can refer to evening prayers in various traditions, but not specific to the Anglican office.

Notes on Meaning

• This definition is specific to the Anglican Church. In a general, non-liturgical context, the phrase "evening prayer" (not capitalized) can simply mean any prayer said in the evening.
  • The family said their evening prayers together before bed. (Here, it is a descriptive phrase, not the official service title.)

Noun

1. (Anglican Church) a daily evening service with prayers prescribed in the Book of Common Prayer