Holden Evening Prayer PDF: A Comprehensive Overview (Updated 12/17/2025)
Holden Evening Prayer, crafted by Marty Haugen, is readily available in PDF format for liturgical use, offering a convenient digital resource for communities and individuals.
This digital version, updated today – 12/17/2025 – facilitates easy access to the service’s texts and music, including the Lord’s Prayer and Words of Institution.
Augsburg Fortress licensing (AF License 26951) governs its permitted use, ensuring adherence to copyright regulations while enabling widespread spiritual enrichment.
Origins and Historical Context
Holden Evening Prayer emerged from the unique spiritual environment of Holden Village, a retreat center nestled in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State. Created in 1985-1986 for the Winter Community at Holden, it was initially intended to provide a reflective and communal worship experience during the quieter winter months.
The service’s development is deeply intertwined with the ethos of Holden Village – a place emphasizing contemplative prayer, social justice, and ecological awareness. Marty Haugen, the composer, sought to create a liturgy that resonated with this holistic approach to faith.
The initial intention wasn’t widespread publication, but rather a tailored worship aid for the resident community. However, its profound impact and beautiful musical setting led to increasing requests for its use beyond Holden Village. This organic growth prompted Augsburg Fortress and GIA Publications to collaborate on its formal publication and distribution, eventually leading to the convenient PDF format available today.
The service reflects a desire for a more participatory and accessible form of evening prayer, drawing on ancient liturgical traditions while incorporating contemporary musical sensibilities.
Marty Haugen and the Holden Village Community
Marty Haugen, born in 1950, is a prolific composer of liturgical music whose work is widely sung in churches across the United States and beyond. His deep connection to the Catholic liturgical tradition, combined with a gift for accessible and evocative melodies, defines his compositional style.
Haugen’s collaboration with Holden Village was pivotal in shaping Holden Evening Prayer. The community’s emphasis on contemplative spirituality and inclusive worship provided a fertile ground for his creative process. He wasn’t simply writing music for Holden, but with Holden – responding to the needs and spirit of the community.
The service embodies the values of Holden Village, and Haugen’s music beautifully complements the liturgical texts. GIA Publications, Inc. published his work in 1990, recognizing the quality and potential of this setting. The PDF format now allows broader access to this collaborative creation, extending the reach of both Haugen’s artistry and the Village’s spiritual influence.
His commitment to creating music that fosters communal prayer is evident throughout the service.
The Purpose of Holden Evening Prayer
Holden Evening Prayer serves as a deeply reflective and communal worship experience, designed to transition from the activities of the day into a time of peaceful contemplation and spiritual renewal. The service intentionally creates a sacred space for individuals and communities to connect with the divine.
Rooted in the traditions of evening prayer, it offers a structured yet flexible framework for worship, incorporating elements like the Service of Light, Evening Thanksgiving, and responsive readings. The inclusion of texts like the Lord’s Prayer and the Words of Institution anchors the service in core Christian beliefs.
The PDF format enhances its accessibility, allowing congregations to easily implement this meaningful service. It’s intended to foster a sense of unity and shared faith, inviting participants to “stay with us now, for it is evening.” The service’s beauty lies in its ability to nurture the soul and prepare hearts for rest and reflection.
Ultimately, it’s a call to gratitude and peaceful surrender.
Availability of the PDF Format
The Holden Evening Prayer PDF is widely accessible, offering a convenient and cost-effective way to utilize this beloved liturgical resource. While originating with the Holden Village community in 1985-1986, the digital format extends its reach far beyond its initial setting.
Authorized distribution is managed through Augsburg Fortress, requiring adherence to AF License 26951 for legal and ethical usage. This ensures proper respect for copyright held by GIA Publications, Inc., regarding the music composed by Marty Haugen.
The PDF contains complete service texts, including the Words of Institution and hymn suggestions, streamlining preparation for worship leaders. It’s designed for “use only” by licensed entities, preventing unauthorized reproduction or distribution.
Finding the PDF typically involves a purchase or subscription through Augsburg Fortress or affiliated vendors, guaranteeing access to the most current and legally compliant version of this cherished evening prayer service.
Structure of the Holden Evening Prayer Service
The service unfolds through distinct sections: Service of Light, Evening Thanksgiving, Psalmody/Readings, and Prayers/Intercessions, creating a flowing, meditative worship experience.
Each element builds upon the last, guided by Marty Haugen’s musical settings and carefully chosen liturgical texts.
Service of Light
The Holden Evening Prayer service commences with the “Service of Light,” a foundational element establishing the atmosphere for worship and reflection. This section traditionally begins with a procession, symbolizing the entrance into sacred space and the welcoming of God’s presence.
A leader proclaims, “Jesus Christ is the light of the world; the light no darkness can overcome,” to which the congregation responds with affirmation. The leader then invites, “Stay with us now, for it is evening, and the day is nearly over,” acknowledging the transition into a time of quiet contemplation.
The congregation responds, “All: and the day is past,” embracing the stillness of the evening. This initial exchange sets the tone for the service, emphasizing Christ as the central light and acknowledging the sacredness of the approaching night. The PDF format allows for easy access to these responsive readings, facilitating communal participation.
This segment prepares hearts to receive the grace and peace offered throughout the remainder of the Holden Evening Prayer experience.
Evening Thanksgiving
Following the Service of Light, the Holden Evening Prayer service transitions into the “Evening Thanksgiving,” a pivotal moment dedicated to expressing gratitude for the blessings received throughout the day. This section, readily accessible within the PDF document, provides a structured opportunity for communal and individual reflection.
The Thanksgiving is a heartfelt acknowledgement of God’s faithfulness and provision. It’s a time to recall both the joys and challenges experienced, offering them back to God with a spirit of thankfulness. The PDF format ensures the text is easily available for congregational recitation.
This portion of the service often includes specific prayers and litanies designed to focus gratitude. The simplicity and beauty of the language, composed by Marty Haugen, encourage sincere and meaningful participation. The PDF allows for convenient printing and use during the service.
It’s a central element in fostering a spirit of contentment and peace within the community.
Psalmody and Readings
The Holden Evening Prayer service deeply incorporates “Psalmody and Readings,” offering a rich tapestry of scripture to nourish the soul. The PDF version of the service provides the complete texts for these essential components, facilitating both individual and communal engagement with the Word.
Typically, a psalm is sung or recited, often responsively between the leader and the congregation, creating a dynamic and participatory experience. The chosen psalms resonate with themes of evening, rest, and trust in God’s protection. The PDF ensures accurate and consistent use of the selected verses.
Following the psalm, a reading from scripture – often a passage from the Old or New Testament – is proclaimed. These readings are carefully selected to complement the overall theme of the service and provide further spiritual insight.
The PDF format allows for easy access to these readings, enhancing the reflective nature of the service.
Prayers and Intercessions
Within the Holden Evening Prayer service, “Prayers and Intercessions” form a vital connection between personal reflection and communal concern, and the PDF version faithfully presents these elements. The service includes specifically crafted prayers, often focusing on gratitude for the day and seeking God’s guidance for the night ahead.
These prayers, readily available in the PDF, are designed to be inclusive and responsive, inviting participation from all present. Following the general prayers, a time for intercessions is offered, where the community lifts up petitions for others – those in need, the wider world, and specific concerns.
The PDF format allows leaders to easily prepare and adapt the intercessions, ensuring they remain relevant and meaningful. The structure encourages both spoken and silent prayer, fostering a sense of intimate connection with the divine.
This section embodies the heart of communal worship within the Holden Evening Prayer tradition.
Key Liturgical Elements & Texts
The Holden Evening Prayer PDF showcases core liturgical components like the Lord’s Prayer and “On the Night…” texts, alongside hymns and readings.
These elements, composed by Marty Haugen, are central to the service’s structure and spiritual depth, readily accessible within the digital document.
The Lord’s Prayer Inclusion
Holden Evening Prayer prominently features the Lord’s Prayer, a foundational element of Christian worship, integrated within the service as a communal expression of faith and devotion.
The PDF version ensures faithful reproduction of this sacred text, allowing congregations to participate in this unifying prayer as Jesus taught his disciples. The prayer is specifically included as part of the gathering, fostering a sense of unity and shared spirituality.
Within the service flow, the Lord’s Prayer is presented after a call to gather, inviting all present to join their voices in this timeless petition. The PDF’s clarity ensures accurate recitation and understanding of the prayer’s meaning.
This inclusion underscores the service’s commitment to traditional liturgical practices while providing a readily accessible resource for worship leaders and participants alike, all under Augsburg Fortress licensing (AF License 26951).
The text, as set by Marty Haugen, is faithfully represented in the PDF, maintaining the integrity of the musical and lyrical arrangement.
Words of Institution – “On the Night…”
The Holden Evening Prayer service incorporates the traditional Words of Institution – “On the Night…” – recalling Jesus’s final meal with his disciples and the establishment of the Eucharist.
The PDF format meticulously preserves this significant liturgical element, ensuring accurate transmission of the sacred narrative for use in worship settings. This section serves as a powerful reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and the ongoing significance of the sacrament.
Presented within the service’s structure, these words connect the present gathering with the historical event, deepening the spiritual experience for participants. The PDF’s accessibility allows for easy preparation and confident delivery by liturgical leaders.
Marty Haugen’s setting, faithfully reproduced in the PDF, enhances the solemnity and reverence of this moment, all while adhering to copyright guidelines through Augsburg Fortress (AF License 26951) and GIA Publications.
The inclusion of this text reinforces the service’s grounding in Christian tradition and its commitment to meaningful liturgical practice.
Hymns and Gathering Music
The Holden Evening Prayer PDF features a selection of thoughtfully chosen hymns and gathering music designed to enhance the worship experience and foster a sense of communal unity.
These musical elements, composed or arranged by Marty Haugen, are integral to the service’s flow, creating an atmosphere conducive to prayer and reflection. The PDF provides access to both the lyrics and musical notation, facilitating preparation for musicians and congregational singing.
Specific hymn references within the service are clearly indicated, allowing for seamless integration into the liturgical order. The gathering music sets the tone for the evening, inviting participants to enter into a space of sacred encounter.
Copyright permissions, managed through GIA Publications, Inc., ensure legal and ethical use of the musical material. The PDF format allows for easy printing and distribution of hymn sheets, promoting active participation.
This musical dimension enriches the Holden Evening Prayer, making it a deeply moving and spiritually fulfilling experience.
Specific Hymn References within the Service
The Holden Evening Prayer PDF meticulously details specific hymn references integrated throughout the service, enhancing its liturgical structure and devotional impact. These selections, often chosen to complement the scripture readings and themes of the evening, are clearly indicated within the document.
The PDF allows users to easily identify the hymns designated for the gathering, during communion, and for the closing moments of worship. Musical notation and lyrics are provided, facilitating preparation for both musicians and the congregation.
Hymns by Marty Haugen are prominently featured, reflecting his significant contribution to the Holden Evening Prayer setting. The service’s structure seamlessly weaves these hymns into the flow of prayer and reflection.
Copyright information from GIA Publications, Inc. accompanies each hymn reference, ensuring proper licensing and usage. The PDF’s organization simplifies hymn selection and promotes a unified worship experience.
This detailed hymnography is a cornerstone of the Holden Evening Prayer’s beauty and effectiveness.
Copyright and Usage Rights
The Holden Evening Prayer PDF is protected by copyright, with Augsburg Fortress (AF License 26951) and GIA Publications, Inc. holding music rights.
Permitted use is outlined within the PDF, restricting unauthorized distribution while allowing licensed congregations to utilize the material for worship.
Augsburg Fortress Licensing (AF License 26951)
Augsburg Fortress administers the liturgical license (AF License 26951) essential for the legal and ethical use of the Holden Evening Prayer PDF and its associated materials. This license grants permission to congregations and authorized users to reproduce and project the service’s texts, including the Words of Institution – “On the Night…” – and other liturgical elements.
The license specifically covers the reproduction of images and texts as of 2020, with all rights reserved by Augsburg Fortress. Reprinting is permitted only under the terms of this license, ensuring proper acknowledgement and compliance with copyright law.
It’s crucial to verify that your congregation or organization maintains an active and valid AF License 26951 to avoid copyright infringement. This licensing agreement supports the creators and publishers, allowing for the continued development and availability of valuable liturgical resources like Holden Evening Prayer.
Detailed information regarding the scope of the license and permitted activities can be found on the Augsburg Fortress website.
GIA Publications, Inc. – Music Copyright
GIA Publications, Inc. holds the music copyright for the Holden Evening Prayer setting, composed by Marty Haugen. This encompasses all musical arrangements and the melodies integral to the service, dating back to 1990. Any reproduction, performance, or distribution of the music requires appropriate licensing or permission from GIA.
The PDF version of Holden Evening Prayer includes musical notation and arrangements, all protected under GIA’s copyright. This protection extends to the gathering music and specific hymns incorporated within the service structure.
Users should be aware that simply possessing the PDF does not grant blanket permission to publicly perform or redistribute the musical content. Churches and organizations intending to utilize the music must adhere to GIA’s licensing terms, ensuring compliance with copyright regulations and supporting the composer’s rights.
Further details regarding music licensing can be obtained directly from GIA Publications, Inc.
Permitted Use and Restrictions
The Holden Evening Prayer PDF, licensed through Augsburg Fortress (AF License 26951), is primarily intended for liturgical worship within faith communities. Permitted uses include internal printing for congregational participation, projection during services, and individual devotional purposes.
However, restrictions apply. Commercial reproduction, resale, or alteration of the PDF content are strictly prohibited. Distribution beyond the licensed organization requires explicit permission from Augsburg Fortress and GIA Publications, respecting their respective copyrights.
The PDF is designated “for use only,” meaning it cannot be uploaded to publicly accessible websites or shared via unrestricted online platforms. Adaptations of the texts or music, including creating derivative works, are also generally restricted without prior authorization.
Compliance with these guidelines ensures responsible and legal utilization of this valuable liturgical resource.
PDF Distribution Guidelines
Regarding the Holden Evening Prayer PDF, distribution is carefully controlled to uphold copyright regulations held by Augsburg Fortress and GIA Publications, Inc. Internal circulation within a licensed organization is permitted, facilitating access for worship leaders and participants.
However, sharing the PDF externally – beyond the initially licensed entity – necessitates obtaining explicit written consent from both copyright holders. This includes emailing the file, posting it on shared drives accessible outside the organization, or providing it to other congregations.
Any distribution must clearly state the copyright notice: “Images and liturgical texts © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.” Maintaining this attribution is crucial. Unauthorized reproduction or widespread dissemination constitutes a breach of licensing agreements.
Adhering to these guidelines protects the intellectual property rights of the creators and ensures continued availability of this cherished liturgical resource.