'More acceptable on its account': the second Lord's Prayer at Matins and Evensong
When it was repeated in the beginning of the service, it was more particularly applied for the confirmation of our pardon, and absolution. Here it has respect to the following prayers, which we have reason to presume will be more acceptable on its account. And if on the former occasion we did not offer any petition with suitable earnestness, we have now an opportunity of compensating for the omission, by asking with greater fervency, what was too slightly passed over before.
The reasons Shepherd provides for this second offering of the Lord's Prayer are useful reminders of why the practice has value. The first and second Lord's Prayer at Matins and Evensong have different functions, with this second use framing the offering of prayer and intercession at this stage in the offices. In addition to this, there is the spiritual value of again saying the Lord's Prayer, providing us another opportunity to abide within it, to be shaped by it, and to faithfully offer it. We might also note that if it is Choral Matins or Choral Evensong, and the first Lord's Prayer is said after the absolution, the singing of the Lord's Prayer at this point offers a particular opportunity for meditation.
Rather, therefore, than being - as contemporary Anglican versions of the daily office usually assume - unnecessary repetition, the second Lord's Prayer at Matins and Evensong a rich practice with significant meaning and purpose.
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