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Ordinary Time

Wednesday of the twenty-first week of Ordinary Time

Wednesday · Weekday · Psalter Week 1

The Hours

Invitatorium

Now
Invitatory · 0:53
0:00 0:53

Lord, open my lips.

And my mouth will proclaim your praise.

Ant. Come, let us worship before the Lord, our maker.

Come, let us sing to the Lord

and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us.

Let us approach him with praise and thanksgiving

and sing joyful songs to the Lord.

The Lord is God, the mighty God,

the great king over all the gods.

He holds in his hands the depths of the earth

and the highest mountains as well.

He made the sea; it belongs to him,

the dry land, too, for it was formed by his hands.

Come, then, let us bow down and worship,

bending the knee before the Lord, our maker.

For he is our God and we are his people,

the flock he shepherds.

Today, listen to the voice of the Lord:

Do not grow stubborn, as your fathers did

in the wilderness,

when at Meriba and Massah

they challenged me and provoked me,

Although they had seen all of my works.

Forty years I endured that generation.

I said, “They are a people whose hearts go astray

and they do not know my ways.”

So I swore in my anger,

“They shall not enter into my rest.”

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Come, let us worship before the Lord, our maker.

Matins

Now
Office of Readings · 7:33
0:00 7:33

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.

HYMN

Sublime Creator of all things,

our Lord and ruler, turn your gaze;

deliver us, immersed in sleep,

from harmful dreams and indolence.

O holy Christ, we beg of you:

Forgive us all our sinful deeds;

we break the silent hours of night

and rise to give you thanks and praise.

We lift our hearts and hands in prayer

and keep our vigil through the night,

as David in the Psalms prescribed

and Paul made known in word and deed.

You see the evil we have done;

we lay before you hidden faults

and pour forth prayers with sighs and tears:

Forgive us, Lord, for we have sinned.

O Christ, to you, most loving King,

and to the Father glory be,

one with the Spirit Paraclete,

from age to age for evermore. Amen.

Psalm 18:2-30

Ant. I love you Lord; you are my strength.

I love you, Lord, my strength,

my rock, my fortress, my savior.

My God is the rock where I take refuge;

my shield, my mighty help, my stronghold.

The Lord is worthy of all praise:

when I call I am saved from my foes.

The waves of death rose about me;

the torrents of destruction assailed me;

the snares of the grave entangled me;

the traps of death confronted me.

In my anguish I called to the Lord;

I cried to God for help.

From his temple he heard my voice;

my cry came to his ears.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. I love you Lord; you are my strength.
Ant. The Lord has saved me; he wanted me for his own.

Then the earth reeled and rocked;

the mountains were shaken to their base:

they reeled at his terrible anger.

Smoke came forth from his nostrils

and scorching fire from his mouth:

coals were set ablaze by its heat.

He lowered the heavens and came down,

a black cloud under his feet.

He came enthroned on the cherubim,

he flew on the wings of the wind.

He made the darkness his covering,

the dark waters of the clouds, his tent.

A brightness shone out before him

with hailstones and flashes of fire.

The Lord thundered in the heavens;

The Most High let his voice be heard.

He shot his arrows, scattered the foe,

flashed his lightnings and put them to flight.

The bed of the ocean was revealed;

the foundations of the world were laid bare

at the thunder of your threat, O Lord,

at the blast of the breath of your anger.

From on high he reached down and seized me;

he drew me forth from the mighty waters.

He snatched me from my powerful foe,

from my enemies whose strength I could not match.

They assailed me in the day of my misfortune,

but the Lord was my support.

He brought me forth into freedom,

he saved me because he loved me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. The Lord has saved me; he wanted me for his own.
Ant. Lord, kindle a light for my guidance and scatter my darkness.

He rewarded me because I was just.

repaid me, for my hands were clean,

for I have kept the way of the Lord

and have not fallen away from my God.

For his judgments are all before me:

I have never neglected his commands.

I have always been upright before him;

I have kept myself from guilt.

He repaid me because I was just

and my hands were clean in his eyes.

You are loving with those who love you:

you show yourself perfect with the perfect.

With the sincere you show yourself sincere,

but the cunning you outdo in cunning.

For you save a humble people

but humble the eyes that are proud.

You, O Lord, are my lamp,

my God who lightens my darkness.

With you I can break through any barrier,

with my God I can scale any wall.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Lord, kindle a light for my guidance and scatter my darkness.

All wondered at the words of grace.

Which came from the mouth of the Lord.

From the book of the prophet Jeremiah

This word of the Lord came to me: Go, cry out this message for Jerusalem to hear!

I remember the devotion of your youth,

how you loved me as a bride,

Following me in the desert,

in a land unsown.

Sacred to the Lord was Israel,

the first fruits of his harvest;

Should anyone presume to partake of them,

evil would befall him, says the Lord.

Listen to the word of the Lord, O house of Jacob!

All you clans of the house of Israel.

Thus says the Lord:

What fault did your fathers find in me

that they withdrew from me,

Went after empty idols,

and became empty themselves?

They did not ask, “Where is the Lord

who brought us up from the land of Egypt,

Who led us through the desert,

through a land of wastes and gullies,

Through a land of drought and darkness,

through a land which no one crosses,

where no man dwells?”

When I brought you into the garden land

to eat its goodly fruits,

You entered and defiled my land,

you made my heritage loathsome.

The priests asked not,

“Where is the Lord?”

Those who dealt with the law knew me not:

the shepherds rebelled against me.

The prophets prophesied by Baal,

and went after useless idols.

Therefore will I yet accuse you, says the Lord,

and even your children’s children I will accuse.

Pass over to the coast of the Kittim and see,

send to Kedar and carefully inquire:

Where has the like of this been done?

Does any other nation change its gods?—

yet they are not gods at all!

But my people have changed their glory

for useless things.

Be amazed at this, O heavens,

and shudder with sheer horror, says the Lord.

Two evils have my people done:

they have forsaken me, the source of living waters;

They have dug themselves cisterns,

broken cisterns, that hold no water.

Long ago you broke your yoke,

you tore off your bonds.

“I will not serve,” you said.

On every high hill, under every green tree,

you gave yourself to harlotry.

I had planted you, a choice vine

of fully tested stock;

How could you turn out obnoxious to me,

a spurious vine?

Though you scour it with soap,

and use much lye,

The stain of your guilt is still before me,

says the Lord God.

How can you say, “I am not defiled,

I have not gone after the Baals”?

Consider your conduct in the Valley,

recall what you have done:

A frenzied she-camel, coursing near and far,

breaking away toward the desert,

Snuffing the wind in her ardor—

who can restrain her lust?

No beasts need tire themselves seeking her;

in her month they will meet her.

Stop wearing out your shoes

and parching your throat!

But you say, “No use! no!

I love these strangers,

and after them I must go.”

I planted you, a choice vine, sprung from the soundest stock.

Now you have turned into a vine degenerate and repulsive to me.

So the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce a rich harvest.

I looked for justice and I saw only bloodshed,

for righteousness, and I heard only a cry of distress.

So the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce a rich harvest.

From an instruction by Saint Columban, abbot

My dear brethren, listen to my words. You are going to hear something that must be said. You quench your soul’s thirst with drafts of the divine fountain. I now wish to speak of this. Revive yourself, but do not extinguish your thirst. Drink, I say, but do not entirely quench your thirst, for the fountain of life, the fountain of love calls us to him and says:

Whoever thirsts, let him come to me and drink.

Understand well what you drink. Jeremiah would tell us; the fountain of life would himself tell us:

For they abandoned me, the fountain of living water, says the Lord

. The Lord himself, our God Jesus Christ, is the fountain of life, and accordingly he invites us to himself as to a fountain, that we may drink. Whoever loves him, drinks him; he drinks who is filled with the Word of God, he drinks who loves him fully and really desires him. He drinks who is on fire with the love of wisdom.

Consider the source of the fountain; bread comes down to us from the same place, since the same one is the bread and the fountain, the only-begotten Son, our God, Christ the Lord, for whom we should always hunger. We may even eat him out of love for him, and devour him out of desire, longing for him eagerly. Let us drink from him, as from a fountain, with an abundance of love. May we drink him with the fullness of desire, and may we take pleasure in his sweetness and savor.

For the Lord is sweet and agreeable; rightly then let us eat and drink of him yet remain ever hungry and thirsty, since he is our food and drink, but can never be wholly eaten and consumed. Though he may be eaten, he is never consumed; one can drink of him and he is not diminished because our bread is eternal and our fountain is sweet and everlasting. Hence the prophet says:

You who thirst, go to the fountain

. He is the fountain for those who are thirsty but are never fully satisfied. Therefore he calls to himself the hungry whom he raised to a blessed condition elsewhere. They were never satisfied in drinking; the more they drank, the greater their thirst.

It is right, brothers, that we must always long for, seek and love the Word of God on high, the fountain of wisdom. According to the Apostle’s words

all the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in him

, and he calls the thirsty to drink.

If you thirst, drink of the fountain of life; if you are hungry, eat the bread of life. Blessed are they who hunger for this bread and thirst for this fountain, for in so doing they will desire ever more to eat and drink. For what they eat and drink is exceedingly sweet and their thirst and appetite for more is never satisfied. Though it is ever tasted it is ever more desired. Hence the prophet-king says:

Taste and see how sweet, how agreeable is the Lord.

Jesus stood up, and cried out:

If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.

Streams of living water will flow

from the heart of whoever believes in me.

If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

O God, who cause the minds of the faithful

to unite in a single purpose,

grant your people to love what you command

and to desire what you promise,

that, amid the uncertainties of this world,

our hearts may be fixed on that place

where true gladness is found.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

ACCLAMATION

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

Lauds

Now
Morning Prayer · 5:28
0:00 5:28

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.

HYMN

O night and darkness, clouded gloom,

disturbed confusion of the world,

the dawn appears, the sky grows pale;

disperse and go, for Christ comes forth.

The veil of darkness, torn apart,

is pierced by sharpened rays of sun;

now color is restored to earth

beneath the daystar’s shining face.

Just so the darkness of our lives

and hearts aware of veiled deceit

shall pale before the reign of God,

laid bare, as clouds are rent by light.

In knowing you alone, O Christ,

with pure and honest mind and heart,

we learn to pray on bended knee,

to come to you with tears and praise.

Look deeply now into our hearts,

examine closely our whole life,

where much is tainted by deceit:

Lord, cleanse and purge it by your light.

O Christ, to you, most loving King,

and to the Father glory be,

one with the Spirit Paraclete,

from age to age for evermore. Amen.

Psalm 36

Ant. O Lord, in your light we see light itself.

Sin speaks to the sinner

in the depths of his heart.

There is no fear of God

before his eyes.

He so flatters himself in his mind

that he knows not his guilt.

In his mouth are mischief and deceit.

All wisdom is gone.

He plots the defeat of goodness

as he lies on his bed.

He has set his foot on evil ways,

he clings to what is evil.

Your love, Lord, reaches to heaven;

your truth to the skies.

Your justice is like God’s mountain,

your judgments like the deep.

To both man and beast you give protection.

O Lord, how precious is your love.

My God, the sons of men

find refuge in the shelter of your wings.

They feast on the riches of your house;

they drink from the stream of your delight.

In you is the source of life

and in your light we see light.

Keep on loving those who know you,

doing justice for upright hearts.

Let the foot of the proud not crush me

nor the hand of the wicked cast me out.

See how the evil-doers fall!

Flung down, they shall never arise.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. O Lord, in your light we see light itself.

Judith 16:2-3

Ant. O God, you are great and glorious; we marvel at your power.

Strike up the instruments,

a song to my God with timbrels,

chant to the Lord with cymbals.

Sing to him a new song,

exalt and acclaim his name.

A new hymn I will sing to my God.

O Lord, great are you and glorious,

wonderful in power and unsurpassable.

Let your every creature serve you;

for you spoke, and they were made,

you sent forth your spirit, and they were created;

no one can resist your word.

The mountains to their bases, and the seas, are shaken;

the rocks, like wax, melt before your glance.

But to those who fear you,

you are very merciful.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. O God, you are great and glorious; we marvel at your power.

Psalm 47

Ant. Exult in God’s presence with hymns of praise.

All peoples, clap your hands,

cry to God with shouts of joy!

For the Lord, the Most High, we must fear,

great king over all the earth.

He subdues peoples under us

and nations under our feet.

Our inheritance, our glory, is from him,

given to Jacob out of love.

God goes up with shouts of joy;

the Lord goes up with trumpet blast.

Sing praise for God, sing praise,

sing praise to our king, sing praise.

God is king of all the earth.

Sing praise with all your skill.

God is king over the nations;

God reigns on his holy throne.

The princes of the peoples are assembled

with the people of Abraham’s God.

The rulers of the earth belong to God,

to God who reigns over all.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Exult in God’s presence with hymns of praise.

Tobit 4:15

Do to no one what you yourself dislike. Give to the hungry some of your bread, and to the naked some of your clothing. Seek counsel from every wise man. At all times bless the Lord God, and ask him to make all your paths straight and to grant success to all your endeavors and plans.

RESPONSORY

Incline my heart according to your will, O God.

Incline my heart according to your will, O God.

Speed my steps along your path,

according to your will, O God.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Incline my heart according to your will, O God.

Canticle of Zechariah

Ant. Show us your mercy, Lord; remember your holy covenant.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;

he has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior,

born of the house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old

that he would save us from our enemies,

from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers

and to remember his holy covenant.

This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:

to set us free from the hands of our enemies,

free to worship him without fear,

holy and righteous in his sight

all the days of our life.

You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;

for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,

to give his people knowledge of salvation

by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God

the dawn from on high shall break upon us,

to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,

and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Show us your mercy, Lord; remember your holy covenant.

INTERCESSIONS

Let us give thanks to Christ and offer him continual praise, for he sanctifies us and calls us his brothers:

Lord, help your brothers to grow in holiness.

With single-minded devotion we dedicate the beginnings of this day to the honor of your resurrection,

may we make the whole day pleasing to you by our works of holiness.

Lord, help your brothers to grow in holiness.

As a sign of your love, you renew each day for the sake of our well-being and happiness,

renew us daily for the sake of your glory.

Lord, help your brothers to grow in holiness.

Teach us today to recognize your presence in all men,

especially in the poor and in those who mourn.

Lord, help your brothers to grow in holiness.

Grant that we may live today in peace with all men,

never rendering evil for evil.

Lord, help your brothers to grow in holiness.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

With longing for the coming of God’s kingdom, let us offer our prayer to the Father:

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

God our Savior, hear our morning prayer:

help us to follow the light

and live the truth.

In you we have been born again

as sons and daughters of light:

may we be your witnesses before all the world.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.

Terce

Now
Midmorning Prayer · 9 AM · 2:51
0:00 2:51

INTRODUCTION

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.

HYMN

Now, Holy Spirit, come, descend,

one with the Father and the Son;

come swiftly in and fill our hearts

with your full flood of holiness.

In mind and mouth, with heart and tongue,

with strength and sense, may praise resound,

May charity with ardor blaze

and kindle others with its flame.

Now through your presence may we know

and love the Father and the Son,

and you, the Spirit of them both,

may we profess throughout all time. Amen.

Psalm 119:9-16

Ant. Lord, may you be for ever blessed; teach me the ways of holiness.

How shall the young remain sinless?

By obeying your word.

I have sought you with all my heart:

let me not stray from your commands.

I treasure your promise in my heart

lest I sin against you.

Blessed are you, O Lord;

teach me your statutes.

With my tongue I have recounted

the decrees of your lips.

I rejoiced to do your will

as though all riches were mine.

I will ponder all your precepts

and consider your paths.

I take delight in your statutes;

I will not forget your word.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Lord, may you be for ever blessed; teach me the ways of holiness.

Psalm 17

Ant. Lord, keep me steadfast in your ways.

Lord, hear a cause that is just,

pay heed to my cry.

Turn your ear to my prayer:

no deceit is on my lips.

From you may my judgment come forth.

Your eyes discern the truth.

You search my heart, you visit me by night.

You test me and you find in me no wrong.

My words are not sinful as are men’s words.

I kept from violence because of your word,

I kept my feet firmly in your paths;

there was no faltering in my steps.

I am here and I call, you will hear me, O God.

Turn your ear to me; hear my words.

Display your great love, you whose right hand saves

your friends from those who rebel against them.

Guard me as the apple of your eye.

Hide me in the shadow of your wings

from the violent attack of the wicked.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Lord, keep me steadfast in your ways.
Ant. Rise up, O Lord, and rescue me.

My foes encircle me with deadly intent.

Their hearts tight shut, their mouths speak proudly.

They advance against me, and now they surround me.

Their eyes are watching to strike me to the ground,

as though they were lions ready to claw

or like some young lion crouched in hiding.

Lord, arise, confront them, strike them down!

Let your sword rescue my soul from the wicked;

let your hand, O Lord, rescue me from men,

from men whose reward is in this present life.

You give them their fill of your treasures;

they rejoice in abundance of offspring

and leave their wealth to their children.

As for me, in my justice I shall see your face

and be filled, when I awake, with the sight of your glory.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Rise up, O Lord, and rescue me.

1 Peter 1:13-14

Gird the loins of your understanding; live soberly; set all your hope on the gift to be conferred on you when Jesus Christ appears. As obedient sons, do not yield to the desires that once shaped you in your ignorance.

Lord, show me your ways.

Teach me to walk in your footsteps.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

God of truth, Father of all,

you send your Spirit as you promised

to bring together in love

all whom sin has driven apart.

Strengthen us to work for your blessings

of unity and peace in the world.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

Sext

Now
Midday Prayer · 12 PM · 2:49
0:00 2:49

INTRODUCTION

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.

HYMN

O mighty Ruler, God of truth,

for days and seasons setting bounds,

you clothe with splendor morning light

and midday skies with brilliant heat.

Extinguish flames of bitter strife,

all harmful passion take away,

grant health unto our mortal frame,

and on our hearts bestow true peace.

Most loving Father, hear our prayer,

and you, O Christ coequal Son,

who with the Spirit Paraclete

now reign for all eternity. Amen.

Psalm 119:9-16

Ant. Lord, may you be for ever blessed; teach me the ways of holiness.

How shall the young remain sinless?

By obeying your word.

I have sought you with all my heart:

let me not stray from your commands.

I treasure your promise in my heart

lest I sin against you.

Blessed are you, O Lord;

teach me your statutes.

With my tongue I have recounted

the decrees of your lips.

I rejoiced to do your will

as though all riches were mine.

I will ponder all your precepts

and consider your paths.

I take delight in your statutes;

I will not forget your word.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Lord, may you be for ever blessed; teach me the ways of holiness.

Psalm 17

Ant. Lord, keep me steadfast in your ways.

Lord, hear a cause that is just,

pay heed to my cry.

Turn your ear to my prayer:

no deceit is on my lips.

From you may my judgment come forth.

Your eyes discern the truth.

You search my heart, you visit me by night.

You test me and you find in me no wrong.

My words are not sinful as are men’s words.

I kept from violence because of your word,

I kept my feet firmly in your paths;

there was no faltering in my steps.

I am here and I call, you will hear me, O God.

Turn your ear to me; hear my words.

Display your great love, you whose right hand saves

your friends from those who rebel against them.

Guard me as the apple of your eye.

Hide me in the shadow of your wings

from the violent attack of the wicked.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Lord, keep me steadfast in your ways.
Ant. Rise up, O Lord, and rescue me.

My foes encircle me with deadly intent.

Their hearts tight shut, their mouths speak proudly.

They advance against me, and now they surround me.

Their eyes are watching to strike me to the ground,

as though they were lions ready to claw

or like some young lion crouched in hiding.

Lord, arise, confront them, strike them down!

Let your sword rescue my soul from the wicked;

let your hand, O Lord, rescue me from men,

from men whose reward is in this present life.

You give them their fill of your treasures;

they rejoice in abundance of offspring

and leave their wealth to their children.

As for me, in my justice I shall see your face

and be filled, when I awake, with the sight of your glory.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Rise up, O Lord, and rescue me.

1 Peter 1:15-16

Become holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, after the likeness of the holy One who called you; remember, Scripture says, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

May your priests be robed with holiness.

Let your people dance for joy.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

God of mercy,

this midday moment of rest

is your welcome gift.

Bless the work we have begun,

make good its defects

and let us finish it in a way that pleases you.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

None

Now
Midafternoon Prayer · 3 PM · 2:49
0:00 2:49

INTRODUCTION

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.

HYMN

O God, our firm and steadfast strength,

remaining in yourself unmoved,

you rule the span of daily light

and guide the course of all the hours.

Bestow at eventide a light

by which our life may never fail;

may endless glory be the crown

that follows on a holy death.

Most loving Father, hear our prayer,

and you, O Christ, coequal Son,

who with the Spirit Paraclete

now reign for all eternity. Amen.

Psalm 119:9-16

Ant. Lord, may you be for ever blessed; teach me the ways of holiness.

How shall the young remain sinless?

By obeying your word.

I have sought you with all my heart:

let me not stray from your commands.

I treasure your promise in my heart

lest I sin against you.

Blessed are you, O Lord;

teach me your statutes.

With my tongue I have recounted

the decrees of your lips.

I rejoiced to do your will

as though all riches were mine.

I will ponder all your precepts

and consider your paths.

I take delight in your statutes;

I will not forget your word.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Lord, may you be for ever blessed; teach me the ways of holiness.

Psalm 17

Ant. Lord, keep me steadfast in your ways.

Lord, hear a cause that is just,

pay heed to my cry.

Turn your ear to my prayer:

no deceit is on my lips.

From you may my judgment come forth.

Your eyes discern the truth.

You search my heart, you visit me by night.

You test me and you find in me no wrong.

My words are not sinful as are men’s words.

I kept from violence because of your word,

I kept my feet firmly in your paths;

there was no faltering in my steps.

I am here and I call, you will hear me, O God.

Turn your ear to me; hear my words.

Display your great love, you whose right hand saves

your friends from those who rebel against them.

Guard me as the apple of your eye.

Hide me in the shadow of your wings

from the violent attack of the wicked.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Lord, keep me steadfast in your ways.
Ant. Rise up, O Lord, and rescue me.

My foes encircle me with deadly intent.

Their hearts tight shut, their mouths speak proudly.

They advance against me, and now they surround me.

Their eyes are watching to strike me to the ground,

as though they were lions ready to claw

or like some young lion crouched in hiding.

Lord, arise, confront them, strike them down!

Let your sword rescue my soul from the wicked;

let your hand, O Lord, rescue me from men,

from men whose reward is in this present life.

You give them their fill of your treasures;

they rejoice in abundance of offspring

and leave their wealth to their children.

As for me, in my justice I shall see your face

and be filled, when I awake, with the sight of your glory.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Rise up, O Lord, and rescue me.

James 4:7-8a, 10

Submit to God; resist the devil, and he will take flight. Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you. Be humbled in the sight of the Lord and he will raise you on high.

God looks tenderly on those who revere him.

On those who trust in his mercy.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus Christ,

to save all mankind

you stretched out your arms on the cross.

Let our work be pleasing to you:

may it proclaim your salvation to the world,

for you live and reign forever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

Vespers

Now
Evening Prayer · 5:20
0:00 5:20

INTRODUCTION

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.

HYMN

Most Holy God in heav’n above,

who paints the sky with gleaming ray,

adorning with resplendent lights

the glowing dome of heaven’s vault,

On this fourth day you set in place

the flaming circle of the sun

and made the wand’ring paths of stars

to serve the orbit of the moon,

That you might set for night and day

a bound’ry keeping them apart

and mark with clear, unfailing sign

each new beginning of the month.

Enlighten ev’ry heart and mind

and wipe away all shameful thoughts;

deliver us from bonds of guilt

and ease the burden of our sin.

Most loving Father, hear our prayer,

and you, O Christ coequal Son,

who with the Spirit Paraclete

now reign for all eternity. Amen.

Psalm 27

Ant. The Lord is my light and my help; whom shall I fear?

The Lord is my light and my help;

whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life;

before whom shall I shrink?

When evil-doers draw near

to devour my flesh,

it is they, my enemies and foes,

who stumble and fall.

Though an army encamp against me

my heart would not fear.

Though war break out against me

even then would I trust.

There is one thing I ask of the Lord,

for this I long,

to live in the house of the Lord,

all the days of my life,

to savor the sweetness of the Lord,

to behold his temple.

For there he keeps me safe in his tent

in the day of evil.

He hides me in the shelter of his tent,

on a rock he sets me safe.

And now my head shall be raised

above my foes who surround me,

and I shall offer within his tent

a sacrifice of joy.

I will sing and make music for the Lord.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. The Lord is my light and my help; whom shall I fear?
Ant. I long to look on you, O Lord; do not turn your face from me.

O Lord, hear my voice when I call;

have mercy and answer.

Of you my heart has spoken:

“Seek his face.”

It is your face, O Lord, that I seek;

hide not your face.

Dismiss not your servant in anger;

you have been my help.

Do not abandon or forsake me,

O God my help!

Though father and mother forsake me,

the Lord will receive me.

Instruct me, Lord, in your way;

on an even path lead me.

When they lie in ambush, protect me

from my enemy’s greed.

False witnesses rise against me,

breathing out fury.

I am sure I shall see the Lord’s goodness

in the land of the living.

Hope in him, hold firm and take heart.

Hope in the Lord!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. I long to look on you, O Lord; do not turn your face from me.

Colossians 1:12-20

Ant. He is the first-born of all creation; in every way the primacy is his.

Let us give thanks to the Father

for having made you worthy

to share the lot of the saints

in light.

He rescued us from the power of darkness

and brought us into the kingdom of his beloved Son.

Through him we have redemption,

the forgiveness of our sins.

He is the image of the invisible God,

the first-born of all creatures.

In him everything in heaven and on earth was created,

things visible and invisible.

All were created through him;

all were created for him.

He is before all else that is.

In him everything continues in being.

It is he who is head of the body, the church!

he who is the beginning,

the first-born of the dead,

so that primacy may be his in everything.

It pleased God to make absolute fullness reside in him

and, by means of him, to reconcile everything in his person,

both on earth and in the heavens,

making peace through the blood of his cross.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. He is the first-born of all creation; in every way the primacy is his.

James 1:19-22

Act on this word. If all you do is listen to it, you are deceiving yourselves. There is, on the other hand, the man who peers into freedom’s ideal law and abides by it. He is no forgetful listener, but one who carries out the law in practice. Blest will this man be in whatever he does.

RESPONSORY

Claim me once more as your own, Lord, and have mercy on me.

Claim me once more as your own, Lord, and have mercy on me.

Do not abandon me with the wicked;

have mercy on me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Claim me once more as your own, Lord, and have mercy on me.

Canticle of Mary

Ant. The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

my spirit rejoices in God my Savior

for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed:

the Almighty has done great things for me,

and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him

in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm,

he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,

and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel

for he has remembered his promise of mercy,

the promise he made to our fathers,

to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.

INTERCESSIONS

In all that we do, let the name of the Lord be praised, for he surrounds his chosen people with boundless love. Let our prayer rise up to him:

Lord, show us your love.

Remember your Church, Lord,

keep her from every evil and let her grow to the fullness of your love.

Lord, show us your love.

Let the nations recognize you as the one true God,

and Jesus your Son, as the Messiah whom you sent.

Lord, show us your love.

Grant prosperity to our neighbors,

give them life and happiness for ever.

Lord, show us your love.

Console those who are burdened with oppressive work and daily hardships,

preserve the dignity of workers.

Lord, show us your love.

Open wide the doors of your compassion to those who have died today,

and in your mercy receive them into your kingdom.

Lord, show us your love.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

With longing for the coming of God’s kingdom, let us offer our prayer to the Father:

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Lord, watch over us by day and by night.

In the midst of life’s countless changes

strengthen us with your never-changing love.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.

Compline

Now
Night Prayer · 3:05
0:00 3:05

Examination of conscience

An examination of conscience is a traditional, optional part of Night Prayer, commended in the General Instruction of the Liturgy of the Hours (86), and the Church leaves its form free: a quiet review of the day, a familiar prayer of sorrow, or something longer. If you would like to be led, here are two to listen to and pray along with. Afterwards, return to Night Prayer.

INTRODUCTION

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.

Examination of Conscience

A brief moment of silent reflection is made to examine one’s conscience and recall God’s mercy throughout the day.

I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.

HYMN

To you before the close of light,

Creator of all things, we pray:

Be our protector, keep us safe

in your unfailing clemency.

Incline our hearts to dream of you,

to sense your presence as we sleep;

as light returns, so let us sing

your praise and glory evermore.

Grant us the grace of health and strength,

renew our warmth and joy of life;

and let your radiant light dispel

the dreaded darkness of the night.

Almighty Father, grant our prayer

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who reigns with you from age to age,

one with the Spirit, ever blest. Amen.

Psalm 31:1-6

Ant. Lord God, be my refuge and my strength.

In you, O Lord, I take refuge.

Let me never be put to shame.

In your justice, set me free,

hear me and speedily rescue me.

Be a rock of refuge for me,

a mighty stronghold to save me,

for you are my rock, my stronghold.

For your name’s sake, lead me and guide me.

Release me from the snares they have hidden

for you are my refuge, Lord.

Into your hands I commend my spirit.

It is you who will redeem me, Lord.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Lord God, be my refuge and my strength.

Psalm 130

Ant. Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord.

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord,

Lord, hear my voice!

O let your ears be attentive

to the voice of my pleading.

If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt,

Lord, who would survive?

But with you is found forgiveness:

for this we revere you.

My soul is waiting for the Lord,

I count on his word.

My soul is longing for the Lord

more than watchman for daybreak.

Let the watchman count on daybreak

and Israel on the Lord.

Because with the Lord there is mercy

and fullness of redemption,

Israel indeed he will redeem

from all its iniquity.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord.

Ephesians 4:26-27

If you are angry, let it be without sin. The sun must not go down on your wrath; do not give the devil a chance to work on you.

RESPONSORY

Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth.

I commend my spirit.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

Canticle of Simeon

Ant. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace.

Lord, now you let your servant go in peace;

your word has been fulfilled:

my own eyes have seen the salvation

which you have prepared in the sight of every people:

a light to reveal you to the nations

and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus Christ,

you have given your followers

an example of gentleness and humility,

a task that is easy, a burden that is light.

Accept the prayers and work of this day,

and give us the rest that will strengthen us

to render more faithful service to you

who live and reign for ever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful death. Amen.

MARIAN ANTIPHON

Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy,

our life, our sweetness, and our hope.

To you do we cry,

poor banished children of Eve.

To you do we send up our sighs

mourning and weeping in this vale of tears.

Turn then, most gracious advocate,

your eyes of mercy toward us,

and after this exile

show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.

O clement, O loving,

O sweet Virgin Mary.

Also for today

Yesterday Compline

Now
Yesterday Night Prayer · 2:54
0:00 2:54

Examination of conscience

An examination of conscience is a traditional, optional part of Night Prayer, commended in the General Instruction of the Liturgy of the Hours (86), and the Church leaves its form free: a quiet review of the day, a familiar prayer of sorrow, or something longer. If you would like to be led, here are two to listen to and pray along with. Afterwards, return to Yesterday Night Prayer.

INTRODUCTION

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.

Examination of Conscience

A brief moment of silent reflection is made to examine one’s conscience and recall God’s mercy throughout the day.

I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.

HYMN

To you before the close of light,

Creator of all things, we pray:

Be our protector, keep us safe

in your unfailing clemency.

Incline our hearts to dream of you,

to sense your presence as we sleep;

as light returns, so let us sing

your praise and glory evermore.

Grant us the grace of health and strength,

renew our warmth and joy of life;

and let your radiant light dispel

the dreaded darkness of the night.

Almighty Father, grant our prayer

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who reigns with you from age to age,

one with the Spirit, ever blest. Amen.

Psalm 143:1-11

Ant. Do not hide your face from me; in you I put my trust.

Lord, listen to my prayer:

turn your ear to my appeal.

You are faithful, you are just; give answer.

Do not call your servant to judgment

for no one is just in your sight.

The enemy pursues my soul;

he has crushed my life to the ground;

he has made me dwell in darkness

like the dead, long forgotten.

Therefore my spirit fails;

my heart is numb within me.

I remember the days that are past:

I ponder all your works.

I muse on what your hand has wrought

and to you I stretch out my hands.

Like a parched land my soul thirsts for you.

Lord, make haste and answer;

for my spirit fails within me.

Do not hide your face

lest I become like those in the grave.

In the morning let me know your love

for I put my trust in you.

Make me know the way I should walk:

to you I lift up my soul.

Rescue me, Lord, from my enemies;

I have fled to you for refuge.

Teach me to do your will

for you, O Lord, are my God.

Let your good spirit guide me

in ways that are level and smooth.

For your name’s sake, Lord, save my life;

in your justice save my soul from distress.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Do not hide your face from me; in you I put my trust.

1 Peter 5:8-9

Stay sober and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, solid in your faith.

RESPONSORY

Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth.

I commend my spirit.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

Canticle of Simeon

Ant. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace.

Lord, now you let your servant go in peace;

your word has been fulfilled:

my own eyes have seen the salvation

which you have prepared in the sight of every people:

a light to reveal you to the nations

and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Lord, fill this night with your radiance.

May we sleep in peace and rise with joy

to welcome the light of a new day in your name.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful death. Amen.

MARIAN ANTIPHON

Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy,

our life, our sweetness, and our hope.

To you do we cry,

poor banished children of Eve.

To you do we send up our sighs

mourning and weeping in this vale of tears.

Turn then, most gracious advocate,

your eyes of mercy toward us,

and after this exile

show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.

O clement, O loving,

O sweet Virgin Mary.

Devotional Prayers

The words of the prayers

Prayer Before the Office

Lord, open my lips, to praise Your Holy Name. Cleanse my heart of any worthless, evil, or distracting thoughts. Give me the wisdom and love necessary to pray this Office with attention, reverence, and devotion. Father, let this prayer be heard in Your Presence, for it is offered through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lord, in union with that intention with which you offered praises to God when on earth, I offer this Hour to You.

I offer this Hour in union with all of the Masses being said throughout the world, and I offer it for the following intention: ____.

Prayer After the Office

Blessed be forever the most loving Hearts and the sweet Names of our Lord Jesus Christ and of the most glorious Virgin Mary, His Mother.

O most merciful Jesus, I thank you with all my heart. Be merciful to me, a miserable sinner. I offer this action to your Divine Heart to be amended and perfected, to the praise and glory of your most holy Name and of your most blessed Mother, and for the salvation of my soul and of your whole Church. Amen.

To the Most Holy and Undivided Trinity, to the Manhood of Our Lord Jesus Christ Crucified, to the Fruitful Virginity of the Most Blessed and Most Glorious Mary, Ever Virgin, and to the Congregation of all the Saints be ascribed everlasting praise, honor, power and glory by every creature, and to us be granted the forgiveness of all our sins, world without end. Amen.

Blessed be the Womb of the Virgin Mary, which bore the Son of the Eternal Father.

And blessed be the Breasts which gave suck to Christ our Lord.

Our Father

Hail Mary