Invitatorium: A Liturgy of the Hours Player

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Ordinary Time

Thursday of the twenty-third week of Ordinary Time

Thursday · Weekday · Psalter Week 3

The Hours

Invitatorium

Now

Invitatory · 1:30

0:00 1:30

Lord, open my lips.

And my mouth will proclaim your praise.

Ant. Come, let us worship the Lord, for he is our God.

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 the Lord, for he is our God.

Matins

Now

Office of Readings · 13:39

0:00 13:39

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

While dark and gloomy night conceals

the colors of all things on earth,

we praise and humbly beg you, Lord,

who judge with justice ev’ry heart:

Remove from us our sins and faults

and wash away all filth of mind;

bestow, O Christ, your grace on us,

to ward off all reproach and blame.

Behold the dull and worldly soul,

weighed down in sin and stung by guilt;

and yet, Redeemer, she desires

to turn from gloom and seek your face.

Drive far from us the darkened cloud

that grips the inmost heart and soul,

that we may find true peace and joy,

established in your blessed 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.

O Christ, your servants humbly pray:

Grant us your favor and your help;

let not the evil of this world

enslave and overcome our faith.

Keep far from us unholy thoughts,

all envy, jealousy, and spite:

let us return no harm for harm

but conquer evil with the good.

Lord, guard our hearts and keep them free

from anger, pride, and sly deceit;

keep far from us all selfish greed,

the root from which all evils flow.

Let charity, unfeigned and true,

preserve the pledge and bonds of peace;

may chastity be pure and strong,

upheld by firm and lasting trust.

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 89:39-53

Ant. Look on us, Lord, and see how we are despised.

And yet you have rejected and spurned

and are angry with the one you have anointed.

You have broken your covenant with your servant

and dishonored his crown in the dust.

You have broken down all his walls

and reduced his fortresses to ruins.

He is despoiled by all who pass by:

he has become the taunt of his neighbors.

You have exalted the right hand of his foes;

you have made all his enemies rejoice.

You have made his sword give way,

you have not upheld him in battle.

You have brought his glory to an end;

you have hurled his throne to the ground.

You have cut short the years of his youth;

you have heaped disgrace upon him.

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. Look on us, Lord, and see how we are despised.

Ant. I am the root and stock of David; I am the morning star.

How long, O Lord? Will you hide yourself for ever?

How long will your anger burn like a fire?

Remember, Lord, the shortness of my life

and how frail you have made the sons of men.

What man can live and never see death?

Who can save himself from the grasp of the grave?

Where are your mercies of the past, O Lord,

which you have sworn in your faithfulness to David?

Remember, Lord, how your servant is taunted,

how I have to bear all the insults of the peoples.

Thus your enemies taunt me, O Lord,

mocking your anointed at every step.

Blessed be the Lord for ever. Amen, amen!

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 am the root and stock of David; I am the morning star.

Psalm 90

Ant. Our years wither away like grass, but you, Lord God, are eternal.

O Lord, you have been our refuge

from one generation to the next.

Before the mountains were born

or the earth or the world brought forth,

you are God, without beginning or end.

You turn men back into dust

and say: “Go back, sons of men.”

To your eyes a thousand years

are like yesterday, come and gone,

no more than a watch in the night.

You sweep men away like a dream,

like grass which springs up in the morning.

In the morning it springs up and flowers:

by evening it withers and fades.

So we are destroyed in your anger,

struck with terror in your fury.

Our guilt lies open before you;

our secrets in the light of your face.

All our days pass away in your anger.

Our life is over like a sigh.

Our span is seventy years

or eighty for those who are strong.

And most of these are emptiness and pain.

They pass swiftly and we are gone.

Who understands the power of your anger

and fears the strength of your fury?

Make us know the shortness of our life

that we may gain wisdom of heart.

Lord, relent! Is your anger for ever?

Show pity to your servants.

In the morning, fill us with your love;

we shall exult and rejoice all our days.

Give us joy to balance our affliction

for the years when we knew misfortune.

Show forth your work to your servants;

let your glory shine on their children.

Let the favor of the Lord be upon us:

give success to the work of our hands,

give success to the work of our hands.

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. Our years wither away like grass, but you, Lord God, are eternal.

In you is the source of life.

In your light we see light itself.

From the beginning of the book of Lamentations

How lonely she is now,

the once crowded city!

Widowed is she who was mistress over nations;

The princess among the provinces

has been made a toiling slave.

Bitterly she weeps at night,

tears upon her cheeks,

With not one to console her

of all her dear ones;

Her friends have all betrayed her

and become her enemies.

Judah has fled into exile

from oppression and cruel slavery;

Yet where she lives among the nations

she finds no place to rest:

All her persecutors come upon her

where she is narrowly confined.

The roads to Zion mourn

for lack of pilgrims going to her feasts;

All her gateways are deserted,

her priests groan,

Her virgins sigh;

she is in bitter grief.

Her foes are uppermost,

her enemies are at ease;

The Lord has punished her

for her many sins.

Her little ones have gone away,

captive before the foe.

Gone from daughter Zion

is all her glory:

Her princes, like rams

that find no pasture,

Have gone off without strength

before their captors.

Jerusalem is mindful of the days

of her wretched homelessness,

When her people fell into enemy hands,

and she had no one to help her;

When her foes gloated over her,

laughed at her ruin.

Through the sin of which she is guilty,

Jerusalem is defiled;

All who esteemed her think her vile

now that they see her nakedness;

She herself groans

and turns away.

Her filth is on her skirt;

she gave no thought how she would end.

Astounding is her downfall,

with no one to console her.

Look, O Lord, upon her misery,

for the enemy has triumphed!

The foe stretched out his hand

to all her treasures;

She has seen those nations

enter her sanctuary

Whom you forbade to come

into your assembly.

All her people groan,

searching for bread;

They give their treasures for food,

to retain the breath of life.

“Look O Lord, and see

how worthless I have become!

“Come, all you who pass by the way,

look and see

Whether there is any suffering like my suffering,

which has been dealt me

When the Lord afflicted me

on the day of his blazing wrath.

“The Lord is just;

I had defied his command.

Listen, all you peoples,

and behold my suffering:

My maidens and my youths

have gone into captivity.

“I cried out to my lovers,

but they failed me.

My priests and my elders

perished in the city;

Where they sought food for themselves,

they found it not.

“Look, O Lord, upon my distress:

all within me is in ferment,

My heart recoils within me

from my monstrous rebellion.

In the streets the sword bereaves,

at home death stalks.”

Job 16:17; Lamentations 1:16, 18, 12

My eyes grow dark from weeping,

for my comforter is far from me.

Listen, all you peoples:

Is there any sorrow like my sorrow?

All you people who pass by,

look and see.

Is there any sorrow like my sorrow?

From a discourse on the psalms by Saint Bruno, priest

How beautiful are your tabernacles! My soul longs to reach the courts of the Lord,

the fullness of the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the Lord. He then explains why he desires to enter the courts of the Lord. It is because

they are blessed who dwell in your house,

the heavenly Jerusalem, Lord, God of the heavenly powers, my King and my God. It is as if he were to say: Who does not long to enter your courts since you are God, the Creator and King and Lord of hosts, and all

who dwell in your house are blessed?

For him courts and house are the same. When he says blessed, he means that they enjoy as much happiness as can be conceived. Clearly they are blessed because out of their devoted love

they will praise you for ever,

that is, for all eternity. For they would not offer praise for all eternity unless they were blessed for all eternity.

Now even though we may have faith, hope and love, none of us can attain this state of blessedness by ourselves. Rather,

blessed is the man

—he alone attains blessedness—

whose help is from you

in rising to the heights of happiness on which he has set his heart. In other words, he alone can be said to come to true blessedness who, having resolved in his heart to rise to this state of happiness by the many stages of the virtues and good works, receives the help of your grace. No one can rise up by himself as the Lord testifies:

No one ascends into heaven, of his own power, except the Son of Man who is in heaven.

Thus he contemplates this journey, living as he does in a

vale of tears, for this life is lowly and full of tears and sorrow. The life of heaven, by contrast, is called a mountain of joy.

But since the psalmist said:

Blessed is the man whose help comes from you,

someone might ask: Does God really help us in this? And the answer is that God does help the blessed. For our lawgiver Christ, who gave us the law, gives now and will continue to give his blessings, the abundant gifts of grace, by which he will bless his own, that is, raise them to beatitude. By these blessings, then, they will rise from

strength to strength.

One day in the heavenly Zion they will see Christ as the God of gods, as the one who, being God, will deify his own. Or, again, those who are to be the new Zion will see in spirit the God of gods—the Trinity. In other words, then their minds will see God, who cannot be seen in this life. For then God will

be all in all.

1 John 3:2-3

We are already God’s children;

what we shall be has not yet been revealed to us.

We know that when he appears

we shall be like him,

for we shall see him as he is.

All who hope in him

must purify themselves

as Christ is pure.

We know that when he appears

we shall be like him,

for we shall see him as he is.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

O God, by whom we are redeemed and receive adoption,

look graciously upon your beloved sons and daughters,

that those who believe in Christ

may receive true freedom

and an everlasting inheritance.

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 · 9:13

0:00 9:13

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

Behold the fiery sun arise!

It troubles, shames, and brings remorse,

for no one can persist in sin

when light bears witness to our guilt.

Let blindness disappear at last

that long has plunged us deep in sin

and so has drawn our fallen souls

by errant steps, through wand’ring paths.

Then let this Light bring cloudless day

and make us pure before his gaze;

let nothing sly be on our tongue

and nothing dark be in our thought.

Let all the day so run its course,

that no unguarded tongue may lie,

no furtive eye or hand deceive,

lest sin defile our mortal flesh.

The One who sees stands by on high

and watches us through all our days,

discerning ev’ry act and deed

from early dawn to eventide.

To God the Father glory be,

all honor to his only Son,

one with the Spirit Paraclete,

from age to age for evermore. Amen.

Psalm 87

Ant. Glorious things are said of you, O city of God.

On the holy mountain is his city

cherished by the Lord.

The Lord prefers the gates of Zion

to all Jacob’s dwellings.

Of you are told glorious things,

O city of God!

“Babylon and Egypt I will count

among those who know me;

Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia,

these will be her children

and Zion shall be called ‘Mother’

for all shall be her children.”

It is he, the Lord Most High,

who gives each his place.

In his register of peoples he writes:

“These are her children,”

and while they dance they will sing:

“In you all find their home.”

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. Glorious things are said of you, O city of God.

Isaiah 40:10-17

Ant. The Lord, the mighty conqueror, will come; he will bring with him the prize of victory.

Here comes with power

the Lord God, who rules by his strong arm;

here is his reward with him,

his recompense before him.

Like a shepherd he feeds his flock;

in his arms he gathers the lambs,

carrying them in his bosom,

and leading the ewes with care.

Who has cupped in his hand the waters of the sea,

and marked off the heavens with a span?

Who has held in a measure the dust of the earth,

weighed the mountains in scales

and the hills in a balance?

Who has directed the spirit of the Lord,

or has instructed him as his counselor?

Whom did he consult to gain knowledge?

Who taught him the path of judgment,

or showed him the way of understanding?

Behold, the nations count as a drop of the bucket,

as rust on the scales;

the coastlands weigh no more than powder.

Lebanon would not suffice for fuel,

nor its animals be enough for holocausts.

Before him all the nations are as nought,

as nothing and void he accounts them.

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, the mighty conqueror, will come; he will bring with him the prize of victory.

Psalm 99

Ant. Give praise to the Lord our God, bow down before his holy mountain.

The Lord is king; the peoples tremble.

He is throned on the cherubim; the earth quakes.

The Lord is great in Zion.

He is supreme over all the peoples.

Let them praise his name, so terrible and great.

He is holy, full of power.

You are a king who loves what is right;

you have established equity, justice and right;

you have established them in Jacob.

Exalt the Lord our God;

bow down before Zion, his footstool.

He the Lord is holy.

Among his priests were Aaron and Moses,

among those who invoked his name was Samuel.

They invoked the Lord and he answered.

To them he spoke in the pillar of cloud.

They did his will; they kept the law,

which he, the Lord, had given.

O Lord our God, you answered them.

For them you were a God who forgives;

yet you punished all their offenses.

Exalt the Lord our God;

bow down before his holy mountain

for the Lord our God is holy.

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. Give praise to the Lord our God, bow down before his holy mountain.

1 Peter 4:10-11

As generous distributors of God’s manifold grace, put your gifts at the service of one another, each in the measure he has received. The one who speaks is to deliver God’s message. The one who serves is to do it with the strength provided by God. Thus, in all of you God is to be glorified through Jesus Christ.

RESPONSORY

From the depths of my heart I cry to you; hear me, O Lord.

I will do what you desire;

hear me, O Lord.

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

From the depths of my heart I cry to you; hear me, O Lord.

Canticle of Zechariah

Ant. Let us serve the Lord in holiness, and he will save us from our enemies.

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. Let us serve the Lord in holiness, and he will save us from our enemies.

INTERCESSIONS

Let us joyfully cry out in thanks to God the Father whose love guides and nourishes his people:

May you be glorified, Lord, for all ages.

Most merciful Father, we praise you for your love,

for you wondrously created us and even more wondrously restored us to grace.

May you be glorified, Lord, for all ages.

At the beginning of this day fill our hearts with zeal for serving you,

so that our thoughts and actions may redound to your glory.

May you be glorified, Lord, for all ages.

Purify our hearts of every evil desire,

make us intent on doing your will.

May you be glorified, Lord, for all ages.

Open our hearts to the needs of all men,

fill us with brotherly love.

May you be glorified, Lord, for all ages.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Let us conclude our prayers with the Lord’s prayer:

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

All-powerful and ever-living God,

shine with the light of your radiance

on a people who live in the shadow of death.

Let the dawn from on high break upon us:

your Son our Lord Jesus Christ,

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 · 6:17

0:00 6:17

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 119:113-120

Ant. Receive me, Lord, according to your promise, that I may live.

I have no love for half-hearted men:

my love is for your law.

You are my shelter, my shield;

I hope in your word.

Leave me, you who do evil;

I will keep God’s command.

If you uphold me by your promise I shall live;

let my hopes not be in vain.

Sustain me and I shall be saved

and ever observe your commands.

You spurn all who swerve from your statutes;

their cunning is in vain.

You throw away the wicked like dross:

so I love your will.

I tremble before you in terror;

I fear your decrees.

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. Receive me, Lord, according to your promise, that I may live.

Psalm 79:1-5

Ant. Help us, O God, our Savior, and pardon all our sins.

O God, the nations have invaded our land,

they have profaned your holy temple.

They have made Jerusalem a heap of ruins.

They have handed over the bodies of your servants

as food to feed the birds of heaven

and the flesh of your faithful to the beasts of the earth.

They have poured out blood like water in Jerusalem;

no one is left to bury the dead.

We have become the taunt of our neighbors,

the mockery and scorn of those who surround us.

How long, O Lord? Will you be angry for ever,

how long will your anger burn like fire?

Do not hold the guilt of our fathers against us.

Let your compassion hasten to meet us;

we are left in the depths of distress.

O God our savior, come to our help,

come for the sake of the glory of your name.

O Lord our God, forgive us our sins;

rescue us for the sake of your name.

Why should the nations say: “Where is their God?”

Let us see the nations around us repaid

with vengeance for the blood of your servants that was shed!

Let the groans of the prisoners come before you;

let your strong arm reprieve those condemned to die.

But we, your people, the flock of your pasture,

will give you thanks for ever and ever.

We will tell your praise from age to age.

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. Help us, O God, our Savior, and pardon all our sins.

Psalm 80

Ant. O God of power, look down from heaven and come to tend this vine.

O shepherd of Israel, hear us,

you who lead Joseph’s flock,

shine forth from your cherubim throne

upon Ephraim, Benjamin, Manasseh.

O Lord, rouse up your might,

O Lord, come to our help.

God of hosts, bring us back;

let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.

Lord God of hosts, how long

will you frown on your people’s plea?

You have fed them with tears for their bread,

an abundance of tears for their drink.

You have made us the taunt of our neighbors,

our enemies laugh us to scorn.

God of hosts, bring us back;

let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.

You brought a vine out of Egypt;

to plant it you drove out the nations.

Before it you cleared the ground;

it took root and spread through the land.

The mountains were covered with its shadow,

the cedars of God with its boughs.

It stretched out its branches to the sea,

to the Great River it stretched out its shoots.

Then why have you broken down its walls?

It is plucked by all who pass by.

It is ravaged by the boar of the forest,

devoured by the beasts of the field.

God of hosts, turn again, we implore,

look down from heaven and see.

Visit this vine and protect it,

the vine your right hand has planted.

Men have burnt it with fire and destroyed it.

May they perish at the frown of your face.

May your hand be on the man you have chosen,

the man you have given your strength.

And we shall never forsake you again:

give us life that we may call upon your name.

God of hosts, bring us back;

let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.

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 of power, look down from heaven and come to tend this vine.

Wisdom 19:22

Every way, O Lord, you magnified and glorified your people;

unfailing, you stood by them in every time and circumstance.

O God, what marvels you have done!

You have shown your power to all the nations.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Lord,

in midmorning you gave your Holy Spirit

to the apostles gathered in prayer.

Give us a share in the life and love

that your Spirit brings.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

Sext

Now

Midday Prayer · 12 PM · 6:21

0:00 6:21

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 119:113-120

Ant. Receive me, Lord, according to your promise, that I may live.

I have no love for half-hearted men:

my love is for your law.

You are my shelter, my shield;

I hope in your word.

Leave me, you who do evil;

I will keep God’s command.

If you uphold me by your promise I shall live;

let my hopes not be in vain.

Sustain me and I shall be saved

and ever observe your commands.

You spurn all who swerve from your statutes;

their cunning is in vain.

You throw away the wicked like dross:

so I love your will.

I tremble before you in terror;

I fear your decrees.

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. Receive me, Lord, according to your promise, that I may live.

Psalm 79:1-5

Ant. Help us, O God, our Savior, and pardon all our sins.

O God, the nations have invaded our land,

they have profaned your holy temple.

They have made Jerusalem a heap of ruins.

They have handed over the bodies of your servants

as food to feed the birds of heaven

and the flesh of your faithful to the beasts of the earth.

They have poured out blood like water in Jerusalem;

no one is left to bury the dead.

We have become the taunt of our neighbors,

the mockery and scorn of those who surround us.

How long, O Lord? Will you be angry for ever,

how long will your anger burn like fire?

Do not hold the guilt of our fathers against us.

Let your compassion hasten to meet us;

we are left in the depths of distress.

O God our savior, come to our help,

come for the sake of the glory of your name.

O Lord our God, forgive us our sins;

rescue us for the sake of your name.

Why should the nations say: “Where is their God?”

Let us see the nations around us repaid

with vengeance for the blood of your servants that was shed!

Let the groans of the prisoners come before you;

let your strong arm reprieve those condemned to die.

But we, your people, the flock of your pasture,

will give you thanks for ever and ever.

We will tell your praise from age to age.

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. Help us, O God, our Savior, and pardon all our sins.

Psalm 80

Ant. O God of power, look down from heaven and come to tend this vine.

O shepherd of Israel, hear us,

you who lead Joseph’s flock,

shine forth from your cherubim throne

upon Ephraim, Benjamin, Manasseh.

O Lord, rouse up your might,

O Lord, come to our help.

God of hosts, bring us back;

let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.

Lord God of hosts, how long

will you frown on your people’s plea?

You have fed them with tears for their bread,

an abundance of tears for their drink.

You have made us the taunt of our neighbors,

our enemies laugh us to scorn.

God of hosts, bring us back;

let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.

You brought a vine out of Egypt;

to plant it you drove out the nations.

Before it you cleared the ground;

it took root and spread through the land.

The mountains were covered with its shadow,

the cedars of God with its boughs.

It stretched out its branches to the sea,

to the Great River it stretched out its shoots.

Then why have you broken down its walls?

It is plucked by all who pass by.

It is ravaged by the boar of the forest,

devoured by the beasts of the field.

God of hosts, turn again, we implore,

look down from heaven and see.

Visit this vine and protect it,

the vine your right hand has planted.

Men have burnt it with fire and destroyed it.

May they perish at the frown of your face.

May your hand be on the man you have chosen,

the man you have given your strength.

And we shall never forsake you again:

give us life that we may call upon your name.

God of hosts, bring us back;

let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.

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 of power, look down from heaven and come to tend this vine.

Deuteronomy 4:7

What great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the Lord, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him?

The Lord is close to all who call upon him.

He will answer their prayers.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

All-powerful and ever-living God,

with you there is no darkness,

from you nothing is hidden.

Fill us with the radiance of your light:

may we understand the law you have given us

and live it with generosity and faith.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

None

Now

Midafternoon Prayer · 3 PM · 6:22

0:00 6:22

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 119:113-120

Ant. Receive me, Lord, according to your promise, that I may live.

I have no love for half-hearted men:

my love is for your law.

You are my shelter, my shield;

I hope in your word.

Leave me, you who do evil;

I will keep God’s command.

If you uphold me by your promise I shall live;

let my hopes not be in vain.

Sustain me and I shall be saved

and ever observe your commands.

You spurn all who swerve from your statutes;

their cunning is in vain.

You throw away the wicked like dross:

so I love your will.

I tremble before you in terror;

I fear your decrees.

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. Receive me, Lord, according to your promise, that I may live.

Psalm 79:1-5

Ant. Help us, O God, our Savior, and pardon all our sins.

O God, the nations have invaded our land,

they have profaned your holy temple.

They have made Jerusalem a heap of ruins.

They have handed over the bodies of your servants

as food to feed the birds of heaven

and the flesh of your faithful to the beasts of the earth.

They have poured out blood like water in Jerusalem;

no one is left to bury the dead.

We have become the taunt of our neighbors,

the mockery and scorn of those who surround us.

How long, O Lord? Will you be angry for ever,

how long will your anger burn like fire?

Do not hold the guilt of our fathers against us.

Let your compassion hasten to meet us;

we are left in the depths of distress.

O God our savior, come to our help,

come for the sake of the glory of your name.

O Lord our God, forgive us our sins;

rescue us for the sake of your name.

Why should the nations say: “Where is their God?”

Let us see the nations around us repaid

with vengeance for the blood of your servants that was shed!

Let the groans of the prisoners come before you;

let your strong arm reprieve those condemned to die.

But we, your people, the flock of your pasture,

will give you thanks for ever and ever.

We will tell your praise from age to age.

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. Help us, O God, our Savior, and pardon all our sins.

Psalm 80

Ant. O God of power, look down from heaven and come to tend this vine.

O shepherd of Israel, hear us,

you who lead Joseph’s flock,

shine forth from your cherubim throne

upon Ephraim, Benjamin, Manasseh.

O Lord, rouse up your might,

O Lord, come to our help.

God of hosts, bring us back;

let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.

Lord God of hosts, how long

will you frown on your people’s plea?

You have fed them with tears for their bread,

an abundance of tears for their drink.

You have made us the taunt of our neighbors,

our enemies laugh us to scorn.

God of hosts, bring us back;

let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.

You brought a vine out of Egypt;

to plant it you drove out the nations.

Before it you cleared the ground;

it took root and spread through the land.

The mountains were covered with its shadow,

the cedars of God with its boughs.

It stretched out its branches to the sea,

to the Great River it stretched out its shoots.

Then why have you broken down its walls?

It is plucked by all who pass by.

It is ravaged by the boar of the forest,

devoured by the beasts of the field.

God of hosts, turn again, we implore,

look down from heaven and see.

Visit this vine and protect it,

the vine your right hand has planted.

Men have burnt it with fire and destroyed it.

May they perish at the frown of your face.

May your hand be on the man you have chosen,

the man you have given your strength.

And we shall never forsake you again:

give us life that we may call upon your name.

God of hosts, bring us back;

let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.

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 of power, look down from heaven and come to tend this vine.

Esther 10:6b

That people is Israel, who cried to God and was saved. The Lord saved his people and delivered us from all these evils. God worked signs and great wonders, such as have not occurred among the nations.

I shall proclaim your goodness, Lord,

for you have answered me.

You have become my salvation.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Lord,

help us to follow the example

of your Son’s patience and endurance.

May we face all life’s difficulties

with confidence and faith.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

Vespers

Now

Evening Prayer · 8:29

0:00 8:29

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 of awesome pow’r and might,

you send into the swelling deep

or lift on wings from earth to sky

your creatures sprung from flowing tides,

That, plunged in waters and submerged

or borne aloft to heav’nly heights,

the offspring of a single stock

may grow and fill their proper place.

Lord, grant to all your servants here,

whom streams of blood and water cleanse,

to know no failing caused by sin

or bear the loathsome weight of death,

That sin may never cast them down

or boasting swell and lift them high,

lest broken souls collapse and fall

and prideful souls soon come to grief.

Most loving Father, hear our prayer,

and you, O Christ coequal Son,

who with the Spirit Paraclete

now reign for all eternity. Amen.

Psalm 132

Ant. Let your holy people rejoice, O Lord, as they enter your dwelling place.

O Lord, remember David

and all the many hardships he endured,

the oath he swore to the Lord,

his vow to the Strong One of Jacob.

“I will not enter the house where I live

nor go to the bed where I rest.

I will give no sleep to my eyes,

to my eyelids I will give no slumber

till I find a place for the Lord,

a dwelling for the Strong One of Jacob.”

At Ephrathah we heard of the ark;

we found it in the plains of Yearim.

“Let us go to the place of his dwelling;

let us go to kneel at his footstool.”

Go up, Lord, to the place of your rest,

you and the ark of your strength.

Your priests shall be clothed with holiness:

your faithful shall ring out their joy.

For the sake of David your servant

do not reject your anointed.

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. Let your holy people rejoice, O Lord, as they enter your dwelling place.

Ant. The Lord has chosen Zion as his sanctuary.

The Lord swore an oath to David;

he will not go back on his word:

“A son, the fruit of your body,

will I set upon your throne.

If they keep my covenant in truth

and my laws that I have taught them,

their sons also shall rule

on your throne from age to age.”

For the Lord has chosen Zion;

he has desired it for his dwelling:

“This is my resting-place for ever,

here have I chosen to live.

I will greatly bless her produce,

I will fill her poor with bread.

I will clothe her priests with salvation

and her faithful shall ring out their joy.

There David’s stock will flower:

I will prepare a lamp for my anointed.

I will cover his enemies with shame

but on him my crown shall shine.”

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 chosen Zion as his sanctuary.

Revelation 11:17-18

Ant. The Father has given Christ all power, honor and kingship; all people will obey him.

We praise you, the Lord God Almighty,

who is and who was.

You have assumed your great power,

you have begun your reign.

The nations have raged in anger,

but then came your day of wrath

and the moment to judge the dead:

the time to reward your servants the prophets

and the holy ones who revere you,

the great and the small alike.

Now have salvation and power come,

the reign of our God and the authority

of his Anointed One.

For the accuser of our brothers is cast out,

who night and day accused them before God.

They defeated him by the blood of the Lamb

and by the word of their testimony;

love for life did not deter them from death.

So rejoice, you heavens,

and you that dwell therein!

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 Father has given Christ all power, honor and kingship; all people will obey him.

1 Peter 3:8-9

All of you should be like-minded, sympathetic, loving toward one another, kindly disposed, and humble. Do not return evil for evil or insult for insult. Return a blessing instead. This you have been called to do, that you may receive a blessing as your inheritance.

RESPONSORY

The Lord has given us food, bread of the finest wheat.

Honey from the rock, to our heart’s content,

bread of the finest wheat.

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

The Lord has given us food, bread of the finest wheat.

Canticle of Mary

Ant. God has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly.

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. God has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly.

INTERCESSIONS

Let us call upon Christ, the Good Shepherd who comes to the aid of his people:

Hear us, O God our refuge.

Blessed are you, Lord, for you graciously called us into your holy Church,

keep us within the Church until death.

Hear us, O God our refuge.

You have given the care of all the churches to

, our Pope, give him unfailing faith, lively hope and loving concern.

Hear us, O God our refuge.

Grant the grace of conversion to all sinners,

and the grace of true repentance to all men.

Hear us, O God our refuge.

You were willing to live as a stranger in our world,

be mindful of those who are separated from family and homeland.

Hear us, O God our refuge.

To all the departed who have hoped in you,

grant eternal peace.

Hear us, O God our refuge.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Let us conclude our prayers with the Lord’s prayer:

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, we thank you for guiding us

through the course of this day’s work.

In your compassion forgive the sins

we have committed through human weakness.

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 · 4:39

0:00 4:39

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.

Coptic act of contrition

11th Hour

If the righteous one is hardly saved, where shall I, a sinner, appear?! The burden and the heat of the day I could not bear because of the weakness of my human nature. But, O merciful God, count me among the laborers of the eleventh hour. For behold, I was brought forth in iniquities, and in sin my mother conceived me. Therefore, I dare not lift my eyes unto heaven. But rather I rely on the abundance of Your mercy and love-of-mankind, crying to You and saying, “Lord, forgive me, a sinner, and have mercy on me.”

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

O my Savior, hasten to open Your fatherly bosom to me. For I have wasted my life in worldly desires and pleasures, whereas the day has been consumed and far spent. Therefore, now I rely on the abundance of Your infinite compassion. So, then, do not disregard my revering heart which is exceedingly in need of Your mercy. For I cry out to You, O Lord, with reverence, saying, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in Your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called Your son, make me like one of Your hired servants.”

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

With full awareness and enthusiasm did I pursue every transgression, with all eagerness and diligence did I commit every sin, and of all judgment and torment I deserve. Hence, I beseech you, our Lady the Virgin, to lead me to repentance. For to you I plead and through you I seek intercession, and upon you I call to help me that I should not be put to shame. And when my soul departs from my body, please be present and attend to me, and defeat the conspiracies of the enemies, and shut the gates of Hades, lest they might swallow my soul. O you bride without blemish of the true Bridegroom.

12th Hour

Behold, I am about to stand before the just and righteous Judge, terrified and trembling because of my numerous sins. For a life wasted in worldly pleasures deserves condemnation. So repent therefore, O my soul, as long as you dwell on this earth. For the dust in the grave cannot offer any praise, and among the dead no one can remember, nor can anyone in Hades give thanks. Therefore, arise O my soul from the slumber of your laziness, and implore the Savior in repentance saying, “O God have mercy on me and save me.”

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

Were this life on earth everlasting, and this world ever-existing, you would have had an excuse, O my soul. But now, if your wicked deeds and repulsive evils were to be exposed before the righteous Judge, what answer would you be giving while you are lying on the bed of sins and negligent in disciplining your body?! O Christ our God, before Your awesome seat of judgment I am terrified, and before Your counsel of judgment I am dreadful, and from the radiant light of Your divinity I tremble. For I am a wretched and defiled person who lies in bed, careless of the ways of my life. Yet, I take example of the tax collector’s penance, beating my chest and saying, “O God be merciful to me, a sinner.”

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

O pure Virgin, overshadow your servant speedily with your help, keep the waves of evil thoughts away from me, and raise my ailing soul to pray and watch, for it has gone into deep slumber. For you are a capable and compassionate helper, the Mother of the Fountain of life, my King and my God, Jesus Christ my hope.

The Prayer of the Veil

O Lord, You know the alertness of my enemies, and You understand the weakness of my nature, O my Creator. For behold, into Your hands I place my spirit that You may shield me under the wings of Your goodness, lest I sleep unto death. Enlighten my eyes with the greatness of Your sayings, and raise me up to glorify You at all times, for You alone are the Good One and Lover of Mankind.

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

O Lord, Your judgment is fearful, when people shall be gathered, the angels standing, the books opened, the deeds revealed, and thoughts examined. What will be my judgment, I who am entangled by sin?! Who will quench the flames of fire around me?! Who will enlighten my darkness except You, O Lord?! Have mercy on me, for You are kind towards mankind.

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

O Theotokos, because we have put our trust in you, we shall not be put to shame; And because we have attained your help and intercessions, O holy and perfect one, we shall not fear, but shall drive out our enemies and disperse them. And, in everything, we take your great help to protect us as if with a shield. We ask and entreat you, proclaiming “O Theotokos” to save us by your intercessions, and raise us up from the darkness of sleep, in order to glorify through the power of God who was incarnate from you.

The Absolution

O Lord, all our sins we have committed against You in this day, whether in deed or in words or in thoughts or through any of our senses, please do forgive and pardon us, for the sake of Your holy name, O good Lord, Lover of Mankind.

Grant us a peaceful night and a sleep free of all worry and anxiety. Send us the guardian angel to protect us from all evil and every affliction and temptation of the enemy.

Through the grace, compassion and love-of-mankind, of Your only-begotten Son, our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Through whom the glory, the honor, the dominion, and the adoration are due unto You, O Father, with Him, and the Holy Spirit, the Life-Giver, who is of one essence with You, now and at all times, and unto the age of all ages. Amen.

The Thanksgiving Prayer

Let us give thanks to the beneficent and merciful God, the Father of our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ, for He has covered us, helped us, guarded us, accepted us to Him, had compassion on us, supported us, and has brought us to this hour. Let us also ask Him, the Lord our God, the Pantocrator, to guard us in all peace this holy day and all the days of our life.

O Master, Lord, God the Pantocrator, the Father of our Lord, God, and Savior, Jesus Christ, we thank You for every condition, concerning every condition, and in every condition. For You have covered us, helped us, guarded us, accepted us to You, had compassion on us, supported us, and brought us to this hour.

Therefore, we ask and entreat Your goodness, O Lover of Mankind. Grant us to complete this holy day, and all the days of our life, in all peace in Your fear. All envy, all temptation, all the work of Satan, the counsel of wicked men and the rising up of enemies, hidden and manifest, take them away from us and from all Your people and from this holy place that is Yours. But those things which are good and profitable do provide for us. For it is You who have given us the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and upon all the power of the enemy.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one, by the grace, compassion and love-of-mankind, of Your only-begotten Son, our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Through whom the glory, the honor, the dominion, and the adoration are due unto You, with Him, and the Holy Spirit, the Life-Giver, who is of one essence with You, now and at all times, and unto the age of all ages. Amen.

From the Agpeya, the Coptic Orthodox Book of Hours (St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church, Jersey City; text as published on copticchurch.net).

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 16

Ant. In you, my God, my body will rest in hope.

Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you.

I say to the Lord: “You are my God.

My happiness lies in you alone.”

He has put into my heart a marvelous love

for the faithful ones who dwell in his land.

Those who choose other gods increase their sorrows.

Never will I offer their offerings of blood.

Never will I take their name upon my lips.

O Lord, it is you who are my portion and cup;

it is you yourself who are my prize.

The lot marked out for me is my delight:

welcome indeed the heritage that falls to me!

I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel,

who even at night directs my heart.

I keep the Lord ever in my sight:

since he is at my right hand, I shall stand firm.

And so my heart rejoices, my soul is glad;

even my body shall rest in safety.

For you will not leave my soul among the dead,

nor let your beloved know decay.

You will show me the path of life,

the fullness of joy in your presence,

at your right hand happiness 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. In you, my God, my body will rest in hope.

1 Thessalonians 5:23

May the God of peace make you perfect in holiness. May he preserve you whole and entire, spirit, soul, and body, irreproachable at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

RESPONSORY

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 God, send peaceful sleep

to refresh our tired bodies.

May your help always renew us

and keep us strong in your service.

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.

Also for today

Yesterday Compline

Now

Yesterday Night Prayer · 5:09

0:00 5:09

Examination of conscience

Coptic act of contrition

11th Hour

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

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

12th Hour

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

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The Prayer of the Veil

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

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The Absolution

Grant us a peaceful night and a sleep free of all worry and anxiety. Send us the guardian angel to protect us from all evil and every affliction and temptation of the enemy.

The Thanksgiving Prayer

From the Agpeya, the Coptic Orthodox Book of Hours (St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church, Jersey City; text as published on copticchurch.net).

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.

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.

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.

Mass Readings

Now

Readings of the Day's Mass · 4:44

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First Reading

1 Cor 8:1b-7, 11-13

When you sin against your brothers, weak as they are, you are sinning against Christ.

Brothers and sisters:

Knowledge inflates with pride, but love builds up.

If anyone supposes he knows something,

he does not yet know as he ought to know.

But if one loves God, one is known by him.

So about the eating of meat sacrificed to idols:

we know that there is no idol in the world,

and that there is no God but one.

Indeed, even though there are so-called gods in heaven and on earth

(there are, to be sure, many “gods” and many “lords”),

yet for us there is

one God, the Father,

from whom all things are and for whom we exist,

and one Lord, Jesus Christ,

through whom all things are and through whom we exist.

But not all have this knowledge.

There are some who have been so used to idolatry up until now

that, when they eat meat sacrificed to idols,

their conscience, which is weak, is defiled.

Thus, through your knowledge, the weak person is brought to destruction,

the brother for whom Christ died.

When you sin in this way against your brothers

and wound their consciences, weak as they are,

you are sinning against Christ.

Therefore, if food causes my brother to sin,

I will never eat meat again,

so that I may not cause my brother to sin.

Responsorial Psalm

Ps 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 23-24

℟. Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

O LORD, you have probed me and you know me;

you know when I sit and when I stand;

you understand my thoughts from afar.

My journeys and my rest you scrutinize,

with all my ways you are familiar.

Truly you have formed my inmost being;

you knit me in my mother’s womb.

I give you thanks that I am fearfully, wonderfully made;

wonderful are your works.

Probe me, O God, and know my heart;

try me, and know my thoughts;

See if my way is crooked,

and lead me in the way of old.

℟. Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

Gospel Acclamation

1 Jn 4:12

℟. Alleluia, alleluia.

If we love one another,

God remains in us,

and his love is brought to perfection in us.

℟. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Lk 6:27-38

Jesus said to his disciples:

“To you who hear I say, love your enemies,

do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you,

pray for those who mistreat you.

To the person who strikes you on one cheek,

offer the other one as well,

and from the person who takes your cloak,

do not withhold even your tunic.

Give to everyone who asks of you,

and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back.

Do to others as you would have them do to you.

For if you love those who love you,

what credit is that to you?

Even sinners love those who love them.

And if you do good to those who do good to you,

what credit is that to you?

Even sinners do the same.

If you lend money to those from whom you expect repayment,

what credit is that to you?

Even sinners lend to sinners,

and get back the same amount.

But rather, love your enemies and do good to them,

and lend expecting nothing back;

then your reward will be great

and you will be children of the Most High,

for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.

Be merciful, just as also your Father is merciful.

“Stop judging and you will not be judged.

Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.

Forgive and you will be forgiven.

Give and gifts will be given to you;

a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing,

will be poured into your lap.

For the measure with which you measure

will in return be measured out to you.”

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