Invitatorium: A Liturgy of the Hours Player

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Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs

Wednesday · Memorial · Psalter Week 4

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 Christ, the King of martyrs.

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 Christ, the King of martyrs.

Matins

Now

Office of Readings · 10:27

0:00 10:27

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 Christ, the Martyrs’ glorious King,

the crown of those who praise your name,

you guide and lead to heaven’s heights

all those who spurn the things of earth.

Make haste, incline your gracious ear,

forgive our failings when we stray,

and heed our voices as we sing

of solemn vict’ries on this feast.

You triumph in your Martyrs’ death

and spare those who confess your name;

now triumph over all our sins

by granting us your pardon, Lord.

Most loving Father, hear our prayer,

and you, O Christ, coequal Son,

who with the Spirit Paraclete

now reign for all eternity. Amen.

Psalm 103

Ant. Bless the Lord, my soul; never forget all he has done for you.

My soul, give thanks to the Lord,

all my being, bless his holy name.

My soul, give thanks to the Lord

and never forget all his blessings.

It is he who forgives all your guilt,

who heals every one of your ills,

who redeems your life from the grave,

who crowns you with love and compassion,

who fills your life with good things,

renewing your youth like an eagle’s.

The Lord does deeds of justice,

gives judgment for all who are oppressed.

He made known his ways to Moses

and his deeds to Israel’s sons.

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. Bless the Lord, my soul; never forget all he has done for you.

Ant. As a father is gentle with his children, so is the Lord with those who revere him.

The Lord is compassion and love,

slow to anger and rich in mercy.

His wrath will come to an end;

he will not be angry for ever.

He does not treat us according to our sins

nor repay us according to our faults.

For as the heavens are high above the earth

so strong is his love for those who fear him.

As far as the east is from the west

so far does he remove our sins.

As a father has compassion on his sons,

the Lord has pity on those who fear him;

for he knows of what we are made,

he remembers that we are dust.

As for man, his days are like grass;

he flowers like the flower of the field;

the wind blows and he is gone

and his place never sees him again.

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. As a father is gentle with his children, so is the Lord with those who revere him.

Ant. Bless the Lord, all you his works!

But the love of the Lord is everlasting

upon those who hold him in fear;

his justice reaches out to children’s children

when they keep his covenant in truth,

when they keep his will in their mind.

The Lord has set his sway in heaven

and his kingdom is ruling over all.

Give thanks to the Lord, all his angels,

mighty in power, fulfilling his word,

who heed the voice of his word.

Give thanks to the Lord, all his hosts,

his servants who do his will.

Give thanks to the Lord, all his works,

in every place where he rules.

My soul, give thanks to 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. Bless the Lord, all you his works!

Lord, make me understand the way of your precepts.

And I will marvel at your wisdom.

From the book of the prophet Ezekiel

The glory of the Lord left the threshold of the temple and rested upon the cherubim. These lifted their wings, and I saw them rise from the earth, the wheels rising along with them. They stood at the entrance of the eastern gate of the Lord’s house, and the glory of the God of Israel was up above them.

These were the living creatures I had seen beneath the God of Israel by the river Chebar, whom I now recognized to be cherubim. Each had four faces and four wings; something like human hands were under their wings. Their faces looked just like those I had seen by the river Chebar; each one went straight forward.

Thus the word of the Lord came to me: Son of man, it is about your kinsmen, your fellow exiles, and the whole house of Israel that the inhabitants of Jerusalem say, “They are far away from the Lord; to us the land of Israel has been given as our possession.” Therefore say: Thus says the Lord God: Though I have removed them far among the nations and scattered them over foreign countries—and was for a while their only sanctuary in the countries to which they had gone—I will gather you from the nations and assemble you from the countries over which you have been scattered, and I will restore to you the land of Israel. They shall return to it and remove from it all its detestable abominations. I will give them a new heart and put a new spirit within them; I will remove the stony heart from their bodies, and replace it with a natural heart, so that they will live according to my statutes, and observe and carry out my ordinances; thus they shall be my people and I will be their God. But as for those whose hearts are devoted to their detestable abominations, I will bring down their conduct upon their heads, says the Lord God.

Then the cherubim lifted their wings, and the wheels went along with them, while up above them was the glory of the God of Israel. And the glory of the Lord rose from the city and took a stand on the mountain which is to the east of the city.

Spirit lifted me up and brought me back to the exiles in Chaldea [in a vision, by God’s spirit]. Then the vision I had seen left me, and I told the exiles everything the Lord had shown me

Ezekiel 10:4, 18; Matthew 23:37, 38

The glory of the Lord rose to the threshold of the temple,

the temple was filled with the cloud,

and the court shone with the glory of the Lord.

Then the glory of the Lord went forth from the threshold of the temple.

O Jerusalem, how often have I longed to gather your children together,

but you refused.

Your temple will be left deserted.

Then the glory of the Lord went forth from the threshold of the temple.

From a letter by Saint Cyprian, bishop and martyr

Cyprian sends greetings to his brother Cornelius. My very dear brother, we have heard of the glorious witness given by your courageous faith. On learning of the honor you had won by your witness, we were filled with such joy that we felt ourselves sharers and companions in your praiseworthy achievements. After all, we have the same Church, the same mind, the same unbroken harmony. Why then should a priest not take pride in the praise given to a fellow priest as though it were given to him? What brotherhood fails to rejoice in the happiness of its brothers wherever they are?

Words cannot express how great was the exultation and delight here when we heard of your good fortune and brave deeds: how you stood out as a leader of your brothers in their declaration of their faith. You led the way to glory, but you gained many companions in that glory; being foremost in your readiness to bear witness on behalf of all, you prevailed on your people to become a single witness. We cannot decide which we ought to praise, your own ready and unshaken faith or the love of your brothers who would not leave you. While the courage of the bishop who thus led the way has been demonstrated, at the same time the unity of the brotherhood who followed has been manifested. Since you have one heart and one voice, it is the Roman Church as a whole that has thus borne witness.

Dearest brother, bright and shining is the faith which the blessed Apostle praised in your community. He foresaw in the spirit the praise your courage deserves and the strength that could not be broken; he was heralding the future when he testified to your achievements; his praise of the fathers was a challenge to the sons. Your unity, your strength have become shining examples of these virtues to the rest of the brethren.

Divine providence has now prepared us. God’s merciful design has warned us that the day of our own struggle, our own contest, is at hand. By that shared love which binds us closely together, we are doing all we can to exhort our congregation, to give ourselves unceasingly to fasting, vigils and prayers in common. These are the heavenly weapons which give us the strength to stand firm and endure; they are the spiritual defenses, the God-given armaments that protect us.

Let us then remember one another, united in mind and heart. Let us pray without ceasing, you for us, we for you; by the love we share we shall thus relieve the strain of these great trials.

Responsory

We are warriors now, fighting on the battlefield of faith,

and God sees all we do;

the angels watch and so does Christ.

What honor and glory and joy, to do battle in the presence of God

and to have Christ approve our victory.

Let us arm ourselves in full strength

and prepare ourselves for the ultimate struggle

with blameless hearts, true faith and unyielding courage.

What honor and glory and joy, to do battle in the presence of God

and to have Christ approve our victory.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

O God, who gave Saints Cornelius and Cyprian to your people

as diligent shepherds and valiant Martyrs,

grant that through their intercession

we may be strengthened in faith and constancy

and spend ourselves without reserve

for the unity of the Church.

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 · 10:19

0:00 10:19

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

Let us acclaim with joyful hearts

and offer fitting songs of praise

for triumphs of the Martyr Saints,

eternal vict’ries won for Christ.

Throughout the Churches, first in rank,

triumphant leaders in the fray

and soldiers of the heav’nly court,

they shed true light upon the earth.

They crushed the terrors of this world

and spurned the pains of flesh and blood;

their life cut short by holy death,

they each inherit blessed light.

The torture from a raging hand

sheds flowing streams of hallowed blood,

yet they remain unmoved and firm,

by grace and hope of lasting life.

The Saints’ sincere, devoted faith,

believers sure, unvanquished hope,

the full and perfect love of Christ,

defeat the ruler of this world.

In these the Father’s glory dwells,

in these the Holy Spirit’s will,

in these the triumph of the Son,

and heaven fills with endless joy.

We ask of you, Redeeming Lord:

unite your servants as we pray,

that they may join your Martyr Saints

and sing your everlasting praise. Amen.

Psalm 108

Ant. My heart is ready, O God, my heart is ready.

My heart is ready, O God;

I will sing, sing your praise.

Awake, my soul; awake, lyre and harp.

I will awake the dawn.

I will thank you, Lord, among the peoples,

among the nations I will praise you,

for your love reaches to the heavens

and your truth to the skies.

O God, arise above the heavens;

may your glory shine on earth!

O come and deliver your friends;

help with your right hand and reply.

From his holy place God has made this promise:

“I will triumph and divide the land of Shechem;

I will measure out the valley of Succoth.

Gilead is mine and Manasseh.

Ephraim I take for my helmet,

Judah for my commander’s staff.

Moab I will use for my washbowl,

on Edom I will plant my shoe.

Over the Philistines I will shout in triumph.”

But who will lead me to conquer the fortress?

Who will bring me face to face with Edom?

Will you utterly reject us, O God,

and no longer march with our armies?

Give us help against the foe:

for the help of man is vain.

With God we shall do bravely

and he will trample down our foes.

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. My heart is ready, O God, my heart is ready.

Isaiah 61:10

Ant. The Lord has robed me with grace and salvation.

I rejoice heartily in the Lord,

in my God is the joy of my soul;

for he has clothed me with a robe of salvation,

and wrapped me in a mantle of justice,

like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem,

like a bride bedecked with her jewels.

As the earth brings forth its plants,

and a garden makes its growth spring up,

so will the Lord God make justice and praise

spring up before all the nations.

For Zion’s sake I will not be silent,

for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet,

until her vindication shines forth like the dawn

and her victory like a burning torch.

Nations shall behold your vindication,

and all kings your glory;

you shall be called by a new name

pronounced by the mouth of the Lord.

You shall be a glorious crown in the hand of the Lord,

a royal diadem held by your God.

No more shall men call you “Forsaken,”

or your land “Desolate,”

but you shall be called “My Delight,”

and your land “Espoused.”

For the Lord delights in you,

and makes your land his spouse.

As a young man marries a virgin,

your Builder shall marry you;

and as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride

so shall your God rejoice in you.

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 robed me with grace and salvation.

Psalm 146

Ant. I will praise my God all the days of my life.

My soul, give praise to the Lord;

I will praise the Lord all my days,

make music to my God while I live.

Put no trust in princes,

in mortal men in whom there is no help.

Take their breath, they return to clay

and their plans that day come to nothing.

He is happy who is helped by Jacob’s God,

whose hope is in the Lord his God,

who alone made heaven and earth,

the seas and all they contain.

It is he who keeps faith for ever,

who is just to those who are oppressed.

It is he who gives bread to the hungry,

the Lord, who sets prisoners free,

the Lord who gives sight to the blind,

who raises up those who are bowed down,

the Lord, who protects the stranger

and upholds the widow and orphan.

It is the Lord who loves the just

but thwarts the path of the wicked.

The Lord will reign for ever,

Zion’s God, 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. I will praise my God all the days of my life.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Praised be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all consolation! He comforts us in all our afflictions and thus enables us to comfort those who are in trouble, with the same consolation we have received from him. As we have shared much in the suffering of Christ, so through Christ do we share abundantly in his consolation.

RESPONSORY

The just are the friends of God,

They live with him for ever.

The just are the friends of God,

They live with him for ever.

God himself is their reward.

They live with him for ever.

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

The just are the friends of God,

They live with him for ever.

Canticle of Zechariah

Ant. How precious the death of those who purchased eternal life by shedding their blood.

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. How precious the death of those who purchased eternal life by shedding their blood.

INTERCESSIONS

Our Savior’s faithfulness is mirrored in the fidelity of his witnesses who shed their blood for the Word of God. Let us praise him in remembrance of them:

You redeemed us by your blood.

Your martyrs freely embraced death in bearing witness for the faith,

give us the true freedom of the Spirit, O Lord.

You redeemed us by your blood.

Your martyrs professed their faith by shedding their blood,

give us a faith, O Lord, that is constant and pure.

You redeemed us by your blood.

Your martyrs followed in your footsteps by carrying the cross,

help us to endure courageously the misfortunes of life.

You redeemed us by your blood.

Your martyrs washed their garments in the blood of the Lamb,

help us to avoid the weaknesses of the flesh and worldly allurements.

You redeemed us by your blood.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Gathering our prayer and praises into one, let us offer the prayer Christ himself taught us:

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

O God, who gave Saints Cornelius and Cyprian to your people

as diligent shepherds and valiant Martyrs,

grant that through their intercession

we may be strengthened in faith and constancy

and spend ourselves without reserve

for the unity of the Church.

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.

DISMISSAL

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

Terce

Now

Midmorning Prayer · 9 AM · 5:13

0:00 5:13

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 119:145-152

Ant. Lord, I cry to you for help; I trust in your promise.

I call with all my heart; Lord, hear me,

I will keep your commands.

I call upon you, save me

and I will do your will.

I rise before dawn and cry for help,

I hope in your word.

My eyes watch through the night

to ponder your promise.

In your love hear my voice, O Lord;

give me life by your decrees.

Those who harm me unjustly draw near;

they are far from your law.

But you, O Lord, are close;

your commands are truth.

Long have I known that your will

is established 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. Lord, I cry to you for help; I trust in your promise.

Psalm 94

Ant. The Lord knows how fleeting are the thoughts of men.

O Lord, avenging God,

avenging God, appear!

Judge of the earth, arise,

give the proud what they deserve!

How long, O Lord, shall the wicked,

how long shall the wicked triumph?

They bluster with arrogant speech;

the evil-doers boast to each other.

They crush your people, Lord,

they afflict the ones you have chosen

They kill the widow and the stranger

and murder the fatherless child.

And they say: “The Lord does not see;

the God of Jacob pays no heed.”

Mark this, most senseless of people;

fools, when will you understand?

Can he who made the ear, not hear?

Can he who formed the eye, not see?

Will he who corrects nations, not punish?

Will he who teaches men, not have knowledge?

The Lord knows the thoughts of men.

He knows they are no more than a breath.

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 knows how fleeting are the thoughts of men.

Ant. The Lord has become my stronghold; in him I put my trust.

Happy the man whom you teach, O Lord,

whom you train by means of your law:

to him you give peace in evil days

while the pit is being dug for the wicked.

The Lord will not abandon his people

nor forsake those who are his own:

for judgment shall again be just

and all true hearts shall uphold it.

Who will stand up for me against the wicked?

Who will defend me from those who do evil?

If the Lord were not to help me,

I would soon go down into the silence.

When I think: “I have lost my foothold,”

your mercy, Lord, holds me up.

When cares increase in my heart

your consolation calms my soul.

Can judges who do evil be your friends?

They do injustice under cover of law;

they attack the life of the just

and condemn innocent blood.

As for me, the Lord will be a stronghold;

my God will be the rock where I take refuge.

He will repay them for their wickedness,

destroy them for their evil deeds.

The Lord, our God, will destroy 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 has become my stronghold; in him I put my trust.

1 Corinthians 10:24, 31

No man should seek his own interest but rather that of his neighbor. The fact is that whether you eat or drink—whatever you do—you should do all for the glory of God.

We do well to praise the Lord.

To sing to you, our God most high.

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 · 5:10

0:00 5:10

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 119:145-152

Ant. Lord, I cry to you for help; I trust in your promise.

I call with all my heart; Lord, hear me,

I will keep your commands.

I call upon you, save me

and I will do your will.

I rise before dawn and cry for help,

I hope in your word.

My eyes watch through the night

to ponder your promise.

In your love hear my voice, O Lord;

give me life by your decrees.

Those who harm me unjustly draw near;

they are far from your law.

But you, O Lord, are close;

your commands are truth.

Long have I known that your will

is established 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. Lord, I cry to you for help; I trust in your promise.

Psalm 94

Ant. The Lord knows how fleeting are the thoughts of men.

O Lord, avenging God,

avenging God, appear!

Judge of the earth, arise,

give the proud what they deserve!

How long, O Lord, shall the wicked,

how long shall the wicked triumph?

They bluster with arrogant speech;

the evil-doers boast to each other.

They crush your people, Lord,

they afflict the ones you have chosen

They kill the widow and the stranger

and murder the fatherless child.

And they say: “The Lord does not see;

the God of Jacob pays no heed.”

Mark this, most senseless of people;

fools, when will you understand?

Can he who made the ear, not hear?

Can he who formed the eye, not see?

Will he who corrects nations, not punish?

Will he who teaches men, not have knowledge?

The Lord knows the thoughts of men.

He knows they are no more than a breath.

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 knows how fleeting are the thoughts of men.

Ant. The Lord has become my stronghold; in him I put my trust.

Happy the man whom you teach, O Lord,

whom you train by means of your law:

to him you give peace in evil days

while the pit is being dug for the wicked.

The Lord will not abandon his people

nor forsake those who are his own:

for judgment shall again be just

and all true hearts shall uphold it.

Who will stand up for me against the wicked?

Who will defend me from those who do evil?

If the Lord were not to help me,

I would soon go down into the silence.

When I think: “I have lost my foothold,”

your mercy, Lord, holds me up.

When cares increase in my heart

your consolation calms my soul.

Can judges who do evil be your friends?

They do injustice under cover of law;

they attack the life of the just

and condemn innocent blood.

As for me, the Lord will be a stronghold;

my God will be the rock where I take refuge.

He will repay them for their wickedness,

destroy them for their evil deeds.

The Lord, our God, will destroy 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 has become my stronghold; in him I put my trust.

Colossians 3:17

Whatever you do, whether in speech or in action, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus. Give thanks to God the Father through him.

Lord, I will offer you a sacrifice of praise.

And I will call upon your name.

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 · 5:13

0:00 5:13

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 119:145-152

Ant. Lord, I cry to you for help; I trust in your promise.

I call with all my heart; Lord, hear me,

I will keep your commands.

I call upon you, save me

and I will do your will.

I rise before dawn and cry for help,

I hope in your word.

My eyes watch through the night

to ponder your promise.

In your love hear my voice, O Lord;

give me life by your decrees.

Those who harm me unjustly draw near;

they are far from your law.

But you, O Lord, are close;

your commands are truth.

Long have I known that your will

is established 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. Lord, I cry to you for help; I trust in your promise.

Psalm 94

Ant. The Lord knows how fleeting are the thoughts of men.

O Lord, avenging God,

avenging God, appear!

Judge of the earth, arise,

give the proud what they deserve!

How long, O Lord, shall the wicked,

how long shall the wicked triumph?

They bluster with arrogant speech;

the evil-doers boast to each other.

They crush your people, Lord,

they afflict the ones you have chosen

They kill the widow and the stranger

and murder the fatherless child.

And they say: “The Lord does not see;

the God of Jacob pays no heed.”

Mark this, most senseless of people;

fools, when will you understand?

Can he who made the ear, not hear?

Can he who formed the eye, not see?

Will he who corrects nations, not punish?

Will he who teaches men, not have knowledge?

The Lord knows the thoughts of men.

He knows they are no more than a breath.

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 knows how fleeting are the thoughts of men.

Ant. The Lord has become my stronghold; in him I put my trust.

Happy the man whom you teach, O Lord,

whom you train by means of your law:

to him you give peace in evil days

while the pit is being dug for the wicked.

The Lord will not abandon his people

nor forsake those who are his own:

for judgment shall again be just

and all true hearts shall uphold it.

Who will stand up for me against the wicked?

Who will defend me from those who do evil?

If the Lord were not to help me,

I would soon go down into the silence.

When I think: “I have lost my foothold,”

your mercy, Lord, holds me up.

When cares increase in my heart

your consolation calms my soul.

Can judges who do evil be your friends?

They do injustice under cover of law;

they attack the life of the just

and condemn innocent blood.

As for me, the Lord will be a stronghold;

my God will be the rock where I take refuge.

He will repay them for their wickedness,

destroy them for their evil deeds.

The Lord, our God, will destroy 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 has become my stronghold; in him I put my trust.

Colossians 3:23-24

Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being. Do it for the Lord rather than for men, since you know full well that you will receive an inheritance from him as your reward. Be slaves of Christ the Lord.

Lord, you are my inheritance and my cup.

My life is in your hands.

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.

You live and reign for ever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

Vespers

Now

Evening Prayer · 9:10

0:00 9:10

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

Come, friends, praise noble deeds, valiant and resolute,

and all those wondrous joys merited by the Saints,

for our hearts fill with zeal, striving to celebrate

peerless victors of great renown.

These were feared by the world, though they were held in chains,

for they spurned all its pomp, fruitless and arid waste;

ardent in their resolve, they followed after you,

Christ, good King of the heav’nly court.

For your sake, they endured rage and brutality;

no murmur or complaint uttered in suffering,

but their heart was at peace born of a quiet mind,

they were patient and persevered.

Whose tongue could ever say, who has the voice to tell

what things you have prepared, gifts for your Martyr Saints?

Their blood shed for your name, crimson in flowing tides,

brought them bright and unfading crowns.

O Godhead, Three in One, hear us, we beg of you,

cleanse all sin from our hearts, save us from hidden snares;

bless your servants with peace; let us with all the saints

sing your glory from age to age. Amen.

Psalm 139:1-18

Ant. Lord, how wonderful is your wisdom, so far beyond my understanding.

O Lord, you search me and you know me,

you know my resting and my rising,

you discern my purpose from afar.

You mark when I walk or lie down,

all my ways lie open to you.

Before ever a word is on my tongue

you know it, O Lord, through and through.

Behind and before you besiege me,

your hand ever laid upon me.

Too wonderful for me, this knowledge,

too high, beyond my reach.

O where can I go from your spirit,

or where can I flee from your face?

If I climb the heavens, you are there.

If I lie in the grave, you are there.

If I take the wings of the dawn

and dwell at the sea’s furthest end,

even there your hand would lead me,

your right hand would hold me fast.

If I say: “Let the darkness hide me

and the light around me be night,”

even darkness is not dark for you

and the night is as clear as the day.

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, how wonderful is your wisdom, so far beyond my understanding.

Ant. I am the Lord: I search the mind and probe the heart; I give to each one as his deeds deserve.

For it was you who created my being,

knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I thank you for the wonder of my being,

for the wonders of all your creation.

Already you knew my soul,

my body held no secret from you

when I was being fashioned in secret

and molded in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw all my actions,

they were all of them written in your book;

every one of my days was decreed

before one of them came into being.

To me, how mysterious your thoughts,

the sum of them not to be numbered!

If I count them, they are more than the sand;

to finish, I must be eternal, like you.

O search me, God, and know my heart.

O test me and know my thoughts.

See that I follow not the wrong path

and lead me in the path of life eternal.

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 Lord: I search the mind and probe the heart; I give to each one as his deeds deserve.

Colossians 1:12-20

Ant. Through him all things were made; he holds all creation together in himself.

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. Through him all things were made; he holds all creation together in himself.

1 Peter 4:13-14

Rejoice, beloved, in the measure that you share Christ’s sufferings. When his glory is revealed, you will rejoice exultantly. Happy are you when you are insulted for the sake of Christ, for then God’s Spirit in its glory has come to rest on you.

RESPONSORY

Let the just rejoice and sing for joy in the Lord.

Delight in his love, you pure of heart,

and sing for joy in the Lord.

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

Let the just rejoice and sing for joy in the Lord.

Canticle of Mary

Ant. O blessed Church, the blood of martyrs has made you glorious.

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. O blessed Church, the blood of martyrs has made you glorious.

INTERCESSIONS

This is the hour when the King of martyrs offered his life in the upper room and laid it down on the cross. Let us thank him and say:

We praise you, O Lord.

We praise you, O Lord, our Savior, inspiration and example for every martyr, for loving us to the end:

We praise you, O Lord.

For calling all repentant sinners to the rewards of life:

We praise you, O Lord.

For entrusting to your Church the blood of the new and everlasting covenant poured out for the remission of sin:

We praise you, O Lord.

For our perseverance in your grace today:

We praise you, O Lord.

For incorporating our dead brothers and sisters into your own death today:

We praise you, O Lord.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Gathering our prayer and praises into one, let us offer the prayer Christ himself taught us:

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

O God, who gave Saints Cornelius and Cyprian to your people

as diligent shepherds and valiant Martyrs,

grant that through their intercession

we may be strengthened in faith and constancy

and spend ourselves without reserve

for the unity of the Church.

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.

DISMISSAL

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

Compline

Now

Night Prayer · 5:09

0:00 5:09

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 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.

Also for today

Yesterday Compline

Now

Yesterday Night Prayer · 4:50

0:00 4:50

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 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.

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.

Mass Readings

Now

Readings of the Day's Mass · 4:31

0:00 4:31

First Reading

1 Cor 12:31-13:13

Brothers and sisters:

Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts.

But I shall show you a still more excellent way.

If I speak in human and angelic tongues

but do not have love,

I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal.

And if I have the gift of prophecy

and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge;

if I have all faith so as to move mountains,

but do not have love, I am nothing.

If I give away everything I own,

and if I hand my body over so that I may boast

but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind.

It is not jealous, love is not pompous,

it is not inflated, it is not rude,

it does not seek its own interests,

it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury,

it does not rejoice over wrongdoing

but rejoices with the truth.

It bears all things, believes all things,

hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.

If there are prophecies, they will be brought to nothing;

if tongues, they will cease;

if knowledge, it will be brought to nothing.

For we know partially and we prophesy partially,

but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.

When I was a child, I used to talk as a child,

think as a child, reason as a child;

when I became a man, I put aside childish things.

At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror,

but then face to face.

At present I know partially;

then I shall know fully, as I am fully known.

So faith, hope, love remain, these three;

but the greatest of these is love.

Responsorial Psalm

Ps 33:2-3, 4-5, 12 and 22

℟. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;

with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises.

Sing to him a new song;

pluck the strings skillfully, with shouts of gladness.

For upright is the word of the LORD,

and all his works are trustworthy.

He loves justice and right;

of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.

Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD,

the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.

May your kindness, O LORD, be upon us

who have put our hope in you.

℟. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

Gospel Acclamation

2 Cor 1:3b-4

℟. Alleluia, alleluia.

Blessed be the Father of compassion and God of all encouragement,

who encourages us in our every affliction.

℟. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Jn 17:11b-19

Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and prayed, saying:

“Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me,

so that they may be one just as we are one.

When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me,

and I guarded them, and none of them was lost

except the son of destruction,

in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

But now I am coming to you.

I speak this in the world

so that they may share my joy completely.

I gave them your word, and the world hated them,

because they do not belong to the world

any more than I belong to the world.

I do not ask that you take them out of the world

but that you keep them from the Evil One.

They do not belong to the world

any more than I belong to the world.

Consecrate them in the truth.

Your word is truth.

As you sent me into the world,

so I sent them into the world.

And I consecrate myself for them,

so that they also may be consecrated in truth.”

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