Invitatorium: A Liturgy of the Hours Player

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Ordinary Time

Friday of the twenty-fourth week of Ordinary Time

Friday · Weekday · Psalter Week 4

The Hours

Invitatorium

Now

Invitatory · 1:31

0:00 1:31

Lord, open my lips.

And my mouth will proclaim your praise.

Ant. Come, let us praise the Lord; in him is all our delight.

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 praise the Lord; in him is all our delight.

Matins

Now

Office of Readings · 12:43

0:00 12:43

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

As the cock’rel with his crowing

cleaves the darkness of the night

and relieves the fearful terror

of the night’s most gloomy hour,

we invoke you, God all-loving,

as we pray with humble heart.

While the midnight silence shrouded

and encompassed ev’rything,

while, indeed, all sleeping mortals

showed a likeness to the dead,

you descended, Light and Power,

watchful guardian of our kind,

That, O Christ, you might arouse us

from the sleep of vice and sin,

and release us by your favor

from the prison of our night,

then restore us to your friendship

in your endless light of life.

Praise to you and to the Father,

honor to the Spirit blest,

to the name beyond all sweetness,

to the holy will divine,

God of peace and life and splendor,

wholly One yet perfect Three. Amen.

Psalm 55:2-15

Ant. My God, do not reject my cry for help, assailed as I am by the wicked.

O God, listen to my prayer,

do not hide from my pleading,

attend to me and reply;

with my cares, I cannot rest.

I tremble at the shouts of the foe,

at the cries of the wicked;

for they bring down evil upon me.

They assail me with fury.

My heart is stricken within me,

death’s terror is on me,

trembling and fear fall upon me

and horror overwhelms me.

O that I had wings like a dove

to fly away and be at rest.

So I would escape far away

and take refuge in the desert.

I would hasten to find a shelter

from the raging wind,

from the destructive storm, O Lord,

and from their plotting tongues.

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 God, do not reject my cry for help, assailed as I am by the wicked.

Ant. The Lord himself will free us from hostile and treacherous hands.

For I can see nothing but violence

and strife in the city.

Night and day they patrol

high on the city walls.

It is full of wickedness and evil;

it is full of sin.

Its streets are never free

from tyranny and deceit.

If this had been done by an enemy

I could bear his taunts.

If a rival had risen against me,

I could hide from him.

But it is you, my own companion,

my intimate friend!

How close was the friendship between us.

We walked together in harmony

in the house of God.

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 himself will free us from hostile and treacherous hands.

Ant. Entrust your cares to the Lord; he will sustain you.

As for me, I will cry to God

and the Lord will save me.

Evening, morning and at noon

I will cry and lament.

He will deliver my soul in peace

in the attack against me:

for those who fight me are many,

but he hears my voice.

God will hear and will humble them,

the eternal judge:

for they will not amend their ways.

They have no fear of God.

The traitor has turned against his friends;

he has broken his word.

His speech is softer than butter,

but war is in his heart.

His words are smoother than oil,

but they are naked swords.

Entrust your cares to the Lord

and he will support you.

He will never allow

the just man to stumble.

But you, O God, will bring them down

to the pit of death.

Deceitful and bloodthirsty men

shall not live half their days.

O Lord, I will trust 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. Entrust your cares to the Lord; he will sustain you.

Children, listen to my words of wisdom.

Pay attention to my counsels.

From the book of the prophet Ezekiel

Thus says the Lord God to Jerusalem: By origin and birth you are of the land of Canaan; your father was an Amorite and your mother a Hittite. You were thrown out on the ground as something loathsome, the day you were born.

Then I passed by and saw you weltering in your blood. I said to you: Live in your blood and grow like a plant in the field. You grew and developed, you came to the age of puberty; your breasts were formed, your hair had grown, but you were still stark naked. Again I passed by you and saw that you were now old enough for love. So I spread the corner of my cloak over you to cover your nakedness; I swore an oath to you and entered into a covenant with you; you became mine, says the Lord God. Then I bathed you with water, washed away your blood, and anointed you with oil. I clothed you with an embroidered gown, put sandals of fine leather on your feet; I gave you a fine linen sash and silk robes to wear. I adorned you with jewelry: I put bracelets on your arms, a necklace about your neck, a ring in your nose, pendants in your ears, and a glorious diadem upon your head. Thus you were adorned with gold and silver; your garments were of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth. Fine flour, honey, and oil were your food. You were exceedingly beautiful, with the dignity of a queen. You were renowned among the nations for your beauty, perfect as it was, because of my splendor which I had bestowed on you, says the Lord God.

But you were captivated by your own beauty, you used your renown to make yourself a harlot, and you lavished your harlotry on every passer-by, whose own you became.

Therefore, harlot, hear the word of the Lord! I will now gather together all your lovers whom you tried to please, whether you loved them or loved them not. They shall lead an assembly against you to stone you and hack you with their swords. They shall burn your apartments with fire and inflict punishments on you while many women look on. Thus I will put an end to your harlotry, and you shall never again give payment. When I have wreaked my fury upon you I will cease to be jealous of you, I will be quiet and no longer vexed. Because you did not remember what happened when you were a girl, but enraged me with all these things, therefore in return I am bringing down your conduct upon your head, says the Lord God. For did you not add lewdness to the rest of your abominable deeds?

For thus speaks the Lord God: I will deal with you according to what you have done, you who despised your oath, breaking a covenant. Yet I will remember the covenant I made with you when you were a girl, and I will set up an everlasting covenant with you. Then you shall remember your conduct and be ashamed when I take your sisters, those older and younger than you, and give them to you as daughters, even though I am not bound by my covenant with you. For I will re-establish my covenant with you, that you may know that I am the Lord, that you may remember and be covered with confusion, and that you may be utterly silenced for shame when I pardon you for all you have done, says the Lord God.

See Isaiah 54:6, 8; Ezekiel 16:60

I have called you back, like a forsaken wife;

for a brief moment of anger, I hid my face from you;

with an everlasting love I have had compassion on you, says the Lord your redeemer.

I will remember the covenant I made with you

when you were a young woman,

and I will make a covenant with you

that will last for ever.

With an everlasting love I have had compassion on you, says the Lord your redeemer.

From a sermon On Pastors by Saint Augustine, bishop

You have already been told about the wicked things shepherds desire. Let us now consider what they neglect.

You have failed to strengthen what was weak, to heal what was sick, and to bind up what was injured,

that is, what was broken.

You did not call back the straying sheep, nor seek out the lost.

What was strong you have destroyed. Yes, you have cut it down and killed it. The sheep is weak, that is to say, its heart is weak, and so, incautious and unprepared, it may give in to temptations.

The negligent shepherd fails to say to the believer:

My son, come to the service of God, stand fast in fear and in righteousness, and prepare your soul for temptation.

A shepherd who does say this strengthens the one who is weak and makes him strong. Such a believer will then not hope for the prosperity of this world. For if he has been taught to hope for worldly gain, he will be corrupted by prosperity. When adversity comes, he will be wounded or perhaps destroyed.

The builder who builds in such manner is not building the believer on a rock but upon sand.

But the rock was Christ.

Christians must imitate Christ’s sufferings, not set their hearts on pleasures. He who is weak will be strengthened when told: “Yes, expect the temptations of this world, but the Lord will deliver you from them all if your heart has not abandoned him. For it was to strengthen your heart that he came to suffer and die, came to be spit upon and crowned with thorns, came to be accused of shameful things, yes, came to be fastened to the wood of the cross. All these things he did for you, and you did nothing. He did them not for himself, but for you.”

But what sort of shepherds are they who for fear of giving offense not only fail to prepare the sheep for the temptations that threaten, but even promise them worldly happiness? God himself made no such promise to this world. On the contrary, God foretold hardship upon hardship in this world until the end of time. And you want the Christian to be exempt from these troubles? Precisely because he is a Christian, he is destined to suffer more in this world.

For the Apostle says,

All who desire to live a holy life in Christ will suffer persecution.

But you, shepherd, seek what is yours and not what is Christ’s, you disregard what the Apostle says:

All who want to live a holy life in Christ will suffer persecution.

You say instead: “If you live a holy life in Christ, all good things will be yours in abundance. If you do not have children, you will embrace and nourish all men, and none of them shall die.” Is this the way you build up the believer? Take note of what you are doing and where you are placing him. You have built him on sand. The rains will come, the river will overflow and rush in, the winds will blow, and the elements will dash against that house of yours. It will fall, and its ruin will be great.

Lift him up from the sand and put him on the rock. Let him be in Christ, if you wish him to be a Christian. Let him turn his thoughts to sufferings, however unworthy they may be in comparison to Christ’s. Let him center his attention on Christ, who was without sin, and yet made restitution for what he had not done. Let him consider Scripture, which says to him:

He chastises every son whom he acknowledges.

Let him prepare to be chastised, or else not seek to be acknowledged as a son.

1 Thessalonians 2:4, 3

God has found us worthy to be ministers of his Gospel, and so when we speak,

we strive to please God and not men.

Our preaching does not spring from error, or impure motives, or a desire to deceive.

We strive to please God and not men.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Look upon us, O God,

Creator and ruler of all things,

and, that we may feel the working of your mercy,

grant that we may serve you with all our heart.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

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

one 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

O God, the light of heav’n above,

you open wide your great right hand,

to strew with light the firmament,

upheld by your paternal arm.

Already dawn has veiled the stars:

she lifts her streams of reddish gold

and with a moist and gentle breeze

baptizes earth with sparkling dew.

Now as the shades of night withdraw

and darkness fleeing, quits the sky,

the daystar, figure of the Christ,

bestirs and wakes the sleeping day.

O God, you are the Day of days,

and you alone the Light of light,

one God of pow’r throughout all things,

almighty Godhead, Three in One.

To you, O Savior, now we raise

our humble prayer on bended knee,

as with full voice we sing and praise

the Father and the Spirit blest. Amen.

Psalm 51

Ant. Create a clean heart in me, O God; renew in me a steadfast spirit.

Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness.

In your compassion blot out my offense.

O wash me more and more from my guilt

and cleanse me from my sin.

My offenses truly I know them;

my sin is always before me.

Against you, you alone, have I sinned;

what is evil in your sight I have done.

That you may be justified when you give sentence

and be without reproach when you judge.

O see, in guilt I was born,

a sinner was I conceived.

Indeed you love truth in the heart;

then in the secret of my heart teach me wisdom.

O purify me, then I shall be clean;

O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow.

Make me hear rejoicing and gladness,

that the bones you have crushed may revive.

From my sins turn away your face

and blot out all my guilt.

A pure heart create for me, O God,

put a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me away from your presence,

nor deprive me of your holy spirit.

Give me again the joy of your help;

with a spirit of fervor sustain me,

that I may teach transgressors your ways

and sinners may return to you.

O rescue me, God, my helper,

and my tongue shall ring out your goodness.

O Lord, open my lips

and my mouth shall declare your praise.

For in sacrifice you take no delight,

burnt offering from me you would refuse,

my sacrifice, a contrite spirit

A humbled, contrite heart you will not spurn.

In your goodness, show favor to Zion:

rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

Then you will be pleased with lawful sacrifice,

holocausts offered on your altar.

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. Create a clean heart in me, O God; renew in me a steadfast spirit.

Tobit 13:8-11

Ant. Rejoice, Jerusalem, for through you all men will be gathered to the Lord.

Let all men speak of the Lord’s majesty,

and sing his praises in Jerusalem.

O Jerusalem, holy city,

he scourged you for the works of your hands,

but will again pity the children of the righteous.

Praise the Lord for his goodness,

and bless the King of the ages,

so that his tent may be rebuilt in you with joy.

May he gladden within you all who were captives;

all who were ravaged may he cherish within you

for all generations to come.

A bright light will shine to all parts of the earth;

many nations shall come to you from afar,

and the inhabitants of all the limits of the earth,

drawn to you by the name of the Lord God,

bearing in their hands their gifts for the King of heaven.

Every generation shall give joyful praise in you,

and shall call you the chosen one,

through all ages forever.

Go, then, rejoice over the children of the righteous,

who shall all be gathered together

and shall bless the Lord of the ages.

Happy are those who love you,

and happy those who rejoice in your prosperity.

Happy are all the men who shall grieve over you,

over all your chastisements,

for they shall rejoice in you

as they behold all your joy forever.

My spirit blesses the Lord, the great King.

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. Rejoice, Jerusalem, for through you all men will be gathered to the Lord.

Psalm 147:12-20

Ant. Zion, praise your God, who sent his Word to renew the earth.

O praise the Lord, Jerusalem!

Zion, praise your God!

He has strengthened the bars of your gates,

he has blessed the children within you.

He established peace on your borders,

he feeds you with finest wheat.

He sends out his word to the earth

and swiftly runs his command.

He showers down snow white as wool,

he scatters hoar-frost like ashes.

He hurls down hailstones like crumbs.

The waters are frozen at his touch;

he sends forth his word and it melts them:

at the breath of his mouth the waters flow.

He makes his word known to Jacob,

to Israel his laws and decrees.

He has not dealt thus with other nations;

he has not taught them his 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. Zion, praise your God, who sent his Word to renew the earth.

Galatians 2:19

I have been crucified with Christ, and the life I live now is not my own; Christ is living in me. I still live my human life, but it is a life of faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

RESPONSORY

The Lord, the Most High, has done good things for me.

In need I shall cry out to him.

The Lord, the Most High, has done good things for me.

In need I shall cry out to him.

May he send his strength to rescue me.

In need I shall cry out to him.

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

The Lord, the Most High, has done good things for me.

In need I shall cry out to him.

Canticle of Zechariah

Ant. Through the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us.

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. Through the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us.

INTERCESSIONS

We trust in God’s concern for every person he has created and redeemed through his Son. Let us, therefore, renew our prayer to him:

Fulfill the good work you have begun in us, Lord.

O God of mercy, guide us toward spiritual growth,

fill our minds with thoughts of truth, justice and love.

Fulfill the good work you have begun in us, Lord.

For your name’s sake, do not abandon us for ever,

and do not annul your covenant.

Fulfill the good work you have begun in us, Lord.

Accept us, for our hearts are humble and our spirits contrite,

and those who trust in you shall not be put to shame.

Fulfill the good work you have begun in us, Lord.

You have called us to a prophetic vocation in Christ,

help us proclaim your mighty deeds.

Fulfill the good work you have begun in us, 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

Lord, fill our hearts with your love

as morning fills the sky.

By living your law may we have

your peace in this life

and endless joy in the life to come.

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

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

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

Terce

Now

Midmorning Prayer · 9 AM · 4:47

0:00 4:47

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 119:161-168

Ant. Lord, great is the peace of those who love your law.

Though princes oppress me without cause

I stand in awe of your word.

I take delight in your promise

like one who finds a treasure.

Lies I hate and detest

but your law is my love.

Seven times a day I praise you

for your just decrees.

The lovers of your law have great peace;

they never stumble.

I await your saving help, O Lord,

I fulfill your commands.

My soul obeys your will

and loves it dearly.

I obey your precepts and your will;

all that I do is before 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. Lord, great is the peace of those who love your law.

Psalm 133

Ant. The assembly of believers had but one mind and heart.

How good and how pleasant it is,

when brothers live in unity!

It is like precious oil upon the head

running down upon the beard,

running down upon Aaron’s beard,

upon the collar of his robes.

It is like the dew of Hermon which falls

on the heights of Zion.

For there the Lord gives his blessing,

life for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. The assembly of believers had but one mind and heart.

Psalm 140:1-9

Ant. Save me from the grasp of the sinner, O Lord, my saving power.

Rescue me, Lord, from evil men;

from the violent keep me safe,

from those who plan evil in their hearts

and stir up strife every day;

who sharpen their tongue like an adder’s,

with the poison of viper on their lips.

Lord, guard me from the hands of the wicked;

from the violent keep me safe;

they plan to make me stumble.

The proud have hidden a trap,

have spread out lines in a net,

set snares across my path.

I have said to the Lord: “You are my God.”

Lord, hear the cry of my appeal!

Lord my God, my mighty help,

you shield my head in the battle.

Do not grant the wicked their desire

nor let their plots succeed.

I know that the Lord will avenge the poor,

that he will do justice for the needy.

Yes, the just will praise your name:

the upright shall live in your presence.

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. Save me from the grasp of the sinner, O Lord, my saving power.

Romans 12:17a, 19b, 20a, 21

Never repay injury with injury. For it is written: “‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay’, says the Lord.” “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.” Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.

The Lord’s mercy has never failed; it will endure for ever.

Unswerving his fidelity to those who obey him.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus Christ,

at this hour you were led out

to die on the cross

for the salvation of the world.

We ask your forgiveness for the sins of our past

and your protection from all future evil.

Bring us to the peace and joy of that kingdom

where you live and reign for ever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

Sext

Now

Midday Prayer · 12 PM · 4:33

0:00 4:33

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 119:161-168

Ant. Lord, great is the peace of those who love your law.

Though princes oppress me without cause

I stand in awe of your word.

I take delight in your promise

like one who finds a treasure.

Lies I hate and detest

but your law is my love.

Seven times a day I praise you

for your just decrees.

The lovers of your law have great peace;

they never stumble.

I await your saving help, O Lord,

I fulfill your commands.

My soul obeys your will

and loves it dearly.

I obey your precepts and your will;

all that I do is before 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. Lord, great is the peace of those who love your law.

Psalm 133

Ant. The assembly of believers had but one mind and heart.

How good and how pleasant it is,

when brothers live in unity!

It is like precious oil upon the head

running down upon the beard,

running down upon Aaron’s beard,

upon the collar of his robes.

It is like the dew of Hermon which falls

on the heights of Zion.

For there the Lord gives his blessing,

life for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. The assembly of believers had but one mind and heart.

Psalm 140:1-9

Ant. Save me from the grasp of the sinner, O Lord, my saving power.

Rescue me, Lord, from evil men;

from the violent keep me safe,

from those who plan evil in their hearts

and stir up strife every day;

who sharpen their tongue like an adder’s,

with the poison of viper on their lips.

Lord, guard me from the hands of the wicked;

from the violent keep me safe;

they plan to make me stumble.

The proud have hidden a trap,

have spread out lines in a net,

set snares across my path.

I have said to the Lord: “You are my God.”

Lord, hear the cry of my appeal!

Lord my God, my mighty help,

you shield my head in the battle.

Do not grant the wicked their desire

nor let their plots succeed.

I know that the Lord will avenge the poor,

that he will do justice for the needy.

Yes, the just will praise your name:

the upright shall live in your presence.

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. Save me from the grasp of the sinner, O Lord, my saving power.

1 John 3:16

The way we came to understand love

was that he laid down his life for us;

we too must lay down our lives for our brothers.

Give thanks to the Lord.

For his great love is without end.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus Christ,

at noon, when darkness covered all the earth,

you mounted the wood of the cross

as the innocent victim for our redemption.

May your light be always with us

to guide us to eternal life in that kingdom

where you live and reign for ever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

None

Now

Midafternoon Prayer · 3 PM · 4:50

0:00 4:50

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 119:161-168

Ant. Lord, great is the peace of those who love your law.

Though princes oppress me without cause

I stand in awe of your word.

I take delight in your promise

like one who finds a treasure.

Lies I hate and detest

but your law is my love.

Seven times a day I praise you

for your just decrees.

The lovers of your law have great peace;

they never stumble.

I await your saving help, O Lord,

I fulfill your commands.

My soul obeys your will

and loves it dearly.

I obey your precepts and your will;

all that I do is before 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. Lord, great is the peace of those who love your law.

Psalm 133

Ant. The assembly of believers had but one mind and heart.

How good and how pleasant it is,

when brothers live in unity!

It is like precious oil upon the head

running down upon the beard,

running down upon Aaron’s beard,

upon the collar of his robes.

It is like the dew of Hermon which falls

on the heights of Zion.

For there the Lord gives his blessing,

life for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. The assembly of believers had but one mind and heart.

Psalm 140:1-9

Ant. Save me from the grasp of the sinner, O Lord, my saving power.

Rescue me, Lord, from evil men;

from the violent keep me safe,

from those who plan evil in their hearts

and stir up strife every day;

who sharpen their tongue like an adder’s,

with the poison of viper on their lips.

Lord, guard me from the hands of the wicked;

from the violent keep me safe;

they plan to make me stumble.

The proud have hidden a trap,

have spread out lines in a net,

set snares across my path.

I have said to the Lord: “You are my God.”

Lord, hear the cry of my appeal!

Lord my God, my mighty help,

you shield my head in the battle.

Do not grant the wicked their desire

nor let their plots succeed.

I know that the Lord will avenge the poor,

that he will do justice for the needy.

Yes, the just will praise your name:

the upright shall live in your presence.

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. Save me from the grasp of the sinner, O Lord, my saving power.

1 John 4:9-11

God’s love was revealed in our midst in this way:

he sent his only Son to the world

that we might have life through him.

Love, then, consists in this:

not that we have loved God

but that he has loved us

and has sent his Son as an offering for our sins.

Beloved,

if God has loved us so,

we must have the same love for one another.

Look on us, O strong protector.

And see the face of your Christ.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus Christ,

you brought the repentant thief

from the suffering of the cross

to the joy of your kingdom.

Lord, when we die,

may we who confess our sins

be brought to you through the gates of heaven,

that we may have eternal joy in that kingdom

where you live and reign for ever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

Vespers

Now

Evening Prayer · 8:03

0:00 8:03

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

Eleven hours have come and gone

and day has sped to eventide;

let us with eager mind and heart

fulfill our debt of song and praise.

O Christ, our daily task is done,

the work we do in your employ;

now grant to all who tend your vines

the gift of glory you have pledged.

Bestow your help on all our work

and give us rest when work is done;

by wages that you grant us now,

endow us for our future gain.

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 145

Ant. Day after day I will bless you, Lord; I will tell of your marvelous deeds.

I will give you glory, O God my King,

I will bless your name for ever.

I will bless you day after day

and praise your name for ever.

The Lord is great, highly to be praised,

his greatness cannot be measured.

Age to age shall proclaim your works,

shall declare your mighty deeds,

shall speak of your splendor and glory,

tell the tale of your wonderful works.

They will speak of your terrible deeds,

recount your greatness and might.

They will recall your abundant goodness;

age to age shall ring out your justice.

The Lord is kind and full of compassion,

slow to anger, abounding in love.

How good is the Lord to all,

compassionate to all his creatures.

All your creatures shall thank you, O Lord,

and your friends shall repeat their blessing.

They shall speak of the glory of your reign

and declare your might, O God,

to make known to men your mighty deeds

and the glorious splendor of your reign.

Yours is an everlasting kingdom;

your rule lasts 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. Day after day I will bless you, Lord; I will tell of your marvelous deeds.

Ant. To you alone, Lord, we look with confidence; you are ever close to those who call upon you.

The Lord is faithful in all his words

and loving in all his deeds.

The Lord supports all who fall

and raises all who are bowed down.

The eyes of all creatures look to you

and you give them their food in due time.

You open wide your hand,

grant the desires of all who live.

The Lord is just in all his ways

and loving in all his deeds.

He is close to all who call him,

who call on him from their hearts.

He grants the desires of those who fear him,

he hears their cry and he saves them.

The Lord protects all who love him;

the wicked he will utterly destroy.

Let me speak the praise of the Lord,

let all mankind bless his holy name

for ever, for ages unending.

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. To you alone, Lord, we look with confidence; you are ever close to those who call upon you.

Revelation 15:3-4

Ant. King of all the ages, your ways are perfect and true.

Mighty and wonderful are your works,

Lord God Almighty!

Righteous and true are your ways,

O King of the nations!

Who would dare refuse you honor,

or the glory due your name, O Lord?

Since you alone are holy,

all nations shall come

and worship in your presence.

Your mighty deeds are clearly seen.

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. King of all the ages, your ways are perfect and true.

Romans 8:1-2

There is no condemnation now for those who are in Christ Jesus. The law of the spirit, the spirit of life in Christ Jesus, has freed you from the law of sin and death.

RESPONSORY

Christ died for our sins to make of us an offering to God.

He died to this world of sin, and rose in the power of the Spirit,

to make of us an offering to God.

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

Christ died for our sins to make of us an offering to God.

Canticle of Mary

Ant. Remember your mercy, Lord, the promise of mercy you made to our fathers.

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. Remember your mercy, Lord, the promise of mercy you made to our fathers.

INTERCESSIONS

Let us pray to Christ, the source of hope for all who know his name:

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, our frail humanity is prone to fall,

strengthen us through your help.

Lord, have mercy.

Left to itself, our nature is inclined to sin,

let your love always restore it to grace.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, sin offends you, repentance pleases you,

do not punish us in your wrath even when we have sinned.

Lord, have mercy.

You forgave the penitent woman, and placed the wandering sheep on your shoulders,

do not deprive us of your mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

By your death on the cross you opened the gates of heaven,

admit into your kingdom all who hoped in you.

Lord, have mercy.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Remember us, Lord, when you come to your kingdom and teach us how to pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

God our Father, you brought salvation to all mankind

through the suffering of Christ your Son.

May your people strive to offer themselves to you as a living sacrifice

and be filled with the abundance of your love.

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

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

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

Compline

Now

Night Prayer · 5:07

0:00 5:07

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 88

Ant. Day and night I cry to you, my God.

Lord my God, I call for help by day;

I cry at night before you.

Let my prayer come into your presence.

O turn your ear to my cry.

For my soul is filled with evils;

my life is on the brink of the grave.

I am reckoned as one in the tomb:

I have reached the end of my strength,

like one alone among the dead;

like the slain lying in their graves;

like those you remember no more,

cut off, as they are, from your hand.

You have laid me in the depths of the tomb,

in places that are dark, in the depths.

Your anger weighs down upon me:

I am drowned beneath your waves.

You have taken away my friends

and made me hateful in their sight.

Imprisoned, I cannot escape;

my eyes are sunken with grief.

I call to you, Lord, all the day long;

to you I stretch out my hands.

Will you work your wonders for the dead?

Will the shades stand and praise you?

Will your love be told in the grave

or your faithfulness among the dead?

Will your wonders be known in the dark

or your justice in the land of oblivion?

As for me, Lord, I call to you for help:

in the morning my prayer comes before you.

Lord, why do you reject me?

Why do you hide your face?

Wretched, close to death from my youth,

I have borne your trials; I am numb.

Your fury has swept down upon me;

your terrors have utterly destroyed me.

They surround me all the day like a flood,

they assail me all together.

Friend and neighbor you have taken away:

my one companion is darkness.

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. Day and night I cry to you, my God.

Jeremiah 14:9

You are in our midst, O Lord,

your name we bear:

do not forsake us, O Lord, our God!

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.

All-powerful God

keep us united with your Son

in his death and burial

so that we may rise to new life with him,

who lives and reigns 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 · 4:39

0:00 4:39

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 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.

Mass Readings

Now

Readings of the Day's Mass · 2:56

0:00 2:56

First Reading

1 Cor 15:12-20

Brothers and sisters:

If Christ is preached as raised from the dead,

how can some among you say there is no resurrection of the dead?

If there is no resurrection of the dead,

then neither has Christ been raised.

And if Christ has not been raised, then empty too is our preaching;

empty, too, your faith.

Then we are also false witnesses to God,

because we testified against God that he raised Christ,

whom he did not raise if in fact the dead are not raised.

For if the dead are not raised, neither has Christ been raised,

and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain;

you are still in your sins.

Then those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.

If for this life only we have hoped in Christ,

we are the most pitiable people of all.

But now Christ has been raised from the dead,

the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Responsorial Psalm

Ps 17:1bcd, 6-7, 8b and 15

℟. Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.

Hear, O LORD, a just suit;

attend to my outcry;

hearken to my prayer from lips without deceit.

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;

incline your ear to me; hear my word.

Show your wondrous mercies,

O savior of those who flee

from their foes to refuge at your right hand.

Hide me in the shadow of your wings,

But I in justice shall behold your face;

on waking, I shall be content in your presence.

℟. Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.

Gospel Acclamation

See Mt 11:25

℟. Alleluia, alleluia.

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;

you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.

℟. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Lk 8:1-3

Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another,

preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God.

Accompanying him were the Twelve

and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities,

Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,

Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward Chuza,

Susanna, and many others

who provided for them out of their resources.

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