Invitatorium: A Liturgy of the Hours Player

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Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest

Wednesday · Memorial · Psalter Week 1

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 worship Christ, chief shepherd of the flock.

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, chief shepherd of the flock.

Matins

Now

Office of Readings · 11:34

0:00 11:34

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

Christ, Prince of Pastors, Head and sov’reign ruler,

your joyful people long with all devotion

to laud this Pastor, off’ring him due praises

with hymns and anthems.

Chosen to serve you, sharing in your priesthood,

you gave this Pastor to your holy people,

that he might guide them as a faithful leader

and a good father.

Shepherd and pattern for the flock he tended,

light bringing comfort to the blind and wretched,

provident father, in all things becoming

all things to others.

Christ, Lord in heaven, crowning saints for merit,

grant us to follow in this Pastor’s footsteps

with lives of goodness and attain hereafter

like crowns of glory.

Let equal praises honor God the Father

and you our Savior, loving King eternal;

through all creation, let the Spirit’s glory

echo for ever. Amen.

Psalm 18:2-30

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

I love you, Lord, my strength,

my rock, my fortress, my savior.

My God is the rock where I take refuge;

my shield, my mighty help, my stronghold.

The Lord is worthy of all praise:

when I call I am saved from my foes.

The waves of death rose about me;

the torrents of destruction assailed me;

the snares of the grave entangled me;

the traps of death confronted me.

In my anguish I called to the Lord;

I cried to God for help.

From his temple he heard my voice;

my cry came to his ears.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

Ant. The Lord has saved me; he wanted me for his own.

Then the earth reeled and rocked;

the mountains were shaken to their base:

they reeled at his terrible anger.

Smoke came forth from his nostrils

and scorching fire from his mouth:

coals were set ablaze by its heat.

He lowered the heavens and came down,

a black cloud under his feet.

He came enthroned on the cherubim,

he flew on the wings of the wind.

He made the darkness his covering,

the dark waters of the clouds, his tent.

A brightness shone out before him

with hailstones and flashes of fire.

The Lord thundered in the heavens;

The Most High let his voice be heard.

He shot his arrows, scattered the foe,

flashed his lightnings and put them to flight.

The bed of the ocean was revealed;

the foundations of the world were laid bare

at the thunder of your threat, O Lord,

at the blast of the breath of your anger.

From on high he reached down and seized me;

he drew me forth from the mighty waters.

He snatched me from my powerful foe,

from my enemies whose strength I could not match.

They assailed me in the day of my misfortune,

but the Lord was my support.

He brought me forth into freedom,

he saved me because he loved me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. The Lord has saved me; he wanted me for his own.

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

He rewarded me because I was just.

repaid me, for my hands were clean,

for I have kept the way of the Lord

and have not fallen away from my God.

For his judgments are all before me:

I have never neglected his commands.

I have always been upright before him;

I have kept myself from guilt.

He repaid me because I was just

and my hands were clean in his eyes.

You are loving with those who love you:

you show yourself perfect with the perfect.

With the sincere you show yourself sincere,

but the cunning you outdo in cunning.

For you save a humble people

but humble the eyes that are proud.

You, O Lord, are my lamp,

my God who lightens my darkness.

With you I can break through any barrier,

with my God I can scale any wall.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

All wondered at the words of grace.

Which came from the mouth of the Lord.

From the book of the prophet Ezekiel

The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he led me out in the spirit of the Lord and set me in the center of the plain, which was now filled with bones. He made me walk among them in every direction so that I saw how many they were on the surface of the plain. How dry they were!

He asked me: Son of man, can these bones come to life? “Lord God,” I answered, “you alone know that.” Then he said to me: Prophesy over these bones, and say to them: Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! Thus says the Lord God to these bones: See! I will bring spirit into you, that you may come to life. I will put sinews upon you, make flesh grow over you, cover you with skin, and put spirit in you so that you may come to life and know that I am the Lord.

I prophesied as I had been told, and even as I was prophesying I heard a noise; it was a rattling as the bones came together, bone joining bone. I saw the sinews and the flesh come upon them, and the skin cover them, but there was no spirit in them. Then he said to me: Prophesy to the spirit, prophesy, son of man, and say to the spirit: Thus says the Lord God: From the four winds come, O spirit, and breathe into these slain that they may come to life.

I prophesied as he told me, and the spirit came into them; they came alive and stood upright, a vast army.

Then he said to me: Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They have been saying, “Our bones are dried up, our hope is lost, and we are cut off.” Therefore, prophesy and say to them: Thus says the Lord God: O my people, I will open your graves and have you rise from them, and bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and have you rise from them, O my people! I will put my spirit in you that you may live, and I will settle you upon your land; thus you shall know that I am the Lord. I have promised, and I will do it, says the Lord.

Ezekiel 37:12,13,5; John 11:25

I shall open your graves

and raise you up from them.

Then you shall know that I am the Lord.

I am the resurrecton and the life;

whoever believes in me, even if he die, shall live.

Then you shall know that I am the Lord.

From the letters of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina

With unceasing blows of healing chisel and careful stripping away, the divine Artificer seeks to prepare stones to build an eternal dwelling — as our mother, the holy Catholic Church, full of tenderness, sings in the hymn of the office for the dedication of a church. And that is true.

Every soul destined for eternal glory can be considered most aptly as a stone for building an eternal edifice. The builder who seeks to put up a dwelling in the best way should first polish the stones that will be used in the construction. He does this with blows of hammer and chisel. In the same way, our heavenly Father works on chosen souls who, from all eternity, by his supreme wisdom and providence, have been destined for building up the eternal dwelling.

The soul, if it wants to reign with Christ in eternal glory, must be polished with hammer and chisel strokes, which the divine Artificer uses to prepare the stones, that is, the chosen souls. What are these hammer and chisel strokes? Darkness, my sister, fears, temptations, sadness of spirit and spiritual fears, which reek like a sickness, and bodily discomfort.

Give thanks to the infinite piety of the eternal Father who, in this way, leads your soul to salvation. Why not glory in these benevolent conditions from the best of all fathers? Open your heart to the celestial doctor of souls and, full of confidence, surrender yourselves into his most holy arms: as a chosen one, he leads you to follow Jesus closely on Mount Calvary. With joy and emotion in my soul I ponder how grace is working in you.

Do not forget that the Lord has arranged everything your souls experience. Do not fear causing God harm or injury. It’s enough that you know that in your whole life you have never offended the Lord who, on the contrary, has been honored more and more.

If this benevolent Spouse of your soul hides from you, he does so not, as you think, because he wants to take revenge on your wickedness, but because it tests your fidelity and constancy even more, and, besides, heals you of some diseases not considered as such by carnal eyes, that is to say, those diseases and faults to which not even the just person is immune. Indeed, Scripture says in the book of Proverbs: “Seven times a righteous man falls”.

Believe me, if I did not see you so afflicted, I would not be as happy, because I would think that the Lord wanted to give you fewer gems. Get rid of, as temptations, the doubts that assail you. Also expel the doubts with regards to the purpose of your life: to do that is not to listen to the divine summons, and to resist the sweet invitations of the Bridegroom. All these things do not come from a good spirit but from a bad one. These are diabolical ploys that try to separate you from perfection or, at least, hinder the journey towards it. Do not lose heart!

Whenever Jesus shows himself, give him thanks. If he hides, give him thanks: all are touches of his love. I wish you to give up your spirit with Jesus on the cross, when he says: “It is accomplished”.

Ephesians 2:21-22

In Christ Jesus the whole building is bonded together and grows

into a holy temple in the Lord.

In him, you are also being built into a house where God lives, in the Spirit,

into a holy temple in the Lord.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Almighty ever-living God, who, by a singular grace,

gave the Priest Saint Pius a share in the Cross of your Son

and, by means of his ministry,

renewed the wonders of your mercy,

grant that through his intercession

we may be united constantly to the sufferings of Christ,

and so brought happily to the glory of the resurrection.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

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

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

ACCLAMATION

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

Lauds

Now

Morning Prayer · 9:01

0:00 9:01

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

Faithful confessor, father wise and prudent,

this glorious Pastor, filled with joy forever,

reigns in the heavens, as we praise and honor

his worthy triumph.

This Priest and Pastor, glorious and noble,

taught by example holiness and virtue,

as he strove always, pure of heart and blameless,

to find God’s favor.

Now let us ask him, earnestly beseeching

that we be washed clean of our guilt and failings;

by his petitions, may he lead us onward

to heights of heaven.

To God be glory; who alone is mighty,

praise in the highest, honor through all ages,

who rules and governs with his laws and wisdom

all of creation. Amen.

Psalm 36

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

Sin speaks to the sinner

in the depths of his heart.

There is no fear of God

before his eyes.

He so flatters himself in his mind

that he knows not his guilt.

In his mouth are mischief and deceit.

All wisdom is gone.

He plots the defeat of goodness

as he lies on his bed.

He has set his foot on evil ways,

he clings to what is evil.

Your love, Lord, reaches to heaven;

your truth to the skies.

Your justice is like God’s mountain,

your judgments like the deep.

To both man and beast you give protection.

O Lord, how precious is your love.

My God, the sons of men

find refuge in the shelter of your wings.

They feast on the riches of your house;

they drink from the stream of your delight.

In you is the source of life

and in your light we see light.

Keep on loving those who know you,

doing justice for upright hearts.

Let the foot of the proud not crush me

nor the hand of the wicked cast me out.

See how the evil-doers fall!

Flung down, they shall never arise.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

Judith 16:2-3

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

Strike up the instruments,

a song to my God with timbrels,

chant to the Lord with cymbals.

Sing to him a new song,

exalt and acclaim his name.

A new hymn I will sing to my God.

O Lord, great are you and glorious,

wonderful in power and unsurpassable.

Let your every creature serve you;

for you spoke, and they were made,

you sent forth your spirit, and they were created;

no one can resist your word.

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

the rocks, like wax, melt before your glance.

But to those who fear you,

you are very merciful.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

Psalm 47

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

All peoples, clap your hands,

cry to God with shouts of joy!

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

great king over all the earth.

He subdues peoples under us

and nations under our feet.

Our inheritance, our glory, is from him,

given to Jacob out of love.

God goes up with shouts of joy;

the Lord goes up with trumpet blast.

Sing praise for God, sing praise,

sing praise to our king, sing praise.

God is king of all the earth.

Sing praise with all your skill.

God is king over the nations;

God reigns on his holy throne.

The princes of the peoples are assembled

with the people of Abraham’s God.

The rulers of the earth belong to God,

to God who reigns over all.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

Hebrews 13:7-9a

Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you; consider how their lives ended, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teaching.

RESPONSORY

On your walls, Jerusalem, I have set my watchmen to guard you.

Day or night, they will not cease to proclaim the name of the Lord.

I have set my watchmen to guard you.

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

On your walls, Jerusalem, I have set my watchmen to guard you.

Canticle of Zechariah

Ant. What you say of me does not come from yourselves; it is the Spirit of my Father speaking in you.

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 forever. Amen.

Ant. What you say of me does not come from yourselves; it is the Spirit of my Father speaking in you.

INTERCESSIONS

Christ is the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for his sheep. Let us praise and thank him as we pray:

Nourish your people, Lord.

Christ, you decided to show your merciful love through your holy shepherds,

let your mercy always reach us through them.

Nourish your people, Lord.

Through your vicars you continue to perform the ministry of shepherd of souls,

direct us always through our leaders.

Nourish your people, Lord.

Through your holy ones, the leaders of your people, you served as physician of our bodies and our spirits,

continue to fulfill your ministry of life and holiness in us.

Nourish your people, Lord.

You taught your flock through the prudence and love of your saints,

grant us continual growth in holiness under the direction of our pastors.

Nourish your people, 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

Almighty ever-living God, who, by a singular grace,

gave the Priest Saint Pius a share in the Cross of your Son

and, by means of his ministry,

renewed the wonders of your mercy,

grant that through his intercession

we may be united constantly to the sufferings of Christ,

and so brought happily to the glory of the resurrection.

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 · 4:45

0:00 4:45

INTRODUCTION

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

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

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

HYMN

Now, Holy Spirit, come, descend,

one with the Father and the Son;

come swiftly in and fill our hearts

with your full flood of holiness.

In mind and mouth, with heart and tongue,

with strength and sense, may praise resound,

May charity with ardor blaze

and kindle others with its flame.

Now through your presence may we know

and love the Father and the Son,

and you, the Spirit of them both,

may we profess throughout all time. Amen.

Psalm 119:9-16

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

How shall the young remain sinless?

By obeying your word.

I have sought you with all my heart:

let me not stray from your commands.

I treasure your promise in my heart

lest I sin against you.

Blessed are you, O Lord;

teach me your statutes.

With my tongue I have recounted

the decrees of your lips.

I rejoiced to do your will

as though all riches were mine.

I will ponder all your precepts

and consider your paths.

I take delight in your statutes;

I will not forget your word.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

Psalm 17

Ant. Lord, keep me steadfast in your ways.

Lord, hear a cause that is just,

pay heed to my cry.

Turn your ear to my prayer:

no deceit is on my lips.

From you may my judgment come forth.

Your eyes discern the truth.

You search my heart, you visit me by night.

You test me and you find in me no wrong.

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

I kept from violence because of your word,

I kept my feet firmly in your paths;

there was no faltering in my steps.

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

Turn your ear to me; hear my words.

Display your great love, you whose right hand saves

your friends from those who rebel against them.

Guard me as the apple of your eye.

Hide me in the shadow of your wings

from the violent attack of the wicked.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Lord, keep me steadfast in your ways.

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

My foes encircle me with deadly intent.

Their hearts tight shut, their mouths speak proudly.

They advance against me, and now they surround me.

Their eyes are watching to strike me to the ground,

as though they were lions ready to claw

or like some young lion crouched in hiding.

Lord, arise, confront them, strike them down!

Let your sword rescue my soul from the wicked;

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

from men whose reward is in this present life.

You give them their fill of your treasures;

they rejoice in abundance of offspring

and leave their wealth to their children.

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

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

Glory to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

1 Peter 1:13-14

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

Lord, show me your ways.

Teach me to walk in your footsteps.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

God of truth, Father of all,

you send your Spirit as you promised

to bring together in love

all whom sin has driven apart.

Strengthen us to work for your blessings

of unity and peace in the world.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

Sext

Now

Midday Prayer · 12 PM · 4:42

0:00 4:42

INTRODUCTION

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

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

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

HYMN

O mighty Ruler, God of truth,

for days and seasons setting bounds,

you clothe with splendor morning light

and midday skies with brilliant heat.

Extinguish flames of bitter strife,

all harmful passion take away,

grant health unto our mortal frame,

and on our hearts bestow true peace.

Most loving Father, hear our prayer,

and you, O Christ coequal Son,

who with the Spirit Paraclete

now reign for all eternity. Amen.

Psalm 119:9-16

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

How shall the young remain sinless?

By obeying your word.

I have sought you with all my heart:

let me not stray from your commands.

I treasure your promise in my heart

lest I sin against you.

Blessed are you, O Lord;

teach me your statutes.

With my tongue I have recounted

the decrees of your lips.

I rejoiced to do your will

as though all riches were mine.

I will ponder all your precepts

and consider your paths.

I take delight in your statutes;

I will not forget your word.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

Psalm 17

Ant. Lord, keep me steadfast in your ways.

Lord, hear a cause that is just,

pay heed to my cry.

Turn your ear to my prayer:

no deceit is on my lips.

From you may my judgment come forth.

Your eyes discern the truth.

You search my heart, you visit me by night.

You test me and you find in me no wrong.

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

I kept from violence because of your word,

I kept my feet firmly in your paths;

there was no faltering in my steps.

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

Turn your ear to me; hear my words.

Display your great love, you whose right hand saves

your friends from those who rebel against them.

Guard me as the apple of your eye.

Hide me in the shadow of your wings

from the violent attack of the wicked.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Lord, keep me steadfast in your ways.

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

My foes encircle me with deadly intent.

Their hearts tight shut, their mouths speak proudly.

They advance against me, and now they surround me.

Their eyes are watching to strike me to the ground,

as though they were lions ready to claw

or like some young lion crouched in hiding.

Lord, arise, confront them, strike them down!

Let your sword rescue my soul from the wicked;

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

from men whose reward is in this present life.

You give them their fill of your treasures;

they rejoice in abundance of offspring

and leave their wealth to their children.

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

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

Glory to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

1 Peter 1:15-16

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

May your priests be robed with holiness.

Let your people dance for joy.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

God of mercy,

this midday moment of rest

is your welcome gift.

Bless the work we have begun,

make good its defects

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

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

None

Now

Midafternoon Prayer · 3 PM · 4:42

0:00 4:42

INTRODUCTION

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

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

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

HYMN

O God, our firm and steadfast strength,

remaining in yourself unmoved,

you rule the span of daily light

and guide the course of all the hours.

Bestow at eventide a light

by which our life may never fail;

may endless glory be the crown

that follows on a holy death.

Most loving Father, hear our prayer,

and you, O Christ, coequal Son,

who with the Spirit Paraclete

now reign for all eternity. Amen.

Psalm 119:9-16

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

How shall the young remain sinless?

By obeying your word.

I have sought you with all my heart:

let me not stray from your commands.

I treasure your promise in my heart

lest I sin against you.

Blessed are you, O Lord;

teach me your statutes.

With my tongue I have recounted

the decrees of your lips.

I rejoiced to do your will

as though all riches were mine.

I will ponder all your precepts

and consider your paths.

I take delight in your statutes;

I will not forget your word.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

Psalm 17

Ant. Lord, keep me steadfast in your ways.

Lord, hear a cause that is just,

pay heed to my cry.

Turn your ear to my prayer:

no deceit is on my lips.

From you may my judgment come forth.

Your eyes discern the truth.

You search my heart, you visit me by night.

You test me and you find in me no wrong.

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

I kept from violence because of your word,

I kept my feet firmly in your paths;

there was no faltering in my steps.

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

Turn your ear to me; hear my words.

Display your great love, you whose right hand saves

your friends from those who rebel against them.

Guard me as the apple of your eye.

Hide me in the shadow of your wings

from the violent attack of the wicked.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Lord, keep me steadfast in your ways.

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

My foes encircle me with deadly intent.

Their hearts tight shut, their mouths speak proudly.

They advance against me, and now they surround me.

Their eyes are watching to strike me to the ground,

as though they were lions ready to claw

or like some young lion crouched in hiding.

Lord, arise, confront them, strike them down!

Let your sword rescue my soul from the wicked;

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

from men whose reward is in this present life.

You give them their fill of your treasures;

they rejoice in abundance of offspring

and leave their wealth to their children.

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

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

Glory to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

James 4:7-8a, 10

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

God looks tenderly on those who revere him.

On those who trust in his mercy.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus Christ,

to save all mankind

you stretched out your arms on the cross.

Let our work be pleasing to you:

may it proclaim your salvation to the world,

for you live and reign forever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

Vespers

Now

Evening Prayer · 9:59

0:00 9:59

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

Receive this hymn, O noble Priest,

bright pattern of a virtuous life;

as with due praise we sing your name,

we laud the wondrous works of God.

Christ came as Lord and great High Priest

to bind the human race to God,

restoring us to peace once more

through his eternal covenant.

In loving providence he willed

to make you steward of his gifts,

that God the Father might be praised

and all his people find new life.

You scaled the height and reached the crown,

the summit of this royal life;

by word and virtue you excelled

as teacher, priest, and sacrifice.

As you reside in heaven’s peace,

be mindful of the holy Church,

that all the sheep may seek and find

rich pasture in the joy of Christ.

All glory to the Triune God,

who crowns you with a worthy joy,

his true and zealous minister,

for service by your holy state. Amen.

Psalm 27

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

The Lord is my light and my help;

whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life;

before whom shall I shrink?

When evil-doers draw near

to devour my flesh,

it is they, my enemies and foes,

who stumble and fall.

Though an army encamp against me

my heart would not fear.

Though war break out against me

even then would I trust.

There is one thing I ask of the Lord,

for this I long,

to live in the house of the Lord,

all the days of my life,

to savor the sweetness of the Lord,

to behold his temple.

For there he keeps me safe in his tent

in the day of evil.

He hides me in the shelter of his tent,

on a rock he sets me safe.

And now my head shall be raised

above my foes who surround me,

and I shall offer within his tent

a sacrifice of joy.

I will sing and make music for the Lord.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

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

O Lord, hear my voice when I call;

have mercy and answer.

Of you my heart has spoken:

“Seek his face.”

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

hide not your face.

Dismiss not your servant in anger;

you have been my help.

Do not abandon or forsake me,

O God my help!

Though father and mother forsake me,

the Lord will receive me.

Instruct me, Lord, in your way;

on an even path lead me.

When they lie in ambush, protect me

from my enemy’s greed.

False witnesses rise against me,

breathing out fury.

I am sure I shall see the Lord’s goodness

in the land of the living.

Hope in him, hold firm and take heart.

Hope in the Lord!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

Colossians 1:12-20

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

Let us give thanks to the Father

for having made you worthy

to share the lot of the saints

in light.

He rescued us from the power of darkness

and brought us into the kingdom of his beloved Son.

Through him we have redemption,

the forgiveness of our sins.

He is the image of the invisible God,

the first-born of all creatures.

In him everything in heaven and on earth was created,

things visible and invisible.

All were created through him;

all were created for him.

He is before all else that is.

In him everything continues in being.

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

he who is the beginning,

the first-born of the dead,

so that primacy may be his in everything.

It pleased God to make absolute fullness reside in him

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

both on earth and in the heavens,

making peace through the blood of his cross.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

1 Peter 5:1-4

To the elders among you, I, a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and sharer in the glory that is to be revealed, make this appeal. God’s flock is in your midst; give it a shepherd’s care. Watch over it willingly, as God would have you do, not under constraint, and not for shameful profit, either, but generously. Be examples to the flock, not lording it over those assigned to you, so that when the chief Shepherd appears, you will win for yourselves the unfading crown of glory.

RESPONSORY

This is a man who loved his brethren and ever prayed for them.

He spent himself in their service,

and ever prayed for them.

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

This is a man who loved his brethren and ever prayed for them.

Canticle of Mary

Ant. This is a faithful and wise steward: the Lord entrusted the care of his household to him, so that he might give them their portion of food at the proper season.

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. This is a faithful and wise steward: the Lord entrusted the care of his household to him, so that he might give them their portion of food at the proper season.

INTERCESSIONS

Jesus Christ is worthy of all praise, for he was appointed high priest among men and their representative before God. We honor him and in our frailty we pray:

Bring salvation to your people, Lord.

You marvelously illuminated your Church through distinguished leaders and holy men and women,

let Christians rejoice always in such splendor.

Bring salvation to your people, Lord.

You forgave the sins of your people when their holy leaders like Moses sought your compassion,

through their intercession continue to purify and sanctify your holy people.

Bring salvation to your people, Lord.

In the midst of their brothers and sisters you anointed your holy ones and filled them with the Holy Spirit,

fill all the leaders of your people with the same Spirit.

Bring salvation to your people, Lord.

You yourself are the only visible possession of our holy pastors,

let none of them, won at the price of your blood, remain far from you.

Bring salvation to your people, Lord.

The shepherds of your Church keep your flock from being snatched out of your hand. Through them you give your flock eternal life,

save those who have died, those for whom you gave up your life.

Bring salvation to your people, 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

Almighty ever-living God, who, by a singular grace,

gave the Priest Saint Pius a share in the Cross of your Son

and, by means of his ministry,

renewed the wonders of your mercy,

grant that through his intercession

we may be united constantly to the sufferings of Christ,

and so brought happily to the glory of the resurrection.

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 · 2:45

0:00 2:45

First Reading

Prv 30:5-9

Every word of God is tested;

he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Add nothing to his words,

lest he reprove you, and you will be exposed as a deceiver.

Two things I ask of you,

deny them not to me before I die:

Put falsehood and lying far from me,

give me neither poverty nor riches;

provide me only with the food I need;

Lest, being full, I deny you,

saying, “Who is the LORD?”

Or, being in want, I steal,

and profane the name of my God.

Responsorial Psalm

Ps 119:29, 72, 89, 101, 104, 163

℟. Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feet.

Remove from me the way of falsehood,

and favor me with your law.

The law of your mouth is to me more precious

than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

Your word, O LORD, endures forever;

it is firm as the heavens.

From every evil way I withhold my feet,

that I may keep your words.

Through your precepts I gain discernment;

therefore I hate every false way.

Falsehood I hate and abhor;

your law I love.

℟. Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feet.

Gospel Acclamation

Mk 1:15

℟. Alleluia, alleluia.

The Kingdom of God is at hand;

repent and believe in the Gospel.

℟. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Lk 9:1-6

Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority

over all demons and to cure diseases,

and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God

and to heal the sick.

He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey,

neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money,

and let no one take a second tunic.

Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there.

And as for those who do not welcome you,

when you leave that town,

shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.”

Then they set out and went from village to village

proclaiming the Good News and curing diseases everywhere.

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