Invitatorium: A Liturgy of the Hours Player

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The Holy Guardian Angels

Friday · Memorial · Psalter Week 2

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 the Lord, whom the angels serve.

Come, let us sing to the Lord

and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us.

Let us approach him with praise and thanksgiving

and sing joyful songs to the Lord.

The Lord is God, the mighty God,

the great king over all the gods.

He holds in his hands the depths of the earth

and the highest mountains as well.

He made the sea; it belongs to him,

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

Come, then, let us bow down and worship,

bending the knee before the Lord, our maker.

For he is our God and we are his people,

the flock he shepherds.

Today, listen to the voice of the Lord:

Do not grow stubborn, as your fathers did

in the wilderness,

when at Meriba and Massah

they challenged me and provoked me,

Although they had seen all of my works.

Forty years I endured that generation.

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

and they do not know my ways.”

So I swore in my anger,

“They shall not enter into my rest.”

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Come, let us worship the Lord, whom the angels serve.

Matins

Now

Office of Readings · 10:07

0:00 10:07

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

Eternal Maker of the world,

who rules the earth and sea and sky,

you give to all a just reward,

the recompense their deeds deserve.

When you condemned our foe to hell,

proud spirit with his rebel throng,

you then confirmed the angel hosts,

who humbly worshiped you in truth.

And so with ardent faith we pray:

Send forth our Guardian Angels, Lord,

and through their gracious aid bestow

salvation and the gifts it brings.

To cheer and strengthen, may they come,

to visit us, inflame and cleanse,

to teach, and prompt us to the good,

to check and daunt the demons’ pow’r.

O Glory of the angel choirs,

help us proceed with fearless step,

serene and safe beneath their guard,

that we may see you face to face.

O Lord of angels, may our hymns

give praise and honor to your name,

who have ordained such wondrous gifts

for us and them in heav’n on high. Amen.

Psalm 38

Ant. Lord, in your anger, do not punish me.

O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger;

do not punish me, Lord, in your rage.

Your arrows have sunk deep in me;

your hand has come down upon me.

Through your anger all my body is sick:

through my sin, there is no health in my limbs.

My guilt towers higher than my head;

it is a weight too heavy to bear.

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, in your anger, do not punish me.

Ant. Lord, you know all my longings.

My wounds are foul and festering,

the result of my own folly.

I am bowed and brought to my knees.

I go mourning all the day long.

All my frame burns with fever;

all my body is sick.

Spent and utterly crushed,

I cry aloud in anguish of heart.

O Lord, you know all my longing:

my groans are not hidden from you.

My heart throbs, my strength is spent;

the very light has gone from my eyes.

My friends avoid me like a leper;

those closest to me stand afar off.

Those who plot against my life lay snares;

those who seek my ruin speak of harm,

planning treachery all the day long.

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, you know all my longings.

Ant. I confess my guilt to you, Lord; do not abandon me, for you are my savior.

But I am like the deaf who cannot hear,

like the dumb unable to speak.

I am like a man who hears nothing,

in whose mouth is no defense.

I count on you, O Lord:

it is you, Lord God, who will answer.

I pray: “Do not let them mock me,

those who triumph if my foot should slip.”

For I am on the point of falling

and my pain is always before me.

I confess that I am guilty

and my sin fills me with dismay.

My wanton enemies are numberless

and my lying foes are many.

They repay me evil for good

and attack me for seeking what is right.

O Lord, do not forsake me!

My God, do not stay afar off!

Make haste and come to my help,

O Lord, my God, my savior!

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 confess my guilt to you, Lord; do not abandon me, for you are my savior.

My eyes keep watch for your saving help.

Awaiting the word that will justify me.

From the letter of the apostle Paul to the Philippians

Be imitators of me, my brothers. Take as your guide those who follow the example that we set. Unfortunately, many go about in a way which shows them to be enemies of the cross of Christ. I have often said this to you before; this time I say it with tears. Such as these will end in disaster! Their god is their belly and their glory is in their shame. I am talking about those who are set upon the things of this world. As you well know, we have our citizenship in heaven; it is from there that we eagerly await the coming of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will give a new form to this lowly body of ours and remake it according to the pattern of his glorified body, by his power to subject everything to himself.

For these reasons, my brothers, you whom I so love and long for, you who are my joy and my crown, continue, my dear ones, to stand firm in the Lord.

I plead with Evodia just as I do with Syntyche: come to some mutual understanding in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, too, my dependable fellow worker, to go to their aid; they have struggled at my side in promoting the gospel, along with Clement and the others who have labored with me, whose names are in the book of life.

Rejoice in the Lord always! I say it again. Rejoice! Everyone should see how unselfish you are. The Lord is near. Dismiss all anxiety from your minds. Present your needs to God in every form of prayer and in petitions full of gratitude. Then God’s own peace, which is beyond all understanding, will stand guard over your hearts and minds, in Christ Jesus.

Finally, my brothers, your thoughts should be wholly directed to all that is true, all that deserves respect, all that is honest, pure, admirable, decent, virtuous, or worthy of praise. Live according to what you have learned and accepted, what you have heard me say and seen me do. Then will the God of peace be with you.

Ephesians 4:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18

I urge you in the Lord’s name

to stop living as the pagans live

with their worthless concerns.

Always seek to do what is best for one another and for everyone;

for this is what God wants you to do in Christ Jesus.

Rejoice always, pray constantly

and always give thanks.

For this is what God wants you to do in Christ Jesus.

From a sermon by Saint Bernard, abbot

He has given his angels charge over you to guard you in all your ways.

Let them thank the Lord for his mercy; his wonderful works are for the children of men. Let them give thanks and say among the nations, the Lord has done great things for them. O Lord, what is man that you have made yourself known to him, or why do you incline your heart to him? And you do incline your heart to him; you show him your care and your concern. Finally, you send your only Son and the grace of your Spirit, and promise him a vision of your countenance. And so, that nothing in heaven should be wanting in your concern for us, you send those blessed spirits to serve us, assigning them as our guardians and our teachers.

He has given his angels charge over you to guard you in all your ways.

These words should fill you with respect, inspire devotion and instill confidence; respect for the presence of angels, devotion because of their loving service, and confidence because of their protection. And so the angels are here; they are at your side, they are with you, present on your behalf. They are here to protect you and to serve you. But even if it is God who has given them this charge, we must nonetheless be grateful to them for the great love with which they obey and come to help us in our great need.

So let us be devoted and grateful to such great protectors; let us return their love and honor them as much as we can and should. Yet all our love and honor must go to him, for it is from him that they receive all that makes them worthy of our love and respect.

We should then, my brothers, show our affection for the angels, for one day they will be our co-heirs just as here below they are our guardians and trustees appointed and set over us by the Father. We are God’s children although it does not seem so, because we are still but small children under guardians and trustees, and for the present little better than slaves.

Even though we are children and have a long, a very long and dangerous way to go, with such protectors what have we to fear? They who keep us in all our ways cannot be overpowered or led astray, much less lead us astray. They are loyal, prudent, powerful. Why then are we afraid? We have only to follow them, stay close to them, and we shall dwell under the protection of God’s heaven.

Psalm 91:11-12, 10

God gave his angels charge over you

to protect you in all your ways.

They shall lift you up with their hands,

lest you strike your foot against a stone.

No evil shall harm you,

no plague shall come near your tent.

They shall lift you up with their hands,

lest you strike your foot against a stone.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

O God, who in your unfathomable providence

are pleased to send your holy Angels to guard us,

hear our supplication as we cry to you,

that we may always be defended by their protection

and rejoice eternally in their company.

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 · 9:30

0:00 9:30

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 perfect Maker of the world,

whose great right hand created all,

with no less providence you rule

and govern all that you have made.

Draw near to those who humbly pray,

your people burdened by their guilt,

who beg you, as the dawn returns,

to fill their minds and hearts with light.

Send forth your angels whom you name

to be our guardian and defense,

that by his presence he may shield

and save us from the scourge of sin.

May he drive far away from us

the envious serpent’s calumnies,

that snares of fraud and sly deceit

may never trap unguarded hearts.

At his command let ev’ry fear

of hostile foe depart our land,

let plague and strife be put to flight

and peace abide in ev’ry home.

To God the Father glory be,

that by his angels he may guard

the souls redeemed by Christ his Son,

and by the Holy Spirit sealed. Amen.

Psalm 63:2-9

Ant. The Lord will send his angel to accompany you and to guide you safely on your way.

O God, you are my God, for you I long;

for you my soul is thirsting.

My body pines for you

like a dry, weary land without water.

So I gaze on you in the sanctuary

to see your strength and your glory.

For your love is better than life,

my lips will speak your praise.

So I will bless you all my life,

in your name I will lift up my hands.

My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,

my mouth shall praise you with joy.

On my bed I remember you.

On you I muse through the night

for you have been my help;

in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.

My soul clings to you;

your right hand holds me fast.

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 will send his angel to accompany you and to guide you safely on your way.

Daniel 3:57-88

Ant. Blessed be God who sent his angels to rescue his faithful servants.

Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.

Praise and exalt him above all forever.

Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord.

You heavens, bless the Lord.

All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord.

All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord.

Sun and moon, bless the Lord.

Stars of heaven, bless the Lord.

Every shower and dew, bless the Lord.

All you winds, bless the Lord.

Fire and heat, bless the Lord.

Cold and chill, bless the Lord.

Dew and rain, bless the Lord.

Frost and chill, bless the Lord.

Ice and snow, bless the Lord.

Nights and days, bless the Lord.

Light and darkness, bless the Lord.

Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord.

Let the earth bless the Lord.

Praise and exalt him above all forever.

Mountains and hills, bless the Lord.

Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord.

You springs, bless the Lord.

Seas and rivers, bless the Lord.

You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord.

All you birds of the air, bless the Lord.

All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord.

You sons of men, bless the Lord.

O Israel, bless the Lord.

Praise and exalt him above all forever.

Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord.

Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.

Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord.

Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord.

Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord.

Praise and exalt him above all forever.

Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Let us praise and exalt him above all forever.

Blessed are you, Lord, in the firmament of heaven.

Praiseworthy and glorious and exalted above all forever.

Ant. Blessed be God who sent his angels to rescue his faithful servants.

Psalm 149

Ant. Praise the Lord, all you heavenly hosts of angels.

Sing a new song to the Lord,

his praise in the assembly of the faithful.

Let Israel rejoice in its maker,

let Zion’s sons exult in their king.

Let them praise his name with dancing

and make music with timbrel and harp.

For the Lord takes delight in his people.

He crowns the poor with salvation.

Let the faithful rejoice in their glory,

shout for joy and take their rest.

Let the praise of God be on their lips

and a two-edged sword in their hand,

to deal out vengeance to the nations

and punishment on all the peoples;

to bind their kings in chains

and their nobles in fetters of iron;

to carry out the sentence pre-ordained;

this honor is for all his faithful.

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. Praise the Lord, all you heavenly hosts of angels.

Exodus 23:20-21

I am going to send an angel in front of you, to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared. Be attentive to him and listen to his voice.

RESPONSORY

In the presence of the angels, I will sing to you, my God.

I will praise your name.

I will sing to you, my God.

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

In the presence of the angels, I will sing to you, my God.

Canticle of Zechariah

Ant. They are all ministering spirits, sent to care for those on the way to salvation.

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. They are all ministering spirits, sent to care for those on the way to salvation.

INTERCESSIONS

With one voice the choirs of angels sing their unceasing praise of the Lord. Let us join in their worship as we proclaim:

Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord.

You commanded your angels to guard us in all our ways,

keep us from sin as you lead us in your path this day.

Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord.

Father, the angels stand for ever before your face,

nourish in us a never-failing hope of coming at last into your presence.

Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord.

Your children will be like the angels in heaven,

grant us chastity in both mind and body.

Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord.

Send Michael, the prince of the heavenly hosts, to the aid of your people,

may he defend them against Satan and his angels on the day of battle.

Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

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

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;

thy kingdom come;

thy will be done on earth

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

O God, who in your unfathomable providence

are pleased to send your holy Angels to guard us,

hear our supplication as we cry to you,

that we may always be defended by their protection

and rejoice eternally in their company.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

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

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

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

Terce

Now

Midmorning Prayer · 9 AM · 5:39

0:00 5:39

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 119:73-80

Ant. Let your loving kindness console me as you promised.

It was your hands that made me and shaped me:

help me to learn your commands.

Your faithful will see me and rejoice

for I trust in your word.

Lord, I know that your decrees are right,

that you afflicted me justly.

Let your love be ready to console me

by your promise to your servant.

Let your love come and I shall live

for your law is my delight.

Shame the proud who harm me with lies

while I ponder your precepts.

Let your faithful turn to me,

those who know your will.

Let my heart be blameless in obeying you

lest I be ashamed.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Let your loving kindness console me as you promised.

Psalm 59:2-5

Ant. Protect me, my God, from those who rise up against me.

Rescue me, God, from my foes;

protect me from those who attack me.

O rescue me from those who do evil

and save me from blood-thirsty men.

See, they lie in wait for my life;

powerful men band together against me.

For no offense, no sin of mine, Lord,

for no guilt of mine they rush to take their stand.

Awake, come to my aid and see!

O my Strength, it is you to whom I turn,

for you, O God, are my stronghold,

the God who shows me love.

O God, come to my aid

and let me look in triumph on my foes.

As for me, I will sing of your strength

and each morning acclaim your love

for you have been my stronghold,

a refuge in the day of my distress.

O my Strength, it is you to whom I turn,

for you, O God, are my stronghold,

the God who shows me love.

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 me, my God, from those who rise up against me.

Psalm 60

Ant. We are happy to be chastened by God, who heals us as he wounds.

O God, you have rejected us and broken us.

You have been angry; come back to us.

You have made the earth quake, torn it open.

Repair what is shattered for it sways.

You have inflicted hardships on your people

and made us drink a wine that dazed us.

You have given those who fear you a signal

to flee from the enemy’s bow.

O come, and deliver your friends,

help with your right hand and reply.

From his holy place God has made this promise:

“I will triumph and divide the land of Shechem,

I will measure out the valley of Succoth.

Gilead is mine and Manasseh,

Ephraim I take for my helmet,

Judah for my commander’s staff.

Moab I will use for my washbowl;

on Edom I will plant my shoe.

Over the Philistines I will shout in triumph.”

But who will lead me to conquer the fortress?

Who will bring me face to face with Edom?

Will you utterly reject us, O God,

and no longer march with our armies?

Give us help against the foe:

for the help of man is vain.

With God we shall do bravely

and he will trample down our foes.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. We are happy to be chastened by God, who heals us as he wounds.

Acts 5:17-20

The high priest took action; he and all who were with him (that is, the sect of the Sadducees), being filled with jealousy, arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors, brought them out, and said, “Go, stand in the temple and tell the people the whole message about this life.”

In the presence of the angels, I will sing to you my God.

I will worship in your holy temple and praise your name.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

O God, who in your unfathomable providence

are pleased to send your holy Angels to guard us,

hear our supplication as we cry to you,

that we may always be defended by their protection

and rejoice eternally in their company.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

Sext

Now

Midday Prayer · 12 PM · 5:28

0:00 5:28

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 119:73-80

Ant. Let your loving kindness console me as you promised.

It was your hands that made me and shaped me:

help me to learn your commands.

Your faithful will see me and rejoice

for I trust in your word.

Lord, I know that your decrees are right,

that you afflicted me justly.

Let your love be ready to console me

by your promise to your servant.

Let your love come and I shall live

for your law is my delight.

Shame the proud who harm me with lies

while I ponder your precepts.

Let your faithful turn to me,

those who know your will.

Let my heart be blameless in obeying you

lest I be ashamed.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Let your loving kindness console me as you promised.

Psalm 59:2-5

Ant. Protect me, my God, from those who rise up against me.

Rescue me, God, from my foes;

protect me from those who attack me.

O rescue me from those who do evil

and save me from blood-thirsty men.

See, they lie in wait for my life;

powerful men band together against me.

For no offense, no sin of mine, Lord,

for no guilt of mine they rush to take their stand.

Awake, come to my aid and see!

O my Strength, it is you to whom I turn,

for you, O God, are my stronghold,

the God who shows me love.

O God, come to my aid

and let me look in triumph on my foes.

As for me, I will sing of your strength

and each morning acclaim your love

for you have been my stronghold,

a refuge in the day of my distress.

O my Strength, it is you to whom I turn,

for you, O God, are my stronghold,

the God who shows me love.

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 me, my God, from those who rise up against me.

Psalm 60

Ant. We are happy to be chastened by God, who heals us as he wounds.

O God, you have rejected us and broken us.

You have been angry; come back to us.

You have made the earth quake, torn it open.

Repair what is shattered for it sways.

You have inflicted hardships on your people

and made us drink a wine that dazed us.

You have given those who fear you a signal

to flee from the enemy’s bow.

O come, and deliver your friends,

help with your right hand and reply.

From his holy place God has made this promise:

“I will triumph and divide the land of Shechem,

I will measure out the valley of Succoth.

Gilead is mine and Manasseh,

Ephraim I take for my helmet,

Judah for my commander’s staff.

Moab I will use for my washbowl;

on Edom I will plant my shoe.

Over the Philistines I will shout in triumph.”

But who will lead me to conquer the fortress?

Who will bring me face to face with Edom?

Will you utterly reject us, O God,

and no longer march with our armies?

Give us help against the foe:

for the help of man is vain.

With God we shall do bravely

and he will trample down our foes.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. We are happy to be chastened by God, who heals us as he wounds.

Acts 12:7

Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists.

The Lord has sent his angel.

Who rescued me from the power of Herod.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

O God, who in your unfathomable providence

are pleased to send your holy Angels to guard us,

hear our supplication as we cry to you,

that we may always be defended by their protection

and rejoice eternally in their company.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

None

Now

Midafternoon Prayer · 3 PM · 5:39

0:00 5:39

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 119:73-80

Ant. Let your loving kindness console me as you promised.

It was your hands that made me and shaped me:

help me to learn your commands.

Your faithful will see me and rejoice

for I trust in your word.

Lord, I know that your decrees are right,

that you afflicted me justly.

Let your love be ready to console me

by your promise to your servant.

Let your love come and I shall live

for your law is my delight.

Shame the proud who harm me with lies

while I ponder your precepts.

Let your faithful turn to me,

those who know your will.

Let my heart be blameless in obeying you

lest I be ashamed.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Let your loving kindness console me as you promised.

Psalm 59:2-5

Ant. Protect me, my God, from those who rise up against me.

Rescue me, God, from my foes;

protect me from those who attack me.

O rescue me from those who do evil

and save me from blood-thirsty men.

See, they lie in wait for my life;

powerful men band together against me.

For no offense, no sin of mine, Lord,

for no guilt of mine they rush to take their stand.

Awake, come to my aid and see!

O my Strength, it is you to whom I turn,

for you, O God, are my stronghold,

the God who shows me love.

O God, come to my aid

and let me look in triumph on my foes.

As for me, I will sing of your strength

and each morning acclaim your love

for you have been my stronghold,

a refuge in the day of my distress.

O my Strength, it is you to whom I turn,

for you, O God, are my stronghold,

the God who shows me love.

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 me, my God, from those who rise up against me.

Psalm 60

Ant. We are happy to be chastened by God, who heals us as he wounds.

O God, you have rejected us and broken us.

You have been angry; come back to us.

You have made the earth quake, torn it open.

Repair what is shattered for it sways.

You have inflicted hardships on your people

and made us drink a wine that dazed us.

You have given those who fear you a signal

to flee from the enemy’s bow.

O come, and deliver your friends,

help with your right hand and reply.

From his holy place God has made this promise:

“I will triumph and divide the land of Shechem,

I will measure out the valley of Succoth.

Gilead is mine and Manasseh,

Ephraim I take for my helmet,

Judah for my commander’s staff.

Moab I will use for my washbowl;

on Edom I will plant my shoe.

Over the Philistines I will shout in triumph.”

But who will lead me to conquer the fortress?

Who will bring me face to face with Edom?

Will you utterly reject us, O God,

and no longer march with our armies?

Give us help against the foe:

for the help of man is vain.

With God we shall do bravely

and he will trample down our foes.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. We are happy to be chastened by God, who heals us as he wounds.

Acts 10:3-5

One afternoon at about three o’clock he had a vision in which he clearly saw an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius.” He stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” He answered, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. Now send men to Joppa for a certain Simon who is called Peter.”

The prayer of the saints rose like incense.

It went forth from the angel’s hand in the presence of God.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

O God, who in your unfathomable providence

are pleased to send your holy Angels to guard us,

hear our supplication as we cry to you,

that we may always be defended by their protection

and rejoice eternally in their company.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

Vespers

Now

Evening Prayer · 9:08

0:00 9:08

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

Let us praise angel hosts, guarding the human race,

friends from heaven on high, gifts of the Father’s love;

they keep our fragile frame safe from deceit and guile,

lest we yield to our dreaded foes.

Since that proud angel fell, traitor from heaven’s hosts,

justly stripped of his rank, honors received from God,

he burns with envious hate, striving to lead astray

those whom God calls to heaven’s height.

Come, therefore, angel guard, fly to our aid and watch,

cast from this earthly home, given in trust to you,

each ill that wastes the soul and ev’rything that thwarts

all peace and rest for us within.

Let all sing living hymns, praising the Three in One,

by God’s undying will, heaven and earth and hell,

ordered, stand firm and sure under his sov’reign rule,

who reigns glorious from age to age. Amen.

Psalm 34

Ant. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, to rescue them.

I will bless the Lord at all times,

his praise always on my lips;

in the Lord my soul shall make its boast.

The humble shall hear and be glad.

Glorify the Lord with me.

Together let us praise his name.

I sought the Lord and he answered me;

from all my terrors he set me free.

Look towards him and be radiant;

let your faces not be abashed.

This poor man called; the Lord heard him

and rescued him from all his distress.

The angel of the Lord is encamped

around those who revere him, to rescue them.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

He is happy who seeks refuge in him.

Revere the Lord, you his saints.

They lack nothing, those who revere him.

Strong lions suffer want and go hungry

but those who seek the Lord lack no blessing.

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 angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, to rescue them.

Ant. Our God is a living God, for his angel has protected me.

Come, children, and hear me

that I may teach you the fear of the Lord.

Who is he who longs for life

and many days, to enjoy his prosperity?

Then keep your tongue from evil

and your lips from speaking deceit.

Turn aside from evil and do good;

seek and strive after peace.

The Lord turns his face against the wicked

to destroy their remembrance from the earth.

The Lord turns his eyes to the just

and his ears to their appeal.

They call and the Lord hears

and rescues them in all their distress.

The Lord is close to the broken-hearted;

those whose spirit is crushed he will save.

Many are the trials of the just man

but from them all the Lord will rescue him.

He will keep guard over all his bones,

not one of his bones shall be broken.

Evil brings death to the wicked;

those who hate the good are doomed.

The Lord ransoms the souls of his servants.

Those who hide in him shall not be condemned.

Glory to the Father and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Our God is a living God, for his angel has protected me.

Revelation 11:17-18

Ant. Glorify the God of heaven, sing praise to him before all living creatures, for he has shown you such great mercy.

We praise you, the Lord God Almighty,

who is and who was.

You have assumed your great power,

you have begun your reign.

The nations have raged in anger,

but then came your day of wrath

and the moment to judge the dead:

the time to reward your servants the prophets

and the holy ones who revere you,

the great and the small alike.

Now have salvation and power come,

the reign of our God and the authority

of his Anointed One.

For the accuser of our brothers is cast out,

who night and day accused them before God.

They defeated him by the blood of the Lamb

and by the word of their testimony;

love for life did not deter them from death.

So rejoice, you heavens,

and you that dwell therein!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit.

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Glorify the God of heaven, sing praise to him before all living creatures, for he has shown you such great mercy.

Revelation 8:3-4

An angel came in holding a censer of gold. He took his place at the altar of incense and was given large amounts of incense to deposit on the altar of gold in front of the throne, together with the prayers of all God’s holy ones. From the angel’s hand the smoke of the incense went up before God, and with it the prayers of God’s people.

RESPONSORY

God gave his angels charge over you.

To protect you in all your ways.

God gave his angels charge over you.

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

God gave his angels charge over you.

Canticle of Mary

Ant. The angels will always see the face of my heavenly Father.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

my spirit rejoices in God my Savior

for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed:

the Almighty has done great things for me,

and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him

in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm,

he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,

and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel

for he has remembered his promise of mercy,

the promise he made to our fathers,

to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. The angels will always see the face of my heavenly Father.

INTERCESSIONS

The angels carry out God’s will. Let us pray that we too may listen carefully for his voice and hear his call as we say:

With the angels we sing your glory.

O God, you made your angels messengers of your marvelous works,

help us to proclaim your wonderful deeds to all men.

With the angels we sing your glory.

The angels unceasingly proclaim that you are holy and exalted,

may your people on earth join their voices to the angelic song of praise.

With the angels we sing your glory.

You commanded your angels to watch over your servants in all their ways,

guide those who are traveling and bring them home safely in joy and peace.

With the angels we sing your glory.

You gave the angels the mission of announcing peace to men,

inspire counsels of peace in the hearts of leaders and people of all nations.

With the angels we sing your glory.

When you send forth the angels to gather together your chosen people from every corner of the earth,

do not let them pass over any of your children, but bring them all to the unending gladness of your kingdom.

With the angels we sing your glory.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

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

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;

thy kingdom come;

thy will be done on earth

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

O God, who in your unfathomable providence

are pleased to send your holy Angels to guard us,

hear our supplication as we cry to you,

that we may always be defended by their protection

and rejoice eternally in their company.

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 · 5:07

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 · 3:41

0:00 3:41

First Reading

Jb 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5

Have you ever in your lifetime commanded the morning and entered into the sources of the sea?

The LORD addressed Job out of the storm and said:

Have you ever in your lifetime commanded the morning

and shown the dawn its place

For taking hold of the ends of the earth,

till the wicked are shaken from its surface?

The earth is changed as is clay by the seal,

and dyed as though it were a garment;

But from the wicked the light is withheld,

and the arm of pride is shattered.

Have you entered into the sources of the sea,

or walked about in the depths of the abyss?

Have the gates of death been shown to you,

or have you seen the gates of darkness?

Have you comprehended the breadth of the earth?

Tell me, if you know all:

Which is the way to the dwelling place of light,

and where is the abode of darkness,

That you may take them to their boundaries

and set them on their homeward paths?

You know, because you were born before them,

and the number of your years is great!

Then Job answered the LORD and said:

Behold, I am of little account; what can I answer you?

I put my hand over my mouth.

Though I have spoken once, I will not do so again;

though twice, I will do so no more.

Responsorial Psalm

Ps 139:1-3, 7-8, 9-10, 13-14ab

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

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

you know when I sit and when I stand;

you understand my thought from afar.

My journeys and my rest you scrutinize,

with all my ways you are familiar.

Where can I go from your spirit?

From your presence where can I flee?

If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

if I sink to the nether world, your are present there.

If I take the wings of the dawn,

if I settle at the farthest limits of the sea,

Even there your hand shall guide me,

and your right hand hold me fast.

Truly you have formed my inmost being;

you knit me in my mother’s womb.

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

wonderful are your works.

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

Gospel Acclamation

Ps 103:21

℟. Alleluia, alleluia.

Bless the LORD, all you angels,

you ministers, who do his will.

℟. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Mt 18:1-5, 10

The disciples approached Jesus and said,

“Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said,

“Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children,

you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Whoever humbles himself like this child

is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones,

for I say to you that their angels in heaven

always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”

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