Invitatorium: A Liturgy of the Hours Player

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Ordinary Time

Monday of the twenty-eighth week of Ordinary Time

Monday · Weekday · Psalter Week 4

The Hours

Invitatorium

Now

Invitatory · 1:24

0:00 1:24

Lord, open my lips.

And my mouth will proclaim your praise.

Ant. Come, let us sing joyful songs to the Lord.

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 sing joyful songs to the Lord.

Matins

Now

Office of Readings · 10:09

0:00 10:09

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

This is for us that very hour

when, by the Gospel, we believe

that he who made the realm on high

as Bridegroom shall appear at last.

The holy virgins rise in haste

and run to meet him as he comes;

with lanterns trimmed and burning bright,

their hearts in gladness fill with joy.

The foolish ones are left behind

to light again their darkened lamps;

in vain they knock upon the door,

for now the palace gate is shut.

Let us with hearts like splendid lamps

now watch for him with sober mind,

that we, found worthy of the Lord,

may run to greet him when he comes.

O make us worthy, King of kings,

of glory when your Kingdom comes,

that we may merit on that day

to sing your praises evermore. Amen.

Psalm 73

Ant. How good is the God of Israel to the pure of heart!

How good God is to Israel,

to those who are pure of heart.

Yet my feet came close to stumbling,

my steps had almost slipped

for I was filled with envy of the proud

when I saw how the wicked prosper.

For them there are no pains;

their bodies are sound and sleek.

They have no share in men’s sorrows;

they are not stricken like others.

So they wear their pride like a necklace,

they clothe themselves with violence.

Their hearts overflow with malice,

their minds seethe with plots.

They scoff; they speak with malice;

from on high they plan oppression.

They have set their mouths in the heavens

and their tongues dictate to the earth.

So the people turn to follow them

and drink in all their words.

They say: “How can God know?

Does the Most High take any notice?”

Look at them, such are the wicked,

but untroubled, they grow in wealth.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. How good is the God of Israel to the pure of heart!

Ant. Their laughter will turn to weeping, their merriment to grief.

How useless to keep my heart pure

and wash my hands in innocence,

when I was stricken all day long,

suffered punishment day after day.

Then I said: “If I should speak like that,

I should abandon the faith of your people.”

I strove to fathom this problem,

too hard for my mind to understand,

until I pierced the mysteries of God

and understood what becomes of the wicked.

How slippery the paths on which you set them;

you make them slide to destruction.

How suddenly they come to their ruin,

wiped out, destroyed by terrors.

Like a dream one wakes from, O Lord,

when you wake you dismiss them as phantoms.

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. Their laughter will turn to weeping, their merriment to grief.

Ant. Those who depart from you will perish; my joy is to remain with you, my God.

And so when my heart grew embittered

and when I was cut to the quick,

I was stupid and did not understand,

no better than a beast in your sight.

Yet I was always in your presence;

you were holding me by my right hand.

You will guide me by your counsel

and so you will lead me to glory.

What else have I in heaven but you?

Apart from you I want nothing on earth.

My body and my heart faint for joy;

God is my possession for ever.

All those who abandon you shall perish;

you will destroy all those who are faithless.

To be near God is my happiness.

I have made the Lord God my refuge.

I will tell of all your works

at the gates of the city of Zion.

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. Those who depart from you will perish; my joy is to remain with you, my God.

To savor your words is my delight, O Lord.

Honey itself is not sweeter.

From the book of the prophet Haggai

On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, in the second year of King Darius, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Haggai:

Thus says the Lord of hosts: Ask the priests for a decision: If a man carries sanctified flesh in the fold of his garment and the fold touches bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any other food, do they become sanctified? “No,” the priests answered.

Then Haggai said: If a person unclean from contact with a corpse touches any of these, do they become unclean? The priests answered, “They become unclean.” Then Haggai continued:

So is this people, and so is this nation

in my sight, says the Lord:

And so are all the works of their hands;

and what they offer there is unclean.

But now, consider from this day forward. Before there was a stone laid upon a stone in the temple of the Lord, how did you fare?

When one went to a heap of grain for twenty measures,

it would yield but ten;

When another went to the vat to draw fifty measures,

there would be but twenty.

I struck you in all the works of your hands

with blight, searing wind, and hail,

yet you did not return to me, says the Lord.

[Consider from this day forward: from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month. From the day on which the temple of the Lord was founded, consider!]

Indeed, the seed has not sprouted,

nor have the vine, the fig, the pomegranate

and the olive tree yet borne.

From this day, I will bless!

The message of the Lord came a second time to Haggai on the twenty-fourth day of the month: Tell this to Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah:

I will shake the heavens and the earth;

I will overthrow the thrones of kingdoms,

destroy the power of the kingdoms of the nations.

I will overthrow the chariots and their riders,

and the riders with their horses

shall go down by one another’s sword.

On that day, says the Lord of hosts,

I will take you, Zerubbabel,

son of Shealtiel, my servant, says the Lord,

And I will set you as a signet ring;

for I have chosen you, says the Lord of hosts.

Haggai 2:6, 7, 9

I will shake the heavens and the earth,

and the treasures of all the nations will come in.

The glory of this house will be great;

I will give peace in this place.

And the treasures of all the nations will come in.

From a treatise against Fabianus by Saint Fulgentius of Ruspe, bishop

In our offering of the holy sacrifice we fulfill the command of our Savior, as recorded by the apostle Paul:

The Lord Jesus, on the night in which he was betrayed, took bread, and after he had given thanks, broke it and said: This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. The same way, after the supper, he took the cup saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you shall proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.

This sacrifice is offered, then, to proclaim the Lord’s death; it is offered in remembrance of him who laid down his life for our sake. As he says:

Greater love than this no one has, that one lay down his life for his friends.

Because Christ died for us out of love, we ask, when we make remembrance of his death at the time of sacrifice, that we too may be granted love through the coming of the Holy Spirit. We pray that by the love which Christ had for us when he braved the cross, we may receive the grace of the Spirit and be crucified to the world, and the world to us.

The death Christ died, he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives, he lives to God.

Let us imitate our Lord’s death, and also live a new life. Strengthened with the gift of his love, let us die to sin and live for God.

For God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Indeed our sharing in the Lord’s body and blood when we eat his bread and drink his cup teaches us that we should die to the world, and that we should keep our

life hidden with Christ in God, crucifying our flesh with its vices and evil desires.

That is why all the faithful who love God and their neighbor truly drink the cup of the Lord’s love even though they may not drink the cup of his bodily suffering. And becoming inebriated from it, they put to death whatever in their nature is rooted in earth. They clothe themselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and do not indulge fleshly desires. They do not fix their gaze on visible things, but contemplate things which the eye cannot see. Thus they drink the Lord’s cup by preserving the holy bond of love; without it, even if a man should deliver his body to be burned, he gains nothing. But the gift of love enables us to become in reality what we celebrate as mystery in the sacrifice.

Luke 22:19; John 6:59

Jesus took bread, gave thanks, and broke the bread.

Then he gave it to his disciples and said:

This is my body which is given up for you.

Do this in memory of me.

This is the bread come down from heaven;

anyone who eats this bread will live for ever.

This is my body which is given up for you.

Do this in memory of me.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

May your grace, O Lord, we pray,

at all times go before us and follow after

and make us always determined

to carry out good works.

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 · 9:35

0:00 9:35

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

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

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

HYMN

O God of splendor, source of light,

by your serene and shining ray

the day unfolds and floods the sky,

when hours of night have run their course.

For you are earth’s true morning star,

and not that star, so frail and small,

which shines with pale and narrow gleam,

as herald of the coming day;

But you are brighter than the sun,

the light itself, and perfect day,

who bring to light with piercing beam

the inmost regions of our hearts.

May chastity of mind and soul

subdue what flesh with pride desires

and keep the body chaste and pure,

the Spirit’s holy dwelling place.

O Christ, to you, most loving King,

and to the Father glory be,

one with the Spirit Paraclete,

from age to age for evermore. Amen.

Psalm 90

Ant. Each morning, Lord, you fill us with your kindness.

O Lord, you have been our refuge

from one generation to the next.

Before the mountains were born

or the earth or the world brought forth,

you are God, without beginning or end.

You turn men back to dust

and say: “Go back, sons of men.”

To your eyes a thousand years

are like yesterday, come and gone,

no more than a watch in the night.

You sweep men away like a dream,

like the grass which springs up in the morning.

In the morning it springs up and flowers:

by evening it withers and fades.

So we are destroyed in your anger,

struck with terror in your fury.

Our guilt lies open before you;

our secrets in the light of your face.

All our days pass away in your anger.

Our life is over like a sigh.

Our span is seventy years

or eighty for those who are strong.

And most of these are emptiness and pain.

They pass swiftly and we are gone.

Who understands the power of your anger

and fears the strength of your fury?

Make us know the shortness of our life

that we may gain wisdom of heart.

Lord, relent! Is your anger for ever?

Show pity to your servants.

In the morning, fill us with your love;

we shall exult and rejoice all our days.

Give us joy to balance our affliction

for the years when we knew misfortune.

Show forth your work to your servants;

let your glory shine on their children.

Let the favor of the Lord be upon us:

give success to the work of our hands,

give success to the work of our hands.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Each morning, Lord, you fill us with your kindness.

Isaiah 42:10-16

Ant. From the farthest bounds of earth, may God be praised!

Sing to the Lord a new song,

his praise from the end of the earth:

Let the sea and what fills it resound,

the coastlands, and those who dwell in them.

Let the steppe and its cities cry out,

the villages where Kedar dwells;

let the inhabitants of Sela exult,

and shout from the top of the mountains.

Let them give glory to the Lord,

and utter his praise in the coastlands.

The Lord goes forth like a hero,

like a warrior he stirs up his ardor;

he shouts out his battle cry,

against his enemies he shows his might:

I have looked away, and kept silence,

I have said nothing, holding myself in;

but now, I cry out as a woman in labor,

gasping and panting.

I will lay waste mountains and hills,

all their herbage I will dry up;

I will turn the rivers into marshes,

and the marshes I will dry up.

I will lead the blind on their journey;

by paths unknown I will guide them.

I will turn darkness into light before them,

and make crooked ways straight.

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. From the farthest bounds of earth, may God be praised!

Psalm 135:1-12

Ant. You who stand in his sanctuary, praise the name of the Lord.

Praise the name of the Lord,

praise him, servants of the Lord,

who stand in the house of the Lord,

in the courts of the house of our God.

Praise the Lord for the Lord is good.

Sing a psalm to his name for he is loving.

For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself

and Israel for his own possession.

For I know the Lord is great,

that our Lord is high above all gods.

The Lord does whatever he wills,

in heaven, on earth, in the seas.

He summons clouds from the ends of the earth;

makes lightning produce the rain;

from his treasuries he sends forth the wind.

The first-born of the Egyptians he smote,

of man and beast alike.

Signs and wonders he worked

in the midst of your land, O Egypt,

against Pharaoh and all his servants.

Nations in their greatness he struck

and kings in their splendor he slew.

Sihon, king of the Amorites,

Og, the king of Bashan,

and all the kingdoms of Canaan.

He let Israel inherit their land;

on his people their land he bestowed.

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. You who stand in his sanctuary, praise the name of the Lord.

Judith 8:25-27

We should be grateful to the Lord our God, for putting us to the test, as he did our forefathers. Recall how he dealt with Abraham, and how he tried Isaac, and all that happened to Jacob in Syrian Mesopotamia while he was tending the flocks of Laban, his mother’s brother. Not for vengeance did the Lord put them in the crucible to try their hearts, nor has he done so with us. It is by way of admonition that he chastises those who are close to him.

RESPONSORY

Sing for joy, God’s chosen ones, give him the praise that is due.

Sing a new song to the Lord,

give him the praise that is due.

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

Sing for joy, God’s chosen ones, give him the praise that is due.

Canticle of Zechariah

Ant. Blessed be the Lord, for he has come to his people and set them free.

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. Blessed be the Lord, for he has come to his people and set them free.

INTERCESSIONS

Because Christ hears and saves those who hope in him, let us pray:

We praise you, Lord, we hope in you.

We thank you because you are rich in mercy,

and for the abundant love with which you have loved us.

We praise you, Lord, we hope in you.

With the Father you are always at work in the world,

make all things new through the power of your Holy Spirit.

We praise you, Lord, we hope in you.

Open our eyes and the eyes of our brothers,

to see your wonders this day.

We praise you, Lord, we hope in you.

You call us today to your service,

make us stewards of your many gifts.

We praise you, Lord, we hope in you.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

We pattern our prayer on the prayer of Christ the Lord, and say:

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

God our creator,

you gave us the earth to cultivate

and the sun to serve our needs.

Help us to spend this day

for your glory and our neighbor’s good.

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

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

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

Terce

Now

Midmorning Prayer · 9 AM · 4:03

0:00 4:03

INTRODUCTION

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

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

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

HYMN

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 119:129-136

Ant. Lord, guide my steps according to your promise.

Your will is wonderful indeed;

therefore I obey it.

The unfolding of your word gives light

and teaches the simple.

I open my mouth and I sigh

as I yearn for your commands.

Turn and show me your mercy;

show justice to your friends.

Let my steps be guided by your promise;

let no evil rule me.

Redeem me from man’s oppression

and I will keep your precepts.

Let your face shine on your servant

and teach me your decrees.

Tears stream from my eyes

because your law is disobeyed.

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, guide my steps according to your promise.

Psalm 82

Ant. There is but one lawgiver and judge; who are you to judge your neighbor?

God stands in the divine assembly.

In the midst of the gods he gives judgment.

“How long will you judge unjustly

and favor the cause of the wicked?

Do justice for the weak and the orphan,

defend the afflicted and the needy.

Rescue the weak and the poor;

set them free from the hand of the wicked.

Unperceiving, they grope in the darkness

and the order of the world is shaken.

I have said to you: ‘You are gods,

and all of you, sons of the Most High.’

And yet, you shall die like men,

you shall fall like any of the princes.”

Arise, O God, judge the earth,

for you rule all the nations.

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. There is but one lawgiver and judge; who are you to judge your neighbor?

Psalm 120

Ant. I cried out to the Lord, and he heard me.

To the Lord in the hour of my distress

I call and he answers me.

“O Lord, save my soul from lying lips,

from the tongue of the deceitful.”

What shall he pay you in return,

O treacherous tongue?

The warrior’s arrows sharpened

and coals, red-hot, blazing.

Alas, that I abide a stranger in Meshech,

dwell among the tents of Kedar!

Long enough have I been dwelling

with those who hate peace.

I am for peace, but when I speak,

they are for fighting.

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 cried out to the Lord, and he heard me.

Leviticus 20:26

To me you shall be sacred; for I, the Lord, am sacred, I, who have set you apart from the other nations to be my own.

How happy are we who have the Lord for our God.

We are the people he chose as his inheritance.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

God our Father,

work is your gift to us,

a call to reach new heights

by using our talents for the good of all.

Guide us as we work and teach us to live

in the spirit that has made us your sons and daughters,

in the love that has made us brothers and sisters.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

Sext

Now

Midday Prayer · 12 PM · 4:05

0:00 4:05

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 119:129-136

Ant. Lord, guide my steps according to your promise.

Your will is wonderful indeed;

therefore I obey it.

The unfolding of your word gives light

and teaches the simple.

I open my mouth and I sigh

as I yearn for your commands.

Turn and show me your mercy;

show justice to your friends.

Let my steps be guided by your promise;

let no evil rule me.

Redeem me from man’s oppression

and I will keep your precepts.

Let your face shine on your servant

and teach me your decrees.

Tears stream from my eyes

because your law is disobeyed.

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, guide my steps according to your promise.

Psalm 82

Ant. There is but one lawgiver and judge; who are you to judge your neighbor?

God stands in the divine assembly.

In the midst of the gods he gives judgment.

“How long will you judge unjustly

and favor the cause of the wicked?

Do justice for the weak and the orphan,

defend the afflicted and the needy.

Rescue the weak and the poor;

set them free from the hand of the wicked.

Unperceiving, they grope in the darkness

and the order of the world is shaken.

I have said to you: ‘You are gods,

and all of you, sons of the Most High.’

And yet, you shall die like men,

you shall fall like any of the princes.”

Arise, O God, judge the earth,

for you rule all the nations.

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. There is but one lawgiver and judge; who are you to judge your neighbor?

Psalm 120

Ant. I cried out to the Lord, and he heard me.

To the Lord in the hour of my distress

I call and he answers me.

“O Lord, save my soul from lying lips,

from the tongue of the deceitful.”

What shall he pay you in return,

O treacherous tongue?

The warrior’s arrows sharpened

and coals, red-hot, blazing.

Alas, that I abide a stranger in Meshech,

dwell among the tents of Kedar!

Long enough have I been dwelling

with those who hate peace.

I am for peace, but when I speak,

they are for fighting.

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 cried out to the Lord, and he heard me.

Wisdom 15:1, 3

You, our God, are good and true,

slow to anger, and governing all with mercy.

To know you well is complete justice,

and to know your might is the root of immortality.

Lord our God, you are tender and compassionate.

You are patient, most merciful, and true to your word.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Father,

yours is the harvest

and yours is the vineyard:

you assign the task

and pay a wage that is just.

Help us to meet this day’s responsibilities,

and let nothing separate us from your love.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

None

Now

Midafternoon Prayer · 3 PM · 4:06

0:00 4:06

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 119:129-136

Ant. Lord, guide my steps according to your promise.

Your will is wonderful indeed;

therefore I obey it.

The unfolding of your word gives light

and teaches the simple.

I open my mouth and I sigh

as I yearn for your commands.

Turn and show me your mercy;

show justice to your friends.

Let my steps be guided by your promise;

let no evil rule me.

Redeem me from man’s oppression

and I will keep your precepts.

Let your face shine on your servant

and teach me your decrees.

Tears stream from my eyes

because your law is disobeyed.

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, guide my steps according to your promise.

Psalm 82

Ant. There is but one lawgiver and judge; who are you to judge your neighbor?

God stands in the divine assembly.

In the midst of the gods he gives judgment.

“How long will you judge unjustly

and favor the cause of the wicked?

Do justice for the weak and the orphan,

defend the afflicted and the needy.

Rescue the weak and the poor;

set them free from the hand of the wicked.

Unperceiving, they grope in the darkness

and the order of the world is shaken.

I have said to you: ‘You are gods,

and all of you, sons of the Most High.’

And yet, you shall die like men,

you shall fall like any of the princes.”

Arise, O God, judge the earth,

for you rule all the nations.

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. There is but one lawgiver and judge; who are you to judge your neighbor?

Psalm 120

Ant. I cried out to the Lord, and he heard me.

To the Lord in the hour of my distress

I call and he answers me.

“O Lord, save my soul from lying lips,

from the tongue of the deceitful.”

What shall he pay you in return,

O treacherous tongue?

The warrior’s arrows sharpened

and coals, red-hot, blazing.

Alas, that I abide a stranger in Meshech,

dwell among the tents of Kedar!

Long enough have I been dwelling

with those who hate peace.

I am for peace, but when I speak,

they are for fighting.

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 cried out to the Lord, and he heard me.

Baruch 4:21b-22

My children; call upon God,

who will deliver you from oppression at enemy hands.

I have trusted in the Eternal God for your welfare,

and joy has come to me from the Holy One

Because of the mercy that will swiftly reach you

from your eternal savior.

Remember your tender mercies, Lord.

And the love you have shown us from of old.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Lord,

you call us to worship you

at the hour when the apostles went to pray in the temple.

We offer our prayer in the name of Jesus:

may his saving power come to all

who call upon his name.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

Vespers

Now

Evening Prayer · 8:25

0:00 8:25

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

Light ever-radiant, source of light and wellspring,

loving and gracious, hear the prayers we offer:

Light, come adorn us, banish with your splendor

sin, born of darkness.

Lo, day has ended, with its weary labor,

and by your favor, we have been protected;

gladly we thank you at this hour and always

for ev’ry blessing.

At the sun’s setting, darkness now enfolds us,

but may the true Sun, who with golden radiance

cares for the angels in their holy legions,

grant us his splendor.

Christ, our Redeemer, merciful and gentle,

blot out the failings daylight hours have hidden;

let hearts shine brightly with unclouded splendor

as the night passes.

Praise to the Father, to the Son all glory,

equal in power with the Holy Spirit,

ruling creation with sublime dominion

through all the ages. Amen.

Psalm 136

Ant. Give thanks to the Lord, for his great love is without end.

O give thanks to the Lord for he is good,

for his love endures for ever.

Give thanks to the God of gods

for his love endures for ever.

Give thanks to the Lord of lords,

for his love endures for ever;

who alone has wrought marvelous works,

for his love endures for ever;

whose wisdom it was made the skies,

for his love endures for ever;

who fixed the earth firmly on the seas,

for his love endures for ever.

It was he who made the great lights,

for his love endures for ever,

the sun to rule in the day,

for his love endures for ever,

the moon and the stars in the night,

for his love endures 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. Give thanks to the Lord, for his great love is without end.

Ant. Great and wonderful are your deeds, Lord God the Almighty.

The first-born of the Egyptians he smote,

for his love endures for ever.

He brought Israel out from their midst,

for his love endures for ever;

arm outstretched, with power in his hand,

for his love endures for ever.

He divided the Red Sea in two,

for his love endures for ever;

he made Israel pass through the midst,

for his love endures for ever;

he flung Pharaoh and his force in the sea,

for his love endures for ever.

Through the desert his people he led,

for his love endures for ever.

Nations in their greatness he struck,

for his love endures for ever.

Kings in their splendor he slew,

for his love endures for ever.

Sihon, king of the Amorites,

for his love endures for ever;

and Og, the king of Bashan,

for his love endures for ever.

He let Israel inherit their land,

for his love endures for ever.

On his servant their land he bestowed,

for his love endures for ever.

He remembered us in our distress,

for his love endures for ever.

And he snatched us away from our foes,

for his love endures for ever.

He gives food to all living things,

for his love endures for ever.

To the God of heaven give thanks,

for his love endures 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. Great and wonderful are your deeds, Lord God the Almighty.

Ephesians 1:3-10

Ant. God planned in the fullness of time to restore all things in Christ.

Praised be the God and Father

of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who has bestowed on us in Christ

every spiritual blessing in the heavens.

God chose us in him

before the world began

to be holy and blameless in his sight.

He predestined us

to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ,

such was his will and pleasure,

that all might praise the glorious favor

he has bestowed on us in his beloved.

In him and through his blood, we have been redeemed,

and our sins forgiven,

so immeasurably generous

is God’s favor to us.

God has given us the wisdom

to understand fully the mystery,

the plan he was pleased

to decree in Christ.

A plan to be carried out

in Christ, in the fullness of time,

to bring all things into one in him,

in the heavens and on earth.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. God planned in the fullness of time to restore all things in Christ.

1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

May the Lord increase you and make you overflow with love for one another and for all, even as our love does for you. May he strengthen your hearts, making them blameless and holy before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his holy ones.

RESPONSORY

Accept my prayer, O Lord, which rises up to you.

Like burning incense in your sight,

which rises up to you.

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

Accept my prayer, O Lord, which rises up to you.

Canticle of Mary

Ant. For ever will my soul proclaim the greatness of the Lord.

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. For ever will my soul proclaim the greatness of the Lord.

INTERCESSIONS

Jesus does not abandon those who hope in him; therefore, let us humbly ask him:

Our Lord and our God, hear us.

Christ our light, brighten your Church with your splendor,

so that it may be for the nations the great sacrament of your love.

Our Lord and our God, hear us.

Watch over the priests and ministers of your Church,

so that after they have preached to others, they themselves may remain faithful in your service.

Our Lord and our God, hear us.

Through your blood you gave peace to the world,

turn away the sin of strife, the scourge of war.

Our Lord and our God, hear us.

O Lord, help married couples with an abundance of your grace,

so that they may better symbolize the mystery of your Church.

Our Lord and our God, hear us.

In your mercy forgive the sins of all the dead,

that they may live with your saints.

Our Lord and our God, hear us.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

We pattern our prayer on the prayer of Christ the Lord, and say:

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

Stay with us, Lord Jesus,

for evening draws near,

and be our companion on our way

to set our hearts on fire with new hope.

Help us to recognize your presence among us

in the Scriptures we read,

and in the breaking of bread,

for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

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

Compline

Now

Night Prayer · 4:07

0:00 4:07

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 86

Ant. O Lord, our God, unwearied is your love for us.

Turn your ear, O Lord, and give answer

for I am poor and needy.

Preserve my life, for I am faithful:

save the servant who trusts in you.

You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord,

for I cry to you all day long.

Give joy to your servant, O Lord,

for to you I lift up my soul.

O Lord, you are good and forgiving,

full of love to all who call.

Give heed, O Lord, to my prayer

and attend to the sound of my voice.

In the day of distress I will call

and surely you will reply.

Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord;

nor work to compare with yours.

All the nations shall come to adore you

and glorify your name, O Lord:

for you are great and do marvelous deeds,

you who alone are God.

Show me, Lord, your way

so that I may walk in your truth.

Guide my heart to fear your name.

I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart

and glorify your name for ever;

for your love to me has been great:

you have saved me from the depths of the grave.

The proud have risen against me;

ruthless men seek my life:

to you they pay no heed.

But you, God of mercy and compassion,

slow to anger, O Lord,

abounding in love and truth,

turn and take pity on me.

O give your strength to your servant

and save your handmaid’s son.

Show me the sign of your favor

that my foes may see to their shame

that you console me and give me your help.

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, our God, unwearied is your love for us.

1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

God has destined us for acquiring salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us, that all of us, whether awake or asleep, together might live with him.

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, give our bodies restful sleep

and let the work we have done today

bear fruit in eternal life.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful death. Amen.

MARIAN ANTIPHON

Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy,

our life, our sweetness, and our hope.

To you do we cry,

poor banished children of Eve.

To you do we send up our sighs

mourning and weeping in this vale of tears.

Turn then, most gracious advocate,

your eyes of mercy toward us,

and after this exile

show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.

O clement, O loving,

O sweet Virgin Mary.

Also for today

Yesterday Compline

Now

Yesterday Night Prayer · 4:59

0:00 4:59

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 91

Ant. Night holds no terrors for me sleeping under God’s wings.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

and abides in the shade of the Almighty

says to the Lord: “My refuge,

my stronghold, my God in whom I trust!”

It is he who will free you from the snare

of the fowler who seeks to destroy you;

he will conceal you with his pinions

and under his wings you will find refuge.

You will not fear the terror of the night

nor the arrow that flies by day,

nor the plague that prowls in the darkness

nor the scourge that lays waste at noon.

A thousand may fall at your side,

ten thousand fall at your right,

you, it will never approach;

his faithfulness is buckler and shield.

Your eyes have only to look

to see how the wicked are repaid,

you who have said: “Lord, my refuge!”

and have made the Most High your dwelling.

Upon you no evil shall fall,

no plague approach where you dwell.

For you has he commanded his angels,

to keep you in all your ways.

They shall bear you upon their hands

lest you strike your foot against a stone.

On the lion and the viper you will tread

and trample the young lion and the dragon.

Since he clings to me in love, I will free him;

protect him for he knows my name.

When he calls I shall answer: “I am with you,”

I will save him in distress and give him glory.

With length of life I will content him;

I shall let him see my saving power.

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. Night holds no terrors for me sleeping under God’s wings.

Revelation 22:4-5

They shall see the Lord face to face and bear his name on their foreheads. The night shall be no more. They will need no light from lamps or the sun, for the Lord God shall give them light, and they shall reign forever.

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, we have celebrated today

the mystery of the rising of Christ to new life.

May we now rest in your peace,

safe from all that could harm us,

and rise again refreshed and joyful,

to praise you throughout another day.

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 · 2:32

0:00 2:32

First Reading

Gal 4:22-24, 26-27, 31–5:1

Brothers and sisters:

It is written that Abraham had two sons,

one by the slave woman and the other by the freeborn woman.

The son of the slave woman was born naturally,

the son of the freeborn through a promise.

Now this is an allegory.

These women represent two covenants.

One was from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery;

this is Hagar.

But the Jerusalem above is freeborn, and she is our mother.

For it is written:

Rejoice, you barren one who bore no children;

break forth and shout, you who were not in labor;

for more numerous are the children of the deserted one

than of her who has a husband.

Therefore, brothers and sisters,

we are children not of the slave woman

but of the freeborn woman.

For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm

and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.

Responsorial Psalm

Ps 113:1b-2, 3-4, 5a and 6-7

℟. Blessed be the name of the Lord forever.

Gospel Acclamation

Ps 95:8

℟. Alleluia, alleluia.

If today you hear his voice,

harden not your hearts.

℟. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Lk 11:29-32

This generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.

While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them,

“This generation is an evil generation;

it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it,

except the sign of Jonah.

Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites,

so will the Son of Man be to this generation.

At the judgment

the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation

and she will condemn them,

because she came from the ends of the earth

to hear the wisdom of Solomon,

and there is something greater than Solomon here.

At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation

and condemn it,

because at the preaching of Jonah they repented,

and there is something greater than Jonah here.”

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