Invitatorium: A Liturgy of the Hours Player

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Ordinary Time

Tuesday of the thirty-first week of Ordinary Time

Tuesday · Weekday · Psalter Week 3

The Hours

Invitatorium

Now

Invitatory · 1:29

0:00 1:29

Lord, open my lips.

And my mouth will proclaim your praise.

Ant. Come, let us worship our mighty King and 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 worship our mighty King and Lord.

Matins

Now

Office of Readings · 13:27

0:00 13:27

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

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

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

HYMN

O Christ, you share the Father’s light,

yourself, the Light from Light, our day;

we interrupt the night with song:

come help us, Lord, and hear our prayer.

Remove the darkness from our minds,

and hordes of demons put to flight;

drive far from us all drowsy sleep,

lest sluggish hearts be overcome.

And so, O Christ, be merciful

to us and all believing hearts,

that what we ask in psalm and hymn

may profit us, who sing your praise.

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 68

Ant. Let God arise, let his enemies flee before him.

Let God arise, let his foes be scattered.

Let those who hate him flee before him.

As smoke is blown away so will they be blown away;

like wax that melts before the fire,

so the wicked shall perish at the presence of God.

But the just shall rejoice at the presence of God,

they shall exult and dance for joy.

O sing to the Lord, make music to his name;

make a highway for him who rides on the clouds.

Rejoice in the Lord, exult at his presence.

Father of the orphan, defender of the widow,

such is God in his holy place.

God gives the lonely a home to live in;

he leads the prisoners forth into freedom:

but rebels must dwell in a parched land.

When you went forth, O God, at the head of your people,

when you marched across the desert, the earth trembled:

the heavens melted at the presence of God,

at the presence of God, Israel’s God.

You poured down, O God, a generous rain:

when your people were starved you gave them new life.

It was there that your people found a home,

prepared in your goodness, O God, for the poor.

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 God arise, let his enemies flee before him.

Ant. Our God is a saving God; he, the Lord, holds the keys of death.

The Lord gives the word to the bearers of good tidings:

“The Almighty has defeated a numberless army

and kings and armies are in flight, in flight

while you were at rest among the sheepfolds.”

At home the women already share the spoil.

They are covered with silver as the wings of a dove,

its feathers brilliant with shining gold

and jewels flashing like snow on Mount Zalmon.

The mountains of Bashan are mighty mountains;

high-ridged mountains are the mountains of Bashan.

Why look with envy, you high-ridged mountains,

at the mountain where God has chosen to dwell?

It is there that the Lord shall dwell for ever.

The chariots of God are thousands upon thousands.

The Lord has come from Sinai to the holy place.

You have gone up on high; you have taken captives,

receiving men in tribute, O God,

even those who rebel, into your dwelling, O Lord.

May the Lord be blessed day after day.

He bears our burdens, God our savior.

This God of ours is a God who saves.

The Lord our God holds the keys of death.

And God will smite the head of his foes,

the crown of those who persist in their sins.

The Lord said: “I will bring them back from Bashan;

I will bring them back from the depth of the sea.

Then your feet will tread in their blood

and the tongues of your dogs take their share of the foe.”

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 saving God; he, the Lord, holds the keys of death.

Ant. Kingdoms of earth, sing praise to God, make music in honor of the Lord.

They see your solemn procession, O God,

the procession of my God, of my king, to the sanctuary:

the singers in the forefront, the musicians coming last,

between them, maidens sounding their timbrels.

“In festive gatherings, bless the Lord;

bless God, O you who are Israel’s sons.”

There is Benjamin, least of the tribes, at the head,

Judah’s princes, a mighty throng,

Zebulun’s princes, Naphtali’s princes.

Show forth, O God, show forth your might,

your might, O God, which you have shown for us.

For the sake of your temple high in Jerusalem

may kings come to you bringing their tribute.

Threaten the wild beast that dwells in the reeds,

the bands of the mighty and lords of the peoples.

Let them bow down offering silver.

Scatter the peoples who delight in war.

Princes will make their way from Egypt:

Ethiopia will stretch out her hands to God.

Kingdoms of the earth, sing to God, praise the Lord

who rides on the heavens, the ancient heavens.

He thunders his voice, his mighty voice.

Come, acknowledge the power of God.

His glory is on Israel; his might is in the skies.

God is to be feared in his holy place.

He is the Lord, Israel’s God.

He gives strength and power to his people.

Blessed be God!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Kingdoms of earth, sing praise to God, make music in honor of the Lord.

I will listen to what the Lord God is saying.

He tells of peace for his people.

From the first book of Maccabees

In those days Mattathias, son of John, son of Simeon, a priest of the family of Joarib, left Jerusalem and settled in Modein.

The officers of the king in charge of enforcing the apostasy came to the city of Modein to organize the sacrifices. Many of Israel joined them, but Mattathias and his sons gathered in a group apart. Then the officers of the king addressed Mattathias: “You are a leader, an honorable and great man in this city, supported by sons and kinsmen. Come now, be the first to obey the king’s command, as all the Gentiles and the men of Judah and those who are left in Jerusalem have done. Then you and your sons shall be numbered among the King’s Friends, and shall be enriched with silver and gold and many gifts.”

But Mattathias answered in a loud voice: “Although all the Gentiles in the king’s realm obey him, so that each forsakes the religion of his fathers and consents to the king’s orders, yet I and my sons and my kinsmen will keep to the covenant of our fathers. God forbid that we should forsake the law and the commandments. We will not obey the words of the king nor depart from our religion in the slightest degree.”

As he finished saying these words, a certain Jew came forward in the sight of all to offer sacrifice on the altar in Modein according to the king’s order. When Mattathias saw him, he was filled with zeal; his heart was moved and his just fury was aroused; he sprang forward and killed him upon the altar. At the same time, he also killed the messenger of the king who was forcing them to sacrifice, and he tore down the altar. Thus he showed his zeal for the law, just as Phinehas did with Zimri, son of Salu.

Then Mattathias went through the city shouting, “Let everyone who is zealous for the law and who stands by the covenant follow after me!” Thereupon he fled to the mountains with his sons, leaving behind in the city all their possessions.

Then they were joined by a group of Hasideans, valiant Israelites, all of them devout followers of the law. And all those who were fleeing from the disaster joined them and supported them. They gathered an army and struck down sinners in their anger and lawbreakers in their wrath, and the survivors fled to the Gentiles for safety.

Mattathias and his friends went about and tore down the pagan altars; they also enforced circumcision for any uncircumcised boys whom they found in the territory of Israel. They put to flight the arrogant, and the work prospered in their hands. They saved the law from the hands of the Gentiles and of the kings and did not let the sinner triumph.

When the time came for Mattathias to die, he said to his sons: “Arrogance and scorn have now grown strong; it is a time of disaster and violent anger. Therefore, my sons, be zealous for the law and give your lives for the covenant of our fathers.

“Here is your brother Simeon who I know is a wise man; listen to him always, and he will be a father to you. And Judas Maccabeus, a warrior from his youth, shall be the leader of your army and direct the war against the nations. You shall also gather about you all who observe the law, and you shall avenge the wrongs of your people. Pay back the Gentiles what they deserve, and observe the precepts of the law.”

Then he blessed them, and he was united with his fathers. He died in the year one hundred and forty-six, and was buried in the tombs of his fathers in Modein, and all Israel mourned him greatly.

1 Maccabees 2:51, 64

Remember the deeds of our ancestors, in their own times,

and you shall win great honor and everlasting fame.

My children, be courageous and strong

in your obedience to the law,

for by it you shall be glorified.

And you shall win great honor and everlasting fame.

From the pastoral constitution on the Church in the modern world of the Second Vatican Council

Christians should cooperate, willingly and wholeheartedly, in building an international order based on genuine respect for legitimate freedom and on a brotherhood of universal friendship. This is all the more urgent because the greater part of the world still experiences such poverty that in the voices of the poor Christ himself can be heard, crying out for charity from his followers. There are nations—many of them with a majority of Christians—which enjoy an abundance of goods, while others are deprived of the necessities of life, and suffer from hunger, disease and all kinds of afflictions. This scandal must be removed from among men, for the glory of Christ’s Church and its testimony to the world are the spirit of poverty and the spirit of love.

Christians, especially young Christians, deserve praise and support when they offer themselves voluntarily in the service of other people, with bishops giving a lead by word and example, to do all in their power to relieve the sufferings of our times, following the age-old custom of the Church in giving not only what they can spare but also what they need for themselves.

Without being uniform or inflexible, a method of collecting and distributing contributions should be established in each diocese and nation and on a world-wide level. Whenever it seems appropriate, there should be joint action between Catholics and other Christians. The spirit of Charity, far from forbidding prudence and orderliness in social and charitable action, in fact demands them. Those intending to serve the developing countries must therefore undergo appropriate and systematic training.

In order to foster and encourage cooperation among men, the Church must be present and active in the community of nations. It must work through its own public organizations with the full and sincere cooperation of all Christians in their one desire to serve all mankind.

This end will be more effectively achieved if the faithful are themselves conscious of their human and Christian responsibilities and seek to awaken among those in their own walk of life a readiness to cooperate with the international community. Special care should be taken to give this kind of formation to young people in their religious and secular education.

Finally, it is to be hoped that, in carrying out their responsibilities in the international community, Catholics will seek to cooperate actively and constructively with other Christians, who profess the same Gospel of love, and with all men who hunger and thirst for true peace.

See Habakkuk 3:3; Leviticus 26:1, 6, 9

See, I am coming from the south;

I, the Lord your God, will visit you in peace.

I will look upon you with favor;

I will make you fruitful and numerous

to fulfill the covenant I made with you.

I, the Lord your God, will visit you in peace.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Almighty and merciful God,

by whose gift your faithful offer you

right and praiseworthy service,

grant, we pray, that we may hasten without stumbling

to receive the things you have promised.

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 · 8:59

0:00 8:59

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 dawn proclaims the sun’s approach

with rays so welcome to the earth;

with color she adorns the world

and clothes all things in fairest hue.

O Christ, the everlasting Sun,

you shine on us with living light;

we turn to you with hymns of praise

and long to find our joy in you.

You are the Wisdom from on high,

the Father’s Word through whom all things

in wondrous order shine with light

and so attract our minds and hearts.

Then, grant us children of the light,

to walk with zeal and eager step,

that always by our lives and acts

we show the Father’s light and grace.

Lord, grant that we may always speak

sincerely, with no trace of guile,

and that the sweetest joys of truth

may stir and raise our mind and heart.

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 85

Ant. Lord, you have blessed your land; you have forgiven the sins of your people.

O Lord, you once favored your land

and revived the fortunes of Jacob,

you forgave the guilt of your people

and covered all their sins.

You averted all your rage,

you calmed the heat of your anger.

Revive us now, God, our helper!

Put an end to your grievance against us.

Will you be angry with us for ever,

will your anger never cease?

Will you not restore again our life

that your people may rejoice in you?

Let us see, O Lord, your mercy

and give us your saving help.

I will hear what the Lord God has to say,

a voice that speaks of peace,

peace for his people and his friends

and those who turn to him in their hearts.

His help is near for those who fear him

and his glory will dwell in our land.

Mercy and faithfulness have met;

justice and peace have embraced.

Faithfulness shall spring from the earth

and justice look down from heaven.

The Lord will make us prosper

and our earth shall yield its fruit.

Justice shall march before him

and peace shall follow his steps.

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 have blessed your land; you have forgiven the sins of your people.

Isaiah 26:1-4

Ant. My soul has yearned for you in the night, and as morning breaks I watch for your coming.

A strong city have we;

he sets up walls and ramparts to protect us.

Open up the gates

to let in a nation that is just,

one that keeps faith.

A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace;

in peace, for its trust in you.

Trust in the Lord forever!

For the Lord is an eternal Rock.

The way of the just is smooth;

the path of the just you make level.

Yes, for your way and your judgments, O Lord,

we look to you; your name and your title

are the desire of our souls.

My soul yearns for you in the night,

yes, my spirit within me keeps vigil for you;

when your judgment dawns upon the earth,

the world’s inhabitants learn justice.

O Lord, you mete out peace to us,

for it is you who have accomplished all we have done.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. My soul has yearned for you in the night, and as morning breaks I watch for your coming.

Psalm 67

Ant. Lord, let the light of your face shine upon us.

O God, be gracious and bless us

and let your face shed its light upon us.

So will your ways be known upon earth

and all nations learn your saving help.

Let the peoples praise you, O God;

let all the peoples praise you.

Let the nations be glad and exult

for you rule the world with justice.

With fairness you rule the peoples,

you guide the nations on earth.

Let the peoples praise you, O God;

let all the peoples praise you.

The earth has yielded its fruit

for God, our God, has blessed us.

May God still give us his blessing

till the ends of the earth revere him.

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, let the light of your face shine upon us.

1 John 4:14-15

We have seen for ourselves, and can testify,

that the Father has sent the Son as savior of the world.

When anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God,

God dwells in him

and he in God.

RESPONSORY

My God stands by me, all my trust is in him.

I find refuge in him, and I am truly free;

all my trust is in him.

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

My God stands by me, all my trust is in him.

Canticle of Zechariah

Ant. God has raised up for us a mighty Savior, as he promised of old through his holy prophets.

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. God has raised up for us a mighty Savior, as he promised of old through his holy prophets.

INTERCESSIONS

Lord Jesus, by your blood you have purchased for yourself a new people. We adore you and beseech you:

Remember your people, Lord.

Our King and our Redeemer, hear the praises of your Church at the beginning of this day,

teach her to glorify your majesty without ceasing.

Remember your people, Lord.

You are our hope and our strength, in you we trust,

may we never despair.

Remember your people, Lord.

Look kindly upon our weakness and hasten to our aid,

for without you we can do nothing.

Remember your people, Lord.

Remember the poor and the afflicted, do not let this day be a burden to them,

but a consolation and a joy.

Remember your people, Lord.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Now let us offer the prayer Christ has given us as the model for all 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

God our Father, yours is the beauty of creation

and the good things you have given us.

Help us to begin this day joyfully in your name

and to spend it in loving service

of you and our fellow man.

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 · 5:31

0:00 5:31

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 119:97-104

Ant. Law finds its fulfillment in love.

Lord, how I love your law!

It is ever in my mind.

Your command makes me wiser than my foes;

for it is mine for ever.

I have more insight than all who teach me

for I ponder your will.

I have more understanding than the old

for I keep your precepts.

I turn my feet from evil paths

to obey your word.

I have not turned from your decrees;

you yourself have taught me.

Your promise is sweeter to my taste

than honey in the mouth.

I gain understanding from your precepts;

I hate the ways of falsehood.

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. Law finds its fulfillment in love.

Psalm 74

Ant. Lord, remember your people, whom you chose from the beginning.

Why, O God, have you cast us off for ever?

Why blaze with anger at the sheep of your pasture?

Remember your people whom you chose long ago,

the tribe you redeemed to be your own possession,

the mountains of Zion where you made your dwelling.

Turn your steps to these places that are utterly ruined!

The enemy has laid waste the whole of the sanctuary.

Your foes have made uproar in your house of prayer:

they have set up their emblems, their foreign emblems,

high above the entrance to the sanctuary.

Their axes have battered the wood of its doors.

They have struck together with hatchet and pickaxe.

O God, they have set your sanctuary on fire:

they have razed and profaned the place where you dwell.

They said in their hearts: “Let us utterly crush them:

let us burn every shrine of God in the land.”

There is no sign from God, nor have we a prophet,

we have no one to tell us how long it will last.

How long, O God, is the enemy to scoff?

Is the foe to insult your name for ever?

Why, O Lord, do you hold back your hand?

Why do you keep your right hand hidden?

Yet God is our king from time past,

the giver of help through all the land.

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, remember your people, whom you chose from the beginning.

Ant. Rise up, Lord; defend your cause.

It was you who divided the sea by your might,

who shattered the heads of the monsters in the sea.

It was you who crushed Leviathan’s heads

and gave him as food to the untamed beasts.

It was you who opened springs and torrents;

it was you who dried up ever-flowing rivers.

Yours is the day and yours is the night.

It was you who appointed the light and the sun:

it was you who fixed the bounds of the earth:

you who made both summer and winter.

Remember this, Lord, and see the enemy scoffing;

a senseless people insults your name.

Do not give Israel, your dove, to the hawk

nor forget the life of your poor ones for ever.

Remember your covenant; every cave in the land

is a place where violence makes its home.

Do not let the oppressed return disappointed;

let the poor and the needy bless your name.

Arise, O God, and defend your cause!

Remember how the senseless revile you all the day.

Do not forget the clamor of your foes,

the daily increasing uproar of your 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. Rise up, Lord; defend your cause.

Jeremiah 22:3

Do what is right and just. Rescue the victim from the hand of his oppressor. Do not wrong or oppress the resident alien, the orphan, or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood.

The Lord will judge the whole world with justice.

He will render to all peoples their just award.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

All-powerful and ever-living God,

in midmorning you poured out the Holy Spirit

as a constant Friend and Guide for your apostles.

Send that same Spirit of love to us

to make us faithful witnesses to you

in the sight of all mankind.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

Sext

Now

Midday Prayer · 12 PM · 5:30

0:00 5:30

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 119:97-104

Ant. Law finds its fulfillment in love.

Lord, how I love your law!

It is ever in my mind.

Your command makes me wiser than my foes;

for it is mine for ever.

I have more insight than all who teach me

for I ponder your will.

I have more understanding than the old

for I keep your precepts.

I turn my feet from evil paths

to obey your word.

I have not turned from your decrees;

you yourself have taught me.

Your promise is sweeter to my taste

than honey in the mouth.

I gain understanding from your precepts;

I hate the ways of falsehood.

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. Law finds its fulfillment in love.

Psalm 74

Ant. Lord, remember your people, whom you chose from the beginning.

Why, O God, have you cast us off for ever?

Why blaze with anger at the sheep of your pasture?

Remember your people whom you chose long ago,

the tribe you redeemed to be your own possession,

the mountains of Zion where you made your dwelling.

Turn your steps to these places that are utterly ruined!

The enemy has laid waste the whole of the sanctuary.

Your foes have made uproar in your house of prayer:

they have set up their emblems, their foreign emblems,

high above the entrance to the sanctuary.

Their axes have battered the wood of its doors.

They have struck together with hatchet and pickaxe.

O God, they have set your sanctuary on fire:

they have razed and profaned the place where you dwell.

They said in their hearts: “Let us utterly crush them:

let us burn every shrine of God in the land.”

There is no sign from God, nor have we a prophet,

we have no one to tell us how long it will last.

How long, O God, is the enemy to scoff?

Is the foe to insult your name for ever?

Why, O Lord, do you hold back your hand?

Why do you keep your right hand hidden?

Yet God is our king from time past,

the giver of help through all the land.

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, remember your people, whom you chose from the beginning.

Ant. Rise up, Lord; defend your cause.

It was you who divided the sea by your might,

who shattered the heads of the monsters in the sea.

It was you who crushed Leviathan’s heads

and gave him as food to the untamed beasts.

It was you who opened springs and torrents;

it was you who dried up ever-flowing rivers.

Yours is the day and yours is the night.

It was you who appointed the light and the sun:

it was you who fixed the bounds of the earth:

you who made both summer and winter.

Remember this, Lord, and see the enemy scoffing;

a senseless people insults your name.

Do not give Israel, your dove, to the hawk

nor forget the life of your poor ones for ever.

Remember your covenant; every cave in the land

is a place where violence makes its home.

Do not let the oppressed return disappointed;

let the poor and the needy bless your name.

Arise, O God, and defend your cause!

Remember how the senseless revile you all the day.

Do not forget the clamor of your foes,

the daily increasing uproar of your 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. Rise up, Lord; defend your cause.

Deuteronomy 15:7-8

If one of your kinsmen in any community is in need in the land which the Lord, your God, is giving you, you shall not harden your heart nor close your hand to him in his need. Instead, you shall open your hand to him and freely lend him enough to meet his need.

You have given the poor their heart’s desire.

You comfort them and bend down to hear their prayer.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Lord God,

you made known to Peter

your desire to bring all nations to salvation.

Let all our work give you praise

and carry out your loving plan.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

None

Now

Midafternoon Prayer · 3 PM · 5:30

0:00 5:30

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 119:97-104

Ant. Law finds its fulfillment in love.

Lord, how I love your law!

It is ever in my mind.

Your command makes me wiser than my foes;

for it is mine for ever.

I have more insight than all who teach me

for I ponder your will.

I have more understanding than the old

for I keep your precepts.

I turn my feet from evil paths

to obey your word.

I have not turned from your decrees;

you yourself have taught me.

Your promise is sweeter to my taste

than honey in the mouth.

I gain understanding from your precepts;

I hate the ways of falsehood.

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. Law finds its fulfillment in love.

Psalm 74

Ant. Lord, remember your people, whom you chose from the beginning.

Why, O God, have you cast us off for ever?

Why blaze with anger at the sheep of your pasture?

Remember your people whom you chose long ago,

the tribe you redeemed to be your own possession,

the mountains of Zion where you made your dwelling.

Turn your steps to these places that are utterly ruined!

The enemy has laid waste the whole of the sanctuary.

Your foes have made uproar in your house of prayer:

they have set up their emblems, their foreign emblems,

high above the entrance to the sanctuary.

Their axes have battered the wood of its doors.

They have struck together with hatchet and pickaxe.

O God, they have set your sanctuary on fire:

they have razed and profaned the place where you dwell.

They said in their hearts: “Let us utterly crush them:

let us burn every shrine of God in the land.”

There is no sign from God, nor have we a prophet,

we have no one to tell us how long it will last.

How long, O God, is the enemy to scoff?

Is the foe to insult your name for ever?

Why, O Lord, do you hold back your hand?

Why do you keep your right hand hidden?

Yet God is our king from time past,

the giver of help through all the land.

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, remember your people, whom you chose from the beginning.

Ant. Rise up, Lord; defend your cause.

It was you who divided the sea by your might,

who shattered the heads of the monsters in the sea.

It was you who crushed Leviathan’s heads

and gave him as food to the untamed beasts.

It was you who opened springs and torrents;

it was you who dried up ever-flowing rivers.

Yours is the day and yours is the night.

It was you who appointed the light and the sun:

it was you who fixed the bounds of the earth:

you who made both summer and winter.

Remember this, Lord, and see the enemy scoffing;

a senseless people insults your name.

Do not give Israel, your dove, to the hawk

nor forget the life of your poor ones for ever.

Remember your covenant; every cave in the land

is a place where violence makes its home.

Do not let the oppressed return disappointed;

let the poor and the needy bless your name.

Arise, O God, and defend your cause!

Remember how the senseless revile you all the day.

Do not forget the clamor of your foes,

the daily increasing uproar of your 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. Rise up, Lord; defend your cause.

Proverbs 22:22-23

Injure not the poor because they are poor,

nor crush the needy at the gate;

For the Lord will defend their cause,

and will plunder the lives of those who plunder them.

The Lord will free those who have no one to help them.

He himself will come to save the poor.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Father,

you sent your angel to Cornelius

to show him the way to salvation.

Help us to work generously for the salvation of the world

so that your Church may bring us and all mankind

into your presence.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

Vespers

Now

Evening Prayer · 7:38

0:00 7:38

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 Author of the world,

you thrust chaotic waters back

and drew the dry land from the deep

to set the earth unmoved and still.

That burgeoning in fitting growth,

adorned with radiant bloom and flow’r,

she might be fertile, bearing fruit

and yielding welcome, pleasing food.

Now cleanse with fresh and verdant grace

the wounded soul that sin has parched,

that she, by tears, may purge her guilt

and wear away corrupt desire.

Then let her yield to your commands,

and keep her safe from evil ways;

may she delight in all good things

and know no deed that leads to 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 125

Ant. The Lord surrounds his people with his strength.

Those who put their trust in the Lord

are like Mount Zion, that cannot be shaken,

that stands for ever.

Jerusalem! The mountains surround her,

so the Lord surrounds his people

both now and for ever.

For the scepter of the wicked shall not rest

over the land of the just

for fear that the hands of the just

should turn to evil.

Do good, Lord, to those who are good,

to the upright of heart;

but the crooked and those who do evil,

drive them away!

On Israel, 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. The Lord surrounds his people with his strength.

Psalm 131

Ant. Unless you acquire the heart of a child, you cannot enter the kingdom of God.

O Lord, my heart is not proud

nor haughty my eyes.

I have not gone after things too great

nor marvels beyond me.

Truly I have set my soul

in silence and peace.

As a child has rest in its mother’s arms,

even so my soul.

O Israel, hope in the Lord

both now and 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. Unless you acquire the heart of a child, you cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Revelation 4:11

Ant. Lord, you have made us a kingdom and priests for God our Father.

O Lord our God, you are worthy

to receive glory and honor and power.

For you have created all things;

by your will they came to be and were made.

Worthy are you, O Lord,

to receive the scroll and break open its seals.

For you were slain;

with your blood you purchased for God

men of every race and tongue,

of every people and nation.

You made of them a kingdom,

and priests to serve our God,

and they shall reign on the earth.

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain

to receive power and riches,

wisdom and strength,

honor and glory and praise.

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 have made us a kingdom and priests for God our Father.

Romans 12:9-12

Your love must be sincere. Detest what is evil, cling to what is good. Love one another with the affection of brothers. Anticipate each other in showing respect. Do not grow slack but be fervent in spirit; he whom you serve is the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient under trial, persevere in prayer.

RESPONSORY

Through all eternity, O Lord, your promise stands unshaken.

Your faithfulness will never fail;

your promise stands unshaken.

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

Through all eternity, O Lord, your promise stands unshaken.

Canticle of Mary

Ant. My spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

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. My spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

INTERCESSIONS

God establishes his people in hope. Let us cry out to him with joy:

You are the hope of your people, Lord.

We thank you, Lord,

because in Christ you have given us all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

You are the hope of your people, Lord.

O God, in your hands are the hearts of the powerful; bestow your wisdom upon government leaders,

may they draw from the fountain of your counsel and please you in thought and deed.

You are the hope of your people, Lord.

The talents of artists reflect your splendor,

may their work give the world hope and joy.

You are the hope of your people, Lord.

You do not allow us to be tested beyond our ability,

strengthen the weak and raise up the fallen.

You are the hope of your people, Lord.

Through your Son you promised to raise men up on the Last Day,

do not forget those who have died.

You are the hope of your people, Lord.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Now let us offer together the prayer our Lord Jesus Christ taught us:

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Lord, may our evening prayer rise up to you,

and your blessing come down upon us.

May your help and salvation be ours

now and through all eternity.

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

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

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

Compline

Now

Night Prayer · 4:50

0:00 4:50

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 143:1-11

Ant. Do not hide your face from me; in you I put my trust.

Lord, listen to my prayer:

turn your ear to my appeal.

You are faithful, you are just; give answer.

Do not call your servant to judgment

for no one is just in your sight.

The enemy pursues my soul;

he has crushed my life to the ground;

he has made me dwell in darkness

like the dead, long forgotten.

Therefore my spirit fails;

my heart is numb within me.

I remember the days that are past:

I ponder all your works.

I muse on what your hand has wrought

and to you I stretch out my hands.

Like a parched land my soul thirsts for you.

Lord, make haste and answer;

for my spirit fails within me.

Do not hide your face

lest I become like those in the grave.

In the morning let me know your love

for I put my trust in you.

Make me know the way I should walk:

to you I lift up my soul.

Rescue me, Lord, from my enemies;

I have fled to you for refuge.

Teach me to do your will

for you, O Lord, are my God.

Let your good spirit guide me

in ways that are level and smooth.

For your name’s sake, Lord, save my life;

in your justice save my soul from distress.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Do not hide your face from me; in you I put my trust.

1 Peter 5:8-9

Stay sober and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, solid in your faith.

RESPONSORY

Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth.

I commend my spirit.

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

Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

Canticle of Simeon

Ant. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace.

Lord, now you let your servant go in peace;

your word has been fulfilled:

my own eyes have seen the salvation

which you have prepared in the sight of every people:

a light to reveal you to the nations

and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Lord, fill this night with your radiance.

May we sleep in peace and rise with joy

to welcome the light of a new day in your name.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

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

MARIAN ANTIPHON

Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy,

our life, our sweetness, and our hope.

To you do we cry,

poor banished children of Eve.

To you do we send up our sighs

mourning and weeping in this vale of tears.

Turn then, most gracious advocate,

your eyes of mercy toward us,

and after this exile

show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.

O clement, O loving,

O sweet Virgin Mary.

Also for today

Yesterday Compline

Now

Yesterday Night Prayer · 5:09

0:00 5:09

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 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.

Mass Readings

Now

Readings of the Day's Mass · 4:00

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First Reading

Phil 2:5-11

Brothers and sisters:

Have among yourselves the same attitude

that is also yours in Christ Jesus,

Who, though he was in the form of God,

did not regard equality with God

something to be grasped.

Rather, he emptied himself,

taking the form of a slave,

coming in human likeness;

And, found human in appearance,

he humbled himself,

becoming obedient to death,

even death on a cross.

Because of this, God greatly exalted him

and bestowed on him the name

that is above every name,

that at the name of Jesus

every knee should bend,

of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue confess that

Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

Responsorial Psalm

Ps 22:26b-27, 28-30ab, 30e, 31-32

℟. I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people.

I will fulfill my vows before those who fear him

The lowly shall eat their fill;

they who seek the LORD shall praise him;

“May your hearts be ever merry!”

All the ends of the earth

shall remember and turn to the LORD;

All the families of the nations

shall bow down before him.

For dominion is the LORD’s,

and he rules the nations.

To him alone shall bow down

all who sleep in the earth.

To him my soul shall live;

my descendants shall serve him.

Let the coming generation be told of the LORD

that they may proclaim to a people yet to be born

the justice he has shown.

℟. I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people.

Gospel Acclamation

Mt 11:28

℟. Alleluia, alleluia.

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,

and I will give you rest, says the Lord.

℟. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Lk 14:12-14

Go out quickly to the highways and hedgerows and make people come in that my home may be filled.

One of those at table with Jesus said to him.

“Blessed is the one who will dine in the kingdom of God.”

He replied to him,

“A man gave a great dinner to which he invited many.

When the time for the dinner came,

he dispatched his servant to say to those invited,

‘Come, everything is now ready.’

But one by one, they all began to excuse themselves.

The first said to him,

‘I have purchased a field and must go to examine it;

I ask you, consider me excused.’

And another said, ‘I have purchased five yoke of oxen

and am on my way to evaluate them;

I ask you, consider me excused.’

And another said, ‘I have just married a woman,

and therefore I cannot come.’

The servant went and reported this to his master.

Then the master of the house in a rage commanded his servant,

‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town

and bring in here the poor and the crippled,

the blind and the lame.’

The servant reported, ‘Sir, your orders have been carried out

and still there is room.’

The master then ordered the servant,

‘Go out to the highways and hedgerows

and make people come in that my home may be filled.

For, I tell you, none of those men who were invited will taste my dinner.’”

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