Invitatorium

Red

Ordinary Time

Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr

Thursday · Memorial · Psalter Week 4

The Hours

Now

Invitatory · 1:30

0:00 1:30

Lord, open my lips.

And my mouth will proclaim your praise.

Ant. Come, let us worship Christ, the King of martyrs.

Come, let us sing to the Lord

and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us.

Let us approach him with praise and thanksgiving

and sing joyful songs to the Lord.

The Lord is God, the mighty God,

the great king over all the gods.

He holds in his hands the depths of the earth

and the highest mountains as well.

He made the sea; it belongs to him,

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

Come, then, let us bow down and worship,

bending the knee before the Lord, our maker.

For he is our God and we are his people,

the flock he shepherds.

Today, listen to the voice of the Lord:

Do not grow stubborn, as your fathers did

in the wilderness,

when at Meriba and Massah

they challenged me and provoked me,

Although they had seen all of my works.

Forty years I endured that generation.

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

and they do not know my ways.”

So I swore in my anger,

“They shall not enter into my rest.”

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Come, let us worship Christ, the King of martyrs.

Matins

Now

Office of Readings · 11:17

0:00 11:17

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 blessed Martyr, bring us joy,

on your triumphant holy day,

when you received the victor’s crown,

for which you paid the price of blood.

From all the darkness of the world

this day raised you to heav’nly heights

in triumph over rack and judge,

restoring you to Christ in joy.

And now you share the angels’ hymn,

all clad in robes of dazzling white:

you washed them clean in streams of blood

by bearing witness none could thwart.

Draw near with mercy and implore

that Christ incline his gracious ear

and, in his reconciling love,

take no account of all our faults.

Come down, abide with us awhile

to bring the gracious gifts of Christ,

that we with hearts weighed down by guilt

may find his pardon and relief.

Praise to the Father and the Son

and to the Spirit Paraclete,

who crown you with a lasting crown

in heaven’s glorious court on high. Amen.

Psalm 44

Ant. Their own strength could not save them; it was your strength and the light of your face.

We heard with our own ears, O God,

our fathers have told us the story

of the things you did in their days,

you yourself, in days long ago.

To plant them you uprooted the nations:

to let them spread you laid peoples low.

No sword of their own won the land;

no arm of their own brought them victory.

It was your right hand, your arm

and the light of your face: for you loved them.

It is you, my king, my God,

who granted victories to Jacob.

Through you we beat down our foes;

in your name we trampled our aggressors.

For it was not in my bow that I trusted

nor yet was I saved by my sword:

it was you who saved us from our foes,

it was you who put our foes to shame.

All day long our boast was in God

and we praised your name without ceasing.

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 own strength could not save them; it was your strength and the light of your face.

Ant. Turn back to the Lord; he will not hide his face.

Yet now you have rejected us, disgraced us:

you no longer go forth with our armies.

You make us retreat from the foe

and our enemies plunder us at will.

You make us like sheep for the slaughter

and scatter us among the nations.

You sell your own people for nothing

and make no profit by the sale.

You make us the taunt of our neighbors,

the laughing stock of all who are near.

Among the nations, you make us a byword,

among the peoples a thing of derision.

All day long my disgrace is before me:

my face is covered with shame

at the voice of the taunter, the scoffer,

at the sight of the foe and avenger.

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. Turn back to the Lord; he will not hide his face.

Ant. Arise, Lord, do not abandon us for ever.

This befell us though we had not forgotten you;

though we had not been false to your covenant,

though we had not withdrawn our hearts;

though our feet had not strayed from your path.

Yet you have crushed us in a place of sorrows

and covered us with the shadow of death.

Had we forgotten the name of our God

or stretched out our hands to another god

would not God have found this out,

he who knows the secrets of the heart?

It is for you that we face death all day long

and are counted as sheep for the slaughter.

Awake, O Lord, why do you sleep?

Arise, do not reject us for ever!

Why do you hide your face

and forget our oppression and misery?

For we are brought down low to the dust;

our body lies prostrate on the earth.

Stand up and come to our help!

Redeem us because of your love!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Arise, Lord, do not abandon us for ever.

Let the light of your face shine on me, O Lord.

Teach me your way of holiness.

From the book of the prophet Daniel

It was the first year that Darius, son of Ahasuerus, of the race of the Medes, reigned over the kingdom of the Chaldeans; in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, tried to understand in the Scriptures the counting of the years of which the Lord spoke to the prophet Jeremiah: that for the ruins of Jerusalem seventy years must be fulfilled.

I turned to the Lord God, pleading in earnest prayer, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. I prayed to the Lord, my God, and confessed, “Give ear, O my God, and listen; open your eyes and see our ruins and the city which bears your name. When we present our petition before you, we rely not on our just deeds, but on your great mercy. O Lord, hear! O Lord, pardon! O Lord, be attentive and act without delay, for your own sake, O my God, because this city and your people bear your name!”

I was still occupied with my prayer, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, presenting my petition to the Lord, my God, on behalf of his holy mountain—I was still occupied with this prayer, when Gabriel, the one whom I had seen before in vision, came to me in rapid flight at the time of the evening sacrifice. He instructed me in these words: “Daniel, I have now come to give you understanding. When you began your petition, an answer was given which I have come to announce, because you are beloved. Therefore, mark the answer and understand the vision.

“Seventy weeks are decreed

for your people and for your holy city:

Then transgression will stop and sin will end,

guilt will be expiated,

Everlasting justice will be introduced,

vision and prophecy ratified,

and a most holy will be anointed.

“Know and understand this:

From the utterance of the word

that Jerusalem was to be rebuilt

Until one who is anointed and a leader,

there shall be seven weeks.

During sixty-two weeks

it shall be rebuilt,

With streets and trenches,

in time of affliction.

After the sixty-two weeks

an anointed shall be cut down

when he does not possess the city;

And the people of a leader who will come

shall destroy the sanctuary.

Then the end shall come like a torrent;

until the end there shall be war,

the desolation that is decreed.

“For one week he shall make

a firm compact with the many;

Half the week he shall abolish sacrifice and oblation;

On the temple wing shall be the horrible abomination

until the ruin that is decreed

is poured out upon the horror.”

Baruch 2:16; Daniel 9:18; Psalm 80:20

Look down on us from your holy dwelling place, O Lord,

and think of us.

Turn your ear toward us, my God, and listen;

open your eyes and look on our distress.

O Lord of hosts, restore us;

let your face shine upon us,

and we shall be saved.

Open your eyes and look on our distress.

From the Encyclical LetterEcclesiam Deiby Pope Pius XI

In designing his Church God worked with such skill that in the fullness of time it would resemble a single great family embracing all men. It can be identified, as we know, by certain distinctive characteristics, notably its universality and unity.

Christ the Lord passed on to his apostles the task he had received from the Father:

I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.

He wanted the apostles as a body to be intimately bound together, first by the inner tie of the same faith and love

which flows into our hearts through the Holy Spirit,

and, second, by the external tie of authority exercised by one apostle over the others. For this he assigned the primacy to Peter, the source and visible basis of their unity for all time. So that the unity and agreement among them would endure, God wisely stamped them, one might say, with the mark of holiness and martyrdom.

Both these distinctions fell to Josaphat, archbishop of Polock of the Slavonic rite of the Eastern Church. He is rightly looked upon as the great glory and strength of the Eastern Rite Slavs. Few have brought them greater honor or contributed more to their spiritual welfare than Josaphat, their pastor and apostle, especially when he gave his life as a martyr for the unity of the Church. He felt, in fact, that God had inspired him to restore world-wide unity to the Church and he realized that his greatest chance of success lay in preserving the Slavonic rite and Saint Basil’s rule of monastic life within the one universal Church.

Concerned mainly with seeing his own people reunited to the See of Peter, he sought out every available argument which would foster and maintain Church unity. His best arguments were drawn from liturgical books, sanctioned by the Fathers of the Church, which were in common use among Eastern Christians, including the dissidents. Thus thoroughly prepared, he set out to restore the unity of the Church. A forceful man of fine sensibilities, he met with such success that his opponents dubbed him “the thief of souls.”

John 17:11, 23, 22

Jesus said: Holy Father, protect those you have given me with the power of your name,

that they may be perfectly one;

then the world will know that it was you who sent me.

The glory which you gave me,

I have given to them.

That they may be perfectly one;

then the world will know that it was you who sent me.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Stir up in your Church, we pray, O Lord,

the Spirit that filled Saint Josaphat

as he laid down his life for the sheep,

so that through his intercession

we, too, may be strengthened by the same Spirit

and not be afraid to lay down our life for others.

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 · 9:16

0:00 9:16

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

Martyr of God, by holding fast

to Christ, the Father’s only Son,

you triumph over vanquished foes,

in vict’ry finding hev’nly joy.

Grant us the favor of your prayer

and ease the burden of our guilt;

hold back the tide of wickedness

and drive away distaste for life.

Now all your fetters are undone,

the chains that bound your holy flesh;

free us from bondage to the world

for love of Christ, the Son of God.

Praise to the Father and the Son

and to the Spirit Paraclete,

who crown you with a lasting crown

in heaven’s glorious court on high. Amen.

Psalm 143:1-11

Ant. At daybreak, be merciful to me, O Lord.

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. At daybreak, be merciful to me, O Lord.

Isaiah 66:10-14

Ant. The Lord will make a river of peace flow through Jerusalem.

Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad because of her,

all you who love her;

exult, exult with her,

all you who were mourning over her!

Oh, that you may suck fully

of the milk of her comfort,

That you may nurse with delight

at her abundant breasts!

For thus says the Lord:

Lo, I will spread prosperity over her like a river,

and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing torrent.

As nurslings, you shall be carried in her arms,

and fondled in her lap;

as a mother comforts her son,

so will I comfort you;

in Jerusalem you shall find your comfort.

When you see this, your heart shall rejoice,

and your bodies flourish like the grass.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. The Lord will make a river of peace flow through Jerusalem.

Psalm 147:1-11

Ant. Let us joyfully praise the Lord our God.

Praise the Lord for he is good;

sing to our God for he is loving:

to him our praise is due.

The Lord builds up Jerusalem

and brings back Israel’s exiles,

he heals the broken-hearted,

he binds up all their wounds.

He fixes the number of the stars;

he calls each one by its name.

Our Lord is great and almighty;

his wisdom can never be measured.

The Lord raises the lowly;

he humbles the wicked to the dust.

O sing to the Lord, giving thanks;

sing psalms to our God with the harp.

He covers the heavens with clouds;

he prepares the rain for the earth,

making mountains sprout with grass

and with plants to serve man’s needs.

He provides the beasts with their food

and young ravens that call upon him.

His delight is not in horses

nor his pleasure in warriors’ strength.

The Lord delights in those who revere him,

in those who wait for his love.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Let us joyfully praise the Lord our God.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Praised be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all consolation! He comforts us in all our afflictions and thus enables us to comfort those who are in trouble, with the same consolation we have received from him. As we have shared much in the suffering of Christ, so through Christ do we share abundantly in his consolation.

RESPONSORY

The Lord is my strength, and I shall sing his praise.

The Lord is my savior,

and I shall sing his praise.

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

The Lord is my strength, and I shall sing his praise.

Canticle of Zechariah

Ant. Whoever hates his life in this world keeps it safe for life everlasting.

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. Whoever hates his life in this world keeps it safe for life everlasting.

INTERCESSIONS

Our Savior’s faithfulness is mirrored in the fidelity of his witnesses who shed their blood for the Word of God. Let us praise him in remembrance of them:

You redeemed us by your blood.

Your martyrs freely embraced death in bearing witness for the faith,

give us the true freedom of the Spirit, O Lord.

You redeemed us by your blood.

Your martyrs professed their faith by shedding their blood,

give us a faith, O Lord, that is constant and pure.

You redeemed us by your blood.

Your martyrs followed in your footsteps by carrying the cross,

help us to endure courageously the misfortunes of life.

You redeemed us by your blood.

Your martyrs washed their garments in the blood of the Lamb,

help us to avoid the weaknesses of the flesh and worldly allurements.

You redeemed us by your blood.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

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

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;

thy kingdom come;

thy will be done on earth

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Stir up in your Church, we pray, O Lord,

the Spirit that filled Saint Josaphat

as he laid down his life for the sheep,

so that through his intercession

we, too, may be strengthened by the same Spirit

and not be afraid to lay down our life for others.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

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

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

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

Terce

Now

Midmorning Prayer · 9 AM · 4:32

0:00 4:32

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 119:153-160

Ant. If you love me, says the Lord, keep my commandments.

See my affliction and save me

for I remember your law.

Uphold my cause and defend me;

by your promise give me life.

Salvation is far from the wicked

who are heedless of your commands.

Numberless, Lord, are your mercies;

with your decrees give me life.

Though my foes and oppressors are countless

I have not swerved from your will.

I look at the faithless with disgust;

they ignore your promise.

See how I love your precepts;

in your mercy give me life.

Your word is founded on truth:

your decrees are eternal.

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. If you love me, says the Lord, keep my commandments.

Psalm 128

Ant. May the Lord bless you, and peace will be yours all the days of your life.

O blessed are those who fear the Lord

and walk in his ways!

By the labor of your hands you shall eat.

You will be happy and prosper;

your wife like a fruitful vine

in the heart of your house;

Your children like shoots of the olive,

around your table.

Indeed thus shall be blessed

the man who fears the Lord.

May the Lord bless you from Zion

all the days of your life!

May you see your children’s children

in a happy Jerusalem!

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. May the Lord bless you, and peace will be yours all the days of your life.

Psalm 129

Ant. God will gain the victory for you over all your enemies.

“They have pressed me hard from my youth,”

this is Israel’s song.

“They have pressed me hard from my youth

but could never destroy me.

They plowed my back like plowmen,

drawing long furrows.

But the Lord, who is just, has destroyed

the yoke of the wicked.”

Let them be shamed and routed,

those who hate Zion!

Let them be like grass on the roof

that withers before it flowers.

With that no reaper fills his arms,

no binder makes his sheaves

and those passing by will not say:

“On you the Lord’s blessing!”

“We bless you in the name of the Lord.”

Glory to the Father, and to the Son:

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. God will gain the victory for you over all your enemies.

1 John 3:23-24

God’s commandment is this:

we are to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ,

and are to love one another as he commanded us.

Those who keep his commandments remain in him

and he in them.

And this is how we know that he remains in us:

from the Spirit that he gave us.

Lord, you guide the upright man.

You know him through and through.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Lord,

in midmorning you gave your Holy Spirit

to the apostles gathered in prayer.

Give us a share in the life and love

that your Spirit brings.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

Sext

Now

Midday Prayer · 12 PM · 4:34

0:00 4:34

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 119:153-160

Ant. If you love me, says the Lord, keep my commandments.

See my affliction and save me

for I remember your law.

Uphold my cause and defend me;

by your promise give me life.

Salvation is far from the wicked

who are heedless of your commands.

Numberless, Lord, are your mercies;

with your decrees give me life.

Though my foes and oppressors are countless

I have not swerved from your will.

I look at the faithless with disgust;

they ignore your promise.

See how I love your precepts;

in your mercy give me life.

Your word is founded on truth:

your decrees are eternal.

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. If you love me, says the Lord, keep my commandments.

Psalm 128

Ant. May the Lord bless you, and peace will be yours all the days of your life.

O blessed are those who fear the Lord

and walk in his ways!

By the labor of your hands you shall eat.

You will be happy and prosper;

your wife like a fruitful vine

in the heart of your house;

Your children like shoots of the olive,

around your table.

Indeed thus shall be blessed

the man who fears the Lord.

May the Lord bless you from Zion

all the days of your life!

May you see your children’s children

in a happy Jerusalem!

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. May the Lord bless you, and peace will be yours all the days of your life.

Psalm 129

Ant. God will gain the victory for you over all your enemies.

“They have pressed me hard from my youth,”

this is Israel’s song.

“They have pressed me hard from my youth

but could never destroy me.

They plowed my back like plowmen,

drawing long furrows.

But the Lord, who is just, has destroyed

the yoke of the wicked.”

Let them be shamed and routed,

those who hate Zion!

Let them be like grass on the roof

that withers before it flowers.

With that no reaper fills his arms,

no binder makes his sheaves

and those passing by will not say:

“On you the Lord’s blessing!”

“We bless you in the name of the Lord.”

Glory to the Father, and to the Son:

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. God will gain the victory for you over all your enemies.

Wisdom 1:1-2

Love justice, you who judge the earth;

think of the Lord in goodness,

and seek him in integrity of heart;

Because he is found by those who test him not,

and he manifests himself to those who do not disbelieve him.

Trust firmly in the Lord and do his will.

And you will dwell secure in the land of promise.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

All-powerful and ever-living God,

with you there is no darkness,

from you nothing is hidden.

Fill us with the radiance of your light:

may we understand the law you have given us

and live it with generosity and faith.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

None

Now

Midafternoon Prayer · 3 PM · 4:32

0:00 4:32

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 119:153-160

Ant. If you love me, says the Lord, keep my commandments.

See my affliction and save me

for I remember your law.

Uphold my cause and defend me;

by your promise give me life.

Salvation is far from the wicked

who are heedless of your commands.

Numberless, Lord, are your mercies;

with your decrees give me life.

Though my foes and oppressors are countless

I have not swerved from your will.

I look at the faithless with disgust;

they ignore your promise.

See how I love your precepts;

in your mercy give me life.

Your word is founded on truth:

your decrees are eternal.

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. If you love me, says the Lord, keep my commandments.

Psalm 128

Ant. May the Lord bless you, and peace will be yours all the days of your life.

O blessed are those who fear the Lord

and walk in his ways!

By the labor of your hands you shall eat.

You will be happy and prosper;

your wife like a fruitful vine

in the heart of your house;

Your children like shoots of the olive,

around your table.

Indeed thus shall be blessed

the man who fears the Lord.

May the Lord bless you from Zion

all the days of your life!

May you see your children’s children

in a happy Jerusalem!

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. May the Lord bless you, and peace will be yours all the days of your life.

Psalm 129

Ant. God will gain the victory for you over all your enemies.

“They have pressed me hard from my youth,”

this is Israel’s song.

“They have pressed me hard from my youth

but could never destroy me.

They plowed my back like plowmen,

drawing long furrows.

But the Lord, who is just, has destroyed

the yoke of the wicked.”

Let them be shamed and routed,

those who hate Zion!

Let them be like grass on the roof

that withers before it flowers.

With that no reaper fills his arms,

no binder makes his sheaves

and those passing by will not say:

“On you the Lord’s blessing!”

“We bless you in the name of the Lord.”

Glory to the Father, and to the Son:

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. God will gain the victory for you over all your enemies.

Hebrews 12:1b-2

Let us lay aside every encumbrance of sin which clings to us and persevere in running the race which lies ahead; let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, who inspires and perfects our faith. For the sake of the joy which lay before him he endured the cross, heedless of its shame. He has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

I put my trust in the Lord.

His promise bears me up.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Lord,

help us to follow the example

of your Son’s patience and endurance.

May we face all life’s difficulties

with confidence and faith.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

Vespers

Now

Evening Prayer · 8:55

0:00 8:55

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 your soldiers’ chosen part,

their portion, crown, and high reward,

as we sing out your Martyr’s praise,

release us from the bonds of sin.

This Martyr witnessed by his lips

the faith he treasured in his heart;

by shedding blood to follow Christ

he found in death the way to him.

Discerning rightly, judging well

that worldly joys and lures of sin

are fleeting pleasures swift to fall,

he came at last to heaven’s joy.

He ran with courage to the test

and valiantly endured the pain;

he shed his blood for love of you

and now enjoys eternal gifts.

And so, all gracious, loving Lord,

we beg you, hear our humble prayer:

Grant pardon for your servants’ sin

on this triumphant Martyr’s feast.

That we may follow and attain

a glorious share in his reward

and find our joy for evermore

in heav’nly dwellings with the saints.

Eternal praise and glory be

to you, O Father, with the Son

and with the Holy Paraclete,

from age to age, for evermore. Amen.

Psalm 144

Ant. He is my comfort and my refuge. In him I put my trust.

Blessed be the Lord, my rock

who trains my arms for battle,

who prepares my hands for war.

He is my love, my fortress;

he is my stronghold, my savior,

my shield, my place of refuge.

He brings peoples under my rule.

Lord, what is man that you care for him,

mortal man, that you keep him in mind;

man, who is merely a breath,

whose life fades like a shadow?

Lower your heavens and come down;

touch the mountains; wreathe them in smoke.

Flash your lightnings; rout the foe,

shoot your arrows and put them to flight.

Reach down from heaven and save me;

draw me out from the mighty waters,

from the hands of alien foes

whose mouths are filled with lies,

whose hands are raised in perjury.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son:

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. He is my comfort and my refuge. In him I put my trust.

Ant. Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord.

To you, O God, will I sing a new song;

I will play on the ten-stringed harp

to you who give kings their victory,

who set David your servant free.

You set him free from the evil sword;

you rescued him from alien foes

whose mouths were filled with lies,

whose hands were raised in perjury.

Let our sons then flourish like saplings

grown tall and strong from their youth:

our daughters graceful as columns,

adorned as though for a palace.

Let our barns be filled to overflowing

with crops of every kind;

our sheep increasing by thousands,

myriads of sheep in our fields,

our cattle heavy with young,

no ruined wall, no exile,

no sound of weeping in our streets.

Happy the people with such blessings;

happy the people whose God is the Lord.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son:

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord.

Revelation 11:17-18

Ant. Now the victorious reign of our God has begun.

We praise you, the Lord God Almighty,

who is and who was.

You have assumed your great power,

you have begun your reign.

The nations have raged in anger,

but then came your day of wrath

and the moment to judge the dead:

the time to reward your servants the prophets

and the holy ones who revere you,

the great and the small alike.

Now have salvation and power come,

The reign of our God and the authority

of his Anointed One.

For the accuser of our brothers is cast out,

who night and day accused them before God.

They defeated him by the blood of the Lamb

and by the word of their testimony;

love for life did not deter them from death.

So rejoice, you heavens,

and you that dwell therein!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son:

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Now the victorious reign of our God has begun.

1 Peter 4:13-14

Rejoice, beloved, in the measure that you share Christ’s sufferings. When his glory is revealed, you will rejoice exultantly. Happy are you when you are insulted for the sake of Christ, for then God’s Spirit in its glory has come to rest on you.

RESPONSORY

Let the just rejoice and sing for joy in the Lord.

Delight in his love, you pure of heart,

and sing for joy in the Lord.

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

Let the just rejoice and sing for joy in the Lord

Canticle of Mary

Ant. The holy friends of Christ rejoice in heaven; they followed in his footsteps to the end. They have shed their blood for love of him and will reign with him for ever.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

my spirit rejoices in God my Savior

for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed:

the Almighty has done great things for me,

and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him

in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm,

he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,

and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel

for he has remembered his promise of mercy,

the promise he made to our fathers,

to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. The holy friends of Christ rejoice in heaven; they followed in his footsteps to the end. They have shed their blood for love of him and will reign with him for ever.

INTERCESSIONS

This is the hour when the King of martyrs offered his life in the upper room and laid it down on the cross. Let us thank him and say:

We praise you, O Lord.

We praise you, O Lord, our Savior, inspiration and example for every martyr, for loving us to the end:

We praise you, O Lord.

For calling all repentant sinners to the rewards of life:

We praise you, O Lord.

For entrusting to your Church the blood of the new and everlasting covenant poured out for the remission of sin:

We praise you, O Lord.

For our perseverance in your grace today:

We praise you, O Lord.

For incorporating our dead brothers and sisters into your own death today:

We praise you, O Lord.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

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

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;

thy kingdom come;

thy will be done on earth

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Stir up in your Church, we pray, O Lord,

the Spirit that filled Saint Josaphat

as he laid down his life for the sheep,

so that through his intercession

we, too, may be strengthened by the same Spirit

and not be afraid to lay down our life for others.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

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

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

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

Compline

Now

Night Prayer · 4:39

0:00 4:39

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 16

Ant. In you, my God, my body will rest in hope.

Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you.

I say to the Lord: “You are my God.

My happiness lies in you alone.”

He has put into my heart a marvelous love

for the faithful ones who dwell in his land.

Those who choose other gods increase their sorrows.

Never will I offer their offerings of blood.

Never will I take their name upon my lips.

O Lord, it is you who are my portion and cup;

it is you yourself who are my prize.

The lot marked out for me is my delight:

welcome indeed the heritage that falls to me!

I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel,

who even at night directs my heart.

I keep the Lord ever in my sight:

since he is at my right hand, I shall stand firm.

And so my heart rejoices, my soul is glad;

even my body shall rest in safety.

For you will not leave my soul among the dead,

nor let your beloved know decay.

You will show me the path of life,

the fullness of joy in your presence,

at your right hand happiness for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. In you, my God, my body will rest in hope.

1 Thessalonians 5:23

May the God of peace make you perfect in holiness. May he preserve you whole and entire, spirit, soul, and body, irreproachable at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

RESPONSORY

Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth.

I commend my spirit.

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

Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

Canticle of Simeon

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

Lord, now you let your servant go in peace;

your word has been fulfilled:

my own eyes have seen the salvation

which you have prepared in the sight of every people:

a light to reveal you to the nations

and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Lord God, send peaceful sleep

to refresh our tired bodies.

May your help always renew us

and keep us strong in your service.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

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

MARIAN ANTIPHON

Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy,

our life, our sweetness, and our hope.

To you do we cry,

poor banished children of Eve.

To you do we send up our sighs

mourning and weeping in this vale of tears.

Turn then, most gracious advocate,

your eyes of mercy toward us,

and after this exile

show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.

O clement, O loving,

O sweet Virgin Mary.

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 31:1-6

Ant. Lord God, be my refuge and my strength.

In you, O Lord, I take refuge.

Let me never be put to shame.

In your justice, set me free,

hear me and speedily rescue me.

Be a rock of refuge for me,

a mighty stronghold to save me,

for you are my rock, my stronghold.

For your name’s sake, lead me and guide me.

Release me from the snares they have hidden

for you are my refuge, Lord.

Into your hands I commend my spirit.

It is you who will redeem me, Lord.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Lord God, be my refuge and my strength.

Psalm 130

Ant. Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord.

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord,

Lord, hear my voice!

O let your ears be attentive

to the voice of my pleading.

If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt,

Lord, who would survive?

But with you is found forgiveness:

for this we revere you.

My soul is waiting for the Lord,

I count on his word.

My soul is longing for the Lord

more than watchman for daybreak.

Let the watchman count on daybreak

and Israel on the Lord.

Because with the Lord there is mercy

and fullness of redemption,

Israel indeed he will redeem

from all its iniquity.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord.

Ephesians 4:26-27

If you are angry, let it be without sin. The sun must not go down on your wrath; do not give the devil a chance to work on you.

RESPONSORY

Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth.

I commend my spirit.

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

Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

Canticle of Simeon

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

Lord, now you let your servant go in peace;

your word has been fulfilled:

my own eyes have seen the salvation

which you have prepared in the sight of every people:

a light to reveal you to the nations

and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus Christ,

you have given your followers

an example of gentleness and humility,

a task that is easy, a burden that is light.

Accept the prayers and work of this day,

and give us the rest that will strengthen us

to render more faithful service to you

who live and reign for ever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

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

MARIAN ANTIPHON

Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy,

our life, our sweetness, and our hope.

To you do we cry,

poor banished children of Eve.

To you do we send up our sighs

mourning and weeping in this vale of tears.

Turn then, most gracious advocate,

your eyes of mercy toward us,

and after this exile

show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.

O clement, O loving,

O sweet Virgin Mary.

Mass Readings

Now

Readings of the Day's Mass · 3:38

0:00 3:38

First Reading

Phlm 7-20

Have him back, no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a brother, beloved especially to me.

Beloved:

I have experienced much joy and encouragement from your love,

because the hearts of the holy ones

have been refreshed by you, brother.

Therefore, although I have the full right in Christ

to order you to do what is proper,

I rather urge you out of love,

being as I am, Paul, an old man,

and now also a prisoner for Christ Jesus.

I urge you on behalf of my child Onesimus,

whose father I have become in my imprisonment,

who was once useless to you but is now useful to both you and me.

I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you.

I should have liked to retain him for myself,

so that he might serve me on your behalf

in my imprisonment for the Gospel,

but I did not want to do anything without your consent,

so that the good you do might not be forced but voluntary.

Perhaps this is why he was away from you for a while,

that you might have him back forever,

no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a brother,

beloved especially to me, but even more so to you,

as a man and in the Lord.

So if you regard me as a partner, welcome him as you would me.

And if he has done you any injustice

or owes you anything, charge it to me.

I, Paul, write this in my own hand: I will pay.

May I not tell you that you owe me your very self.

Yes, brother, may I profit from you in the Lord.

Refresh my heart in Christ.

Responsorial Psalm

Ps 146:7, 8-9a, 9bc-10

℟. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.

Gospel Acclamation

Jn 15:9b, 5b

℟. Alleluia, alleluia.

Remain in my love, says the Lord;

whoever lives in me and I in him will bear much fruit.

℟. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Jn 17:20-26

Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said:

“Holy Father,

I pray not only for these,

but also for those who will believe in me through their word,

so that they may all be one,

as you, Father, are in me and I in you,

that they also may be in us,

that the world may believe that you sent me.

And I have given them the glory you gave me,

so that they may be one, as we are one,

I in them and you in me,

that they may be brought to perfection as one,

that the world may know that you sent me,

and that you loved them even as you loved me.

Father, they are your gift to me.

I wish that where I am they also may be with me,

that they may see my glory that you gave me,

because you loved me before the foundation of the world.

Righteous Father, the world also does not know you,

but I know you, and they know that you sent me.

I made known to them your name and I will make it known,

that the love with which you loved me

may be in them and I in them.”

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