Invitatorium: A Liturgy of the Hours Player

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Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious

Tuesday · Memorial · Psalter Week 1

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The Hours

Invitatorium

Now

Invitatory

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Lord, open my lips.

And my mouth will proclaim your praise.

Ant. Come, let us worship God, wonderful in his saints.

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 God, wonderful in his saints.

Matins

Now

Office of Readings

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God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

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

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

HYMN

This woman, who deserves our praise,

is honored for her worthy deeds;

renowned and strong in holiness,

she triumphs with angelic choirs.

With great devotion from the heart

and holding fast with constant faith,

she kept the fasts and watched in prayer,

beseeching God with fervent tears.

She spurned the glory of this world

and kept her mind untouched by sin;

attaining to all righteousness,

she passed beyond the starry heights.

So she who blest her home on earth,

adorning it with holy deeds,

now finds reward and lasting joy

in heaven’s home for evermore.

Praise to the Lord, the Three in One,

and as this woman prays for us,

may God unite us at our death

to heaven’s saints for evermore. Amen.

Psalm 10

Ant. The Lord is just; he will defend the poor.

Lord, why do you stand afar off

and hide yourself in times of distress?

The poor man is devoured by the pride of the wicked:

he is caught in the schemes that others have made.

For the wicked man boasts of his heart’s desires;

the covetous blasphemes and spurns the Lord.

In his pride the wicked says: “He will not punish,

There is no God.” Such are his thoughts.

His path is ever untroubled;

your judgment is far from his mind.

His enemies he regards with contempt.

He thinks: “Never shall I falter:

misfortune shall never be my lot.”

His mouth is full of cursing, guile, oppression,

mischief and deceit under his tongue.

He lies in wait among the reeds;

the innocent he murders in secret.

His eyes are on the watch for the helpless man.

He lurks in hiding like a lion in his lair;

he lurks in hiding to seize the poor;

he seizes the poor man and drags him away.

He crouches, preparing to spring,

and the helpless fall beneath his strength.

He thinks in his heart: “God forgets,

he hides his face, he does not see.”

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. The Lord is just; he will defend the poor.

Ant. Lord, you know the burden of my sorrow.

Arise then, Lord, lift up your hand!

O God, do not forget the poor!

Why should the wicked spurn the Lord

and think in his heart: “God will not punish?”

But you have seen the trouble and sorrow,

you note it, you take it in hand.

The helpless trusts himself to you;

for you are the helper of the orphan.

Break the power of the wicked and the sinner!

Punish his wickedness till nothing remains!

The Lord is king for ever and ever.

The heathen shall perish from the land he rules.

Lord, you hear the prayer of the poor;

you strengthen their hearts; you turn your ear

to protect the rights of the orphan and oppressed

so that mortal man may strike terror no more.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Lord, you know the burden of my sorrow.

Psalm 12

Ant. The words of the Lord are true, like silver from the furnace.

Help, O Lord, for good men have vanished;

truth has gone from the sons of men.

Falsehood they speak one to another,

with lying lips, with a false heart.

May the Lord destroy all lying lips,

the tongue that speaks high-sounding words,

those who say: “Our tongue is our strength;

our lips are our own, who is our master?”

“For the poor who are oppressed and the needy who groan

I myself will arise,” says the Lord.

“I will grant them the salvation for which they thirst.”

The words of the Lord are words without alloy,

silver from the furnace, seven times refined.

It is you, O Lord, who will take us in your care

and protect us for ever from this generation.

See how the wicked prowl on every side,

while the worthless are prized highly by the sons of men.

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 words of the Lord are true, like silver from the furnace.

The Lord teaches the humble his way.

He guides the gentle-hearted along the right path.

From the book of the prophet Zechariah

An oracle:

The word of the Lord is upon the land of Hadrach,

and Damascus is its resting place,

For the cities of Aram are the Lord’s,

as are all the tribes of Israel,

Hamath also, on its border,

Tyre too, and Sidon, however wise they be.

Tyre built herself a stronghold,

and heaped up silver like dust,

and gold like the mire of the streets.

Lo, the Lord will strip her of her possessions,

and smite her power on the sea,

and she shall be devoured by fire.

Ashkelon shall see it and be afraid;

Gaza also: she shall be in great anguish;

Ekron, too, for her hope shall come to nought.

The king shall disappear from Gaza,

and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited,

and the baseborn shall occupy Ashdod.

I will destroy the pride of the Philistine

and take from his mouth his bloody meat,

and his abominations from between his teeth:

He also shall become a remnant for our God,

and shall be like a family in Judah,

and Ekron shall be like the Jebusites.

I will encamp by my house as a guard

that none may pass to and fro;

No oppressor shall pass over them again,

for now I have regard for their affliction.

Rejoice heartily, O daughter Zion,

shout for joy, O daughter Jerusalem!

See, your king shall come to you;

a just savior is he,

Meek, and riding on an ass,

on a colt, the foal of an ass.

He shall banish the chariot from Ephraim,

and the horse from Jerusalem;

The warrior’s bow shall be banished,

and he shall proclaim peace to the nations.

His dominion shall be from sea to sea,

and from the River to the ends of the earth.

As for you, for the blood of your covenant with me,

I will bring forth your prisoners from the dungeon.

In the return to the fortress

of the waiting prisoners,

This very day, I will return you

double for your exile.

For I will bend Judah as my bow,

I will arm myself with Ephraim;

I will arouse your sons, O Zion,

against your sons, O Yavan,

and I will use you as a warrior’s sword.

The Lord shall appear over them,

and his arrow shall shoot forth as lightning;

The Lord God shall sound the trumpet,

and come in a storm from the south.

The Lord of hosts shall be a shield over them,

they shall overcome sling stones

and trample them underfoot;

They shall drink blood like wine,

till they are filled with it like libation bowls,

like the corners of the altar.

And the Lord, their God, shall save them on that day,

his people, like a flock.

For they are the jewels in a crown

raised aloft over his land.

For what wealth is theirs, and what beauty!

grain that makes the youths flourish,

and new wine, the maidens!

Ask of the Lord rain in the spring season!

It is the Lord who makes storm clouds.

And sends men the pouring rain;

for everyone, grassy fields.

For the teraphim speak nonsense,

the diviners have false visions:

Deceitful dreams they tell,

empty comfort they offer.

This is why they wander like sheep,

wretched: they have no shepherd.

Zechariah 9:9; John 12:14

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Jerusalem.

Look now, your king, the just one who will save you, is coming;

he is lowly and seated on a donkey,

on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Jesus found a donkey and mounted it,

as Scripture says:

Look now, your king, the just one who will save you, is coming;

he is lowly and seated on a donkey,

on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

From a letter of Conrad of Marburg, spiritual director of Saint Elizabeth

From this time onward Elizabeth’s goodness greatly increased. She was a lifelong friend of the poor and gave herself entirely to relieving the hungry. She ordered that one of her castles should be converted into a hospital in which she gathered many of the weak and feeble. She generously gave alms to all who were in need, not only in that place but in all the territories of her husband’s empire. She spent all her own revenue from her husband’s four principalities, and finally she sold her luxurious possessions and rich clothes for the sake of the poor.

Twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, Elizabeth went to visit the sick. She personally cared for those who were particularly repulsive; to some she gave food, to others clothing; some she carried on her own shoulders, and performed many other kindly services. Her husband, of happy memory, gladly approved of these charitable works. Finally, when her husband died, she sought the highest perfection; filled with tears, she implored me to let her beg for alms from door to door.

On Good Friday of that year, when the altars had been stripped, she laid her hands on the altar in a chapel in her own town, where she had established the Friars Minor, and before witnesses she voluntarily renounced all worldly display and everything that our Savior in the gospel advises us to abandon. Even then she saw that she could still be distracted by the cares and worldly glory which had surrounded her while her husband was alive. Against my will she followed me to Marburg. Here in the town she built a hospice where she gathered together the weak and the feeble. There she attended the most wretched and contemptible at her own table.

Apart from those active good works, I declare before God that I have seldom seen a more contemplative woman. When she was coming from private prayer, some religious men and women often saw her face shining marvelously and light coming from her eyes like the rays of the sun.

Before her death I heard her confession. When I asked what should be done about her goods and possessions, she replied that anything which seemed to be hers belonged to the poor. She asked me to distribute everything except one worn out dress in which she wished to be buried. When all this had been decided, she received the body of our Lord. Afterward, until vespers, she spoke often of the holiest things she had heard in sermons. Then, she devoutly commended to God all who were sitting near her, and as if falling into a gentle sleep, she died.

Judith 15:11; Acts 10:4

You acted bravely, and your heart has been strengthened because you loved chastity.

Your name will be praised for ever.

Your prayers and generosity have been accepted in God’s sight,

and because of them he has remembered you.

Your name will be praised for ever.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

O God, by whose gift Saint Elizabeth of Hungary

recognized and revered Christ in the poor,

grant, through her intercession,

that we may serve with unfailing charity

the needy and those afflicted.

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

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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

Raising our voices, let us duly honor

Christ’s noble servant rivaling in beauty

that valiant woman, whom the Sacred Scriptures

praise in abundance.

Faith strong and lively, hope devout and holy,

love true and godly, all good works sustaining:

these were the wellspring of her love for others,

great beyond measure.

Moved by her merits, Jesus, grant us mercy;

though we are guilty, pardon our transgressions,

that hearts made holy may resound before you

with fitting praises.

Honor and power to the highest Father,

praise to you, Jesus, worthy of true worship,

equal dominion to the Holy Spirit

now and forever. Amen.

Psalm 24

Ant. The man whose deeds are blameless and whose heart is pure will climb the mountain of the Lord.

The Lord’s is the earth and its fullness,

the world and all its peoples.

It is he who set it on the seas;

on the waters he made it firm.

Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord?

Who shall stand in his holy place?

The man with clean hands and pure heart,

who desires not worthless things,

who has not sworn so as to deceive his neighbor.

He shall receive blessings from the Lord

and reward from the God who saves him.

Such are the men who seek him,

seek the face of the God of Jacob.

O gates, lift high your heads;

grow higher, ancient doors.

Let him enter, the king of glory!

Who is the king of glory?

The Lord, the mighty, the valiant,

the Lord, the valiant in war.

O gates, lift high your heads;

grow higher, ancient doors.

Let him enter, the king of glory!

Who is he, the king of glory?

He, the Lord of armies,

he is the king of glory.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. The man whose deeds are blameless and whose heart is pure will climb the mountain of the Lord.

Tobit 13:1-8

Ant. Praise the eternal King in all your deeds.

Blessed be God who lives forever,

because his kingdom lasts for all ages.

For he scourges and then has mercy;

he casts down to the depths of the nether world,

and he brings up from the great abyss.

No one can escape his hand.

Praise him, you Israelites, before the Gentiles,

for though he has scattered you among them,

he has shown you his greatness even there.

Exalt him before every living being,

because he is the Lord our God,

our Father and God forever.

He scourged you for your iniquities,

but will again have mercy on you all.

He will gather you from all the Gentiles

among whom you have been scattered.

When you turn back to him with all your heart,

to do what is right before him,

then he will turn back to you,

and no longer hide his face from you.

So now consider what he has done for you,

and praise him with full voice.

Bless the Lord of righteousness,

and exalt the King of the ages.

In the land of my exile I praise him,

and show his power and majesty to a sinful nation.

“Turn back, you sinners! do the right before him:

perhaps he may look with favor upon you

and show you mercy.

“As for me, I exalt my God,

and my spirit rejoices in the King of heaven.

Let all men speak of his majesty,

and sing his praises in Jerusalem.”

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Praise the eternal King in all your deeds.

Psalm 33

Ant. The loyal heart must praise the Lord.

Ring out your joy to the Lord, O you just;

for praise is fitting for loyal hearts.

Give thanks to the Lord upon the harp,

with a ten-stringed lute sing him songs.

O sing him a song that is new,

play loudly, with all your skill.

For the word of the Lord is faithful

and all his works to be trusted.

The Lord loves justice and right

and fills the earth with his love.

By his word the heavens were made,

by the breath of his mouth all the stars.

He collects the waves of the ocean;

he stores up the depths of the sea.

Let all the earth fear the Lord,

all who live in the world revere him.

He spoke; and it came to be.

He commanded; it sprang into being.

He frustrates the designs of the nations,

he defeats the plans of the peoples.

His own designs shall stand for ever,

the plans of his heart from age to age.

They are happy, whose God is the Lord,

the people he has chosen as his own.

From the heavens the Lord looks forth,

he sees all the children of men.

From the place where he dwells he gazes

on all the dwellers on the earth,

he who shapes the hearts of them all

and considers all their deeds.

A king is not saved by his army,

nor a warrior preserved by his strength.

A vain hope for safety is the horse;

despite its power it cannot save.

The Lord looks on those who revere him,

on those who hope in his love,

to rescue their souls from death,

to keep them alive in famine.

Our soul is waiting for the Lord.

The Lord is our help and our shield.

In him do our hearts find joy.

We trust in his holy name.

May your love be upon us, O Lord,

as we place all our hope in you.

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 loyal heart must praise the Lord.

Romans 12:1-2

Brothers, I beg you through the mercy of God to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to God, your spiritual worship. Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may judge what is God’s will, what is good, pleasing and perfect.

RESPONSORY

The Lord will help her; his loving presence will be with her.

He dwells in her; she will not falter.

His loving presence will be with her.

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

The Lord will help her; his loving presence will be with her.

Canticle of Zechariah

Ant. All the world will recognize you as my disciples when they see the love you have one for another.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;

he has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior,

born of the house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old

that he would save us from our enemies,

from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers

and to remember his holy covenant.

This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:

to set us free from the hands of our enemies,

free to worship him without fear,

holy and righteous in his sight

all the days of our life.

You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;

for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,

to give his people knowledge of salvation

by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God

the dawn from on high shall break upon us,

to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,

and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be forever. Amen.

Ant. All the world will recognize you as my disciples when they see the love you have one for another.

INTERCESSIONS

My brothers, with all the holy women, let us profess our faith in our Savior and call upon him:

Come, Lord Jesus.

Lord Jesus, you forgave the sinful woman because she loved much,

forgive us who have sinned much.

Come, Lord Jesus.

Lord Jesus, the holy women ministered to your needs during your journeys,

help us to follow your footsteps.

Come, Lord Jesus.

Lord Jesus, master, Mary listened to your words while Martha served your needs,

help us to serve you with love and devotion.

Come, Lord Jesus.

Lord Jesus, you call everyone who does your will your brother, sister, and mother,

help us to do what is pleasing to you in word and action.

Come, Lord Jesus.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

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

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;

thy kingdom come;

thy will be done on earth

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

O God, by whose gift Saint Elizabeth of Hungary

recognized and revered Christ in the poor,

grant, through her intercession,

that we may serve with unfailing charity

the needy and those afflicted.

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

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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 119:1-8

Ant. They are happy who live by the law of God.

They are happy whose life is blameless,

who follow God’s law!

They are happy who do his will,

seeking him with all their hearts,

who never do anything evil

but walk in his ways.

You have laid down your precepts

to be obeyed with care.

May my footsteps be firm

to obey your statutes.

Then I shall not be put to shame

as I heed your commands.

I will thank you with an upright heart

as I learn your decrees.

I will obey your statutes:

do not forsake me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. They are happy who live by the law of God.

Psalm 13

Ant. You have saved me, Lord, and my heart is filled with joy.

How long, O Lord, will you forget me?

How long will you hide your face?

How long must I bear grief in my soul,

this sorrow in my heart day and night?

How long shall my enemy prevail?

Look at me, answer me, Lord my God!

Give light to my eyes lest I fall asleep in death,

lest my enemy say: “I have overcome him”;

lest my foes rejoice to see my fall.

As for me, I trust in your merciful love.

Let my heart rejoice in your saving help:

Let me sing to the Lord for his goodness to me,

singing psalms to the name of the Lord, the Most High.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. You have saved me, Lord, and my heart is filled with joy.

Psalm 14

Ant. God sees all men as sinners, that he might show them his mercy.

The fool has said in his heart:

“There is no God above.”

Their deeds are corrupt, depraved;

not a good man is left.

From heaven the Lord looks down

on the sons of men

to see if any are wise,

if any seek God.

All have left the right path,

depraved, every one:

there is not a good man left,

no, not even one.

Will the evil-doers not understand?

They eat up my people

as though they were eating bread:

they never pray to the Lord.

See how they tremble with fear

without cause for fear:

for God is with the just.

You may mock the poor man’s hope,

but his refuge is the Lord.

O that Israel’s salvation might come from Zion!

When the Lord delivers his people from bondage,

then Jacob will be glad and Israel rejoice.

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 sees all men as sinners, that he might show them his mercy.

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,

whose hope is the Lord.

He is like a tree planted beside the waters

that stretches out its roots to the stream:

It fears not the heat when it comes,

its leaves stay green;

In the year of drought it shows no distress,

but still bears fruit.

God cares for all the needs of those who follow him.

Lord, God of hosts, happy is the man who trusts in you.

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

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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 119:1-8

Ant. They are happy who live by the law of God.

They are happy whose life is blameless,

who follow God’s law!

They are happy who do his will,

seeking him with all their hearts,

who never do anything evil

but walk in his ways.

You have laid down your precepts

to be obeyed with care.

May my footsteps be firm

to obey your statutes.

Then I shall not be put to shame

as I heed your commands.

I will thank you with an upright heart

as I learn your decrees.

I will obey your statutes:

do not forsake me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. They are happy who live by the law of God.

Psalm 13

Ant. You have saved me, Lord, and my heart is filled with joy.

How long, O Lord, will you forget me?

How long will you hide your face?

How long must I bear grief in my soul,

this sorrow in my heart day and night?

How long shall my enemy prevail?

Look at me, answer me, Lord my God!

Give light to my eyes lest I fall asleep in death,

lest my enemy say: “I have overcome him”;

lest my foes rejoice to see my fall.

As for me, I trust in your merciful love.

Let my heart rejoice in your saving help:

Let me sing to the Lord for his goodness to me,

singing psalms to the name of the Lord, the Most High.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. You have saved me, Lord, and my heart is filled with joy.

Psalm 14

Ant. God sees all men as sinners, that he might show them his mercy.

The fool has said in his heart:

“There is no God above.”

Their deeds are corrupt, depraved;

not a good man is left.

From heaven the Lord looks down

on the sons of men

to see if any are wise,

if any seek God.

All have left the right path,

depraved, every one:

there is not a good man left,

no, not even one.

Will the evil-doers not understand?

They eat up my people

as though they were eating bread:

they never pray to the Lord.

See how they tremble with fear

without cause for fear:

for God is with the just.

You may mock the poor man’s hope,

but his refuge is the Lord.

O that Israel’s salvation might come from Zion!

When the Lord delivers his people from bondage,

then Jacob will be glad and Israel rejoice.

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 sees all men as sinners, that he might show them his mercy.

Proverbs 3:13-15

Happy the man who finds wisdom,

the man who gains understanding!

For her profit is better than profit in silver

and better than gold is her revenue.

She is more precious than corals,

and none of your choice possessions can compare with her.

Lord, all you ask of me is truth.

In the depths of my heart you have taught me wisdom.

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

The audio for this hour isn’t ready. The prayers are here to read: tap Read above.

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 119:1-8

Ant. They are happy who live by the law of God.

They are happy whose life is blameless,

who follow God’s law!

They are happy who do his will,

seeking him with all their hearts,

who never do anything evil

but walk in his ways.

You have laid down your precepts

to be obeyed with care.

May my footsteps be firm

to obey your statutes.

Then I shall not be put to shame

as I heed your commands.

I will thank you with an upright heart

as I learn your decrees.

I will obey your statutes:

do not forsake me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. They are happy who live by the law of God.

Psalm 13

Ant. You have saved me, Lord, and my heart is filled with joy.

How long, O Lord, will you forget me?

How long will you hide your face?

How long must I bear grief in my soul,

this sorrow in my heart day and night?

How long shall my enemy prevail?

Look at me, answer me, Lord my God!

Give light to my eyes lest I fall asleep in death,

lest my enemy say: “I have overcome him”;

lest my foes rejoice to see my fall.

As for me, I trust in your merciful love.

Let my heart rejoice in your saving help:

Let me sing to the Lord for his goodness to me,

singing psalms to the name of the Lord, the Most High.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. You have saved me, Lord, and my heart is filled with joy.

Psalm 14

Ant. God sees all men as sinners, that he might show them his mercy.

The fool has said in his heart:

“There is no God above.”

Their deeds are corrupt, depraved;

not a good man is left.

From heaven the Lord looks down

on the sons of men

to see if any are wise,

if any seek God.

All have left the right path,

depraved, every one:

there is not a good man left,

no, not even one.

Will the evil-doers not understand?

They eat up my people

as though they were eating bread:

they never pray to the Lord.

See how they tremble with fear

without cause for fear:

for God is with the just.

You may mock the poor man’s hope,

but his refuge is the Lord.

O that Israel’s salvation might come from Zion!

When the Lord delivers his people from bondage,

then Jacob will be glad and Israel rejoice.

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 sees all men as sinners, that he might show them his mercy.

Job 5:17-18

Happy is the man whom God reproves!

The Almighty’s chastening do not reject.

For he wounds, but he binds up;

he smites, but his hands give healing.

Deal with your servant in mercy, Lord.

Teach me to do your will.

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

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INTRODUCTION

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

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

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

HYMN

Let us together praise in song

this woman of a valiant heart,

who shines in splendor, far and wide,

with glory born of holiness.

When wounded by a holy love,

she spurned all worldly, vain delights

and trod the steep, ascending path,

to make her way through heaven’s gates.

By fasting she subdued the flesh,

yet by the sweet repast of prayer

that gently fed her mind and heart

she gained a share in heaven’s joys.

O King, true strength of all the strong,

O Christ, sole source of mighty deeds,

at her petition, we implore:

With loving kindness hear our prayer.

To you, Lord Jesus, glory be,

who grant that we may place our hope

both in this blessed servant’s prayers

and in rewards that never end. Amen.

Psalm 20

Ant. God has crowned his Christ with victory.

May the Lord answer in time of trial;

may the name of Jacob’s God protect you.

May he send you help from his shrine

and give you support from Zion.

May he remember all your offerings

and receive your sacrifice with favor.

May he give you your heart’s desire

and fulfill every one of your plans.

May we ring out our joy at your victory

and rejoice in the name of our God.

May the Lord grant all your prayers.

I am sure now that the Lord

will give victory to his anointed,

will reply from his holy heaven

with the mighty victory of his hand.

Some trust in chariots or horses,

but we in the name of the Lord.

They will collapse and fall,

but we shall hold and stand firm.

Give victory to the king, O Lord,

give answer on the day we call.

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 crowned his Christ with victory.

Psalm 21:2-8

Ant. We celebrate your mighty works with songs of praise, O God.

O Lord, your strength gives joy to the king;

how your saving help makes him glad!

You have granted him his heart’s desire;

you have not refused the prayer of his lips.

You came to meet him with the blessings of success,

you have set on his head a crown of pure gold.

He asked you for life and this you have given,

days that will last from age to age.

Your saving help has given him glory.

You have laid upon him majesty and splendor,

you have granted your blessings to him for ever.

You have made him rejoice with the joy of your presence.

The king has put his trust in the Lord:

through the mercy of the Most High he shall stand firm.

O Lord, arise in your strength;

we shall sing and praise your power.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. We celebrate your mighty works with songs of praise, O Lord.

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 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 8:28-30

We know that God makes all things work for the good for those who have been called according to his decree. Those whom he foreknew he predestined to share the image of his Son, so the Son might be the first-born among many brothers. Those he predestined he likewise called; those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified.

RESPONSORY

The Lord has chosen her, his loved one from the beginning.

He has taken her to live with him,

his loved one from the beginning.

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

The Lord has chosen her, his loved one from the beginning.

Canticle of Mary

Ant. I tell you solemnly, what you did for the least of men you did for me. Come, my Father delights in you; receive the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

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. I tell you solemnly, what you did for the least of men you did for me. Come, my Father delights in you; receive the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

INTERCESSIONS

Through the intercession of holy women let us pray for the Church in these words:

Be mindful of your Church, Lord.

Through all the women martyrs who conquered bodily death by their courage,

strengthen your Church in the hour of trial.

Be mindful of your Church, Lord.

Through married women who have advanced in grace by holy matrimony,

make the apostolic mission of your Church fruitful.

Be mindful of your Church, Lord.

Through widows who eased their loneliness and sanctified it by prayer and hospitality,

help your Church reveal the mystery of your love to the world.

Be mindful of your Church, Lord.

Through mothers who have borne children for the kingdom of God and the human community,

help your Church bring all men to a rebirth in life and salvation.

Be mindful of your Church, Lord.

Through all your holy women who have been worthy to contemplate the light of your countenance,

let the deceased members of your Church exult in that same vision for ever.

Be mindful of your Church, Lord.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

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

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;

thy kingdom come;

thy will be done on earth

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

O God, by whose gift Saint Elizabeth of Hungary

recognized and revered Christ in the poor,

grant, through her intercession,

that we may serve with unfailing charity

the needy and those afflicted.

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

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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 5:8-9a

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.

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