Invitatorium: A Liturgy of the Hours Player

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Ordinary Time

Thursday of the thirty-third week of Ordinary Time

Thursday · Weekday · 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 the Lord, for he is our God.

Come, let us sing to the Lord

and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us.

Let us approach him with praise and thanksgiving

and sing joyful songs to the Lord.

The Lord is God, the mighty God,

the great king over all the gods.

He holds in his hands the depths of the earth

and the highest mountains as well.

He made the sea; it belongs to him,

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

Come, then, let us bow down and worship,

bending the knee before the Lord, our maker.

For he is our God and we are his people,

the flock he shepherds.

Today, listen to the voice of the Lord:

Do not grow stubborn, as your fathers did

in the wilderness,

when at Meriba and Massah

they challenged me and provoked me,

Although they had seen all of my works.

Forty years I endured that generation.

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

and they do not know my ways.”

So I swore in my anger,

“They shall not enter into my rest.”

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Come, let us worship the Lord, for he is our God.

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

While dark and gloomy night conceals

the colors of all things on earth,

we praise and humbly beg you, Lord,

who judge with justice ev’ry heart:

Remove from us our sins and faults

and wash away all filth of mind;

bestow, O Christ, your grace on us,

to ward off all reproach and blame.

Behold the dull and worldly soul,

weighed down in sin and stung by guilt;

and yet, Redeemer, she desires

to turn from gloom and seek your face.

Drive far from us the darkened cloud

that grips the inmost heart and soul,

that we may find true peace and joy,

established in your blessed light.

O Christ, to you, most loving King,

and to the Father glory be,

one with the Spirit Paraclete,

from age to age for evermore.

O Christ, your servants humbly pray:

Grant us your favor and your help;

let not the evil of this world

enslave and overcome our faith.

Keep far from us unholy thoughts,

all envy, jealousy, and spite:

let us return no harm for harm

but conquer evil with the good.

Lord, guard our hearts and keep them free

from anger, pride, and sly deceit;

keep far from us all selfish greed,

the root from which all evils flow.

Let charity, unfeigned and true,

preserve the pledge and bonds of peace;

may chastity be pure and strong,

upheld by firm and lasting trust.

O Christ, to you, most loving King,

and to the Father glory be,

one with the Spirit Paraclete,

from age to age for evermore. Amen.

Psalm 18:31-51

Ant. The word of the Lord is a strong shield for all who put their trust in him.

As for God, his ways are perfect;

the word of the Lord, purest gold.

He indeed is the shield

of all who make him their refuge.

For who is God but the Lord?

Who is a rock but our God?

The God who girds me with strength

and makes the path safe before me.

My feet you made swift as the deer’s;

you have made me stand firm on the heights.

You have trained my hands for battle

and my arms to bend the heavy bow.

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 word of the Lord is a strong shield for all who put their trust in him.

Ant. Your strong right hand has upheld me, Lord.

You gave me your saving shield;

you upheld me, trained me with care.

You gave me freedom for my steps;

my feet have never slipped.

I pursued and overtook my foes,

never turning back till they were slain.

I smote them so they could not rise;

they fell beneath my feet.

You girded me with strength for battle;

you made my enemies fall beneath me,

you made my foes take flight;

those who hated me I destroyed.

They cried, but there was no one to save them;

they cried to the Lord, but in vain.

I crushed them fine as dust before the wind;

trod them down like dirt in the streets.

You saved me from the feuds of the people

and put me at the head of the nations.

People unknown to me served me:

when they heard of me they obeyed me.

Foreign nations came to me cringing:

foreign nations faded away.

They came trembling out of their strongholds.

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. Your strong right hand has upheld me, Lord.

Ant. May the living God, my Savior, be praised for ever.

Long life to the Lord, my rock!

Praised be the God who saves me,

the God who gives me redress

and subdues people under me.

You saved me from my furious foes.

You set me above my assailants.

You saved me from violent men,

so I will praise you, Lord, among the nations:

I will sing a psalm to your name.

He has given great victories to his king

and shown his love for his anointed,

for David and his sons 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. May the living God, my Savior, be praised for ever.

Open my eyes, Lord, that I may see.

The wonders of your law.

From the book of the prophet Zechariah

Thus said the Lord, my God: Shepherd the flock to be slaughtered. For they who buy them slay them with impunity; while those who sell them say, “Blessed be the Lord, I have become rich!” Even their own shepherds do not feel for them. (Nor shall I spare the inhabitants of the earth any more, says the Lord. Yes, I will deliver each of them into the power of his neighbor, or into the power of his king; they shall crush the earth, and I will not deliver it out of their power.)

So I became the shepherd of the flock to be slaughtered for the sheep merchants. I took two staffs, one of which I called “Favor,” and the other, “Bonds,” and I fed the flock. In a single month I did away with the three shepherds. I wearied of them, and they behaved badly toward me. “I will not feed you,” I said. “What is to die, let it die; what is to perish, let it perish, and let those that are left devour one another’s flesh.”

Then I took my staff “Favor” and snapped it asunder, breaking off the covenant which I had made with all peoples; that day it was broken off. The sheep merchants who were watching me understood that this was the word of the Lord. I said to them, “If it seems good to you, give me my wages; but if not, let it go.” And they counted out my wages, thirty pieces of silver. But the Lord said to me, “Throw it in the treasury, the handsome price at which they valued me.” So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the treasury in the house of the Lord.

Then I snapped asunder my other staff, “Bonds,” breaking off the brotherhood between Judah and Israel. The Lord said to me: This time take the gear of a foolish shepherd. For I will raise up a shepherd in the land who will take no note of those that perish, nor seek the strays, nor heal the injured, nor feed what survives—he will eat the flesh of the fat ones and tear off their hoofs!

Woe to my foolish shepherd

who forsakes the flock!

May the sword fall upon his arm

and upon his right eye;

Let his arm wither away entirely,

and his right eye be blind forever!

An oracle: the word of the Lord concerning Israel. Thus says the Lord, who spreads out the heavens, lays the foundations of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him: See, I will make Jerusalem a bowl to stupefy all peoples round about. [Judah will be besieged, even Jerusalem.]

On that day I will make Jerusalem a weighty stone for all peoples. All who attempt to lift it shall injure themselves badly, and all the nations of the earth shall be gathered against her. On that day, says the Lord, I will strike every horse with fright, and its rider with madness. I will strike blind all the horses of the peoples, but upon the house of Judah I will open my eyes, and the princes of Judah shall say to themselves, “The inhabitants of Jerusalem have their strength in the Lord of hosts, their God.”

On that day I will make the princes of Judah like a brazier of fire in the woodland, and like a burning torch among sheaves, and they shall devour right and left all the surrounding peoples; but Jerusalem shall still abide on its own site. The Lord shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem may not be exalted over Judah.

On that day, the Lord will shield the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the weakling among them shall be like David on that day, and the house of David godlike, like an angel of the Lord before them.

Zechariah 11:12, 13; Matthew 26:15

They counted out my wages, thirty pieces of silver,

the noble price at which they valued me.

Judas said: what will you give me if I hand him over to you?

The decided to pay him thirty pieces of silver.

The noble price at which they valued me.

From a commentary on the Song of Songs by Saint Gregory of Nyssa, bishop

Where do you pasture your sheep, O good Shepherd, you who carry on your shoulders the whole flock? For it is but one sheep, this entire human race whom you lift onto your shoulders. Show me the place where there are green pastures, let me know restful waters, lead me out to nourishing grass and call me by name so that I can hear your voice, for I am your own sheep. And through that voice calling me, give me eternal life.

Tell me, you whom my soul loves.

This is how I address you, because your true name is above all other names; it is unutterable and incomprehensible to all rational creatures. And so the name I use for you is simply the statement of my soul’s love for you, and this is an apt name for making your goodness known. Very dark though I am, how could I not love you who so loved me, that you laid down your life for the sheep you tend? No greater love can be conceived than this, that you should purchase my salvation at the cost of your life.

Show me, then says the bride, where you tend your sheep, so that I may find the saving pasture and be filled with heavenly nourishment. For whoever does not eat this food cannot enter eternal life. Let me run to you, the spring, and drink the divine draught that you cause to pour forth for the thirsty, offering water from your side opened by the spear. Whoever drinks of this becomes

a fountain of water springing up to eternal life.

If you feed me thus, then you will surely make me lie down at

noonday, and I shall at once

sleep in peace, resting in a light that knows no shadow. Indeed, there is no shadow at noon, for the sun shines directly over that summit where you make those you tend lie down, and take your children with you to your bed. No one is judged worthy of this noonday rest who is not a child of light and of the day. But if anyone makes himself equally distant from the shadows of daybreak and those of nightfall, that is, from the origin of evil and its conclusion, the sun of righteousness makes him lie down at noontide.

Show me, then, says the bride, how I should lie down; show me the path to this noonday repose, lest my ignorance of your truth cause me to stray from your good guidance and consort with flocks which are strangers to yours.

Thus speaks the bride, anxious about the beauty God has given her, and seeking to learn how her comeliness may continue for ever.

Psalm 27:13, 4; Philippians 1:21

I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord

in the land of the living.

One thing I ask of the Lord,

this I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

For to me life is Christ, and death is gain.

One thing I ask of the Lord,

this I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Grant us, we pray, O Lord our God,

the constant gladness of being devoted to you,

for it is full and lasting happiness

to serve with constancy

the author of all that is good.

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

Behold the fiery sun arise!

It troubles, shames, and brings remorse,

for no one can persist in sin

when light bears witness to our guilt.

Let blindness disappear at last

that long has plunged us deep in sin

and so has drawn our fallen souls

by errant steps, through wand’ring paths.

Then let this Light bring cloudless day

and make us pure before his gaze;

let nothing sly be on our tongue

and nothing dark be in our thought.

Let all the day so run its course,

that no unguarded tongue may lie,

no furtive eye or hand deceive,

lest sin defile our mortal flesh.

The One who sees stands by on high

and watches us through all our days,

discerning ev’ry act and deed

from early dawn to eventide.

To God the Father glory be,

all honor to his only Son,

one with the Spirit Paraclete,

from age to age for evermore. Amen.

Psalm 57

Ant. Awake, lyre and harp, with praise let us awake the dawn.

Have mercy on me, God, have mercy

for in you my soul has taken refuge.

In the shadow of your wings I take refuge

till the storms of destruction pass by.

I call to God the Most High,

to God who has always been my help.

May he send from heaven and save me

and shame those who assail me.

May God send his truth and his love.

My soul lies down among lions,

who would devour the sons of men.

Their teeth are spears and arrows,

their tongue a sharpened sword.

O God, arise above the heavens;

may your glory shine on earth!

They laid a snare for my steps,

my soul was bowed down.

They dug a pit in my path

but fell in it themselves.

My heart is ready, O God,

my heart is ready.

I will sing, I will sing your praise.

Awake, my soul, awake, lyre and harp,

I will awake the dawn.

I will thank you, Lord, among the peoples,

among the nations I will praise you

for your love reaches to the heavens

and your truth to the skies.

O God, arise above the heavens;

may your glory shine on earth!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Awake, lyre and harp, with praise let us awake the dawn.

Jeremiah 31:10-14

Ant. My people, says the Lord, will be filled with my blessings.

Hear the word of the Lord, O nations,

proclaim it on distant coasts, and say:

He who scattered Israel, now gathers them together,

he guards them as a shepherd his flock.

The Lord shall ransom Jacob,

he shall redeem him from the hand of his conqueror.

Shouting, they shall mount the heights of Zion,

they shall come streaming to the Lord’s blessings:

the grain, the wine, and the oil,

the sheep and the oxen;

they themselves shall be like watered gardens,

never again shall they languish.

Then the virgins shall make merry and dance,

and young men and old as well.

I will turn their mourning into joy,

I will console and gladden them after their sorrows.

I will lavish choice portions upon the priests,

and my people shall be filled with my blessings,

says 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. My people, says the Lord, will be filled with my blessings.

Psalm 48

Ant. The Lord is great and worthy to be praised in the city of our God.

The Lord is great and worthy to be praised

in the city of our God.

His holy mountain rises in beauty,

the joy of all the earth.

Mount Zion, true pole of the earth,

the Great King’s city!

God, in the midst of its citadels,

has shown himself its stronghold.

For the kings assembled together,

together they advanced.

They saw; at once they were astounded;

dismayed, they fled in fear.

A trembling seized them there,

like the pangs of birth.

By the east wind you have destroyed

the ships of Tarshish.

As we have heard, so we have seen

in the city of our God,

in the city of the Lord of hosts

which God upholds for ever.

O God, we ponder your love

within your temple.

Your praise, O God, like your name

reaches the ends of the earth.

With justice your right hand is filled.

Mount Zion rejoices;

the people of Judah rejoice

at the sight of your judgments.

Walk through Zion, walk all round it;

count the number of its towers.

Review all its ramparts,

examine its castles,

that you may tell the next generation

that such is our God,

our God for ever and always.

It is he who leads us.

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 great and worthy to be praised in the city of our God.

Isaiah 66:1-2

Thus says the Lord:

The heavens are my throne,

and the earth is my footstool.

What kind of house can you build for me;

what is to be my resting place?

My hand made all these things

when all of them came to be, says the Lord.

This is the one whom I approve:

the lowly and afflicted man who trembles at my word.

RESPONSORY

From the depths of my heart I cry to you; hear me, O Lord.

I will do what you desire;

hear me, O Lord.

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

From the depths of my heart I cry to you; hear me, O Lord.

Canticle of Zechariah

Ant. Let us serve the Lord in holiness, and he will save us from our enemies.

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. Let us serve the Lord in holiness, and he will save us from our enemies.

INTERCESSIONS

The Lord Jesus Christ has given us the light of another day. In return we thank him as we cry out:

Lord, bless us and bring us close to you.

You offered yourself in sacrifice for our sins,

accept our intentions and our work today.

Lord, bless us and bring us close to you.

You bring us joy by the light of another day,

let the morning star rise in our hearts.

Lord, bless us and bring us close to you.

Give us strength to be patient with those we meet today,

and so imitate you.

Lord, bless us and bring us close to you.

Make us aware of your mercy this morning, Lord,

and let your strength be our delight.

Lord, bless us and bring us close to you.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

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

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

All-powerful and ever-living God,

at morning, noon, and evening we pray:

cast out from our hearts the darkness of sin

and bring us to the light of your truth,

Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

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

Terce

Now

Midmorning Prayer · 9 AM

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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 119:17-24

Ant. Open my eyes, O Lord, that I may see the wonders of your law.

Bless your servant and I shall live

and obey your word.

Open my eyes that I may see

the wonders of your law.

I am a pilgrim on the earth;

show me your commands.

My soul is ever consumed

as I long for your decrees.

You threaten the proud, the accursed,

who turn from your commands.

Relieve me from scorn and contempt

for I do your will.

Though princes sit plotting against me

I ponder on your rulings.

Your will is my delight;

your statutes are my counselors.

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. Open my eyes, O Lord, that I may see the wonders of your law.

Psalm 25

Ant. Guide me, O Lord, in your truth.

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

I trust you, let me not be disappointed;

do not let my enemies triumph.

Those who hope in you shall not be disappointed,

but only those who wantonly break faith.

Lord, make me know your ways.

Lord, teach me your paths.

Make me walk in your truth, and teach me:

for you are God my savior.

In you I hope all day long

because of your goodness, O Lord.

Remember your mercy, Lord,

and the love you have shown from of old.

Do not remember the sins of my youth.

In your love remember me.

The Lord is good and upright.

He shows the path to those who stray,

he guides the humble in the right path;

he teaches his way to the poor.

His ways are faithfulness and love

for those who keep his covenant and law.

Lord, for the sake of your name

forgive my guilt; for it is great.

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. Guide me, O Lord, in your truth.

Ant. Look on me, Lord, and help me, for I am poor and alone.

If anyone fears the Lord

he will show him the path he should choose.

His soul shall live in happiness

and his children shall possess the land.

The Lord’s friendship is for those who revere him;

to them he reveals his covenant.

My eyes are always on the Lord;

for he rescues my feet from the snare.

Turn to me and have mercy

for I am lonely and poor.

Relieve the anguish of my heart

and set me free from my distress.

See my affliction and my toil

and take all my sins away.

See how many are my foes;

how violent their hatred for me.

Preserve my life and rescue me.

Do not disappoint me, you are my refuge.

May innocence and uprightness protect me:

for my hope is in you, O Lord.

Redeem Israel, O God, from all its 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. Look on me, Lord, and help me, for I am poor and alone.

Amos 4:13

He formed the mountains, and created the wind,

and declares to man his thoughts;

He made the dawn and the darkness,

and strides upon the heights of the earth:

the Lord, the God of hosts by name.

All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord.

Praise and glorify him for ever.

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

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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 119:17-24

Ant. Open my eyes, O Lord, that I may see the wonders of your law.

Bless your servant and I shall live

and obey your word.

Open my eyes that I may see

the wonders of your law.

I am a pilgrim on the earth;

show me your commands.

My soul is ever consumed

as I long for your decrees.

You threaten the proud, the accursed,

who turn from your commands.

Relieve me from scorn and contempt

for I do your will.

Though princes sit plotting against me

I ponder on your rulings.

Your will is my delight;

your statutes are my counselors.

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. Open my eyes, O Lord, that I may see the wonders of your law.

Psalm 25

Ant. Guide me, O Lord, in your truth.

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

I trust you, let me not be disappointed;

do not let my enemies triumph.

Those who hope in you shall not be disappointed,

but only those who wantonly break faith.

Lord, make me know your ways.

Lord, teach me your paths.

Make me walk in your truth, and teach me:

for you are God my savior.

In you I hope all day long

because of your goodness, O Lord.

Remember your mercy, Lord,

and the love you have shown from of old.

Do not remember the sins of my youth.

In your love remember me.

The Lord is good and upright.

He shows the path to those who stray,

he guides the humble in the right path;

he teaches his way to the poor.

His ways are faithfulness and love

for those who keep his covenant and law.

Lord, for the sake of your name

forgive my guilt; for it is great.

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. Guide me, O Lord, in your truth.

Ant. Look on me, Lord, and help me, for I am poor and alone.

If anyone fears the Lord

he will show him the path he should choose.

His soul shall live in happiness

and his children shall possess the land.

The Lord’s friendship is for those who revere him;

to them he reveals his covenant.

My eyes are always on the Lord;

for he rescues my feet from the snare.

Turn to me and have mercy

for I am lonely and poor.

Relieve the anguish of my heart

and set me free from my distress.

See my affliction and my toil

and take all my sins away.

See how many are my foes;

how violent their hatred for me.

Preserve my life and rescue me.

Do not disappoint me, you are my refuge.

May innocence and uprightness protect me:

for my hope is in you, O Lord.

Redeem Israel, O God, from all its 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. Look on me, Lord, and help me, for I am poor and alone.

Amos 5:8, 9b

He who made the Pleiades and Orion,

who turns darkness into dawn,

and darkens day into night;

Who summons the waters of the sea,

and pours them out upon the surface of the earth;

whose name is Lord.

Beauty and wealth surround him.

Richness and splendor adorn his holy place.

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

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 119:17-24

Ant. Open my eyes, O Lord, that I may see the wonders of your law.

Bless your servant and I shall live

and obey your word.

Open my eyes that I may see

the wonders of your law.

I am a pilgrim on the earth;

show me your commands.

My soul is ever consumed

as I long for your decrees.

You threaten the proud, the accursed,

who turn from your commands.

Relieve me from scorn and contempt

for I do your will.

Though princes sit plotting against me

I ponder on your rulings.

Your will is my delight;

your statutes are my counselors.

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. Open my eyes, O Lord, that I may see the wonders of your law.

Psalm 25

Ant. Guide me, O Lord, in your truth.

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

I trust you, let me not be disappointed;

do not let my enemies triumph.

Those who hope in you shall not be disappointed,

but only those who wantonly break faith.

Lord, make me know your ways.

Lord, teach me your paths.

Make me walk in your truth, and teach me:

for you are God my savior.

In you I hope all day long

because of your goodness, O Lord.

Remember your mercy, Lord,

and the love you have shown from of old.

Do not remember the sins of my youth.

In your love remember me.

The Lord is good and upright.

He shows the path to those who stray,

he guides the humble in the right path;

he teaches his way to the poor.

His ways are faithfulness and love

for those who keep his covenant and law.

Lord, for the sake of your name

forgive my guilt; for it is great.

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. Guide me, O Lord, in your truth.

Ant. Look on me, Lord, and help me, for I am poor and alone.

If anyone fears the Lord

he will show him the path he should choose.

His soul shall live in happiness

and his children shall possess the land.

The Lord’s friendship is for those who revere him;

to them he reveals his covenant.

My eyes are always on the Lord;

for he rescues my feet from the snare.

Turn to me and have mercy

for I am lonely and poor.

Relieve the anguish of my heart

and set me free from my distress.

See my affliction and my toil

and take all my sins away.

See how many are my foes;

how violent their hatred for me.

Preserve my life and rescue me.

Do not disappoint me, you are my refuge.

May innocence and uprightness protect me:

for my hope is in you, O Lord.

Redeem Israel, O God, from all its 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. Look on me, Lord, and help me, for I am poor and alone.

Amos 9:6

I have built heaven, my upper chamber,

and established my vault over the earth;

I summon the waters of the sea

and pour them out upon the surface of the earth,

I, the Lord by name.

The sky proclaims God’s glory.

The vault of heaven, the hand of him who made it.

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

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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 God of awesome pow’r and might,

you send into the swelling deep

or lift on wings from earth to sky

your creatures sprung from flowing tides,

That, plunged in waters and submerged

or borne aloft to heav’nly heights,

the offspring of a single stock

may grow and fill their proper place.

Lord, grant to all your servants here,

whom streams of blood and water cleanse,

to know no failing caused by sin

or bear the loathsome weight of death,

That sin may never cast them down

or boasting swell and lift them high,

lest broken souls collapse and fall

and prideful souls soon come to grief.

Most loving Father, hear our prayer,

and you, O Christ coequal Son,

who with the Spirit Paraclete

now reign for all eternity. Amen.

Psalm 30

Ant. I cried to you, Lord, and you healed me; I will praise you for ever.

I will praise you, Lord, you have rescued me

and have not let my enemies rejoice over me.

O Lord, I cried to you for help

and you, my God, have healed me.

O Lord, you have raised my soul from the dead,

restored me to life from those who sink into the grave.

Sing psalms to the Lord, you who love him,

give thanks to his holy name.

His anger lasts but a moment; his favor through life.

At night there are tears, but joy comes with dawn.

I said to myself in my good fortune:

“Nothing will ever disturb me.”

Your favor had set me on a mountain fastness,

then you hid your face and I was put to confusion.

To you, Lord, I cried,

to my God I made appeal:

“What profit would my death be, my going to the grave?

Can dust give you praise or proclaim your truth?”

The Lord listened and had pity.

The Lord came to my help.

For me you have changed my mourning into dancing,

you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.

So my soul sings psalms to you unceasingly.

O Lord my God, I will thank you 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 cried to you, Lord, and you healed me; I will praise you for ever.

Psalm 32

Ant. The one who is sinless in the eyes of God is blessed indeed.

Happy the man whose offense is forgiven,

whose sin is remitted.

O happy the man to whom the Lord

imputes no guilt,

in whose spirit is no guile.

I kept it secret and my frame was wasted.

I groaned all the day long

for night and day your hand

was heavy upon me.

Indeed, my strength was dried up

as by the summer’s heat.

But now I have acknowledged my sins;

my guilt I did not hide.

I said: “I will confess

my offense to the Lord.”

And you, Lord, have forgiven

the guilt of my sin.

So let every good man pray to you

in the time of need.

The floods of water may reach high

but him they shall not reach.

You are my hiding place, O Lord;

you save me from distress.

You surround me with cries of deliverance.

I will instruct you and teach you

the way you should go;

I will give you counsel

with my eye upon you.

Be not like horse and mule, unintelligent,

needing bridle and bit,

else they will not approach you.

Many sorrows has the wicked

but he who trusts in the Lord,

loving mercy surrounds him.

Rejoice, rejoice in the Lord,

exult, you just!

O come, ring out your joy,

all you upright of heart.

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 one who is sinless in the eyes of God is blessed indeed.

Revelation 11:17-18

Ant. The Father has given Christ all power, honor and kingship; all people will obey him.

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. The Father has given Christ all power, honor and kingship; all people will obey him.

1 Peter 1:6-9

There is cause for rejoicing here. You may for a time have to suffer the distress of many trials; but this is so that your faith, which is more precious than the passing splendor of fire-tried gold, may by its genuineness lead to praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ appears. Although you have never seen him, you love him, and without seeing you now believe in him, and rejoice with inexpressible joy touched with glory because you are achieving faith’s goal, your salvation.

RESPONSORY

The Lord has given us food, bread of the finest wheat.

Honey from the rock, to our heart’s content,

bread of the finest wheat.

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

The Lord has given us food, bread of the finest wheat.

Canticle of Mary

Ant. God has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly.

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. God has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly.

INTERCESSIONS

Our hope is in God, who gives us help. Let us call upon him, and say:

Look kindly on your children, Lord.

Lord, our God, you made an eternal covenant with your people,

keep us ever mindful of your mighty deeds.

Look kindly on your children, Lord.

Let your ordained ministers grow toward perfect love,

and preserve your faithful people in unity by the bond of peace.

Look kindly on your children, Lord.

Be with us in our work of building the earthly city,

that in building we may not labor in vain.

Look kindly on your children, Lord.

Send workers into your vineyard,

and glorify your name among the nations.

Look kindly on your children, Lord.

Welcome into the company of your saints our relatives and benefactors who have died,

may we share their happiness one day.

Look kindly on your children, Lord.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

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

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Father, you illumine the night

and bring the dawn to scatter darkness.

Let us pass this night in safety,

free from Satan’s power,

and rise when morning comes

to give you thanks and praise.

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

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

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

Compline

Now

Night Prayer

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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 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.

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