Invitatorium: A Liturgy of the Hours Player

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Advent

Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church

Monday · Memorial · Psalter Week 3

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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, fount of all wisdom.

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, fount of all wisdom.

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

Eternal Sun, whose splendid rays,

pervading all created things,

infuse our minds with heav’nly light;

our hearts rejoice to sing your praise.

Enkindled by your Spirit’s care,

resplendent lamps of living flame

shed light on earth through ev’ry age,

revealing paths that save and heal.

The truth of words from heaven sent,

the truth that human minds can teach,

has shone with new and clearer light

through these, the stewards of your grace.

This blest partaker of their crown,

revered for teachings filled with light,

whom we acclaim with hymns of praise,

has shone in splendor with the saints.

O grant us, Lord our God, we pray

this teacher’s loving patronage,

that, running on the paths of truth,

we hold the course and come to you.

Most loving Father, hear our prayer,

and you, O Christ coequal Son,

who with the Spirit Paraclete

now reign for all eternity. Amen.

Psalm 50

Ant. Our God will be made manifest; he will not come in silence.

The God of gods, the Lord,

has spoken and summoned the earth,

from the rising of the sun to its setting.

Out of Zion’s perfect beauty he shines.

Our God comes, he keeps silence no longer.

Before him fire devours,

around him tempest rages.

He calls on the heavens and the earth

to witness his judgment of his people.

“Summon before me my people

who made covenant with me by sacrifice.”

The heavens proclaim his justice,

for God himself is the judge.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Our God will be made manifest; he will not come in silence.

Ant. Offer to God the sacrifice of praise.

“Listen, my people, I will speak;

Israel, I will testify against you,

for I am God your God.

I accuse you, lay the charge before you.

I find no fault with your sacrifices,

your offerings are always before me.

I do not ask more bullocks from your farms,

nor goats from among your herds.

For I own all the beasts of the forest,

beasts in their thousands on my hills.

I know all the birds in the sky,

all that moves in the field belongs to me.

Were I hungry, I would not tell you,

for I own the world and all it holds.

Do you think I eat the flesh of bulls,

or drink the blood of goats?

Pay your sacrifice of thanksgiving to God

and render him your votive offerings.

Call on me in the day of distress.

I will free you and you shall honor 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. Offer to God the sacrifice of praise.

Ant. I want a loving heart more than sacrifice, knowledge of my ways more than holocausts.

But God says to the wicked:

“But how can you recite my commandments

and take my covenant on your lips,

you who despise my law

and throw my words to the winds,

you who see a thief and go with him;

who throw in your lot with adulterers,

who unbridle your mouth for evil

and whose tongue is plotting crime,

you who sit and malign your brother

and slander your own mother’s son.

You do this, and should I keep silence?

Do you think that I am like you?

Mark this, you who never think of God,

lest I seize you and you cannot escape;

a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors me

and I will show God’s salvation to the upright.”

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 want a loving heart more than sacrifice, knowledge of my ways more than holocausts.

Listen, my people, and I will speak.

I am the Lord, your God.

From the book of the prophet Isaiah

The Lord is waiting to show you favor,

and he rises to pity you;

For the Lord is a God of justice:

blessed are all who wait for him!

O people of Zion, who dwell in Jerusalem,

no more will you weep;

He will be gracious to you when you cry out,

as soon as he hears he will answer you.

The Lord will give you the bread you need

and the water for which you thirst.

No longer will your Teacher hide himself,

but with your own eyes you shall see your Teacher,

While from behind, a voice shall sound in your ears:

“This is the way; walk in it,”

when you would turn to the right or to the left.

And you shall consider unclean your silver-plated idols

and your gold-covered images;

You shall throw them away like filthy rags

to which you say, “Begone!”

He will give rain for the seed

that you sow in the ground,

And the wheat that the soil produces

will be rich and abundant.

On that day your cattle will graze

in spacious meadows;

The oxen and the asses that till the ground

will eat silage tossed to them

with shovel and pitchfork.

Upon every high mountain and lofty hill

there will be streams of running water.

On the day of the great slaughter,

when the towers fall,

The light of the moon will be like that of the sun

and the light of the sun will be seven times greater

[like the light of seven days].

On the day the Lord binds up the wounds of his people,

he will heal the bruises left by his blows.

Isaiah 30:26, 18; Psalm 27:14

On the day the Lord will bind up the wounds of his people,

and God will heal the bruises left by the stroke of his judgment.

Happy are all who await him.

Wait for the Lord, act courageously;

let your heart be strong and uphold the Lord,

Happy are all who await him.

From a spiritual Canticle by Saint John of the Cross, priest

Though holy doctors have uncovered many mysteries and wonders, and devout souls have understood them in this earthly condition of ours, yet the greater part still remains to be unfolded by them, and even to be understood by them.

We must then dig deeply in Christ. He is like a rich mine with many pockets containing treasures: however deep we dig we will never find their end or their limit. Indeed, in every pocket new seams of fresh riches are discovered on all sides.

For this reason the apostle Paul said of Christ:

In him are hidden all the treasures of the wisdom and knowledge of God.

The soul cannot enter into these treasures, nor attain them, unless it first crosses into and enters the thicket of suffering, enduring interior and exterior labors, and unless it first receives from God very many blessings in the intellect and in the senses, and has undergone long spiritual training.

All these are lesser things, disposing the soul for the lofty sanctuary of the knowledge of the mysteries of Christ: this is the highest wisdom attainable in this life.

Would that men might come at last to see that it is quite impossible to reach the thicket of the riches and wisdom of God except by first entering the thicket of much suffering, in such a way that the soul finds there its consolation and desire. The soul that longs for divine wisdom chooses first, and in truth, to enter the thicket of the cross.

Saint Paul therefore urges the Ephesians

not to grow weary in the midst of tribulations, but to be steadfast and rooted and grounded in love, so that they may know with all the saints the breadth, the length, the height and the depth—to know what is beyond knowledge, the love of Christ, so as to be filled with all the fullness of God.

The gate that gives entry into these riches of his wisdom is the cross; because it is a narrow gate, while many seek the joys that can be gained through it, it is given to few to desire to pass through it.

1 Corinthians 2:9-10

No eye can see, no ear can hear, no heart can imagine

the marvels that God has prepared for those who love him.

Yet God has revealed them to us through his Spirit.

The marvels that God has prepared for those who love him.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

O God, who gave the Priest Saint John

an outstanding dedication to perfect self-denial

and love of the Cross,

grant that, by imitating him closely at all times,

we may come to contemplate eternally your glory.

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

Christ, we revere you as eternal Teacher,

graciously showing laws for our salvation,

solely possessing words of life and wisdom:

rightly we praise you.

Lord, we acclaim you as the world’s Good Shepherd,

for you established your true Bride in wisdom,

that she might always be in word and witness

light to all nations.

Truly you sent us servants to inspire us,

shining and golden, like the stars in heaven;

they by their teachings open to your faithful

life with the blessed.

Thus hymns reecho to your praise, O Master,

who from the Spirit pour forth wondrous blessings,

through words of teachers spreading in abundance

light that sustains us.

Righteous and earnest, may the Saint we honor

plead for your people gifts of light and comfort,

that you may lead them, till in light eternal

they sing your praises. Amen.

Psalm 84

Ant. Blessed are they who dwell in your house, O Lord.

How lovely is your dwelling place,

Lord, God of hosts.

My soul is longing and yearning,

is yearning for the courts of the Lord.

My heart and my soul ring out their joy

to God, the living God.

The sparrow herself finds a home

and the swallow a nest for her brood;

she lays her young by your altars,

Lord of hosts, my king and my God.

They are happy, who dwell in your house,

for ever singing your praise.

They are happy, whose strength is in you,

in whose hearts are the roads to Zion.

As they go through the Bitter Valley

they make it a place of springs,

the autumn rain covers it with blessings.

They walk with ever growing strength,

they will see the God of gods in Zion.

O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer,

give ear, O God of Jacob.

Turn your eyes, O God, our shield,

look on the face of your anointed.

One day within your courts

is better than a thousand elsewhere.

The threshold of the house of God

I prefer to the dwellings of the wicked.

For the Lord God is a rampart, a shield;

he will give us his favor and glory.

The Lord will not refuse any good

to those who walk without blame.

Lord, God of hosts,

happy the man who trusts 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. Blessed are they who dwell in your house, O Lord.

Isaiah 2:2-5

Ant. Come, let us climb the mountain of the Lord.

In days to come,

the mountain of the Lord’s house

shall be established as the highest mountain

and raised above the hills.

All nations shall stream toward it;

many peoples shall come and say:

“Come, let us climb the Lord’s mountain,

to the house of the God of Jacob,

that he may instruct us in his ways,

and we may walk in his paths.”

For from Zion shall go forth instruction,

and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

He shall judge between the nations,

and impose terms on many peoples.

They shall beat their swords into plowshares

and their spears into pruning hooks;

one nation shall not raise the sword against another,

nor shall they train for war again.

O house of Jacob, come,

let us walk in the light of the Lord!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Come, let us climb the mountain of the Lord.

Psalm 96

Ant. Sing to the Lord and bless his name.

O sing a new song to the Lord,

sing to the Lord, all the earth.

O sing to the Lord, bless his name.

Proclaim his help day by day,

tell among the nations his glory

and his wonders among all the peoples.

The Lord is great and worthy of praise,

to be feared above all gods;

the gods of the heathens are naught.

It was the Lord who made the heavens,

his are majesty and state and power

and splendor in his holy place.

Give the Lord, you families of peoples,

give the Lord glory and power,

give the Lord the glory of his name.

Bring an offering and enter his courts,

worship the Lord in his temple.

O earth, tremble before him.

Proclaim to the nations: “God is king.”

The world he made firm in its place;

he will judge the peoples in fairness.

Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad,

let the sea and all within it thunder praise,

let the land and all it bears rejoice,

all the trees of the wood shout for joy

at the presence of the Lord for he comes,

he comes to rule the earth.

With justice he will rule the world,

he will judge the peoples with his truth.

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. Sing to the Lord and bless his name.

Wisdom 7:13-14

Simply I learned about Wisdom, and ungrudgingly do I share—

her riches I do not hide away;

For to men she is an unfailing treasure;

those who gain this treasure win the friendship of God,

to whom the gifts they have from discipline commend them.

RESPONSORY

Let the peoples proclaim the wisdom of the saints.

With joyful praise let the Church tell forth

the wisdom of the saints.

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

Let the peoples proclaim the wisdom of the saints.

Canticle of Zechariah

Ant. Those who are learned will be as radiant as the sky in all its beauty; those who instruct the people in goodness will shine like the stars for all eternity.

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. Those who are learned will be as radiant as the sky in all its beauty; those who instruct the people in goodness will shine like the stars for all eternity.

INTERCESSIONS

Christ is the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for his sheep. Let us praise and thank him as we pray:

Nourish your people, Lord.

Christ, you decided to show your merciful love through your holy shepherds,

let your mercy always reach us through them.

Nourish your people, Lord.

Through your vicars you continue to perform the ministry of shepherd of souls,

direct us always through our leaders.

Nourish your people, Lord.

Through your holy ones, the leaders of your people, you served as physician of our bodies and our spirits,

continue to fulfill your ministry of life and holiness in us.

Nourish your people, Lord.

You taught your flock through the prudence and love of your saints,

grant us continual growth in holiness under the direction of our pastors

Nourish your people, 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, who gave the Priest Saint John

an outstanding dedication to perfect self-denial

and love of the Cross,

grant that, by imitating him closely at all times,

we may come to contemplate eternally your glory.

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.

In those places where this Memorial is observed as a Solemnity, the Complementary Psalmody is used with its proper antiphons as found in the

Common of Pastors

. For Feasts, the daily Psalmody with its proper antiphons are used, below. For both Solemnities and Feasts, the Reading with its Versicle and Response are taken from the Common with the proper Concluding Prayer.

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 119:89-96

Ant. This is the good news the prophets foretold: The Savior will be born of the Virgin Mary.

Your word, O Lord, for ever

stands firm in the heavens:

your truth lasts from age to age,

like the earth you created.

By your decree it endures to this day;

for all things serve you.

Had your law not been my delight

I would have died in my affliction.

I will never forget your precepts

for with them you give me life.

Save me, for I am yours

since I seek your precepts.

Though the wicked lie in wait to destroy me

yet I ponder on your will.

I have seen that all perfection has an end

but your command is boundless.

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.

Psalm 71

In you, O Lord, I take refuge;

let me never be put to shame.

In your justice rescue me, free me:

pay heed to me and save me.

Be a rock where I can take refuge,

a mighty stronghold to save me;

for you are my rock, my stronghold.

Free me from the hand of the wicked,

from the grip of the unjust, of the oppressor.

It is you, O Lord, who are my hope,

my trust, O Lord, since my youth.

On you I have leaned from my birth,

from my mother’s womb you have been my help.

My hope has always been in you.

My fate has filled many with awe

but you are my strong refuge.

My lips are filled with your praise,

with your glory all the day long.

Do not reject me now that I am old;

when my strength fails do not forsake me.

For my enemies are speaking about me;

those who watch me take counsel together.

They say: “God has forsaken him; follow him,

seize him; there is no one to save him.”

O God, do not stay far off:

my God, make haste to help me!

Let them be put to shame and destroyed,

all those who seek my life.

Let them be covered with shame and confusion,

all those who seek to harm 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.

But as for me, I will always hope

and praise you more and more.

My lips will tell of your justice

and day by day of your help

though I can never tell it all.

I will declare the Lord’s mighty deeds,

proclaiming your justice, yours alone.

O God, you have taught me from my youth

and I proclaim your wonders still.

Now that I am old and grey-headed,

do not forsake me, God.

Let me tell of your power to all ages,

praise your strength and justice to the skies,

tell of you who have worked such wonders.

O God, who is like you?

You have burdened me with bitter troubles

but you will give me back my life.

You will raise me from the depths of the earth;

you will exalt me and console me again.

So I will give you thanks on the lyre

for your faithful love, my God.

To you will I sing with the harp,

to you, the Holy One of Israel.

When I sing to you my lips shall rejoice

and my soul, which you have redeemed.

And all the day long my tongue

shall tell the tale of your justice:

for they are put to shame and disgraced,

all those who seek to harm 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. This is the good news the prophets foretold: The Savior will be born of the Virgin Mary.

See Isaiah 10:20-21

On that day

The remnant of Israel,

the survivors of the house of Jacob,

Will lean upon the Lord,

the Holy One of Israel, in truth.

A remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob,

to the mighty God.

The nations will revere your name, O Lord.

And the great ones of the earth will acknowledge your glory.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

O God, who gave the Priest Saint John

an outstanding dedication to perfect self-denial

and love of the Cross,

grant that, by imitating him closely at all times,

we may come to contemplate eternally your glory.

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

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

Sext

Now

Midday Prayer · 12 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.

In those places where this Memorial is observed as a Solemnity, the Complementary Psalmody is used with its proper antiphons as found in the

Common of Pastors

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 119:89-96

Ant. The angel Gabriel said to Mary in greeting: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.

Your word, O Lord, for ever

stands firm in the heavens:

your truth lasts from age to age,

like the earth you created.

By your decree it endures to this day;

for all things serve you.

Had your law not been my delight

I would have died in my affliction.

I will never forget your precepts

for with them you give me life.

Save me, for I am yours

since I seek your precepts.

Though the wicked lie in wait to destroy me

yet I ponder on your will.

I have seen that all perfection has an end

but your command is boundless.

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.

Psalm 71

In you, O Lord, I take refuge;

let me never be put to shame.

In your justice rescue me, free me:

pay heed to me and save me.

Be a rock where I can take refuge,

a mighty stronghold to save me;

for you are my rock, my stronghold.

Free me from the hand of the wicked,

from the grip of the unjust, of the oppressor.

It is you, O Lord, who are my hope,

my trust, O Lord, since my youth.

On you I have leaned from my birth,

from my mother’s womb you have been my help.

My hope has always been in you.

My fate has filled many with awe

but you are my strong refuge.

My lips are filled with your praise,

with your glory all the day long.

Do not reject me now that I am old;

when my strength fails do not forsake me.

For my enemies are speaking about me;

those who watch me take counsel together.

They say: “God has forsaken him; follow him,

seize him; there is no one to save him.”

O God, do not stay far off:

my God, make haste to help me!

Let them be put to shame and destroyed,

all those who seek my life.

Let them be covered with shame and confusion,

all those who seek to harm 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.

But as for me, I will always hope

and praise you more and more.

My lips will tell of your justice

and day by day of your help

though I can never tell it all.

I will declare the Lord’s mighty deeds,

proclaiming your justice, yours alone.

O God, you have taught me from my youth

and I proclaim your wonders still.

Now that I am old and grey-headed,

do not forsake me, God.

Let me tell of your power to all ages,

praise your strength and justice to the skies,

tell of you who have worked such wonders.

O God, who is like you?

You have burdened me with bitter troubles

but you will give me back my life.

You will raise me from the depths of the earth;

you will exalt me and console me again.

So I will give you thanks on the lyre

for your faithful love, my God.

To you will I sing with the harp,

to you, the Holy One of Israel.

When I sing to you my lips shall rejoice

and my soul, which you have redeemed.

And all the day long my tongue

shall tell the tale of your justice:

for they are put to shame and disgraced,

all those who seek to harm 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. The angel Gabriel said to Mary in greeting: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.

See Isaiah 10:24a, 27

Thus says the Lord, the God of hosts:

O my people, who dwell in Zion,

do not fear.

On that day,

The burden shall be taken from your shoulder,

and the yoke shattered from your neck.

Remember us, Lord, because of the love you have for your people.

Come and bring us your salvation.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

O God, who gave the Priest Saint John

an outstanding dedication to perfect self-denial

and love of the Cross,

grant that, by imitating him closely at all times,

we may come to contemplate eternally your glory.

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

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.

In those places where this Memorial is observed as a Solemnity, the Complementary Psalmody is used with its proper antiphons as found in the

Common of Pastors

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 119:89-96

Ant. Mary said: My soul is deeply troubled; what can this greeting mean? Am I to give birth to my King and yet remain a virgin for ever?

Your word, O Lord, for ever

stands firm in the heavens:

your truth lasts from age to age,

like the earth you created.

By your decree it endures to this day;

for all things serve you.

Had your law not been my delight

I would have died in my affliction.

I will never forget your precepts

for with them you give me life.

Save me, for I am yours

since I seek your precepts.

Though the wicked lie in wait to destroy me

yet I ponder on your will.

I have seen that all perfection has an end

but your command is boundless.

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.

Psalm 71

In you, O Lord, I take refuge;

let me never be put to shame.

In your justice rescue me, free me:

pay heed to me and save me.

Be a rock where I can take refuge,

a mighty stronghold to save me;

for you are my rock, my stronghold.

Free me from the hand of the wicked,

from the grip of the unjust, of the oppressor.

It is you, O Lord, who are my hope,

my trust, O Lord, since my youth.

On you I have leaned from my birth,

from my mother’s womb you have been my help.

My hope has always been in you.

My fate has filled many with awe

but you are my strong refuge.

My lips are filled with your praise,

with your glory all the day long.

Do not reject me now that I am old;

when my strength fails do not forsake me.

For my enemies are speaking about me;

those who watch me take counsel together.

They say: “God has forsaken him; follow him,

seize him; there is no one to save him.”

O God, do not stay far off:

my God, make haste to help me!

Let them be put to shame and destroyed,

all those who seek my life.

Let them be covered with shame and confusion,

all those who seek to harm 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.

But as for me, I will always hope

and praise you more and more.

My lips will tell of your justice

and day by day of your help

though I can never tell it all.

I will declare the Lord’s mighty deeds,

proclaiming your justice, yours alone.

O God, you have taught me from my youth

and I proclaim your wonders still.

Now that I am old and grey-headed,

do not forsake me, God.

Let me tell of your power to all ages,

praise your strength and justice to the skies,

tell of you who have worked such wonders.

O God, who is like you?

You have burdened me with bitter troubles

but you will give me back my life.

You will raise me from the depths of the earth;

you will exalt me and console me again.

So I will give you thanks on the lyre

for your faithful love, my God.

To you will I sing with the harp,

to you, the Holy One of Israel.

When I sing to you my lips shall rejoice

and my soul, which you have redeemed.

And all the day long my tongue

shall tell the tale of your justice:

for they are put to shame and disgraced,

all those who seek to harm 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. Mary said: My soul is deeply troubled; what can this greeting mean? Am I to give birth to my King and yet remain a virgin for ever?

See Isaiah 13:22b-14:1a

Her time is near at hand

and her days shall not be prolonged.

The Lord has pity on Jacob

and again chooses Israel.

Come, Lord, do not delay.

Free your people from their sinfulness.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

O God, who gave the Priest Saint John

an outstanding dedication to perfect self-denial

and love of the Cross,

grant that, by imitating him closely at all times,

we may come to contemplate eternally your glory.

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

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

Vespers

Now

Evening Prayer

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 forever. Amen. Alleluia.

HYMN

Eternal Sun, whose splendid rays,

pervading all created things,

infuse our minds with heav’nly light;

our hearts rejoice to sing your praise.

Enkindled by your Spirit’s care,

resplendent lamps of living flame

shed light on earth through ev’ry age,

revealing paths that save and heal.

The truth of words from heaven sent,

the truth that human minds can teach,

has shone with new and clearer light

through these, the stewards of your grace.

This blest partaker of their crown,

revered for teachings filled with light,

whom we acclaim with hymns of praise,

has shone in splendor with the saints.

O grant us, Lord our God, we pray

this teacher’s loving patronage,

that, running on the paths of truth,

we hold the course and come to you.

Most loving Father, hear our prayer,

and you, O Christ coequal Son,

who with the Spirit Paraclete

now reign for all eternity. Amen.

Psalm 123

Ant. Our eyes are fixed intently on the Lord, waiting for his merciful help.

To you have I lifted up my eyes,

you who dwell in the heavens:

my eyes, like the eyes of slaves

on the hand of their lords.

Like the eyes of a servant

on the hand of her mistress,

so our eyes are on the Lord our God

till he show us his mercy.

Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.

We are filled with contempt.

Indeed all too full is our soul

with the scorn of the rich,

with the proud man’s disdain.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Our eyes are fixed intently on the Lord, waiting for his merciful help.

Psalm 124

Ant. Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.

“If the Lord had not been on our side,”

this is Israel’s song.

“If the Lord had not been on our side

when men rose against us,

then would they have swallowed us alive

when their anger was kindled.

Then would the waters have engulfed us,

the torrent gone over us;

over our head would have swept

the raging waters.”

Blessed be the Lord who did not give us

a prey to their teeth!

Our life, like a bird, has escaped

from the snare of the fowler.

Indeed the snare has been broken

and we have escaped.

Our help is in the name of the Lord,

who made heaven and 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. Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.

Ephesians 1:3-10

Ant. God chose us in his Son to be his adopted children.

Praised be the God and Father

of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who has bestowed on us in Christ

every spiritual blessing in the heavens.

God chose us in him

before the world began

to be holy and blameless in his sight.

He predestined us

to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ,

such was his will and pleasure,

that all might praise the glorious favor

he has bestowed on us in his beloved.

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

and our sins forgiven,

so immeasurably generous

is God’s favor to us.

God has given us the wisdom

to understand fully the mystery,

the plan he was pleased

to decree in Christ.

A plan to be carried out

in Christ, in the fullness of time,

to bring all things into one in him,

in the heavens and on earth.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. God chose us in his Son to be his adopted children.

James 3:17-18

Wisdom from above is first of all innocent. It is also peaceable, lenient, docile, rich in sympathy and the kindly deeds that are its fruits, impartial and sincere. The harvest of justice is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.

RESPONSORY

In the midst of the Church he spoke with eloquence.

The Lord filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding.

He spoke with eloquence.

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

In the midst of the Church he spoke with eloquence.

Canticle of Mary

Ant. O blessed doctor, Saint John, light of the holy Church and lover of God’s law, pray to the Son of God for us.

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. O blessed doctor, Saint John, light of the holy Church and lover of God’s law, pray to the Son of God for us.

INTERCESSIONS

Jesus Christ is worthy of all praise, for he was appointed high priest among men and their representative before God. We honor him and in our frailty we pray:

Bring salvation to your people, Lord.

You marvelously illuminated your Church through distinguished leaders and holy men and women,

let Christians rejoice always in such splendor.

Bring salvation to your people, Lord.

You forgave the sins of your people when their holy leaders like Moses sought your compassion,

through their intercession continue to purify and sanctify your holy people.

Bring salvation to your people, Lord.

In the midst of their brothers and sisters you anointed your holy ones and filled them with the Holy Spirit,

fill all the leaders of your people with the same Spirit.

Bring salvation to your people, Lord.

You yourself are the only visible possession of our holy pastors,

let none of them, won at the price of your blood, remain far from you.

Bring salvation to your people, Lord.

The shepherds of your Church keep your flock from being snatched out of your hand. Through them you give your flock eternal life,

save those who have died, those for whom you gave up your life.

Bring salvation to your people, 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, who gave the Priest Saint John

an outstanding dedication to perfect self-denial

and love of the Cross,

grant that, by imitating him closely at all times,

we may come to contemplate eternally your glory.

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

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

Examination of conscience

An examination of conscience is a traditional, optional part of Night Prayer, commended in the General Instruction of the Liturgy of the Hours (86), and the Church leaves its form free: a quiet review of the day, a familiar prayer of sorrow, or something longer. If you would like to be led, here are two to listen to and pray along with. Afterwards, return to Night Prayer.

Coptic act of contrition

11th Hour

If the righteous one is hardly saved, where shall I, a sinner, appear?! The burden and the heat of the day I could not bear because of the weakness of my human nature. But, O merciful God, count me among the laborers of the eleventh hour. For behold, I was brought forth in iniquities, and in sin my mother conceived me. Therefore, I dare not lift my eyes unto heaven. But rather I rely on the abundance of Your mercy and love-of-mankind, crying to You and saying, “Lord, forgive me, a sinner, and have mercy on me.”

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

O my Savior, hasten to open Your fatherly bosom to me. For I have wasted my life in worldly desires and pleasures, whereas the day has been consumed and far spent. Therefore, now I rely on the abundance of Your infinite compassion. So, then, do not disregard my revering heart which is exceedingly in need of Your mercy. For I cry out to You, O Lord, with reverence, saying, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in Your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called Your son, make me like one of Your hired servants.”

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

With full awareness and enthusiasm did I pursue every transgression, with all eagerness and diligence did I commit every sin, and of all judgment and torment I deserve. Hence, I beseech you, our Lady the Virgin, to lead me to repentance. For to you I plead and through you I seek intercession, and upon you I call to help me that I should not be put to shame. And when my soul departs from my body, please be present and attend to me, and defeat the conspiracies of the enemies, and shut the gates of Hades, lest they might swallow my soul. O you bride without blemish of the true Bridegroom.

12th Hour

Behold, I am about to stand before the just and righteous Judge, terrified and trembling because of my numerous sins. For a life wasted in worldly pleasures deserves condemnation. So repent therefore, O my soul, as long as you dwell on this earth. For the dust in the grave cannot offer any praise, and among the dead no one can remember, nor can anyone in Hades give thanks. Therefore, arise O my soul from the slumber of your laziness, and implore the Savior in repentance saying, “O God have mercy on me and save me.”

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

Were this life on earth everlasting, and this world ever-existing, you would have had an excuse, O my soul. But now, if your wicked deeds and repulsive evils were to be exposed before the righteous Judge, what answer would you be giving while you are lying on the bed of sins and negligent in disciplining your body?! O Christ our God, before Your awesome seat of judgment I am terrified, and before Your counsel of judgment I am dreadful, and from the radiant light of Your divinity I tremble. For I am a wretched and defiled person who lies in bed, careless of the ways of my life. Yet, I take example of the tax collector’s penance, beating my chest and saying, “O God be merciful to me, a sinner.”

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

O pure Virgin, overshadow your servant speedily with your help, keep the waves of evil thoughts away from me, and raise my ailing soul to pray and watch, for it has gone into deep slumber. For you are a capable and compassionate helper, the Mother of the Fountain of life, my King and my God, Jesus Christ my hope.

The Prayer of the Veil

O Lord, You know the alertness of my enemies, and You understand the weakness of my nature, O my Creator. For behold, into Your hands I place my spirit that You may shield me under the wings of Your goodness, lest I sleep unto death. Enlighten my eyes with the greatness of Your sayings, and raise me up to glorify You at all times, for You alone are the Good One and Lover of Mankind.

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

O Lord, Your judgment is fearful, when people shall be gathered, the angels standing, the books opened, the deeds revealed, and thoughts examined. What will be my judgment, I who am entangled by sin?! Who will quench the flames of fire around me?! Who will enlighten my darkness except You, O Lord?! Have mercy on me, for You are kind towards mankind.

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

O Theotokos, because we have put our trust in you, we shall not be put to shame; And because we have attained your help and intercessions, O holy and perfect one, we shall not fear, but shall drive out our enemies and disperse them. And, in everything, we take your great help to protect us as if with a shield. We ask and entreat you, proclaiming “O Theotokos” to save us by your intercessions, and raise us up from the darkness of sleep, in order to glorify through the power of God who was incarnate from you.

The Absolution

O Lord, all our sins we have committed against You in this day, whether in deed or in words or in thoughts or through any of our senses, please do forgive and pardon us, for the sake of Your holy name, O good Lord, Lover of Mankind.

Grant us a peaceful night and a sleep free of all worry and anxiety. Send us the guardian angel to protect us from all evil and every affliction and temptation of the enemy.

Through the grace, compassion and love-of-mankind, of Your only-begotten Son, our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Through whom the glory, the honor, the dominion, and the adoration are due unto You, O Father, with Him, and the Holy Spirit, the Life-Giver, who is of one essence with You, now and at all times, and unto the age of all ages. Amen.

The Thanksgiving Prayer

Let us give thanks to the beneficent and merciful God, the Father of our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ, for He has covered us, helped us, guarded us, accepted us to Him, had compassion on us, supported us, and has brought us to this hour. Let us also ask Him, the Lord our God, the Pantocrator, to guard us in all peace this holy day and all the days of our life.

O Master, Lord, God the Pantocrator, the Father of our Lord, God, and Savior, Jesus Christ, we thank You for every condition, concerning every condition, and in every condition. For You have covered us, helped us, guarded us, accepted us to You, had compassion on us, supported us, and brought us to this hour.

Therefore, we ask and entreat Your goodness, O Lover of Mankind. Grant us to complete this holy day, and all the days of our life, in all peace in Your fear. All envy, all temptation, all the work of Satan, the counsel of wicked men and the rising up of enemies, hidden and manifest, take them away from us and from all Your people and from this holy place that is Yours. But those things which are good and profitable do provide for us. For it is You who have given us the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and upon all the power of the enemy.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one, by the grace, compassion and love-of-mankind, of Your only-begotten Son, our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Through whom the glory, the honor, the dominion, and the adoration are due unto You, with Him, and the Holy Spirit, the Life-Giver, who is of one essence with You, now and at all times, and unto the age of all ages. Amen.

From the Agpeya, the Coptic Orthodox Book of Hours (St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church, Jersey City; text as published on copticchurch.net).

INTRODUCTION

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

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

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

Examination of Conscience

A brief moment of silent reflection is made to examine one’s conscience and recall God’s mercy throughout the day.

I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.

HYMN

To you before the close of light,

Creator of all things, we pray:

Be our protector, keep us safe

in your unfailing clemency.

Incline our hearts to dream of you,

to sense your presence as we sleep;

as light returns, so let us sing

your praise and glory evermore.

Grant us the grace of health and strength,

renew our warmth and joy of life;

and let your radiant light dispel

the dreaded darkness of the night.

Almighty Father, grant our prayer

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who reigns with you from age to age,

one with the Spirit, ever blest. Amen.

Psalm 86

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

Turn your ear, O Lord, and give answer

for I am poor and needy.

Preserve my life, for I am faithful:

save the servant who trusts in you.

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

for I cry to you all day long.

Give joy to your servant, O Lord,

for to you I lift up my soul.

O Lord, you are good and forgiving,

full of love to all who call.

Give heed, O Lord, to my prayer

and attend to the sound of my voice.

In the day of distress I will call

and surely you will reply.

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

nor work to compare with yours.

All the nations shall come to adore you

and glorify your name, O Lord:

for you are great and do marvelous deeds,

you who alone are God.

Show me, Lord, your way

so that I may walk in your truth.

Guide my heart to fear your name.

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

and glorify your name for ever;

for your love to me has been great:

you have saved me from the depths of the grave.

The proud have risen against me;

ruthless men seek my life:

to you they pay no heed.

But you, God of mercy and compassion,

slow to anger, O Lord,

abounding in love and truth,

turn and take pity on me.

O give your strength to your servant

and save your handmaid’s son.

Show me the sign of your favor

that my foes may see to their shame

that you console me and give me your help.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

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

RESPONSORY

Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth.

I commend my spirit.

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

Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

Canticle of Simeon

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

Lord, now you let your servant go in peace;

your word has been fulfilled:

my own eyes have seen the salvation

which you have prepared in the sight of every people:

a light to reveal you to the nations

and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Lord, give our bodies restful sleep

and let the work we have done today

bear fruit in eternal life.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

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

MARIAN ANTIPHON

Loving mother of the Redeemer,

gate of heaven, star of the sea,

assist your people who have fallen yet strive to rise again.

To the wonderment of nature you bore your Creator,

yet remained a virgin after as before.

You who received Gabriel’s joyful greeting,

have pity on us poor sinners.

A lma Redemptóris Mater, quæ pérvia cæli

porta manes, et stella maris, succúrre cadénti,

súrgere qui curat, pópulo; tu, quæ genuísti,

natúra miránte, tuum sanctum Genitórem,

Virgo prius ac postérius, Gabriélis ab ore

sumens illud Ave, peccatórum miserére.

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