Invitatorium: A Liturgy of the Hours Player

Purple

Advent

Tuesday of the third week of Advent

Tuesday · Weekday · 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, the King who is to come.

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, the King who is to come.

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

O Word proceeding from on high,

light coming from the Father’s light,

by birth you came to save the world

when time’s appointed course had run.

Now come and fill our hearts with light,

consume them in your love’s bright heat,

and when the herald’s cry is heard,

may all deceit be put to flight.

So when at length you come as Judge

to probe our hearts in thought and deed,

to weigh the guilt for hidden sin

and crown the just for deeds well done.

Let not the nature of our sins

detain us in the evil throng,

but let us with the blessed share

the life of heaven evermore.

To you, O Christ, most loving King,

and to the Father, glory be,

one with the Spirit Paraclete,

from age to age for evermore. Amen.

Psalm 68

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

Let God arise, let his foes be scattered.

Let those who hate him flee before him.

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

like wax that melts before the fire,

so the wicked shall perish at the presence of God.

But the just shall rejoice at the presence of God,

they shall exult and dance for joy.

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

make a highway for him who rides on the clouds.

Rejoice in the Lord, exult at his presence.

Father of the orphan, defender of the widow,

such is God in his holy place.

God gives the lonely a home to live in;

he leads the prisoners forth into freedom:

but rebels must dwell in a parched land.

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

when you marched across the desert, the earth trembled:

the heavens melted at the presence of God,

at the presence of God, Israel’s God.

You poured down, O God, a generous rain:

when your people were starved you gave them new life.

It was there that your people found a home,

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

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

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

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

“The Almighty has defeated a numberless army

and kings and armies are in flight, in flight

while you were at rest among the sheepfolds.”

At home the women already share the spoil.

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

its feathers brilliant with shining gold

and jewels flashing like snow on Mount Zalmon.

The mountains of Bashan are mighty mountains;

high-ridged mountains are the mountains of Bashan.

Why look with envy, you high-ridged mountains,

at the mountain where God has chosen to dwell?

It is there that the Lord shall dwell for ever.

The chariots of God are thousands upon thousands.

The Lord has come from Sinai to the holy place.

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

receiving men in tribute, O God,

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

May the Lord be blessed day after day.

He bears our burdens, God our savior.

This God of ours is a God who saves.

The Lord our God holds the keys of death.

And God will smite the head of his foes,

the crown of those who persist in their sins.

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

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

Then your feet will tread in their blood

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

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

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

They see your solemn procession, O God,

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

the singers in the forefront, the musicians coming last,

between them, maidens sounding their timbrels.

“In festive gatherings, bless the Lord;

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

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

Judah’s princes, a mighty throng,

Zebulun’s princes, Naphtali’s princes.

Show forth, O God, show forth your might,

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

For the sake of your temple high in Jerusalem

may kings come to you bringing their tribute.

Threaten the wild beast that dwells in the reeds,

the bands of the mighty and lords of the peoples.

Let them bow down offering silver.

Scatter the peoples who delight in war.

Princes will make their way from Egypt:

Ethiopia will stretch out her hands to God.

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

who rides on the heavens, the ancient heavens.

He thunders his voice, his mighty voice.

Come, acknowledge the power of God.

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

God is to be feared in his holy place.

He is the Lord, Israel’s God.

He gives strength and power to his people.

Blessed be God!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

A voice is heard, crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord.

Make straight the path of our God.

From the book of the prophet Isaiah

See the name of the Lord coming from afar

in burning wrath, with lowering clouds!

His lips are filled with fury,

his tongue is like a consuming fire;

His breath, like a flood in a ravine

that reaches suddenly to the neck,

Will winnow the nations with a destructive winnowing,

and with repeated winnowings will he battle against them

[and a bridle on the jaws of the peoples to send them astray.]

The Lord will make his glorious voice heard,

and let it be seen how his arm descends

In raging fury and flame of consuming fire,

in driving storm and hail.

When the Lord speaks, Assyria will be shattered,

as he strikes with the rod;

While at every sweep of the rod

which the Lord will bring down on him in punishment,

You will sing as on a night when a feast is observed,

And be merry of heart,

as one marching along with a flute

Toward the mountain of the Lord,

toward the Rock of Israel,

accompanied by the timbrels and lyres.

For the pyre has long been ready,

prepared for the king;

Broad and deep it is piled

with dry grass and wood in abundance,

And the breath of the Lord, like a stream of sulphur,

will set it afire.

Thus says the Lord to me:

As a lion or a lion cub

growling over its prey,

with a band of shepherds

assembled against it,

Is neither frightened by their shouts

nor disturbed by their noise,

So shall the Lord of hosts come down

to wage war upon the mountain and hill of Zion.

Like hovering birds, so the Lord of hosts

shall shield Jerusalem,

To protect and deliver,

to spare and rescue it.

Return, O children of Israel, to him whom you have utterly deserted. On that day each one of you shall spurn his sinful idols of silver and gold, which he made with his hands.

Assyria shall fall by a sword not wielded by man,

no mortal sword shall devour him;

He shall flee before the sword,

and his young men shall be impressed as laborers.

He shall rush past his crag in panic,

and his princes shall flee in terror from his standard,

Says the Lord who has a fire in Zion

and a furnace in Jerusalem.

Isaiah 31:4, 5; 30:29

The Lord of Hosts will come down upon Mount Zion;

like birds on the wing, so will the Lord protect Jerusalem, covering and rescuing it.

Your song will befit a night of profound holiness,

and your heart will be full of joy.

Like birds on the wing, so will the Lord protect Jerusalem, covering and rescuing it.

From the Imitation of Christ

Do not care much who is with you and who is against you; but make it your greatest care that God is with you in everything you do.

Have a good conscience, and God will defend you securely; no one can hurt you if God wishes to help you.

If you know how to suffer in silence, you will surely receive God’s help. Since he knows best the time and the way to set you free, resign yourself to him, for God helps you and frees you from all confusion.

It is often good for us, and helps us to remain humble, if others know our weaknesses and confront us with them.

When a man humbles himself for his faults, he more easily pleases others and mollifies those he has angered.

God protects and frees a humble man; he loves and consoles a humble man; he favors a humble man; he showers him with graces; then, after his suffering, God raises him up to glory.

He reveals his secrets to a humble man and in his kindness invitingly draws that man to himself. When a humble man is brought to confusion, he experiences peace, because he stands firm in God and not in this world. Do not think that you have made any progress unless you feel that you are the lowest of all men.

Above all things, keep peace within yourself, then you will be able to create peace among others. It is better to be peaceful than learned.

The passionate man often thinks evil of a good man and easily believes the worst; a good and peaceful man turns all things to good.

A man who lives at peace suspects no one. But a man who is tense and agitated by evil is troubled with all kinds of suspicions; he is never at peace with himself, nor does he permit others to be at peace.

He often speaks when he should be silent, and he fails to say what would be truly useful. He is well aware of the obligations of others but neglects his own.

So be zealous first of all with yourself, and then you will be more justified in expressing zeal for your neighbor.

You are good at excusing and justifying your own deeds, and yet you will not listen to the excuses of others. It would be more just to accuse yourself and excuse your neighbor.

If you wish others to put up with you, first put up with them.

Psalm 25:9-10; Zechariah 7:9

The Lord leads the humble to justice;

he teaches the meek his ways.

Mercy and truth are the Lord’s ways,

his witness to all who seek him.

Judge with true judgment,

and let each one be merciful and forgiving to his brother.

Mercy and truth are the Lord’s ways,

his witness to all who seek him.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

O God, who through your Only Begotten Son

have made us a new creation,

look kindly, we pray,

on the handiwork of your mercy,

and at your Son’s coming

cleanse us from every stain of the old way of life.

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 a voice resounding, clear,

rebuking hidden fears and deeds:

Let dreams be driven far away,

for Christ shines forth from heaven’s height.

Now let the weary soul arise,

infirm and wounded by her sin;

a new star now sends forth its light

to rid the world of ev’ry harm.

The Lamb is sent from realms on high

to free us from our mortal debt.

Let ev’ry voice give thankful praise

and weep for tender mercy shown,

That when he comes like lightning flash

and terror grips the world in dread,

he need not punish us for guilt

but with compassion shield us then.

Praise to the Father, God most high,

all vict’ry to his only Son,

due honor to the Spirit blest,

through endless ages evermore. Amen.

Psalm 85

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

O Lord, you once favored your land

and revived the fortunes of Jacob,

you forgave the guilt of your people

and covered all their sins.

You averted all your rage,

you calmed the heat of your anger.

Revive us now, God, our helper!

Put an end to your grievance against us.

Will you be angry with us for ever,

will your anger never cease?

Will you not restore again our life

that your people may rejoice in you?

Let us see, O Lord, your mercy

and give us your saving help.

I will hear what the Lord God has to say,

a voice that speaks of peace,

peace for his people and his friends

and those who turn to him in their hearts.

His help is near for those who fear him

and his glory will dwell in our land.

Mercy and faithfulness have met;

justice and peace have embraced.

Faithfulness shall spring from the earth

and justice look down from heaven.

The Lord will make us prosper

and our earth shall yield its fruit.

Justice shall march before him

and peace shall follow his steps.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

Isaiah 26:1-4

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

A strong city have we;

he sets up walls and ramparts to protect us.

Open up the gates

to let in a nation that is just,

one that keeps faith.

A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace;

in peace, for its trust in you.

Trust in the Lord forever!

For the Lord is an eternal Rock.

The way of the just is smooth;

the path of the just you make level.

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

we look to you; your name and your title

are the desire of our souls.

My soul yearns for you in the night,

yes, my spirit within me keeps vigil for you;

when your judgment dawns upon the earth,

the world’s inhabitants learn justice.

O Lord, you mete out peace to us,

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

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

Psalm 67

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

O God, be gracious and bless us

and let your face shed its light upon us.

So will your ways be known upon earth

and all nations learn your saving help.

Let the peoples praise you, O God;

let all the peoples praise you.

Let the nations be glad and exult

for you rule the world with justice.

With fairness you rule the peoples,

you guide the nations on earth.

Let the peoples praise you, O God;

let all the peoples praise you.

The earth has yielded its fruit

for God, our God, has blessed us.

May God still give us his blessing

till the ends of the earth revere him.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

Genesis 49:10

The scepter shall never depart from Judah,

or the mace from between his legs,

While tribute is brought to him,

and he receives the people’s homage.

RESPONSORY

Your light will come, Jerusalem;

the Lord will dawn on you in radiant beauty.

Your light will come, Jerusalem;

the Lord will dawn on you in radiant beauty.

You will see his glory within you;

the Lord will dawn on you in radiant beauty.

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

Your light will come, Jerusalem;

the Lord will dawn on you in radiant beauty.

Canticle of Zechariah

Ant. Arise, arise! Wake from your slumber, Jerusalem; shake the chain from your neck, captive daughter Zion.

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. Arise, arise! Wake from your slumber, Jerusalem; shake the chain from your neck, captive daughter Zion.

INTERCESSIONS

God the almighty Father stretches forth his hand again to take possession of the remnant of his people. Let us make our prayer to him:

Lord, may your kingdom come.

Lord, grant that our works of penance may please you,

and that we may be ready for your kingdom which is so near.

Lord, may your kingdom come.

Prepare a path in our hearts for the coming of your Word,

and let his glory be revealed among us.

Lord, may your kingdom come.

Bring low the mountains of our pride,

and fill up the valleys of our weakness.

Lord, may your kingdom come.

Break down the wall of hatred that divides the nations,

and make level for mankind the paths to peace.

Lord, may your kingdom come.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

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

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;

thy kingdom come;

thy will be done on earth

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

O God, who through your Only Begotten Son

have made us a new creation,

look kindly, we pray,

on the handiwork of your mercy,

and at your Son’s coming

cleanse us from every stain of the old way of life.

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

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

Now, Holy Spirit, come, descend,

one with the Father and the Son;

come swiftly in and fill our hearts

with your full flood of holiness.

In mind and mouth, with heart and tongue,

with strength and sense, may praise resound,

May charity with ardor blaze

and kindle others with its flame.

Now through your presence may we know

and love the Father and the Son,

and you, the Spirit of them both,

may we profess throughout all time. Amen.

Psalm 119:97-104

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

Lord, how I love your law!

It is ever in my mind.

Your command makes me wiser than my foes;

for it is mine for ever.

I have more insight than all who teach me

for I ponder your will.

I have more understanding than the old

for I keep your precepts.

I turn my feet from evil paths

to obey your word.

I have not turned from your decrees;

you yourself have taught me.

Your promise is sweeter to my taste

than honey in the mouth.

I gain understanding from your precepts;

I hate the ways of falsehood.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Psalm 74

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

Why blaze with anger at the sheep of your pasture?

Remember your people whom who chose long ago,

the tribe you redeemed to be your own possession,

the mountains of Zion where you made your dwelling.

Turn your steps to these places that are utterly ruined!

The enemy has laid waste the whole of the sanctuary.

Your foes have made uproar in your house of prayer:

they have set up their emblems, their foreign emblems,

high above the entrance to the sanctuary.

Their axes have battered the wood of its doors.

They have struck together with hatchet and pickaxe.

O God, they have set your sanctuary on fire:

they have razed and profaned the place where you dwell.

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

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

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

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

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

Is the foe to insult your name for ever?

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

Why do you keep your right hand hidden?

Yet God is our king from time past,

the giver of help through all the land.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

It was you who divided the sea by your might,

who shattered the heads of the monsters in the sea.

It was you who crushed Leviathan’s heads

and gave him as food to the untamed beasts.

It was you who opened springs and torrents;

it was you who dried up ever-flowing rivers.

Yours is the day and yours is the night.

It was you who appointed the light and the sun:

it was you who fixed the bounds of the earth:

you who made both summer and winter.

Remember this, Lord, and see the enemy scoffing;

a senseless people insults your name.

Do not give Israel, your dove, to the hawk

nor forget the life of your poor ones for ever.

Remember your covenant; every cave in the land

is a place where violence makes its home.

Do not let the oppressed return disappointed;

let the poor and the needy bless your name.

Arise, O God, and defend your cause!

Remember how the senseless revile you all the day.

Do not forget the clamor of your foes,

the daily increasing uproar of your foes.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

Jeremiah 23:5

Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord,

when I will raise up a righteous shoot to David;

As king he shall reign and govern wisely,

he shall do what is just and right in the land.

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 through your Only Begotten Son

have made us a new creation,

look kindly, we pray,

on the handiwork of your mercy,

and at your Son’s coming

cleanse us from every stain of the old way of life.

Through Christ our Lord.

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.

HYMN

O mighty Ruler, God of truth,

for days and seasons setting bounds,

you clothe with splendor morning light

and midday skies with brilliant heat.

Extinguish flames of bitter strife,

all harmful passion take away,

grant health unto our mortal frame,

and on our hearts bestow true peace.

Most loving Father, hear our prayer,

and you, O Christ coequal Son,

who with the Spirit Paraclete

now reign for all eternity. Amen.

Psalm 119:97-104

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

Lord, how I love your law!

It is ever in my mind.

Your command makes me wiser than my foes;

for it is mine for ever.

I have more insight than all who teach me

for I ponder your will.

I have more understanding than the old

for I keep your precepts.

I turn my feet from evil paths

to obey your word.

I have not turned from your decrees;

you yourself have taught me.

Your promise is sweeter to my taste

than honey in the mouth.

I gain understanding from your precepts;

I hate the ways of falsehood.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Psalm 74

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

Why blaze with anger at the sheep of your pasture?

Remember your people whom who chose long ago,

the tribe you redeemed to be your own possession,

the mountains of Zion where you made your dwelling.

Turn your steps to these places that are utterly ruined!

The enemy has laid waste the whole of the sanctuary.

Your foes have made uproar in your house of prayer:

they have set up their emblems, their foreign emblems,

high above the entrance to the sanctuary.

Their axes have battered the wood of its doors.

They have struck together with hatchet and pickaxe.

O God, they have set your sanctuary on fire:

they have razed and profaned the place where you dwell.

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

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

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

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

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

Is the foe to insult your name for ever?

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

Why do you keep your right hand hidden?

Yet God is our king from time past,

the giver of help through all the land.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

It was you who divided the sea by your might,

who shattered the heads of the monsters in the sea.

It was you who crushed Leviathan’s heads

and gave him as food to the untamed beasts.

It was you who opened springs and torrents;

it was you who dried up ever-flowing rivers.

Yours is the day and yours is the night.

It was you who appointed the light and the sun:

it was you who fixed the bounds of the earth:

you who made both summer and winter.

Remember this, Lord, and see the enemy scoffing;

a senseless people insults your name.

Do not give Israel, your dove, to the hawk

nor forget the life of your poor ones for ever.

Remember your covenant; every cave in the land

is a place where violence makes its home.

Do not let the oppressed return disappointed;

let the poor and the needy bless your name.

Arise, O God, and defend your cause!

Remember how the senseless revile you all the day.

Do not forget the clamor of your foes,

the daily increasing uproar of your foes.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

Jeremiah 23:6

In his days Judah shall be saved,

Israel shall dwell in security.

This is the name they give him:

“The Lord our justice.”

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 through your Only Begotten Son

have made us a new creation,

look kindly, we pray,

on the handiwork of your mercy,

and at your Son’s coming

cleanse us from every stain of the old way of life.

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 119:97-104

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?

Lord, how I love your law!

It is ever in my mind.

Your command makes me wiser than my foes;

for it is mine for ever.

I have more insight than all who teach me

for I ponder your will.

I have more understanding than the old

for I keep your precepts.

I turn my feet from evil paths

to obey your word.

I have not turned from your decrees;

you yourself have taught me.

Your promise is sweeter to my taste

than honey in the mouth.

I gain understanding from your precepts;

I hate the ways of falsehood.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Psalm 74

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

Why blaze with anger at the sheep of your pasture?

Remember your people whom who chose long ago,

the tribe you redeemed to be your own possession,

the mountains of Zion where you made your dwelling.

Turn your steps to these places that are utterly ruined!

The enemy has laid waste the whole of the sanctuary.

Your foes have made uproar in your house of prayer:

they have set up their emblems, their foreign emblems,

high above the entrance to the sanctuary.

Their axes have battered the wood of its doors.

They have struck together with hatchet and pickaxe.

O God, they have set your sanctuary on fire:

they have razed and profaned the place where you dwell.

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

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

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

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

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

Is the foe to insult your name for ever?

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

Why do you keep your right hand hidden?

Yet God is our king from time past,

the giver of help through all the land.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

It was you who divided the sea by your might,

who shattered the heads of the monsters in the sea.

It was you who crushed Leviathan’s heads

and gave him as food to the untamed beasts.

It was you who opened springs and torrents;

it was you who dried up ever-flowing rivers.

Yours is the day and yours is the night.

It was you who appointed the light and the sun:

it was you who fixed the bounds of the earth:

you who made both summer and winter.

Remember this, Lord, and see the enemy scoffing;

a senseless people insults your name.

Do not give Israel, your dove, to the hawk

nor forget the life of your poor ones for ever.

Remember your covenant; every cave in the land

is a place where violence makes its home.

Do not let the oppressed return disappointed;

let the poor and the needy bless your name.

Arise, O God, and defend your cause!

Remember how the senseless revile you all the day.

Do not forget the clamor of your foes,

the daily increasing uproar of your foes.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. 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?

Ezekiel 34:15-16

I myself will pasture my sheep; I myself will give them rest, says the Lord God. The lost I will seek out, the strayed I will bring back, the injured I will bind up, the sick I will heal, shepherding them rightly.

Come, Lord, do not delay.

Free your people from their sinfulness.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

O God, who through your Only Begotten Son

have made us a new creation,

look kindly, we pray,

on the handiwork of your mercy,

and at your Son’s coming

cleanse us from every stain of the old way of life.

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 loving Maker of the stars,

believers’ everlasting light,

O Christ, Redeemer of us all,

with kindness hear our humble prayer.

With pity, you beheld the fate

that death imposed on ages past;

you gave the guilty healing grace

and saved a weak and fallen world.

When evening fell upon the earth,

as bridegroom from the bridal room,

from honored cloister forth you came,

born from the Virgin Mother pure.

Before your strong and steadfast might,

on earth and in the heav’ns above

all knees bend low, all hearts confess

submission to your sov’reign will.

With faith we beg you, Holy Lord,

the Judge of ages still to come,

that in our time you keep us safe

from snares of our deceitful foe.

To you, O Christ, most loving King,

and to the Father, glory be,

one with the Spirit Paraclete,

from age to age for evermore. Amen.

Psalm 125

Ant. The Lord surrounds his people with his strength.

Those who put their trust in the Lord

are like Mount Zion, that cannot be shaken,

that stands for ever.

Jerusalem! The mountains surround her,

so the Lord surrounds his people

both now and for ever.

For the scepter of the wicked shall not rest

over the land of the just

for fear that the hands of the just

should turn to evil.

Do good, Lord, to those who are good,

to the upright of heart;

but the crooked and those who do evil,

drive them away!

On Israel, peace!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. The Lord surrounds his people with his strength.

Psalm 131

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

O Lord, my heart is not proud

nor haughty my eyes.

I have not gone after things too great

nor marvels beyond me.

Truly I have set my soul

in silence and peace.

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

even so my soul.

O Israel, hope in the Lord

both now and for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

Revelation 4:11

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

O Lord our God, you are worthy

to receive glory and honor and power.

For you have created all things;

by your will they came to be and were made.

Worthy are you, O Lord,

to receive the scroll and break open its seals.

For you were slain;

with your blood you purchased for God

men of every race and tongue,

of every people and nation.

You made of them a kingdom,

and priests to serve our God,

and they shall reign on the earth.

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain

to receive power and riches,

wisdom and strength,

honor and glory and praise.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

See 1 Corinthians 1:7b-9

We await the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will strengthen us to the end, so that we will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, and it was he who called us to fellowship with his Son.

RESPONSORY

Come and set us free, Lord God of power and might.

Let your face shine upon us and we shall be saved,

Lord God of power and might.

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

Come and set us free, Lord God of power and might.

Canticle of Mary

Ant. Before Mary and Joseph had come together, they learned that Mary was with child by the power of the Holy Spirit, alleluia.

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. Before Mary and Joseph had come together, they learned that Mary was with child by the power of the Holy Spirit, alleluia.

INTERCESSIONS

To the eternal Word who became man to reveal to us the new and living way, let us make our humble prayer:

Come, Lord, and save us.

God, in whom we live and move and have our being,

come and teach us that you have made us your own.

Come, Lord, and save us.

You are not far from each of us,

show yourself to all who search for you.

Come, Lord, and save us.

Father of the poor and consoler of the afflicted,

set captives free, give joy to those who mourn.

Come, Lord, and save us.

You hate death and love life,

free all mankind from eternal death.

Come, Lord, and save us.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

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

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;

thy kingdom come;

thy will be done on earth

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

O God, who through your Only Begotten Son

have made us a new creation,

look kindly, we pray,

on the handiwork of your mercy,

and at your Son’s coming

cleanse us from every stain of the old way of life.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

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

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

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

Compline

Now

Night Prayer

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Examination of conscience

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

Coptic act of contrition

11th Hour

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

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

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

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

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

12th Hour

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

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

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

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

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

The Prayer of the Veil

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

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

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

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

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

The Absolution

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

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

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

The Thanksgiving Prayer

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

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

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

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

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

INTRODUCTION

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

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

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

Examination of Conscience

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

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

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

HYMN

To you before the close of light,

Creator of all things, we pray:

Be our protector, keep us safe

in your unfailing clemency.

Incline our hearts to dream of you,

to sense your presence as we sleep;

as light returns, so let us sing

your praise and glory evermore.

Grant us the grace of health and strength,

renew our warmth and joy of life;

and let your radiant light dispel

the dreaded darkness of the night.

Almighty Father, grant our prayer

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who reigns with you from age to age,

one with the Spirit, ever blest. Amen.

Psalm 143:1-11

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

Lord, listen to my prayer:

turn your ear to my appeal.

You are faithful, you are just; give answer.

Do not call your servant to judgment

for no one is just in your sight.

The enemy pursues my soul;

he has crushed my life to the ground;

he has made me dwell in darkness

like the dead, long forgotten.

Therefore my spirit fails;

my heart is numb within me.

I remember the days that are past:

I ponder all your works.

I muse on what your hand has wrought

and to you I stretch out my hands.

Like a parched land my soul thirsts for you.

Lord, make haste and answer;

for my spirit fails within me.

Do not hide your face

lest I become like those in the grave.

In the morning let me know your love

for I put my trust in you.

Make me know the way I should walk:

to you I lift up my soul.

Rescue me, Lord, from my enemies;

I have fled to you for refuge.

Teach me to do your will

for you, O Lord, are my God.

Let your good spirit guide me

in ways that are level and smooth.

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

in your justice save my soul from distress.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

1 Peter 5:8-9a

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

RESPONSORY

Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth.

I commend my spirit.

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

Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

Canticle of Simeon

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

Lord, now you let your servant go in peace;

your word has been fulfilled:

my own eyes have seen the salvation

which you have prepared in the sight of every people:

a light to reveal you to the nations

and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Lord, fill this night with your radiance.

May we sleep in peace and rise with joy

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

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

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

MARIAN ANTIPHON

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