Invitatorium: A Liturgy of the Hours Player

Purple

Advent

December 19

Saturday · 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. The Lord is close at hand; come, let us worship him.

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. The Lord is close at hand; come, let us worship him.

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

Redeemer of the nations, come;

reveal yourself by virgin birth.

Let ev’ry age with wonder know

that such a birth befits our God.

Conceived not from the seed of man

but by the Spirit’s wondrous breath,

the Word of God is now made flesh,

as Mary’s womb brings forth its fruit.

The Virgin’s womb grows great with child,

this cloister is for ever pure;

the banners of her virtues gleam,

for in this temple God resides.

From bridal chamber let him come,

from royal Virgin, palace chaste,

with two-fold nature God and man,

a champion swift to run his course.

Th e

eternal Father’s Equal, come,

bind on the trophy of our flesh,

and strengthen with your lasting pow’r

the weakness of our mortal frame.

Your manger now with splendor shines

and night breathes forth new radiant light,

which no night may corrupt or dim:

so let it shine through constant faith.

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 107

Ant. Let us praise the Lord for his mercy and for the wonderful things he has done for men.

“O give thanks to the Lord for he is good;

for his love endures for ever.”

Let them say this, the Lord’s redeemed,

whom he redeemed from the hand of the foe

and gathered from far-off lands,

from east and west, north and south.

Some wandered in the desert, in the wilderness,

finding no way to a city they could dwell in.

Hungry they were and thirsty;

their soul was fainting within them.

Then they cried to the Lord in their need

and he rescued them from their distress

and he led them along the right way

to reach a city they could dwell in.

Let them thank the Lord for his love,

for the wonders he does for men.

For he satisfies the thirsty soul;

he fills the hungry with good things.

Some lay in darkness and in gloom,

prisoners in misery and chains,

Having defied the words of God

and spurned the counsels of the Most High.

He crushed their spirit with toil;

they stumbled; there was no one to help.

Then they cried to the Lord in their need

and he rescued them from their distress.

He led them forth from darkness and gloom

and broke their chains to pieces.

Let them thank the Lord for his goodness,

for the wonders he does for men:

for he bursts the gates of bronze

and shatters the iron bars.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Let us praise the Lord for his mercy and for the wonderful things he has done for men.

Ant. Men have seen the works of God, the marvels he has done.

Some were sick on account of their sins

and afflicted on account of their guilt.

They had a loathing for every food;

they came close to the gates of death.

Then they cried to the Lord in their need

and he rescued them from their distress.

He sent forth his word to heal them

and saved their life from the grave.

Let them thank the Lord for his love,

for the wonders he does for men.

Let them offer a sacrifice of thanks

and tell of his deeds with rejoicing.

Some sailed to the sea in ships

to trade on the mighty waters.

These men have seen the Lord’s deeds,

the wonders he does in the deep.

For he spoke; he summoned the gale,

raising up the waves of the sea.

Tossed up to heaven, then into the deep;

their soul melted away in their distress.

They staggered, reeled like drunken men,

for all their skill was gone.

Then they cried to the Lord in their need

and he rescued them from their distress.

He stilled the storm to a whisper:

all the waves of the sea were hushed.

They rejoiced because of the calm

and he led them to the haven they desired.

Let them thank the Lord for his love,

the wonders he does for men.

Let them exalt him in the gathering of the people

and praise him in the meeting of all the elders.

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. Men have seen the works of God, the marvels he has done.

Ant. Those who love the Lord will see and rejoice; they will understand his loving kindness.

He changes streams into a desert,

springs of water into thirsty ground,

fruitful land into a salty waste,

for the wickedness of those who live there.

But he changes desert into streams,

thirsty ground into springs of water.

There he settles the hungry

and they build a city to dwell in.

They sow fields and plant their vines;

these yield crops for the harvest.

He blesses them; they grow in numbers.

He does not let their herds decrease.

He pours contempt upon princes,

makes them wander in trackless wastes.

They diminish, are reduced to nothing

by oppression, evil and sorrow.

But he raises the needy from distress;

makes families numerous as a flock.

The upright see it and rejoice

but all who do wrong are silenced.

Whoever is wise, let him heed these things

and consider the love 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. Those who love the Lord will see and rejoice; they will understand his loving kindness.

Lord, show us your mercy and love.

And grant us your salvation.

From the book of the prophet Isaiah

Come down, sit in the dust,

O virgin daughter Babylon;

Sit on the ground, dethroned,

O daughter of the Chaldeans.

No longer shall you be called

dainty and delicate.

I will take vengeance,

I will yield to no entreaty,

says our redeemer,

Whose name is the Lord of hosts,

the Holy One of Israel.

Go into darkness and sit in silence,

O daughter of the Chaldeans,

No longer shall you be called

sovereign mistress of kingdoms.

Angry at my people,

I profaned my inheritance,

And I gave them into your hand;

but you showed them no mercy,

And upon old men

you laid a very heavy yoke.

You said, “I shall remain always,

a sovereign mistress forever!”

But you did not lay these things to heart,

you disregarded their outcome.

Now hear this, voluptuous one,

enthroned securely,

Saying to yourself,

“I, and no one else!

I shall never be a widow,

or suffer the loss of my children”—

Both these things shall come to you

suddenly, in a single day:

Complete bereavement and widowhood

shall come upon you

For your many sorceries

and the great number of your spells;

Because you felt secure in your wickedness,

and said, “No one sees me.”

Your wisdom and your knowledge

led you astray,

And you said to yourself,

“I, and no one else!”

But upon you shall come evil

you will not know how to predict;

Disaster shall befall you

which you cannot allay.

Suddenly there shall come upon you

ruin which you will not expect.

Keep up, now, your spells

and your many sorceries.

Perhaps you can make them avail,

perhaps you can strike terror!

You wearied yourself with many consultations,

at which you toiled from your youth;

Let the astrologers stand forth to save you,

the stargazers who forecast at each new moon

what would happen to you.

Lo, they are like stubble,

fire consumes them;

They cannot save themselves

from the spreading flames.

This is no warming ember,

no fire to sit before.

Thus do your wizards serve you

with whom you have toiled from your youth;

Each wanders his own way,

with none to save you.

Isaiah 49:13; 47:4

Rejoice, you heavens, and celebrate, O earth;

cry out with praise, you mountains;

for the Lord will have compassion on his poor.

Our Redeemer, the Lord God of power and might is his name, the Holy One of Israel.

For the Lord will have compassion on his poor.

From a treatise Against Heresies by Saint Irenaeus, bishop and martyr

God is man’s glory. Man is the vessel which receives God’s action and all his wisdom and power.

Just as a doctor is judged in his care for the sick, so God is revealed in his conduct with men. That is Paul’s reason for saying:

God has made the whole world prisoner of unbelief that he may have mercy on all.

He was speaking of man, who was disobedient to God, and cast off from immortality, and then found mercy, receiving through the Son of God the adoption he brings.

If man, without being puffed up or boastful, has a right belief regarding created things and their divine Creator, who, having given them being, holds them all in his power, and if man perseveres in God’s love, and in obedience and gratitude to him, he will receive greater glory from him. It will be a glory which will grow ever brighter until he takes on the likeness of the one who died for him.

He it was who took on the likeness of sinful flesh, to condemn sin and rid the flesh of sin, as now condemned. He wanted to invite man to take on his likeness, appointing man an imitator of God, establishing man in a way of life in obedience to the Father that would lead to the vision of God, and endowing man with power to receive the Father. He is the Word of God who dwelt with man and became the Son of Man to open the way for man to receive God, for God to dwell with man, according to the will of the Father.

For this reason the Lord himself gave

as the sign of our salvation, the one who was born of

the Virgin, Emmanuel.

It was the Lord himself who saved them,

for of themselves they had no power to be saved. For this reason Paul speaks of the weakness of man, and says:

I know that no good dwells in my flesh,

meaning that the blessing of our salvation comes not from us but from God. Again, he says:

I am a wretched man; who will free me from this body doomed to die?

Then he speaks of a liberator, thanks to Jesus Christ our Lord.

Isaiah says the same:

Hands that are feeble, grow strong! Knees that are weak, take courage! Hearts that are faint, grow strong! Fear not; see—our God is judgment and he will repay. He himself will come and save us.

He means that we could not be saved of ourselves but only with God’s help.

See Jeremiah 31:10; 4:5

Listen to the word of the Lord, you peoples,

and proclaim it to the ends of the earth;

say to the far-off islands: Our Savior is coming.

Proclaim the good news, let it be heard;

tell it to everyone, shout it aloud.

Say to the far-off islands: Our Savior is coming.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

O God, who through the child-bearing of the holy Virgin

graciously revealed the radiance of your glory to the world,

grant, we pray, that we may venerate with integrity of faith

the mystery of so wondrous an Incarnation

and always celebrate it with due reverence.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

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

one 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

With mighty voice the prophets cry

that Christ the Lord is drawing near;

rejoicing, they foresee the grace

by which he saves us and redeems.

And so our morning sun shines forth,

our hearts ablaze with radiant joy;

we hear the faithful voice resound,

precursor of God’s glorious gift.

At that first Advent Christ our God

came forth not to condemn the world,

but came to cleanse our gaping wound,

to seek and save what had been lost.

Christ’s Second Coming warns us all

that he is standing at the gates

to give to saints their glorious crowns

and open wide the heav’nly realm.

Eternal light is now foretold,

the saving star is shining forth,

its radiant splendor summons us

and calls us to the heav’nly court.

Christ Jesus, you alone we seek

to see you face to face as God;

may this unending vision be

an everlasting hymn of praise. Amen.

Psalm 119:145-152

Ant. Our God will come from Lebanon; he shall be as brilliant as the sun.

I call with all my heart; Lord, hear me,

I will keep your commands.

I call upon you, save me

and I will do your will.

I rise before dawn and cry for help,

I hope in your word.

My eyes watch through the night

to ponder your promise.

In your love hear my voice, O Lord;

give me life by your decrees.

Those who harm me unjustly draw near:

they are far from your law.

But you, O Lord, are close:

your commands are truth.

Long have I known that your will

is established 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. Our God will come from Lebanon; he shall be as brilliant as the sun.

Wisdom 9:1-6

Ant. May the Holy One from heaven come down like gentle rain; may the earth burst into blossom and bear the tender Savior.

God of my fathers, Lord of mercy,

you who have made all things by your word

and in your wisdom have established man

to rule the creatures produced by you,

to govern the world in holiness and justice,

and to render judgment in integrity of heart:

Give me Wisdom, the attendant at your throne,

and reject me not from among your children;

for I am your servant, the son of your handmaid,

a man weak and short-lived

and lacking in comprehension of judgment and of laws.

Indeed, though one be perfect among the sons of men,

if Wisdom, who comes from you, be not with him,

he shall be held in no esteem.

Now with you is Wisdom, who knows your works

and was present when you made the world;

who understands what is pleasing in your eyes

and what is conformable with your commands.

Send her forth from your holy heavens

and from your glorious throne dispatch her

that she may be with me and work with me,

that I may know what is your pleasure.

For she knows and understands all things,

and will guide me discreetly in my affairs

and safeguard me by her glory.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. May the Holy One from heaven come down like gentle rain; may the earth burst into blossom and bear the tender Savior.

Psalm 117

Ant. Israel, prepare yourself to meet the Lord, for he is coming.

O praise the Lord, all you nations,

acclaim him all you peoples!

Strong is his love for us;

he is faithful 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. Israel, prepare yourself to meet the Lord, for he is coming.

Isaiah 2:3b

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.

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.

Luke 1:68-79

Ant. Like the sun in the morning sky, the Savior of the world will dawn; like rain on the meadows he will descend to rest in the womb of the Virgin, alleluia.

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. Like the sun in the morning sky, the Savior of the world will dawn; like rain on the meadows he will descend to rest in the womb of the Virgin, alleluia.

INTERCESSIONS

To Christ our Redeemer, who will come again to free from the power of death all those who return to him, let us humbly pray:

Come, Lord Jesus!

As we proclaim your coming, Lord,

cleanse our hearts of every vain desire.

Come, Lord Jesus!

Lord, may the Church which you founded,

proclaim your greatness to all peoples.

Come, Lord Jesus!

Your law is a light to our eyes,

let it protect those who trust in you.

Come, Lord Jesus!

You allow the joys of your coming to be foretold to us by your Church,

may we receive you with eager devotion.

Come, Lord Jesus!

THE LORD’S PRAYER

With longing for the coming of God’s kingdom, let us offer our prayer to the Father:

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 the child-bearing of the holy Virgin

graciously revealed the radiance of your glory to the world,

grant, we pray, that we may venerate with integrity of faith

the mystery of so wondrous an Incarnation

and always celebrate it with due reverence.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

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

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

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

Terce

Now

Midmorning Prayer · 9 AM

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INTRODUCTION

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

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

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

HYMN

We keep the order of the day

with loving heart and earnest prayer;

at this third hour we humbly beg

the glory of your threefold pow’r.

That we may be a dwelling place

where God the Holy Spirit dwells,

who at this hour, in parted tongues,

on each Apostle came to rest.

Throughout the course of daily hours

the Author of the heavn’ly realm

with splendor has adorned all things

to be our everlasting crown.

To God the Father glory be,

all honor to his only Son,

one with the Spirit Paraclete,

from age to age for evermore. Amen.

Psalm 119:121-128

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

I have done what is right and just:

let me not be oppressed.

Vouch for the welfare of your servant

lest the proud oppress me.

My eyes yearn for your saving help

and the promise of your justice.

Treat your servant with love

and teach me your statutes.

I am your servant, give me knowledge;

then I shall know your will.

It is time for the Lord to act

for your law has been broken.

That is why I love your commands

more than finest gold,

why I rule my life by 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 34

I will bless the Lord at all times,

his praise always on my lips;

in the Lord my soul shall make its boast.

The humble shall hear and be glad.

Glorify the Lord with me.

Together let us praise his name.

I sought the Lord and he answered me;

from all my terrors he set me free.

Look towards him and be radiant;

let your faces not be abashed.

This poor man called; the Lord heard him

and rescued him from all his distress.

The angel of the Lord is encamped

around those who revere him, to rescue them.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

He is happy who seeks refuge in him.

Revere the Lord, you his saints.

They lack nothing, those who revere him.

Strong lions suffer want and go hungry

but those who seek the Lord lack no blessing.

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.

Come, children, and hear me

that I may teach you the fear of the Lord.

Who is he who longs for life

and many days, to enjoy his prosperity?

Then keep your tongue from evil

and your lips from speaking deceit.

Turn aside from evil and do good;

seek and strive after peace.

The Lord turns his face against the wicked

to destroy their remembrance from the earth.

The Lord turns his eyes to the just

and his ears to their appeal.

They call and the Lord hears

and rescues them in all their distress.

The Lord is close to the broken-hearted;

those whose spirit is crushed he will save.

Many are the trials of the just man

but from them all the Lord will rescue him.

He will keep guard over all his bones,

not one of his bones shall be broken.

Evil brings death to the wicked;

those who hate the good are doomed.

The Lord ransoms the souls of his servants.

Those who hide in him shall not be condemned.

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 no more 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 through the child-bearing of the holy Virgin

graciously revealed the radiance of your glory to the world,

grant, we pray,

that we may venerate with integrity of faith

the mystery of so wondrous an Incarnation

and always celebrate it with due reverence.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

Sext

Now

Midday Prayer · 12 PM

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INTRODUCTION

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

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

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

HYMN

Let us sing praises to the Lord

with willing mind and fervent heart;

the noonday hour returns again

and summons us once more to prayer.

For to the faithful at this hour

true saving glory was restored

by off’ring of the blessed Lamb

and by the power of his Cross.

The Cross obscures the noonday sun

by its most clear and brilliant light;

let us receive with all our heart

the gift of such resplendent grace.

To God the Father glory be,

all honor to his only Son,

one with the Spirit Paraclete,

from age to age for evermore. Amen.

Psalm 119:121-128

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

I have done what is right and just:

let me not be oppressed.

Vouch for the welfare of your servant

lest the proud oppress me.

My eyes yearn for your saving help

and the promise of your justice.

Treat your servant with love

and teach me your statutes.

I am your servant, give me knowledge;

then I shall know your will.

It is time for the Lord to act

for your law has been broken.

That is why I love your commands

more than finest gold,

why I rule my life by 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 34

I will bless the Lord at all times,

his praise always on my lips;

in the Lord my soul shall make its boast.

The humble shall hear and be glad.

Glorify the Lord with me.

Together let us praise his name.

I sought the Lord and he answered me;

from all my terrors he set me free.

Look towards him and be radiant;

let your faces not be abashed.

This poor man called; the Lord heard him

and rescued him from all his distress.

The angel of the Lord is encamped

around those who revere him, to rescue them.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

He is happy who seeks refuge in him.

Revere the Lord, you his saints.

They lack nothing, those who revere him.

Strong lions suffer want and go hungry

but those who seek the Lord lack no blessing.

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.

Come, children, and hear me

that I may teach you the fear of the Lord.

Who is he who longs for life

and many days, to enjoy his prosperity?

Then keep your tongue from evil

and your lips from speaking deceit.

Turn aside from evil and do good;

seek and strive after peace.

The Lord turns his face against the wicked

to destroy their remembrance from the earth.

The Lord turns his eyes to the just

and his ears to their appeal.

They call and the Lord hears

and rescues them in all their distress.

The Lord is close to the broken-hearted;

those whose spirit is crushed he will save.

Many are the trials of the just man

but from them all the Lord will rescue him.

He will keep guard over all his bones,

not one of his bones shall be broken.

Evil brings death to the wicked;

those who hate the good are doomed.

The Lord ransoms the souls of his servants.

Those who hide in him shall not be condemned.

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 through the child-bearing of the holy Virgin

graciously revealed the radiance of your glory to the world,

grant, we pray,

that we may venerate with integrity of faith

the mystery of so wondrous an Incarnation

and always celebrate it with due reverence.

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

Three times the cycle of the hours

returns to us by gift of God;

let us devoutly sing to him

who is the perfect Three in One.

We keep with pure and faithful hearts

the sacred myst’ry of our God;

this is the rule that Peter taught

and showed with wondrous, healing signs.

Let us sing psalms with heart and mind

and to th

Apostles let us cling,

that they may guide with pow’r from Christ

our feeble steps that falter still.

To God the Father glory be,

all honor to his only Son,

one with the Spirit Paraclete,

from age to age for evermore. Amen.

Psalm 119:121-128

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?

I have done what is right and just:

let me not be oppressed.

Vouch for the welfare of your servant

lest the proud oppress me.

My eyes yearn for your saving help

and the promise of your justice.

Treat your servant with love

and teach me your statutes.

I am your servant, give me knowledge;

then I shall know your will.

It is time for the Lord to act

for your law has been broken.

That is why I love your commands

more than finest gold,

why I rule my life by 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 34

I will bless the Lord at all times,

his praise always on my lips;

in the Lord my soul shall make its boast.

The humble shall hear and be glad.

Glorify the Lord with me.

Together let us praise his name.

I sought the Lord and he answered me;

from all my terrors he set me free.

Look towards him and be radiant;

let your faces not be abashed.

This poor man called; the Lord heard him

and rescued him from all his distress.

The angel of the Lord is encamped

around those who revere him, to rescue them.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

He is happy who seeks refuge in him.

Revere the Lord, you his saints.

They lack nothing, those who revere him.

Strong lions suffer want and go hungry

but those who seek the Lord lack no blessing.

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.

Come, children, and hear me

that I may teach you the fear of the Lord.

Who is he who longs for life

and many days, to enjoy his prosperity?

Then keep your tongue from evil

and your lips from speaking deceit.

Turn aside from evil and do good;

seek and strive after peace.

The Lord turns his face against the wicked

to destroy their remembrance from the earth.

The Lord turns his eyes to the just

and his ears to their appeal.

They call and the Lord hears

and rescues them in all their distress.

The Lord is close to the broken-hearted;

those whose spirit is crushed he will save.

Many are the trials of the just man

but from them all the Lord will rescue him.

He will keep guard over all his bones,

not one of his bones shall be broken.

Evil brings death to the wicked;

those who hate the good are doomed.

The Lord ransoms the souls of his servants.

Those who hide in him shall not be condemned.

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-14:1

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 through the child-bearing of the holy Virgin

graciously revealed the radiance of your glory to the world,

grant, we pray,

that we may venerate with integrity of faith

the mystery of so wondrous an Incarnation

and always celebrate it with due reverence.

Through Christ our Lord.

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 for ever. Amen. Alleluia.

HYMN

Receive, O Mary, Virgin pure,

within your chaste and blessed womb

the saving Word proclaimed for all,

proceeding from the Father’s mouth.

The fruitful Spirit’s shadow comes

and fills you now with heaven’s light,

that you may carry Christ the Lord,

the Father’s own coequal Son.

She is the sacred temple gate,

for ever sealed and barred to all;

yet for the heav’nly Prince alone

the blessed threshold opens wide.

Foretold by prophets long ago

and born before the morning star,

the one proclaimed by Gabriel

is Christ the Lord come down to earth.

Rejoice together, angel hosts!

Let all the peoples sing for joy.

The Most High comes, a humble child,

to save and ransom what was lost.

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 122

Ant. He comes, the desire of all human hearts; his dwelling place shall be resplendent with glory, alleluia.

I rejoiced when I heard them say:

“Let us go to God’s house.”

And now our feet are standing

within your gates, O Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is built as a city

strongly compact.

It is there that the tribes go up,

the tribes of the Lord.

For Israel’s law it is,

there to praise the Lord’s name.

There were set the thrones of judgment

of the house of David.

For the peace of Jerusalem pray:

“Peace be to your homes!

May peace reign in your walls,

in your palaces, peace!”

For love of my brethren and friends

I say: “Peace upon you.”

For love of the house of the Lord

I will ask for your good.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. He comes, the desire of all human hearts; his dwelling place shall be resplendent with glory, alleluia.

Psalm 130

Ant. Come, Lord, do not delay; free your people from their sinfulness.

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

Lord, hear my voice!

O let your ears be attentive

to the voice of my pleading.

If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt,

Lord, who would survive?

But with you is found forgiveness:

for this we revere you.

My soul is waiting for the Lord,

I count on his word.

My soul is longing for the Lord

more than watchman for daybreak.

Let the watchman count on daybreak

and Israel on the Lord.

Because with the Lord there is mercy

and fullness of redemption,

Israel indeed he will redeem

from all its iniquity.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Come, Lord, do not delay; free your people from their sinfulness.

Philippians 2:6-11

Ant. The fullness of time has come upon us at last; God sends his Son into the world.

Though he was in the form of God,

Jesus did not deem equality with God

something to be grasped at.

Rather, he emptied himself

and took the form of a slave,

being born in the likeness of men.

He was known to be of human estate,

and it was thus that he humbled himself,

obediently accepting even death,

death on a cross!

Because of this,

God highly exalted him

and bestowed on him the name

above every other name,

So that at Jesus’ name

every knee must bend

in the heavens, on the earth,

and under the earth,

and every tongue proclaim

to the glory of God the Father:

JESUS CHRIST IS 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. The fullness of time has come upon us at last; God sends his Son into the world.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

May the God of peace make you perfect in holiness. May he preserve you whole and entire, spirit, soul, and body, irreproachable at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls us is trustworthy, therefore he will do it.

RESPONSORY

Lord, show us your mercy and love.

And grant us your salvation,

your mercy and love.

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

Lord, show us your mercy and love.

Canticle of Mary

Ant. O Flower of Jesse’s stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in your presence; the nations bow down in worship before you. Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.

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.

INTERCESSIONS

Jesus is Lord, born of the Virgin Mary. Let us pray to him with joyful hearts:

Come, Lord Jesus!

Son of God, you will come again as the true messenger of the covenant,

help the world to recognize and accept you.

Come, Lord Jesus!

Born in your Father’s heart, you became man in the womb of the Virgin Mary,

free us from the tyranny of change and decay.

Come, Lord Jesus!

In your life on earth, you came to die as a man,

save us from everlasting death.

Come, Lord Jesus!

When you come to judge, show us your loving mercy,

and forgive us our weaknesses.

Come, Lord Jesus!

Lord Jesus, by your death you have given hope to those who have died,

be merciful to those for whom we now pray.

Come, Lord Jesus!

THE LORD’S PRAYER

With longing for the coming of God’s kingdom, let us offer our prayer to the Father:

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

Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord,

your grace into our hearts,

that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ your Son

was made known by the message of an Angel,

may by his Passion and Cross

be brought to the glory of his Resurrection.

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

O Christ, resplendent as the day,

you clear away the dark of night;

by faith we know you, Light from Light,

proclaiming light to all the blest.

O holy Lord, we humbly pray:

Watch over us throughout this night

and grant us calm and silent hours,

that we may find our rest in you.

And when our eyes are closed in sleep,

still let our hearts keep watch for you;

protect and guard by your right hand

the faithful, filled with love for you.

O strong defender, see our plight,

subdue our foes, who lie in wait;

direct and guide your servants, Lord,

whom you have purchased with your blood.

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 4

Ant. Have mercy, Lord, and hear my prayer.

When I call, answer me, O God of justice;

from anguish you released me, have mercy and hear me!

O men, how long will your hearts be closed,

will you love what is futile and seek what is false?

It is the Lord who grants favors to those whom he loves;

the Lord hears me whenever I call him.

Fear him; do not sin: ponder on your bed and be still.

Make justice your sacrifice, and trust in the Lord.

“What can bring us happiness?” many say.

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

You have put into my heart a greater joy

than they have from abundance of corn and new wine.

I will lie down in peace and sleep comes at once

for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

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. Have mercy, Lord, and hear my prayer.

Psalm 134

Ant. In the silent hours of night, bless the Lord.

O come, bless the Lord,

all you who serve the Lord,

who stand in the house of the Lord,

in the courts of the house of our God.

Lift up your hands to the holy place

and bless the Lord through the night.

May the Lord bless you from Zion,

he who made both 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. In the silent hours of night, bless the Lord.

Deuteronomy 6:4-7

Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone! Therefore, you shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. Take to heart these words which I enjoin on you today. Drill them into your children. Speak of them at home and abroad, whether you are busy or at rest.

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, be with us throughout this night.

When day comes may we rise from sleep

to rejoice in the resurrection of your Christ,

who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

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