Invitatorium: A Liturgy of the Hours Player

Purple

Advent

December 21

Monday · Weekday · Psalter Week 4

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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 73

Ant. How good is the God of Israel to the pure of heart!

How good God is to Israel,

to those who are pure of heart.

Yet my feet came close to stumbling,

my steps had almost slipped

for I was filled with envy of the proud

when I saw how the wicked prosper.

For them there are no pains;

their bodies are sound and sleek.

They have no share in men’s sorrows;

they are not stricken like others.

So they wear their pride like a necklace,

they clothe themselves with violence.

Their hearts overflow with malice,

their minds seethe with plots.

They scoff; they speak with malice;

from on high they plan oppression.

They have set their mouths in the heavens

and their tongues dictate to the earth.

So the people turn to follow them

and drink in all their words.

They say: “How can God know?

Does the Most High take any notice?”

Look at them, such are the wicked,

but untroubled, they grow in wealth.

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. How good is the God of Israel to the pure of heart!

Ant. Their laughter will turn to weeping, their merriment to grief.

How useless to keep my heart pure

and wash my hands in innocence,

when I was stricken all day long,

suffered punishment day after day.

Then I said: “If I should speak like that,

I should abandon the faith of your people.”

I strove to fathom this problem,

too hard for my mind to understand,

until I pierced the mysteries of God

and understood what becomes of the wicked.

How slippery the paths on which you set them;

you make them slide to destruction.

How suddenly they come to their ruin,

wiped out, destroyed by terrors.

Like a dream one wakes from, O Lord,

when you wake you dismiss them as phantoms.

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. Their laughter will turn to weeping, their merriment to grief.

Ant. Those who depart from you will perish; my joy is to remain with you, my God.

And so when my heart grew embittered

and when I was cut to the quick,

I was stupid and did not understand,

no better than a beast in your sight.

Yet I was always in your presence;

you were holding me by my right hand.

You will guide me by your counsel

and so you will lead me to glory.

What else have I in heaven but you?

Apart from you I want nothing on earth.

My body and my heart faint for joy;

God is my possession for ever.

All those who abandon you shall perish;

you will destroy all those who are faithless.

To be near God is my happiness.

I have made the Lord God my refuge.

I will tell of all your works

at the gates of the city of Zion.

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 depart from you will perish; my joy is to remain with you, my God.

Turn back to us, O Lord, our God.

Show us your face and we shall be saved.

From the book of the prophet Isaiah

Thus says the Lord:

Listen to me, Jacob,

Israel, whom I named!

I, it is I who am the first,

and also the last am I.

Yes, my hand laid the foundations of the earth;

my right hand spread out the heavens.

When I call them,

they stand forth at once.

All of you assemble and listen:

Who among you foretold these things?

The Lord’s friend shall do his will

against Babylon and the progeny of Chaldea.

I myself have spoken, I have called him,

I have brought him, and his way succeeds!

Come near to me and hear this!

Not from the beginning did I speak it in secret;

At the time it comes to pass, I am present:

“Now the Lord God has sent me, and his spirit.”

Thus says the Lord, your redeemer,

the Holy One of Israel:

I, the Lord, your God,

teach you what is for your good,

and lead you on the way you should go.

If you would hearken to my commandments,

your prosperity would be like a river,

and your vindication like the waves of the sea;

Your descendants would be like the sand,

and those born of your stock like its grains,

Their name never cut off

or blotted out from my presence.

Go forth from Babylon, flee from Chaldea!

With shouts of joy proclaim this, make it known;

Publish it to the ends of the earth, and say,

“The Lord has redeemed his servant Jacob.

They did not thirst

when he led them through dry lands;

Water from the rock he set flowing for them;

he cleft the rock, and waters welled forth.”

Along the ways they shall find pasture,

on every bare height shall their pastures be.

They shall not hunger or thirst,

nor shall the scorching wind or the sun strike them;

For he who pities them leads them

and guides them beside springs of water.

I will cut a road through all my mountains,

and make my highways level.

See, some shall come from afar,

others from the north and the west,

and some from the land of Syene.

Sing out, O heavens, and rejoice, O earth,

break forth into song, you mountains.

For the Lord comforts his people

and shows mercy to his afflicted.

Psalm 96:11; Isaiah 49:13; Psalm 72:7

Rejoice, you heavens, and celebrate, O earth;

cry out with praise, you mountains.

for the Lord is coming.

He will have compassion on his poor.

In his days justice will flourish and peace will abound.

He will have compassion on his poor.

From a commentary on Luke by Saint Ambrose, bishop

When the angel revealed his message to the Virgin Mary he gave her a sign to win her trust. He told her of the motherhood of an old and barren woman to show that God is able to do all that he wills.

When she hears this Mary sets out for the hill country. She does not disbelieve God’s word; she feels no uncertainty over the message or doubt about the sign. She goes eager in purpose, dutiful in conscience, hastening for joy.

Filled with God, where would she hasten but to the heights? The Holy Spirit does not proceed by slow, laborious efforts. Quickly, too, the blessings of her coming and the Lord’s presence are made clear: as soon as

Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting the child leapt in her womb, and she was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Notice the contrast and the choice of words. Elizabeth is the first to hear Mary’s voice, but John is the first to be aware of grace. She hears with the ears of the body, but he leaps for joy at the meaning of the mystery. She is aware of Mary’s presence, but he is aware of the Lord’s: a woman aware of a woman’s presence, the forerunner aware of the pledge of our salvation. The women speak of the grace they have received while the children are active in secret, unfolding the mystery of love with the help of their mothers, who prophesy by the spirit of their sons.

The child leaps in the womb; the mother is filled with the Holy Spirit, he fills his mother with the same Spirit. John leaps for joy, and the spirit of Mary rejoices in her turn. When John leaps for joy Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit, but we know that though Mary’s spirit rejoices she does not need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Her son, who is beyond our understanding, is active in his mother in a way beyond our understanding. Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit after conceiving John, while Mary is filled with the Holy Spirit before conceiving the Lord. Elizabeth says:

Blessed are you because you have believed.

You also are blessed because you have heard and believed. A soul that believes both conceives and brings forth the Word of God and acknowledges his works.

Let Mary’s soul be in each of you to proclaim the greatness of the Lord. Let her spirit be in each to rejoice in the Lord. Christ has only one mother in the flesh, but we all bring forth Christ in faith. Every soul receives the Word of God if only it keeps chaste, remaining pure and free from sin, its modesty undefiled. The soul that succeeds in this proclaims the greatness of the Lord, just as Mary’s soul magnified the Lord and her spirit rejoiced in God her Savior. In another place we read:

Magnify the Lord with me.

The Lord is magnified, not because the human voice can add anything to God but because he is magnified within us. Christ is the image of God, and if the soul does what is right and holy, it magnifies that image of God, in whose likeness it was created and, in magnifying the image of God, the soul has a share in its greatness and is exalted.

Responsory

Happy are you who have believed,

because the Lord’s promises will be accomplished in you.

And Mary said:

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.

Come, and listen,

and I will tell what great things God has accomplished for me.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Hear in kindness, O Lord,

the prayers of your people,

that those who rejoice

at the coming of your only Begotten Son in our flesh

may, when at last he comes in glory,

gain the reward of eternal life.

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 90

Ant. The Lord, the ruler over the kings of the earth, will come; blessed are they who are ready to go and welcome him.

O Lord, you have been our refuge

from one generation to the next.

Before the mountains were born

or the earth or the world brought forth,

you are God, without beginning or end.

You turn men back to dust

and say: “Go back, sons of men.”

To your eyes a thousand years

are like yesterday, come and gone,

no more than a watch in the night.

You sweep men away like a dream,

like the grass which springs up in the morning.

In the morning it springs up and flowers:

by evening it withers and fades.

So we are destroyed in your anger,

struck with terror in your fury.

Our guilt lies open before you;

our secrets in the light of your face.

All our days pass away in your anger.

Our life is over like a sigh.

Our span is seventy years

or eighty for those who are strong.

And most of these are emptiness and pain.

They pass swiftly and we are gone.

Who understands the power of your anger

and fears the strength of your fury?

Make us know the shortness of our life

that we may gain wisdom of heart.

Lord, relent! Is your anger for ever?

Show pity to your servants.

In the morning, fill us with your love;

we shall exult and rejoice all our days.

Give us joy to balance our affliction

for the years when we knew misfortune.

Show forth your work to your servants;

let your glory shine on their children.

Let the favor of the Lord be upon us:

give success to the work of our hands,

give success to the work of our hands.

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, the ruler over the kings of the earth, will come; blessed are they who are ready to go and welcome him.

Isaiah 42:10-16

Ant. Sing a new song to the Lord, proclaim his praises to the ends of the earth.

Sing to the Lord a new song,

his praise from the end of the earth:

Let the sea and what fills it resound,

the coastlands, and those who dwell in them.

Let the steppe and its cities cry out,

the villages where Kedar dwells;

let the inhabitants of Sela exult,

and shout from the top of the mountains.

Let them give glory to the Lord,

and utter his praise in the coastlands.

The Lord goes forth like a hero,

like a warrior he stirs up his ardor;

he shouts out his battle cry,

against his enemies he shows his might:

I have looked away, and kept silence,

I have said nothing, holding myself in;

but now, I cry out as a woman in labor,

gasping and panting.

I will lay waste mountains and hills,

all their herbage I will dry up;

I will turn the rivers into marshes,

and the marshes I will dry up.

I will lead the blind on their journey;

by paths unknown I will guide them.

I will turn darkness into light before them,

and make crooked ways straight.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Sing a new song to the Lord, proclaim his praises to the ends of the earth

Psalm 135:1-12

Ant. When the Son of Man comes to earth, do you think he will find faith in men’s hearts?

Praise the name of the Lord,

praise him, servants of the Lord,

who stand in the house of the Lord,

in the courts of the house of our God.

Praise the Lord for the Lord is good.

Sing a psalm to his name for he is loving.

For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself

and Israel for his own possession.

For I know the Lord is great,

that our Lord is high above all gods.

The Lord does whatever he wills,

in heaven, on earth, in the seas.

He summons clouds from the ends of the earth;

makes lightning produce the rain;

from his treasuries he sends forth the wind.

The first-born of the Egyptians he smote,

of man and beast alike.

Signs and wonders he worked

in the midst of your land, O Egypt,

against Pharaoh and all his servants.

Nations in their greatness he struck

and kings in their splendor he slew.

Sihon, king of the Amorites,

Og, the king of Bashan,

and all the kingdoms of Canaan.

He let Israel inherit their land;

on his people their land he bestowed.

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. When the Son of Man comes to earth, do you think he will find faith in men’s hearts?

Isaiah 7:14b-15

The virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. He shall be living on curds and honey by the time he learns to reject the bad and choose the good.

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. There is no need to be afraid; in five days our Lord will come to us.

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. There is no need to be afraid; in five days our Lord will come to us.

INTERCESSIONS

To Jesus Christ our Lord, who came among us in his mercy, let us constantly cry out with joy:

Come, Lord Jesus!

You came from the Father to take on our human nature,

now set free what was harmed in us by sin.

Come, Lord Jesus!

One day you will come again in glory to your chosen people,

come to us today and help us sinners to recognize your mercy and tender love.

Come, Lord Jesus!

We glory in praising you, Lord Jesus,

come and bring us your salvation.

Come, Lord Jesus!

Through faith you lead us into light,

may we reveal your justice through our deeds.

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

Hear in kindness, O Lord,

the prayers of your people,

that those who rejoice

at the coming of your only Begotten Son in our flesh

may, when at last he comes in glory,

gain the reward of eternal 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

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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 119:129-136

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

Your will is wonderful indeed;

therefore I obey it.

The unfolding of your word gives light

and teaches the simple.

I open my mouth and I sigh

as I yearn for your commands.

Turn and show me your mercy;

show justice to your friends.

Let my steps be guided by your promise;

let no evil rule me.

Redeem me from man’s oppression

and I will keep your precepts.

Let your face shine on your servant

and teach me your decrees.

Tears stream from my eyes

because your law is disobeyed.

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 82

God stands in the divine assembly.

In the midst of the gods he gives judgment.

“How long will you judge unjustly

and favor the cause of the wicked?

Do justice for the weak and the orphan,

defend the afflicted and the needy.

Rescue the weak and the poor;

set them free from the hand of the wicked.

Unperceiving, they grope in the darkness

and the order of the world is shaken.

I have said to you: ‘You are gods,

and all of you, sons of the Most High.’

And yet, you shall die like men,

you shall fall like any of the princes.”

Arise, O God, judge the earth,

for you rule all the nations.

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 120

To the Lord in the hour of my distress

I call and he answers me.

“O Lord, save my soul from lying lips,

from the tongue of the deceitful.”

What shall he pay you in return,

O treacherous tongue?

The warrior’s arrows sharpened

and coals, red-hot, blazing.

Alas, that I abide a stranger in Meshech,

dwell among the tents of Kedar!

Long enough have I been dwelling

with those who hate peace.

I am for peace, but when I speak,

they are for fighting.

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.

Isaiah 2:11-12

The haughty eyes of man will be lowered,

the arrogance of men will be abased,

and the Lord alone will be exalted, on that day.

The nations will revere your name, O Lord.

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

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Hear in kindness, O Lord,

the prayers of your people,

that those who rejoice

at the coming of your only Begotten Son in our flesh

may, when at last he comes in glory,

gain the reward of eternal 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

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 119:129-136

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

Your will is wonderful indeed;

therefore I obey it.

The unfolding of your word gives light

and teaches the simple.

I open my mouth and I sigh

as I yearn for your commands.

Turn and show me your mercy;

show justice to your friends.

Let my steps be guided by your promise;

let no evil rule me.

Redeem me from man’s oppression

and I will keep your precepts.

Let your face shine on your servant

and teach me your decrees.

Tears stream from my eyes

because your law is disobeyed.

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 82

God stands in the divine assembly.

In the midst of the gods he gives judgment.

“How long will you judge unjustly

and favor the cause of the wicked?

Do justice for the weak and the orphan,

defend the afflicted and the needy.

Rescue the weak and the poor;

set them free from the hand of the wicked.

Unperceiving, they grope in the darkness

and the order of the world is shaken.

I have said to you: ‘You are gods,

and all of you, sons of the Most High.’

And yet, you shall die like men,

you shall fall like any of the princes.”

Arise, O God, judge the earth,

for you rule all the nations.

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 120

To the Lord in the hour of my distress

I call and he answers me.

“O Lord, save my soul from lying lips,

from the tongue of the deceitful.”

What shall he pay you in return,

O treacherous tongue?

The warrior’s arrows sharpened

and coals, red-hot, blazing.

Alas, that I abide a stranger in Meshech,

dwell among the tents of Kedar!

Long enough have I been dwelling

with those who hate peace.

I am for peace, but when I speak,

they are for fighting.

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.

Isaiah 12:2

God indeed is my savior;

I am confident and unafraid.

My strength and my courage is the Lord,

and he has been my savior.

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

Come and bring us your salvation.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Hear in kindness, O Lord,

the prayers of your people,

that those who rejoice

at the coming of your only Begotten Son in our flesh

may, when at last he comes in glory,

gain the reward of eternal 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

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 119:129-136

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

Your will is wonderful indeed;

therefore I obey it.

The unfolding of your word gives light

and teaches the simple.

I open my mouth and I sigh

as I yearn for your commands.

Turn and show me your mercy;

show justice to your friends.

Let my steps be guided by your promise;

let no evil rule me.

Redeem me from man’s oppression

and I will keep your precepts.

Let your face shine on your servant

and teach me your decrees.

Tears stream from my eyes

because your law is disobeyed.

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 82

God stands in the divine assembly.

In the midst of the gods he gives judgment.

“How long will you judge unjustly

and favor the cause of the wicked?

Do justice for the weak and the orphan,

defend the afflicted and the needy.

Rescue the weak and the poor;

set them free from the hand of the wicked.

Unperceiving, they grope in the darkness

and the order of the world is shaken.

I have said to you: ‘You are gods,

and all of you, sons of the Most High.’

And yet, you shall die like men,

you shall fall like any of the princes.”

Arise, O God, judge the earth,

for you rule all the nations.

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 120

To the Lord in the hour of my distress

I call and he answers me.

“O Lord, save my soul from lying lips,

from the tongue of the deceitful.”

What shall he pay you in return,

O treacherous tongue?

The warrior’s arrows sharpened

and coals, red-hot, blazing.

Alas, that I abide a stranger in Meshech,

dwell among the tents of Kedar!

Long enough have I been dwelling

with those who hate peace.

I am for peace, but when I speak,

they are for fighting.

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?

Daniel 9:19

O Lord, hear! O Lord, pardon! O Lord, be attentive and act without delay, for your own sake, O my God, because your people bear your name!

Come, Lord, do not delay.

Free your people from their sinfulness.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Hear in kindness, O Lord,

the prayers of your people,

that those who rejoice

at the coming of your only Begotten Son in our flesh

may, when at last he comes in glory,

gain the reward of eternal 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 136

Ant. The Lord, the ruler over the kings of the earth, will come; blessed are they who are ready to go and welcome him.

O give thanks to the Lord for he is good,

for his love endures for ever.

Give thanks to the God of gods

for his love endures for ever.

Give thanks to the Lord of lords,

for his love endures for ever;

who alone has wrought marvelous works,

for his love endures for ever;

whose wisdom it was made the skies,

for his love endures for ever;

who fixed the earth firmly on the seas,

for his love endures for ever.

It was he who made the great lights,

for his love endures for ever,

the sun to rule in the day,

for his love endures for ever,

the moon and the stars in the night,

for his love endures 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. The Lord, the ruler over the kings of the earth, will come; blessed are they who are ready to go and welcome him.

Ant. Sing a new song to the Lord, proclaim his praises to the ends of the earth.

The first-born of the Egyptians he smote,

for his love endures for ever.

He brought Israel out from their midst,

for his love endures for ever;

arm outstretched, with power in his hand,

for his love endures for ever.

He divided the Red Sea in two,

for his love endures for ever;

he made Israel pass through the midst,

for his love endures for ever;

he flung Pharaoh and his force in the sea,

for his love endures for ever.

Through the desert his people he led,

for his love endures for ever.

Nations in their greatness he struck,

for his love endures for ever.

Kings in their splendor he slew,

for his love endures for ever.

Sihon, king of the Amorites,

for his love endures for ever;

and Og, the king of Bashan,

for his love endures for ever.

He let Israel inherit their land,

for his love endures for ever.

On his servant their land he bestowed,

for his love endures for ever.

He remembered us in our distress,

for his love endures for ever.

And he snatched us away from our foes,

for his love endures for ever.

He gives food to all living things,

for his love endures for ever.

To the God of heaven give thanks,

for his love endures 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. Sing a new song to the Lord, proclaim his praises to the ends of the earth.

Ephesians 1:3-10

Ant. When the Son of Man comes to earth, do you think he will find faith in men’s hearts?

Praised be the God and Father

of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who has bestowed on us in Christ

every spiritual blessing in the heavens.

God chose us in him

before the world began

to be holy and blameless in his sight.

He predestined us

to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ,

such was his will and pleasure,

that all might praise the glorious favor

he has bestowed on us in his beloved.

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

and our sins forgiven,

so immeasurably generous

is God’s favor to us.

God has given us the wisdom

to understand fully the mystery,

the plan he was pleased

to decree in Christ.

A plan to be carried out

in Christ, in the fullness of time,

to bring all things into one in him,

in the heavens and on earth.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. When the Son of Man comes to earth, do you think he will find faith in men’s hearts?

1 Corinthians 4:5

Stop passing judgment before the time of the Lord's return. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will manifest the motives of our hearts, and then everyone will receive praise from God.

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. O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

my spirit rejoices in God my Savior

for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed:

the Almighty has done great things for me,

and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him

in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm,

he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,

and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel

for he has remembered his promise of mercy,

the promise he made to our fathers,

to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

INTERCESSIONS

We humbly pray to Jesus Christ, who rescues us from the darkness of sin, and in faith we cry out:

Come, Lord Jesus!

Lord, gather together all the people of the earth,

and establish with them your everlasting covenant.

Come, Lord Jesus!

Lamb of God, you came of old to take away the sin of the world,

purge us from the dregs of our guilt.

Come, Lord Jesus!

You came to recover what was lost,

come once again in your mercy lest you punish what you have recovered.

Come, Lord Jesus!

Our faith seeks you out,

let us find everlasting joy with you when you come.

Come, Lord Jesus!

You will judge the living and the dead,

graciously gather the dead into the ranks of the blessed.

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

Hear in kindness, O Lord,

the prayers of your people,

that those who rejoice

at the coming of your only Begotten Son in our flesh

may, when at last he comes in glory,

gain the reward of eternal 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 86

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

Turn your ear, O Lord, and give answer

for I am poor and needy.

Preserve my life, for I am faithful:

save the servant who trusts in you.

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

for I cry to you all day long.

Give joy to your servant, O Lord,

for to you I lift up my soul.

O Lord, you are good and forgiving,

full of love to all who call.

Give heed, O Lord, to my prayer

and attend to the sound of my voice.

In the day of distress I will call

and surely you will reply.

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

nor work to compare with yours.

All the nations shall come to adore you

and glorify your name, O Lord:

for you are great and do marvelous deeds,

you who alone are God.

Show me, Lord, your way

so that I may walk in your truth.

Guide my heart to fear your name.

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

and glorify your name for ever;

for your love to me has been great:

you have saved me from the depths of the grave.

The proud have risen against me;

ruthless men seek my life:

to you they pay no heed.

But you, God of mercy and compassion,

slow to anger, O Lord,

abounding in love and truth,

turn and take pity on me.

O give your strength to your servant

and save your handmaid’s son.

Show me the sign of your favor

that my foes may see to their shame

that you console me and give me your help.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

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

RESPONSORY

Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth.

I commend my spirit.

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

Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

Canticle of Simeon

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

Lord, now you let your servant go in peace;

your word has been fulfilled:

my own eyes have seen the salvation

which you have prepared in the sight of every people:

a light to reveal you to the nations

and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Lord, give our bodies restful sleep

and let the work we have done today

bear fruit in eternal life.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

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

MARIAN ANTIPHON

Loving mother of the Redeemer,

gate of heaven, star of the sea,

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

To the wonderment of nature you bore your Creator,

yet remained a virgin after as before.

You who received Gabriel’s joyful greeting,

have pity on us poor sinners.

A lma Redemptóris Mater, quæ pérvia cæli

porta manes, et stella maris, succúrre cadénti,

súrgere qui curat, pópulo; tu, quæ genuísti,

natúra miránte, tuum sanctum Genitórem,

Virgo prius ac postérius, Gabriélis ab ore

sumens illud Ave, peccatórum miserére.

Devotional Prayers

The words of the prayers

Prayer Before the Office

Lord, open my lips, to praise Your Holy Name. Cleanse my heart of any worthless, evil, or distracting thoughts. Give me the wisdom and love necessary to pray this Office with attention, reverence, and devotion. Father, let this prayer be heard in Your Presence, for it is offered through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lord, in union with that intention with which you offered praises to God when on earth, I offer this Hour to You.

I offer this Hour in union with all of the Masses being said throughout the world, and I offer it for the following intention: ____.

Prayer After the Office

Blessed be forever the most loving Hearts and the sweet Names of our Lord Jesus Christ and of the most glorious Virgin Mary, His Mother.

O most merciful Jesus, I thank you with all my heart. Be merciful to me, a miserable sinner. I offer this action to your Divine Heart to be amended and perfected, to the praise and glory of your most holy Name and of your most blessed Mother, and for the salvation of my soul and of your whole Church. Amen.

To the Most Holy and Undivided Trinity, to the Manhood of Our Lord Jesus Christ Crucified, to the Fruitful Virginity of the Most Blessed and Most Glorious Mary, Ever Virgin, and to the Congregation of all the Saints be ascribed everlasting praise, honor, power and glory by every creature, and to us be granted the forgiveness of all our sins, world without end. Amen.

Blessed be the Womb of the Virgin Mary, which bore the Son of the Eternal Father.

And blessed be the Breasts which gave suck to Christ our Lord.

Our Father

Hail Mary