Invitatorium: A Liturgy of the Hours Player

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Christmas Time

Sixth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord

Wednesday · Weekday · Psalter Week 1

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The Hours

Invitatorium

Now

Invitatory

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Lord, open my lips.

And my mouth will proclaim your praise.

Ant. Christ is born for us; come, let us adore 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. Christ is born for us; come, let us adore him.

Matins

Now

Office of Readings

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

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

Loving, eternal splendor of the Godhead,

Life, Light, and Mercy, Christ you come among us,

Healer of illness and all human weakness,

Gate of Salvation.

Angels in chorus to the earth are singing

tidings from heaven, telling of new ages:

praise to the Father, to our human fam’ly

joy, peace, and gladness.

Infant so lowly, Lord of all creation,

born of the Virgin, holy, pure, and sinless,

rule all the world now, Jesus Christ, our Master,

ever beloved.

Born to give heaven, our eternal homeland,

our flesh assuming, joined to us for ever;

draw hearts that seek you, mind and soul renewing;

by your love bind us.

Lord, see us gathered, filled with exultation,

joined to the angels, singing hymns of gladness;

joyous we praise you, one with God the Father,

and Love, your equal. Amen.

Psalm 85

Ant. Truth has arisen from the earth, and justice has looked down from the heavens.

O Lord, you once favored your land

and revived the fortunes of Jacob,

you forgave the guilt of your people

and covered all their sins.

You averted all your rage,

you calmed the heat of your anger.

Revive us now, God, our helper!

Put an end to your grievance against us.

Will you be angry with us for ever,

will your anger never cease?

Will you not restore again our life

that your people may rejoice in you?

Let us see, O Lord, your mercy

and give us your saving help.

I will hear what the Lord God has to say,

a voice that speaks of peace,

peace for his people and his friends

and those who turn to him in their hearts.

His help is near for those who fear him

and his glory will dwell in our land.

Mercy and faithfulness have met;

justice and peace have embraced.

Faithfulness shall spring from the earth

and justice look down from heaven.

The Lord will make us prosper

and our earth shall yield its fruit.

Justice shall march before him

and peace shall follow his steps.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Truth has arisen from the earth, and justice has looked down from the heavens.

Psalm 89:2-38

Ant. Wherever you are, Lord, there is mercy, there is truth.

I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord;

through all ages my mouth will proclaim your truth.

Of this I am sure, that your love lasts for ever,

that your truth is firmly established as the heavens.

“With my chosen one, I have made a covenant;

I have sworn to David my servant:

I will establish your dynasty for ever

and set up your throne through all ages.”

The heavens proclaim your wonders, O Lord;

the assembly of your holy ones proclaims your truth.

For who in the skies can compare with the Lord

or who is like the Lord among the sons of God?

A God to be feared in the council of the holy ones,

great and dreadful to all around him.

O Lord God of hosts, who is your equal?

You are mighty, O Lord, and truth is your garment.

It is you who rule the sea in its pride;

it is you who still the surging of its waves.

You crushed the monster Rahab and killed it,

scattering your foes with your mighty arm.

The heavens are yours, the world is yours.

It is you who founded the earth and all it holds;

it is you who created the North and the South.

Tabor and Hermon shout for joy at your name.

Yours is a mighty arm, O Lord;

your hand is strong, your right hand ready.

Justice and right are the pillars of your throne,

love and truth walk in your presence.

Happy the people who acclaim such a king,

who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face,

who find their joy every day in your name,

who make your justice the source of their bliss.

For you, O Lord, are the glory of their strength;

by your favor it is that our might is exalted:

for our ruler is in the keeping of the Lord;

our king in the keeping of the Holy One of 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. Wherever you are, Lord, there is mercy, there is truth.

Ant. He himself will call out to me: You are my Father, alleluia.

Of old you spoke in a vision.

To your friends the prophets you said:

“I have set the crown on a warrior,

I have exalted one chosen from the people.

I have found David my servant

and with my holy oil anointed him.

My hand shall always be with him

and my arm shall make him strong.

The enemy shall never outwit him

nor the evil man oppress him.

I will beat down his foes before him

and smite those who hate him.

My truth and my love shall be with him;

by my name his might shall be exalted.

I will stretch out his hand to the Sea

and his right hand as far as the River.

He will say to me: ‘You are my father,

my God, the rock who saves me.’

And I will make him my first-born,

the highest of the kings of the earth.

I will keep my love for him always;

for him my covenant shall last.

I will establish his dynasty for ever,

make his throne endure as the heavens.”

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 himself will call out to me: You are my Father, alleluia.

The Lord has made known, alleluia.

His saving power, alleluia.

From the letter of the apostle Paul to the Colossians

Christ Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he himself might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile all things for him, making peace by the blood of his cross through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.

And you who once were alienated and hostile in mind because of evil deeds he has now reconciled in his fleshly body through his death, to present you holy, without blemish, and irreproachable before him, provided that you persevere in the faith, firmly grounded, stable, and not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, am a minister.

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the church, of which I am a minister in accordance with God’s stewardship given to me to bring to completion for you the word of God, the mystery hidden from ages and from generations past. But now it has been manifested to his holy ones, to whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; it is Christ in you, the hope for glory. It is he whom we proclaim, admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. For this I labor and struggle, in accord with the exercise of his power working within me.

For I want you to know how great a struggle I am having for you and for those in Laodicea and all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged as they are brought together in love, to have all the richness of fully assured understanding, for the knowledge of the mystery of God, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Colossians 1:18, 17

Christ is the head and the church is his body;

he is the firstborn of the dead,

so that in every way the primacy was his.

Before anything came into being, he existed:

he holds all things in unity.

So that in every way the primacy was his.

From a treatise On the Refutation of All Heresies, by Saint Hippolytus, priest and martyr

Our faith is not founded upon empty words; nor are we carried away by mere caprice or beguiled by specious arguments. On the contrary, we put our faith in words spoken by the power of God, spoken by the Word himself at God’s command. God wished to win men back from disobedience, not by using force to reduce him to slavery but by addressing to his free will a call to liberty.

The Word spoke first of all through the prophets, but because the message was couched in such obscure language that it could be only dimly apprehended, in the last days the Father sent the Word in person, commanding him to show himself openly so that the world could see him and be saved.

We know that by taking a body from the Virgin he re-fashioned our fallen nature. We know that his manhood was of the same clay as our own; if this were not so, he would hardly have been a teacher who could expect to be imitated. If he were of a different substance from me, he would surely not have ordered me to do as he did, when by my very nature I am so weak. Such a demand could not be reconciled with his goodness and justice.

No. He wanted us to consider him as no different from ourselves, and so he worked, he was hungry and thirsty, he slept. Without protest he endured his passion, he submitted to death and revealed his resurrection. In all these ways he offered his own manhood as the first fruits of our race to keep us from losing heart when suffering comes our way, and to make us look forward to receiving the same reward as he did, since we know that we possess the same humanity.

When we have come to know the true God, both our bodies and our souls will be immortal and incorruptible. We shall enter the kingdom of heaven, because while we lived on earth we acknowledged heaven’s King. Friends of God and co-heirs with Christ, we shall be subject to no evil desires or inclinations, or to any affliction of body or soul, for we shall have become divine.

Whatever evil you may have suffered, being man, it is God that sent it to you, precisely because you are man; but equally, when you have been deified, God has promised you a share in every one of his own attributes. The saying “Know yourself” means therefore that we should recognize and acknowledge in ourselves the God who made us in his own image, for if we do this, we in turn will be recognized and acknowledged by our Maker.

So let us not be at enmity with ourselves, but change our way of life without delay.

For Christ who is God, exalted above all creation,

has taken away man’s sin and has re-fashioned our fallen nature. In the beginning God made man in his image and so gave proof of his love for us. If we obey his holy commands and learn to imitate his goodness, we shall be like him and he will honor us. God is not beggarly, and for the sake of his own glory he has given us a share in his divinity.

John 1:14; Baruch 3:38

The Word was made flesh, and lived among us.

We have seen his glory.

the glory of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.

He was seen on earth and lived among us.

We have seen his glory,

the glory of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.

TE DEUM

You are God: we praise you;

You are the Lord: we acclaim you;

You are the eternal Father:

All creation worships you.

To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,

Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

The glorious company of apostles praise you.

The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.

The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.

Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you:

Father, of majesty unbounded,

your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,

and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.

You, Christ, are the king of glory,

the eternal Son of the Father.

When you became man to set us free

you did not spurn the Virgin’s womb.

You overcame the sting of death,

and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.

You are seated at God’s right hand in glory.

We believe that you will come, and be our judge.

Come then, Lord, and help your people,

bought with the price of your own blood,

and bring us with your saints

to glory everlasting.

Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance.

Govern and uphold them now and always.

Day by day we bless you.

We praise your name for ever.

Keep us today, Lord, from all sin.

Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.

Lord, show us your love and mercy;

for we put our trust in you.

In you, Lord, is our hope:

and we shall never hope in vain.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Grant, we pray, almighty God,

that the newness of the Nativity in the flesh

of your Only Begotten Son may set us free,

for ancient servitude holds us bound

beneath the yoke of sin.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

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

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

ACCLAMATION

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

Lauds

Now

Morning Prayer

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God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

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

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

HYMN

From lands beneath the rising sun,

through all the compass of the earth,

now let us sing to Christ the Lord,

the Virgin Mary’s newborn Son.

The hallowed Author of the world

a servant’s body has assumed,

that liberating flesh by flesh

he should not lose what he has made.

Pure grace from heaven entered then

the Mother’s womb, both sealed and closed;

the cloister of this maiden bride

bore secrets she could not have known.

The home of this pure heart became,

with sudden pow’r, the shrine of God;

a virgin still, she knew not man

and by a word conceived her Son.

She brought to birth her holy child,

whose advent Gabriel proclaimed,

whose presence John perceived with joy

and leapt within his mother’s womb.

He lay on straw with no complaint,

not shrinking from a manger bed;

an infant’s share of milk he drank,

while in his care he fed the birds.

The hosts on high exult with joy

and angels sing to God with praise;

the shepherds wondrously behold

the Shepherd, Maker of all things.

To you, Lord Jesus, glory be,

the Virgin Mother’s newborn Son,

with God the Father, ever blest,

and loving Spirit, ever one. Amen.

Psalm 63:2-9

Ant. Tell us, shepherds, what have you seen? Who has appeared on earth? We have seen a newborn infant and a choir of angels praising the Lord, alleluia.

O God, you are my God, for you I long;

for you my soul is thirsting.

My body pines for you

like a dry, weary land without water.

So I gaze on you in the sanctuary

to see your strength and your glory.

For your love is better than life,

my lips will speak your praise.

So I will bless you all my life,

in your name I will lift up my hands.

My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,

my mouth shall praise you with joy.

On my bed I remember you.

On you I muse through the night

for you have been my help;

in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.

My soul clings to you;

your right hand holds me fast.

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. Tell us, shepherds, what have you seen? Who has appeared on earth? We have seen a newborn infant and a choir of angels praising the Lord, alleluia.

Daniel 3:57-88

Ant. The angel said to the shepherds: I proclaim to you a great joy; today the Savior of the world is born for you, alleluia.

Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.

Praise and exalt him above all forever.

Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord.

You heavens, bless the Lord.

All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord.

All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord.

Sun and moon, bless the Lord.

Stars of heaven, bless the Lord.

Every shower and dew, bless the Lord.

All you winds, bless the Lord.

Fire and heat, bless the Lord.

Cold and chill, bless the Lord.

Dew and rain, bless the Lord.

Frost and chill, bless the Lord.

Ice and snow, bless the Lord.

Nights and days, bless the Lord.

Light and darkness, bless the Lord.

Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord.

Let the earth bless the Lord.

Praise and exalt him above all forever.

Mountains and hills, bless the Lord.

Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord.

You springs, bless the Lord.

Seas and rivers, bless the Lord.

You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord.

All you birds of the air, bless the Lord.

All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord.

You sons of men, bless the Lord.

O Israel, bless the Lord.

Praise and exalt him above all forever.

Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord.

Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.

Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord.

Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord.

Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord.

Praise and exalt him above all forever.

Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Let us praise and exalt him above all forever.

Blessed are you, Lord, in the firmament of heaven.

Praiseworthy and glorious and exalted above all forever.

Ant. The angel said to the shepherds: I proclaim to you a great joy; today the Savior of the world is born for you, alleluia.

Psalm 149

Ant. A little child is born for us today; little and yet called the mighty God, alleluia.

Sing a new song to the Lord,

his praise in the assembly of the faithful.

Let Israel rejoice in its maker,

let Zion’s sons exult in their king.

Let them praise his name with dancing

and make music with timbrel and harp.

For the Lord takes delight in his people.

He crowns the poor with salvation.

Let the faithful rejoice in their glory,

shout for joy and take their rest.

Let the praise of God be on their lips

and a two-edged sword in their hand,

to deal out vengeance to the nations

and punishment on all the peoples;

to bind their kings in chains

and their nobles in fetters of iron;

to carry out the sentence pre-ordained;

this honor is for all his faithful.

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. A little child is born for us today; little and yet called the mighty God, alleluia.

Isaiah 9:6

A child is born to us, a son is given us;

upon his shoulder dominion rests.

They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero,

Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.

RESPONSORY

The Lord has made known, alleluia, alleluia.

His saving power.

Alleluia, alleluia.

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

The Lord has made known, alleluia, alleluia.

Canticle of Zechariah

Ant. At the Lord’s birth, the choirs of angels sang: Blessed be our God enthroned as King and blessed be the Lamb.

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. At the Lord’s birth, the choirs of angels sang: Blessed be our God enthroned as King and blessed be the Lamb.

INTERCESSIONS

Let us pray to Christ, in whom the Father willed to make all things new:

Beloved Son of God, hear us.

Son of God, you were with the Father in the beginning, and in the fullness of time became a man,

give us a brother’s love for all people.

Beloved Son of God, hear us.

You became poor to make us rich; you emptied yourself that we might be lifted up by your lowliness and share in your glory,

make us faithful ministers of your Gospel.

Beloved Son of God, hear us.

You shone on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,

give us holiness, justice and peace.

Beloved Son of God, hear us.

Give us a heart that is upright and sincere, so that we may listen to your word,

and bring it to perfection in ourselves and in the world for the sake of your glory.

Beloved Son of God, hear us.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Gathering our prayer and praises into one, let us offer the prayer Christ himself taught us:

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;

thy kingdom come;

thy will be done on earth

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Grant, we pray, almighty God,

that the newness of the Nativity in the flesh

of your Only Begotten Son may set us free,

for ancient servitude holds us bound

beneath the yoke of sin.

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

Now, Holy Spirit, come, descend,

one with the Father and the Son;

come swiftly in and fill our hearts

with your full flood of holiness.

In mind and mouth, with heart and tongue,

with strength and sense, may praise resound,

May charity with ardor blaze

and kindle others with its flame.

Now through your presence may we know

and love the Father and the Son,

and you, the Spirit of them both,

may we profess throughout all time. Amen.

Psalm 119:9-16

Ant. Joseph and Mary, the mother of Jesus, were filled with wonder at all that was said of the child

How shall the young remain sinless?

By obeying your word.

I have sought you with all my heart:

let me not stray from your commands.

I treasure your promise in my heart

lest I sin against you.

Blessed are you, O Lord;

teach me your statutes.

With my tongue I have recounted

the decrees of your lips.

I rejoiced to do your will

as though all riches were mine.

I will ponder all your precepts

and consider your paths.

I take delight in your statutes;

I will not forget your word.

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 17

Lord, hear a cause that is just,

pay heed to my cry.

Turn your ear to my prayer:

no deceit is on my lips.

From you may my judgment come forth.

Your eyes discern the truth.

You search my heart, you visit me by night.

You test me and you find in me no wrong.

My words are not sinful as are men’s words.

I kept from violence because of your word,

I kept my feet firmly in your paths;

there was no faltering in my steps.

I am here and I call, you will hear me, O God.

Turn your ear to me; hear my words.

Display your great love, you whose right hand saves

your friends from those who rebel against them.

Guard me as the apple of your eye.

Hide me in the shadow of your wings

from the violent attack of the wicked.

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.

My foes encircle me with deadly intent.

Their hearts tight shut, their mouths speak proudly.

They advance against me, and now they surround me.

Their eyes are watching to strike me to the ground,

as though they were lions ready to claw

or like some young lion crouched in hiding.

Lord, arise, confront them, strike them down!

Let your sword rescue my soul from the wicked;

let your hand, O Lord, rescue me from men,

from men whose reward is in this present life.

You give them their fill of your treasures;

they rejoice in abundance of offspring

and leave their wealth to their children.

As for me, in my justice I shall see your face

and be filled, when I awake, with the sight of your 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. Joseph and Mary, the mother of Jesus, were filled with wonder at all that was said of the child

Deuteronomy 4:7

What great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the Lord, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him?

The Lord has remembered his gracious promise, alleluia.

He has kept faith with his people Israel, alleluia.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Grant, we pray, almighty God,

that the newness of the Nativity in the flesh

of your Only Begotten Son may set us free,

for ancient servitude holds us bound

beneath the yoke of sin.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

Sext

Now

Midday Prayer · 12 PM

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INTRODUCTION

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

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

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

HYMN

O mighty Ruler, God of truth,

for days and seasons setting bounds,

you clothe with splendor morning light

and midday skies with brilliant heat.

Extinguish flames of bitter strife,

all harmful passion take away,

grant health unto our mortal frame,

and on our hearts bestow true peace.

Most loving Father, hear our prayer,

and you, O Christ coequal Son,

who with the Spirit Paraclete

now reign for all eternity. Amen.

Psalm 119:9-16

Ant. Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.

How shall the young remain sinless?

By obeying your word.

I have sought you with all my heart:

let me not stray from your commands.

I treasure your promise in my heart

lest I sin against you.

Blessed are you, O Lord;

teach me your statutes.

With my tongue I have recounted

the decrees of your lips.

I rejoiced to do your will

as though all riches were mine.

I will ponder all your precepts

and consider your paths.

I take delight in your statutes;

I will not forget your word.

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 17

Lord, hear a cause that is just,

pay heed to my cry.

Turn your ear to my prayer:

no deceit is on my lips.

From you may my judgment come forth.

Your eyes discern the truth.

You search my heart, you visit me by night.

You test me and you find in me no wrong.

My words are not sinful as are men’s words.

I kept from violence because of your word,

I kept my feet firmly in your paths;

there was no faltering in my steps.

I am here and I call, you will hear me, O God.

Turn your ear to me; hear my words.

Display your great love, you whose right hand saves

your friends from those who rebel against them.

Guard me as the apple of your eye.

Hide me in the shadow of your wings

from the violent attack of the wicked.

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.

My foes encircle me with deadly intent.

Their hearts tight shut, their mouths speak proudly.

They advance against me, and now they surround me.

Their eyes are watching to strike me to the ground,

as though they were lions ready to claw

or like some young lion crouched in hiding.

Lord, arise, confront them, strike them down!

Let your sword rescue my soul from the wicked;

let your hand, O Lord, rescue me from men,

from men whose reward is in this present life.

You give them their fill of your treasures;

they rejoice in abundance of offspring

and leave their wealth to their children.

As for me, in my justice I shall see your face

and be filled, when I awake, with the sight of your 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. Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.

Isaiah 12:5-6

Sing praise to the Lord for his glorious achievment;

let this be known throughout all the earth.

Shout with exultation, O city of Zion,

for great in your midst

is the Holy One of Israel!

All the ends of the earth, alleluia.

Have seen the saving power of God, alleluia.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Grant, we pray, almighty God,

that the newness of the Nativity in the flesh

of your Only Begotten Son may set us free,

for ancient servitude holds us bound

beneath the yoke of sin.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

None

Now

Midafternoon Prayer · 3 PM

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

INTRODUCTION

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

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

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

HYMN

O God, our firm and steadfast strength,

remaining in yourself unmoved,

you rule the span of daily light

and guide the course of all the hours.

Bestow at eventide a light

by which our life may never fail;

may endless glory be the crown

that follows on a holy death.

Most loving Father, hear our prayer,

and you, O Christ, coequal Son,

who with the Spirit Paraclete

now reign for all eternity. Amen.

Psalm 119:9-16

Ant. My own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people.

How shall the young remain sinless?

By obeying your word.

I have sought you with all my heart:

let me not stray from your commands.

I treasure your promise in my heart

lest I sin against you.

Blessed are you, O Lord;

teach me your statutes.

With my tongue I have recounted

the decrees of your lips.

I rejoiced to do your will

as though all riches were mine.

I will ponder all your precepts

and consider your paths.

I take delight in your statutes;

I will not forget your word.

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 17

Lord, hear a cause that is just,

pay heed to my cry.

Turn your ear to my prayer:

no deceit is on my lips.

From you may my judgment come forth.

Your eyes discern the truth.

You search my heart, you visit me by night.

You test me and you find in me no wrong.

My words are not sinful as are men’s words.

I kept from violence because of your word,

I kept my feet firmly in your paths;

there was no faltering in my steps.

I am here and I call, you will hear me, O God.

Turn your ear to me; hear my words.

Display your great love, you whose right hand saves

your friends from those who rebel against them.

Guard me as the apple of your eye.

Hide me in the shadow of your wings

from the violent attack of the wicked.

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.

My foes encircle me with deadly intent.

Their hearts tight shut, their mouths speak proudly.

They advance against me, and now they surround me.

Their eyes are watching to strike me to the ground,

as though they were lions ready to claw

or like some young lion crouched in hiding.

Lord, arise, confront them, strike them down!

Let your sword rescue my soul from the wicked;

let your hand, O Lord, rescue me from men,

from men whose reward is in this present life.

You give them their fill of your treasures;

they rejoice in abundance of offspring

and leave their wealth to their children.

As for me, in my justice I shall see your face

and be filled, when I awake, with the sight of your 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. My own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people.

Tobit 14:6-7

All the nations shall abandon their idols and come to Jerusalem to dwell, and all the kings of the earth shall rejoice in her, worshiping the king of Israel.

Mercy and truth have come together, alleluia.

Justice and peace have kissed, alleluia.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Grant, we pray, almighty God,

that the newness of the Nativity in the flesh

of your Only Begotten Son may set us free,

for ancient servitude holds us bound

beneath the yoke of sin.

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 Christ, Redeemer of us all,

the Father’s Sole-begotten Son,

in myst’ry born alone from him,

so wondrously before all time,

The Father’s splendor and true Light,

O everlasting hope for all,

bend low to hear your servants’ prayers

poured forth to you throughout the earth.

O author of all saving grace,

recall that once you took our flesh

and from the Virgin pure and chaste

assumed by birth our human form.

This feast today now testifies,

within the cycle of the year,

that you as Savior of the world

alone came from the Father’s throne.

The sky above, the earth, the sea,

and all creation held therein

extol with joyous hymns of praise

the Author of your advent here.

We also, whom you came to save

and by your holy blood redeem,

all sing a new and joyful hymn

to celebrate your day of birth.

To you, Lord Jesus, glory be,

the Virgin Mother’s newborn Son,

with God the Father, ever blest,

and Loving Spirit, ever one. Amen.

Psalm 110:1-5

Ant. You have been endowed from your birth with princely gifts; in eternal splendor, before the dawn of light on earth, I have begotten you.

Christ’s reign will last until all his enemies are made subject to him (1 Corinthians 15:25).

The Lord’s revelation to my Master:

“Sit on my right:

your foes I will put beneath your feet.”

The Lord will wield from Zion

your scepter of power:

rule in the midst of all your foes.

A prince from the day of your birth

on the holy mountains;

from the womb before the dawn I begot you.

The Lord has sworn an oath he will not change.

“You are a priest for ever,

a priest like Melchizedek of old.”

The Master standing at your right hand

will shatter kings in the day of his great wrath.

He shall drink from the stream by the wayside

and therefore he shall lift up his head.

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. You have been endowed from your birth with princely gifts; in eternal splendor, before the dawn of light on earth, I have begotten you.

Psalm 130

Ant. With the Lord is unfailing love; great is his power to save.

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. With the Lord is unfailing love; great is his power to save.

Colossians 1:12-20

Ant. In the beginning, before time began, the Word was God; today he is born, the Savior of the world.

Let us give thanks to the Father

for having made you worthy

to share the lot of the saints

in light.

He rescued us from the power of darkness

and brought us into the kingdom of his beloved Son.

Through him we have redemption,

the forgiveness of our sins.

He is the image of the invisible God,

the first-born of all creatures.

In him everything in heaven and on earth was created,

things visible and invisible.

All were created through him;

all were created for him.

He is before all else that is.

In him everything continues in being.

It is he who is head of the body, the church!

he who is the beginning,

the first-born of the dead,

so that primacy may be his in everything.

It pleased God to make absolute fullness reside in him

and, by means of him, to reconcile everything in his person,

both on earth and in the heavens,

making peace through the blood of his cross.

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 beginning, before time began, the Word was God; today he is born, the Savior of the world.

See 2 Peter 1:3-4

The divine power of Christ has freely bestowed on us everything necessary for a life of genuine piety, through knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and power. By virtue of them he has bestowed on us the great and precious things he promised, so that through these you who have fled a world corrupted by lust might become sharers of the divine nature.

RESPONSORY

The Word was made man, alleluia, alleluia.

He lived among us.

Alleluia, alleluia.

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

The Word was made man, alleluia, alleluia.

Luke 1:46-55

Ant. We sing your praises, holy Mother of God: you gave birth to our Savior, Jesus Christ; watch over all who honor you.

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. We sing your praises, holy Mother of God: you gave birth to our Savior, Jesus Christ; watch over all who honor you.

INTERCESSIONS

Let us joyfully acclaim Christ, born at Bethlehem in Judea, for he gives nourishment and guidance to his holy people:

Let your favor rest upon us, Lord.

Christ the Savior, desired of the nations, spread your Gospel to places still deprived of the Word of life,

draw every person to yourself.

Let your favor rest upon us, Lord.

Christ the Lord, let your Church grow and extend the boundaries of its homeland,

until it embraces men and women of every language and race.

Let your favor rest upon us, Lord.

King of kings, direct the hearts and minds of rulers,

to seek justice, peace and freedom for all nations.

Let your favor rest upon us, Lord.

Almighty ruler, strength of the weak, support those in temptation, lift up the fallen, protect those living in danger,

console those who have been deceived, comfort the incurably ill, strengthen the faith of the anxious.

Let your favor rest upon us, Lord.

Consoler of the sorrowful, comfort the dying,

and lead them to the fountains of living water.

Let your favor rest upon us, Lord.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Gathering our prayer and praises into one, let us offer the prayer Christ himself taught us:

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;

thy kingdom come;

thy will be done on earth

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Grant, we pray, almighty God,

that the newness of the Nativity in the flesh

of your Only Begotten Son may set us free,

for ancient servitude holds us bound

beneath the yoke of sin.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

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

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

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

Compline

Now

Night Prayer

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

Examination of conscience

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

Coptic act of contrition

11th Hour

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

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

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

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

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

12th Hour

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

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

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

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

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

The Prayer of the Veil

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

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

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

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

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

The Absolution

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

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

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

The Thanksgiving Prayer

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

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

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

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

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

INTRODUCTION

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

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

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

Examination of Conscience

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

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

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

HYMN

To you before the close of light,

Creator of all things, we pray:

Be our protector, keep us safe

in your unfailing clemency.

Incline our hearts to dream of you,

to sense your presence as we sleep;

as light returns, so let us sing

your praise and glory evermore.

Grant us the grace of health and strength,

renew our warmth and joy of life;

and let your radiant light dispel

the dreaded darkness of the night.

Almighty Father, grant our prayer

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who reigns with you from age to age,

one with the Spirit, ever blest. Amen.

Psalm 91

Ant. Night holds no terrors for me sleeping under God’s wings.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

and abides in the shade of the Almighty

says to the Lord: “My refuge,

my stronghold, my God in whom I trust!”

It is he who will free you from the snare

of the fowler who seeks to destroy you;

he will conceal you with his pinions

and under his wings you will find refuge.

You will not fear the terror of the night

nor the arrow that flies by day,

nor the plague that prowls in the darkness

nor the scourge that lays waste at noon.

A thousand may fall at your side,

ten thousand fall at your right,

you, it will never approach;

his faithfulness is buckler and shield.

Your eyes have only to look

to see how the wicked are repaid,

you who have said: “Lord, my refuge!”

and have made the Most High your dwelling.

Upon you no evil shall fall,

no plague approach where you dwell.

For you has he commanded his angels,

to keep you in all your ways.

They shall bear you upon their hands

lest you strike your foot against a stone.

On the lion and the viper you will tread

and trample the young lion and the dragon.

Since he clings to me in love, I will free him;

protect him for he knows my name.

When he calls I shall answer: “I am with you,”

I will save him in distress and give him glory.

With length of life I will content him;

I shall let him see my saving power.

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. Night holds no terrors for me sleeping under God’s wings.

Revelation 22:4-5

They shall see the Lord face to face and bear his name on their foreheads. The night shall be no more. They will need no light from lamps or the sun, for the Lord God shall give them light, and they shall reign forever.

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, we beg you to visit this house

and banish from it

all the deadly power of the enemy.

May your holy angels dwell here

to keep us in peace,

and may your blessing be upon us always.

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