Invitatorium: A Liturgy of the Hours Player

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Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church

Saturday · Memorial · 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

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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 105

Ant. Sing praise to the Lord; remember the wonders he has wrought.

Give thanks to the Lord, tell his name,

make known his deeds among the peoples.

O sing to him, sing his praise;

tell all his wonderful works!

Be proud of his holy name,

let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice.

Consider the Lord and his strength;

constantly seek his face.

Remember the wonders he has done,

his miracles, the judgments he spoke.

O children of Abraham, his servant,

O sons of the Jacob he chose.

He, the Lord, is our God:

his judgments prevail in all the earth.

He remembers his covenant for ever,

his promise for a thousand generations,

the covenant he made with Abraham,

the oath he swore to Isaac.

He confirmed it for Jacob as a law,

for Israel as a covenant for ever.

He said: “I am giving you a land,

Canaan, your appointed heritage.”

When they were few in number,

a handful of strangers in the land,

when they wandered from country to country

and from one kingdom and nation to another,

he allowed no one to oppress them;

he admonished kings on their account:

“Do not touch those I have anointed;

do no harm to any of my prophets.”

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 praise to the Lord; remember the wonders he has wrought.

Ant. The Lord did not abandon the good man who was sold into slavery, but freed him from the power of sinners.

But he called down a famine on the land;

he broke the staff that supported them.

He had sent a man before them.

Joseph, sold as a slave.

His feet were put in chains,

his neck was bound with iron,

until what he said came to pass

and the word of the Lord proved him true.

Then the king sent and released him;

the ruler of the peoples set him free,

making him master of his house

and ruler of all he possessed,

to instruct his princes as he pleased

and to teach his elders wisdom.

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 did not abandon the good man who was sold into slavery, but freed him from the power of sinners.

Ant. The Lord was true to his sacred promise; he led his people to freedom and joy.

So Israel came into Egypt,

Jacob lived in the country of Ham.

He gave his people increase;

he made them stronger than their foes

whose hearts he turned to hate his people

and to deal deceitfully with his servants.

Then he sent Moses his servant

and Aaron the man he had chosen.

Through them he showed his marvels

and his wonders in the country of Ham.

He sent darkness, and dark was made

but Egypt resisted his words.

He turned the waters into blood

and caused their fish to die.

Their land was alive with frogs,

even in the halls of their kings.

He spoke; the dog-fly came

and gnats covered the land.

He sent hail-stones in place of the rain

and struck flashing fire in their land.

He struck their vines and fig-trees;

he shattered the trees through their land.

He spoke; the locusts came,

young locusts, too many to be counted.

They ate up every blade in the land;

they ate up all the fruit of their fields.

He struck all the first-born in their land,

the finest flower of their sons.

He led out Israel with silver and gold.

In his tribes were none who fell behind.

Egypt rejoiced when they left

for dread had fallen upon them.

He spread a cloud as a screen

and fire to give light in the darkness.

When they asked for food he sent quails;

he filled them with bread from heaven.

He pierced the rock to give them water;

it gushed forth in the desert like a river.

For he remembered his holy word,

which he gave to Abraham his servant.

So he brought out his people with joy,

his chosen ones with shouts of rejoicing.

And he gave them the land of the nations.

They took the fruit of other men’s toil,

that thus they might keep his precepts,

that thus they might observe his laws.

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 was true to his sacred promise; he led his people to freedom and joy.

Sing to the Lord and bless his name.

Proclaim his saving love day after day.

From the letter of the apostle Paul to the Colossians

No one is free to pass judgment on you in terms of what you eat or drink or what you do on yearly or monthly feasts, or on the sabbath. All these were but a shadow of things to come; the reality is the body of Christ. Let no one rob you of your prize by insisting on servility in the worship of angels. Such a one takes his stand on his own experience; he is inflated with empty pride by his human reflections when he should be in close touch with the head. The whole body, mutually supported and upheld by joints and sinews, achieves a growth from this source which comes from God.

If with Christ you have died to cosmic forces, why should you be bound by rules that say, “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!” as though you were still living a life bounded by this world? Such prescriptions deal with things that perish in their use. They are based on merely human precepts and doctrines. While these make a certain show of wisdom in their affected piety, humility, and bodily austerity, their chief effect is that they indulge men’s pride.

Since you have been raised up in company with Christ, set your heart on what pertains to higher realms where Christ is seated at God’s right hand. Be intent on things above rather than on things of earth. After all, you have died! Your life is hidden now with Christ in God. When Christ our life appears, then you shall appear with him in glory.

Colossians 3:1-2; Luke 12:34

Since you share with Christ his risen life,

set your hearts on the things of heaven where Christ is seated

at the right hand of the Father.

Let your thoughts be on heavenly things and not on the things of earth.

Where your treasure is, there is your heart.

Let your thoughts be on heavenly things and not on the things of earth.

From the book On The Holy Spirit by Saint Basil the Great, bishop

A spiritual man is one who no longer lives by the flesh, but is led by the Spirit of God, one called a Son of God, remade in the likeness of God’s Son. As the power of sight is active in the healthy eye, so the Holy Spirit is active in the purified soul.

We may form a word either as a thought in the heart or as a sound on the lips. So the Holy Spirit, bearing witness to our spirit, cries out in our hearts saying

Abba Father

, or speaks in our place, as Scripture says:

It is not you who speak; it is the Spirit of the Father who speaks in you

In the gifts that he distributes, we can see the Spirit as a whole in relation to its parts. We are all members of one another, but with different gifts according to the grace God gives us. So

the eye cannot say to the hand, I do not need you, nor can the head say to the feet, I have no need of you

. All the members together make up the body of Christ in the unity of the Spirit, and render each other a necessary service through their gifts. God has arranged the various parts of the body according to his own will, but there exists among them all a spiritual fellowship which makes it natural for them to share one another’s feelings and to be concerned for one another.

If one member suffers, all suffer with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together

. Moreover, as parts are present in a single whole, so each of us is in the Spirit since all who make up the one body have been baptized into the one Spirit.

As the Father is seen in the Son, so the Son is seen in the Spirit. To worship in the Spirit, then, is to have our minds open to the light, as we may learn from our Lord’s word to the Samaritan woman. Misled by the tradition of her country, she imagined that it was necessary to worship in a certain place but our Lord gave her a different teaching. He told her that one must worship in Spirit and in Truth, and clearly by the truth he meant himself.

As then we speak of worship in the Son because the Son is the image of God the Father as, so we speak of worship in the Spirit because the Spirit is the manifestation of the divinity of the Lord. Through the light of the Spirit, we behold the Son the splendor of God’s glory, and through the Son, the very stamp of the Father we are led to him who is the source both of his stamp, who is the Son, and of its seal, who is the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 2:12, 10; Ephesains 3:5

It is not the spirit of the world we have received,

but the Spirit of God himself that we may know the gifts of God,

for the Spirit penetrates the depths of everything, even the deep mysteries of God.

What no others have known,

God has now revealed in the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Grant your people, O Lord, we pray,

unshakable strength of faith,

so that all who profess that your Only Begotten Son

is with you for ever in your glory

and was born of the Virgin Mary

in a body truly like our own

may be freed from present trials

and given a place in abiding gladness.

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 119:145-152

Ant. Dawn finds me ready to welcome you, my God.

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

I will keep your commands.

I call upon you, save me

and I will do your will.

I rise before dawn and cry for help,

I hope in your word.

My eyes watch through the night

to ponder your promise.

In your love hear my voice, O Lord;

give me life by your decrees.

Those who harm me unjustly draw near:

they are far from your law.

But you, O Lord, are close:

your commands are truth.

Long have I known that your will

is established for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Dawn finds me ready to welcome you, my God.

Exodus 15:1-4

Ant. The Lord is my strength, and I shall sing his praise, for he has become my Savior.

I will sing to the Lord, for he is gloriously triumphant;

horse and chariot he has cast into the sea.

My strength and my courage is the Lord,

and he has been my savior.

He is my God, I praise him;

the God of my father, I extol him.

The Lord is a warrior,

Lord is his name!

Pharaoh’s chariots and army he hurled into the sea.

At a breath of your anger the waters piled up,

the flowing waters stood like a mound,

the flood waters congealed in the midst of the sea.

The enemy boasted, “I will pursue and overtake them;

I will divide the spoils and have my fill of them;

I will draw my sword; my hand shall despoil them!”

When your wind blew, the sea covered them;

like lead they sank in the mighty waters.

Who is like to you among the gods, O Lord?

Who is like to you, magnificent in holiness?

O terrible in renown, worker of wonders,

when you stretched out your right hand, the earth swallowed them!

In your mercy you led the people you redeemed;

in your strength you guided them to your holy dwelling.

And you brought them in and planted them on the mountain of your inheritance—

the place where you made your seat, O Lord,

the sanctuary, O Lord, which your hands established.

The Lord shall reign forever and 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 is my strength, and I shall sing his praise, for he has become my Savior.

Psalm 117

Ant. O praise the Lord, all you nations.

O praise the Lord, all you nations,

acclaim him, all you peoples!

Strong is his love for us;

he is faithful for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. O praise the Lord, all you nations.

Isaiah 49:8-10

In a time of favor I answer you,

on the day of salvation I help you,

To restore the land

and allot the desolate heritages,

Saying to the prisoners: Come out!

to those in darkness: Show yourselves!

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.

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

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.

INTERCESSIONS

Let us direct our prayers to Christ, the heavenly man and the new Adam, who became a life-giving spirit:

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, Sun of Justice, you revealed your glory in our human nature in order to bring to perfection the old covenant,

we ask you to pour out your light upon us.

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, you were glorified by the angels, announced by the shepherds, confessed and proclaimed by Simeon and Anna,

let your Gospel be accepted by the people of the promise.

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, when you were born, angels sang glory to God in the highest and peace on earth,

we ask you to spread your peace throughout the world.

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, as the new Adam you gave new life to the old man and prepared for us a dwelling place in your kingdom,

may those overwhelmed by evil be encouraged by hope in you.

Lord, have mercy.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Remember us, Lord, when you come to your kingdom and teach us how to pray:

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 your people, O Lord, we pray,

unshakable strength of faith,

so that all who profess that your Only Begotten Son

is with you for ever in your glory

and was born of the Virgin Mary

in a body truly like our own

may be freed from present trials

and given a place in abiding gladness.

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 119:33-40

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

Teach me the demands of your precepts

and I will keep them to the end.

Train me to observe your law,

to keep it with my heart.

Guide me in the path of your commands;

for there is my delight.

Bend my heart to your will

and not to love of gain.

Keep my eyes from what is false:

by your word, give me life.

Keep the promise you have made

to the servant who fears you.

Keep me from the scorn I dread,

for your decrees are good.

See, I long for your precepts:

then in your justice, give me life.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Psalm 34

I will bless the Lord at all times,

his praise always on my lips;

in the Lord my soul shall make its boast.

The humble shall hear and be glad.

Glorify the Lord with me.

Together let us praise his name.

I sought the Lord and he answered me;

from all my terrors he set me free.

Look towards him and be radiant;

let your faces not be abashed.

This poor man called; the Lord heard him

and rescued him from all his distress.

The angel of the Lord is encamped

around those who revere him, to rescue them.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

He is happy who seeks refuge in him.

Revere the Lord, you his saints.

They lack nothing, those who revere him.

Strong lions suffer want and go hungry

but those who seek the Lord lack no blessing.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Come, children, and hear me

that I may teach you the fear of the Lord.

Who is he who longs for life

and many days, to enjoy his prosperity?

Then keep your tongue from evil

and your lips from speaking deceit.

Turn aside from evil and do good;

seek and strive after peace.

The Lord turns his face against the wicked

to destroy their remembrance from the earth.

The Lord turns his eyes to the just

and his ears to their appeal.

They call and the Lord hears

and rescues them in all their distress.

The Lord is close to the broken-hearted;

those whose spirit is crushed he will save.

Many are the trials of the just man

but from them all the Lord will rescue him.

He will keep guard over all his bones,

not one of his bones shall be broken.

Evil brings death to the wicked;

those who hate the good are doomed.

The Lord ransoms the souls of his servants.

Those who hide in him shall not be condemned.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

1 Timothy 1:15

This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Of these I am the foremost.

The Lord has remembered his gracious promise, alleluia.

He has kept faith with his people Israel, alleluia.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Grant your people, O Lord, we pray,

unshakable strength of faith,

so that all who profess that your Only Begotten Son

is with you for ever in your glory

and was born of the Virgin Mary

in a body truly like our own

may be freed from present trials

and given a place in abiding gladness.

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 119:33-40

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

Teach me the demands of your precepts

and I will keep them to the end.

Train me to observe your law,

to keep it with my heart.

Guide me in the path of your commands;

for there is my delight.

Bend my heart to your will

and not to love of gain.

Keep my eyes from what is false:

by your word, give me life.

Keep the promise you have made

to the servant who fears you.

Keep me from the scorn I dread,

for your decrees are good.

See, I long for your precepts:

then in your justice, give me life.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Psalm 34

I will bless the Lord at all times,

his praise always on my lips;

in the Lord my soul shall make its boast.

The humble shall hear and be glad.

Glorify the Lord with me.

Together let us praise his name.

I sought the Lord and he answered me;

from all my terrors he set me free.

Look towards him and be radiant;

let your faces not be abashed.

This poor man called; the Lord heard him

and rescued him from all his distress.

The angel of the Lord is encamped

around those who revere him, to rescue them.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

He is happy who seeks refuge in him.

Revere the Lord, you his saints.

They lack nothing, those who revere him.

Strong lions suffer want and go hungry

but those who seek the Lord lack no blessing.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Come, children, and hear me

that I may teach you the fear of the Lord.

Who is he who longs for life

and many days, to enjoy his prosperity?

Then keep your tongue from evil

and your lips from speaking deceit.

Turn aside from evil and do good;

seek and strive after peace.

The Lord turns his face against the wicked

to destroy their remembrance from the earth.

The Lord turns his eyes to the just

and his ears to their appeal.

They call and the Lord hears

and rescues them in all their distress.

The Lord is close to the broken-hearted;

those whose spirit is crushed he will save.

Many are the trials of the just man

but from them all the Lord will rescue him.

He will keep guard over all his bones,

not one of his bones shall be broken.

Evil brings death to the wicked;

those who hate the good are doomed.

The Lord ransoms the souls of his servants.

Those who hide in him shall not be condemned.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

Revelation 21:22-23

The city had no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gave it light, and its lamp was the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and to it the kings of the earth will bring their treasure.

All the ends of the earth, alleluia.

Have seen the saving power of God, alleluia.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Grant your people, O Lord, we pray,

unshakable strength of faith,

so that all who profess that your Only Begotten Son

is with you for ever in your glory

and was born of the Virgin Mary

in a body truly like our own

may be freed from present trials

and given a place in abiding gladness.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

None

Now

Midafternoon Prayer · 3 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 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 119:33-40

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

Teach me the demands of your precepts

and I will keep them to the end.

Train me to observe your law,

to keep it with my heart.

Guide me in the path of your commands;

for there is my delight.

Bend my heart to your will

and not to love of gain.

Keep my eyes from what is false:

by your word, give me life.

Keep the promise you have made

to the servant who fears you.

Keep me from the scorn I dread,

for your decrees are good.

See, I long for your precepts:

then in your justice, give me life.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Psalm 34

I will bless the Lord at all times,

his praise always on my lips;

in the Lord my soul shall make its boast.

The humble shall hear and be glad.

Glorify the Lord with me.

Together let us praise his name.

I sought the Lord and he answered me;

from all my terrors he set me free.

Look towards him and be radiant;

let your faces not be abashed.

This poor man called; the Lord heard him

and rescued him from all his distress.

The angel of the Lord is encamped

around those who revere him, to rescue them.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

He is happy who seeks refuge in him.

Revere the Lord, you his saints.

They lack nothing, those who revere him.

Strong lions suffer want and go hungry

but those who seek the Lord lack no blessing.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Come, children, and hear me

that I may teach you the fear of the Lord.

Who is he who longs for life

and many days, to enjoy his prosperity?

Then keep your tongue from evil

and your lips from speaking deceit.

Turn aside from evil and do good;

seek and strive after peace.

The Lord turns his face against the wicked

to destroy their remembrance from the earth.

The Lord turns his eyes to the just

and his ears to their appeal.

They call and the Lord hears

and rescues them in all their distress.

The Lord is close to the broken-hearted;

those whose spirit is crushed he will save.

Many are the trials of the just man

but from them all the Lord will rescue him.

He will keep guard over all his bones,

not one of his bones shall be broken.

Evil brings death to the wicked;

those who hate the good are doomed.

The Lord ransoms the souls of his servants.

Those who hide in him shall not be condemned.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

1 John 1:5

Here is the message

we have heard from him

and announce to you:

that God is light

in him there is no darkness.

Mercy and truth have come together, alleluia.

Justice and peace have kissed, alleluia.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Grant your people, O Lord, we pray,

unshakable strength of faith,

so that all who profess that your Only Begotten Son

is with you for ever in your glory

and was born of the Virgin Mary

in a body truly like our own

may be freed from present trials

and given a place in abiding gladness.

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

Why, wicked Herod, should you fear

with hostile dread the Christ who comes?

He gives us heaven, his own realm,

and lays no claim to earthly rule.

The Magi came, led by a star

sent forth by God to show the way.

By light they sought their way to Light;

with incense they confessed him God.

The Lamb of God came forth and touched

the River Jordan’s cleansing stream;

to wash us clean he took away

the sins for which he bore no guilt.

At Cana, power fresh and new

once made the jars of water blush;

by his command new wine was poured,

transformed from water at its source.

To you, Lord Jesus, glory be,

revealed to nations on this day,

with God the Father, ever blest,

and loving Spirit, ever one. Amen.

Psalm 135

Ant. Begotten of the Father before the daystar shone or time began, the Lord our Savior has appeared on earth today.

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. Begotten of the Father before the daystar shone or time began, the Lord our Savior has appeared on earth today.

Ant. Great is the Lord, our God, transcending all other gods.

Lord, your name stands for ever,

unforgotten from age to age,

for the Lord does justice for his people;

the Lord takes pity on his servants.

Pagans idols are silver and gold,

the work of human hands.

They have mouths but they cannot speak;

they have eyes but they cannot see.

They have ears but they cannot hear;

there is never a breath on their lips.

Their makers will come to be like them

and so will all who trust in them!

Sons of Israel, bless the Lord!

Sons of Aaron, bless the Lord!

Sons of Levi, bless the Lord!

You who fear him, bless the Lord!

From Zion may the Lord be blessed,

he who dwells in Jerusalem!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Great is the Lord, our God, transcending all other gods.

See 1 Timothy 3:16

Ant. The star burned like a flame, pointing the way to God, the King of kings; the wise men saw the sign and brought their gifts in homage to their great King.

Praise the Lord, all you nations.

Christ manifested in the flesh,

Christ justified in the Spirit.

Praise the Lord, all you nations.

Christ contemplated by the angels,

Christ proclaimed by the pagans.

Praise the Lord, all you nations.

Christ who is believed in the world,

Christ exalted in glory.

Praise the Lord, all you nations.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

Praise the Lord, all you nations.

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. The star burned like a flame, pointing the way to God, the King of kings; the wise men saw the sign and brought their gifts in homage to their great King.

2 Timothy 1:9-10

God has saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works but according to his own design and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began, but now made manifest through the appearance of our savior Christ Jesus, who destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

RESPONSORY

All peoples will be blessed in him, men and women of every race.

All nations will acclaim his glory,

men and women of every race.

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

All peoples will be blessed in him, men and women of every race.

Canticle of Mary

Ant. Seeing the star, the wise men said: This must signify the birth of some great king. Let us search for him and lay our treasures at his feet: gold, frankincense and myrrh.

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. Seeing the star, the wise men said: This must signify the birth of some great king. Let us search for him and lay our treasures at his feet: gold, frankincense and myrrh.

INTERCESSIONS

Today, our Savior was adored by the Magi. Let us also worship him with joy as we pray:

Save the poor, O Lord.

King of the nations, you called the Magi to adore you as the first representatives of the nations,

give us a willing spirit of adoration and service.

Save the poor, O Lord.

King of glory, you judge your people with justice,

grant mankind an abundant measure of peace.

Save the poor, O Lord.

King of ages, you endure from age to age,

send your word as fresh spring rain falling on our hearts.

Save the poor, O Lord.

King of justice, you desire to free the poor who have no advocate,

be compassionate to the suffering and the afflicted.

Save the poor, O Lord.

Lord, your name is blessed for ages,

show the wonders of your saving power to our deceased brothers and sisters.

Save the poor, O Lord.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Let us conclude our prayers with the Lord’s prayer:

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

O God, who on this day

revealed your Only Begotten Son to the nations

by the guidance of a star,

grant in your mercy

that we, who know you already by faith,

may be brought to behold the beauty of your sublime glory.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

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

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

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

Compline

Now

Night Prayer

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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

O Christ, resplendent as the day,

you clear away the dark of night;

by faith we know you, Light from Light,

proclaiming light to all the blest.

O holy Lord, we humbly pray:

Watch over us throughout this night

and grant us calm and silent hours,

that we may find our rest in you.

And when our eyes are closed in sleep,

still let our hearts keep watch for you;

protect and guard by your right hand

the faithful, filled with love for you.

O strong defender, see our plight,

subdue our foes, who lie in wait;

direct and guide your servants, Lord,

whom you have purchased with your blood.

To you, O Christ, most loving King,

and to the Father, glory be,

one with the Spirit Paraclete,

from age to age for evermore. Amen.

Psalm 4

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

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

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

O men, how long will your hearts be closed,

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

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

the Lord hears me whenever I call him.

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

Make justice your sacrifice, and trust in the Lord.

“What can bring us happiness?” many say.

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

You have put into my heart a greater joy

than they have from abundance of corn and new wine.

I will lie down in peace and sleep comes at once

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

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

Psalm 134

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

O come, bless the Lord,

all you who serve the Lord,

who stand in the house of the Lord,

in the courts of the house of our God.

Lift up your hands to the holy place

and bless the Lord through the night.

May the Lord bless you from Zion,

he who made both heaven and earth.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

Deuteronomy 6:4-7

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

RESPONSORY

Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth.

I commend my spirit.

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

Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

Canticle of Simeon

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

Lord, now you let your servant go in peace;

your word has been fulfilled:

my own eyes have seen the salvation

which you have prepared in the sight of every people:

a light to reveal you to the nations

and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Lord, be with us throughout this night.

When day comes may we rise from sleep

to rejoice in the resurrection of your Christ,

who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

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

MARIAN ANTIPHON

Loving mother of the Redeemer,

gate of heaven, star of the sea,

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

To the wonderment of nature you bore your Creator,

yet remained a virgin after as before.

You who received Gabriel’s joyful greeting,

have pity on us poor sinners.

A lma Redemptóris Mater, quæ pérvia cæli

porta manes, et stella maris, succúrre cadénti,

súrgere qui curat, pópulo: tu quæ genuísti,

natúra miránte, tuum sanctum Genitórem,

Virgo prius ac postérius, Gabriélis ab ore

sumens illud Ave, peccatórum miserére.

Devotional Prayers

The words of the prayers

Prayer Before the Office

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

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

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

Prayer After the Office

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

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

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

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

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

Our Father

Hail Mary