Invitatorium: A Liturgy of the Hours Player

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Christmas Time

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious

Monday · Memorial · Psalter Week 2

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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 has appeared to 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 has appeared to 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

The Magi, when they see the child,

draw forth their gifts from Eastern lands,

and falling down they worship him

with incense, myrrh and royal gold.

Receive and own, O holy Child,

clear tokens of your kingly pow’r,

for which the Father preordained

a threefold nature, type, and plan.

From Saba perfumed frankincense

and gold proclaim you God and King,

and fragrant dust of bitter myrrh

foretells the tomb where you will lie.

You stand alone, O Bethlehem,

more noble than the greatest towns,

for you brought forth in human flesh

the heav’nly leader sent to save.

His Father, by the testament

that prophets witnessed, sealed, and signed,

now bids him to assume his reign,

receiving his inheritance:

A kingdom that extends to all,

embracing earth and sea and sky,

from rising sun to evening star,

from nether world to heav’n above.

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 31:1-17

Ant. Bow down and hear me, Lord; come to my rescue.

In you, O Lord, I take refuge.

Let me never be put to shame.

In your justice, set me free,

hear me and speedily rescue me.

Be a rock of refuge for me,

a mighty stronghold to save me,

for you are my rock, my stronghold.

For your name’s sake, lead me and guide me.

Release me from the snares they have hidden

for you are my refuge, Lord.

Into your hands I commend my spirit.

It is you who will redeem me, Lord.

O God of truth, you detest

those who worship false and empty gods.

As for me, I trust in the Lord:

let me be glad and rejoice in your love.

You have seen my affliction

and taken heed of my soul’s distress,

have not handed me over to the enemy,

but set my feet at large.

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. Bow down and hear me, Lord; come to my rescue.

Ant. Lord, let the light of your countenance shine on your servant.

Have mercy on me, O Lord,

for I am in distress.

Tears have wasted my eyes,

my throat and my heart.

For my life is spent with sorrow

and my years with sighs.

Affliction has broken down my strength

and my bones waste away.

In the face of all my foes

I am a reproach,

an object of scorn to my neighbors

and of fear to my friends.

Those who see me in the street

run far away from me.

I am like a dead man, forgotten,

like a thing thrown away.

I have heard the slander of the crowd,

fear is all around me,

as they plot together against me,

as they plan to take my life.

But as for me, I trust in you, Lord,

I say: “You are my God.

My life is in your hands, deliver me

from the hands of those who hate me.

Let your face shine on your servant.

Save me in your love.”

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Lord, let the light of your countenance shine on your servant.

Ant. Blessed be the Lord, for he has poured out his mercy upon me.

How great is the goodness, Lord,

that you keep for those who fear you,

that you show to those who trust you

in the sight of men.

You hide them in the shelter of your presence

from the plotting of men:

you keep them safe within your tent

from disputing tongues.

Blessed be the Lord who has shown me

the wonders of his love

in a fortified city.

“I am far removed from your sight,”

I said in my alarm.

Yet you heard the voice of my plea

when I cried for help.

Love the Lord, all you saints.

He guards his faithful

but the Lord will repay to the full

those who act with pride.

Be strong, let your heart take courage,

all who hope in the Lord.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Blessed be the Lord, for he has poured out his mercy upon me.

The heavens proclaim the justice of God.

All nations shall see his glory.

From the book of the prophet Isaiah

The spirit of the Lord God is upon me,

because the Lord has anointed me;

He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly,

to heal the brokenhearted,

To proclaim liberty to the captives

and release to the prisoners,

To announce a year of favor from the Lord

and a day of vindication by our God,

to comfort all who mourn;

To place on those who mourn in Zion

a diadem instead of ashes,

To give them oil of gladness

in place of mourning,

a glorious mantle instead of a listless spirit.

They will be called oaks of justice,

planted by the Lord to show his glory.

They shall rebuild the ancient ruins,

the former wastes they shall raise up

And restore the ruined cities,

desolate now for generations.

Strangers shall stand ready to pasture your flocks,

foreigners shall be your farmers and vinedressers.

You yourselves shall be named priests of the Lord,

ministers of our God you shall be called.

You shall eat the wealth of the nations

and boast of riches from them.

Since their shame was double

and disgrace and spittle were their portion,

They shall have a double inheritance in their land,

everlasting joy shall be theirs.

For I, the Lord, love what is right,

I hate robbery and injustice;

I will give them their recompense faithfully,

a lasting covenant I will make with them.

Their descendants shall be renowned among the nations,

and their offspring among the peoples;

All who see them shall acknowledge them

as a race the Lord has blessed.

I rejoice heartily in the Lord,

in my God is the joy of my soul;

For he has clothed me with a robe of salvation,

and wrapped me in a mantle of justice,

Like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem,

like a bride bedecked with her jewels.

As the earth brings forth its plants,

and a garden makes its growth spring up,

So will the Lord God make justice and praise

spring up before all the nations.

Isaiah 61:1; John 8:42

The Spirit of God rests upon me,

for the Lord has anointed me;

and he has sent me to bring good news to the poor,

to heal the broken-hearted,

to proclaim that captivity is now ended and prisoners set free.

I have come forth from God and have come into the world.

I did not come of myself; the Father has sent me.

to heal the broken-hearted,

to proclaim that captivity is now ended and prisoners set free.

From a sermon by Saint Peter Chrysologus, bishop

In the mystery of our Lord’s incarnation there were clear indications of his eternal Godhead. Yet the great events we celebrate today disclose and reveal in different ways the fact that God himself took a human body. Mortal man, enshrouded always in darkness, must not be left in ignorance, and so be deprived of what he can understand and retain only by grace.

In choosing to be born for us, God chose to be known by us. He therefore reveals himself in this way, in order that this great sacrament of his love may not be an occasion for us of great misunderstanding.

Today the Magi find, crying in a manger, the one they have followed as he shone in the sky. Today the Magi see clearly, in swaddling clothes, the one they have long awaited as he lay hidden among the stars.

Today the Magi gaze in deep wonder at what they see: heaven on earth, earth in heaven, man in God, God in man, one whom the whole universe cannot contain now enclosed in a tiny body. As they look, they believe and do not question, as their symbolic gifts bear witness: incense for God, gold for a king, myrrh for one who is to die.

So the Gentiles, who were the last, become the first: the faith of the Magi is the first fruits of the belief of the Gentiles.

Today Christ enters the Jordan to wash away the sin of the world. John himself testifies that this is why he has come:

Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world

. Today a servant lays his hand on the Lord, a man lays his hand on God, John lays his hand on Christ, not to forgive but to receive forgiveness.

Today, as the psalmist prophesied:

The voice of the Lord is heard above the waters

. What does the voice say?

This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased

Today the Holy Spirit hovers over the waters in the likeness of a dove. A dove announced to Noah that the flood had disappeared from the earth; so now a dove is to reveal that the world’s shipwreck is at an end for ever. The sign is no longer an olive-shoot of the old stock: instead, the Spirit pours out on Christ’s head the full richness of a new anointing by the Father, to fulfil what the psalmist had prophesied:

Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows

Today Christ works the first of his signs from heaven by turning water into wine. But water has still to be changed into the sacrament of his blood, so that Christ may offer spiritual drink from the chalice of his body, to fulfil the psalmist’s prophecy:

How excellent is my chalice, warming my spirit

Responsory

The wise men offered three precious gifts to the Lord on that day,

and each of these gifts has divinee significance:

gold signifies the power of a king;

frankincense, the office of high priest;

and myrrh, the Lord’s burial.

The wise men came to the stable to worship the author of our salvation,

and from their treasures they offered these symbolic gifts.

gold signifies the power of a king;

frankincense, the office of high priest;

and myrrh, the Lord’s burial.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

O God, whose eternal Word adorns the face of the heavens

yet accepted from the Virgin Mary the frailty of our flesh,

grant, we pray, that he who appeared among us as the splendor of truth

may go forth in the fullness of power

for the redemption of the world.

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

All you who long to see the Christ,

lift up your eyes to heaven’s height,

for there you will behold the sign

of his eternal majesty.

This star in light and beauty bright

outshines the circle of the sun.

It brings glad tidings to the earth,

that God in mortal flesh has come.

Lo, Persian Magi from the East,

the gateway of the rising sun,

discern with wise and learned skill

the royal standard of the King.

“This great one, who is he?,” they ask.

“The sov’reign ruler of the stars;

celestial hosts before him quake,

the light and skies obey his will.

“Some noble wonder we behold

that knows no limit, end, or death,

sublime, exalted, boundless One,

more ancient than the heights and depths.

“The King of nations, this is he,

and sov’reign King of Israel,

pledged to their father Abraham

and his descendants evermore.”

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 42

Ant. When will I come to the end of my pilgrimage and enter the presence of God?

Like the deer that yearns

for running streams,

so my soul is yearning

for you, my God.

My soul is thirsting for God,

the God of my life;

when can I enter and see

the face of God?

My tears have become my bread,

by night, by day,

as I hear it said all the day long:

“Where is your God?”

These things will I remember

as I pour out my soul:

how I would lead the rejoicing crowd

into the house of God,

amid cries of gladness and thanksgiving,

the throng wild with joy.

Why are you cast down, my soul,

why groan within me?

Hope in God; I will praise him still,

my savior and my God.

My soul is cast down within me

as I think of you,

from the country of Jordan and Mount Hermon,

from the Hill of Mizar.

Deep is calling on deep,

in the roar of waters:

your torrents and all your waves

swept over me.

By day the Lord will send

his loving kindness;

by night I will sing to him,

praise the God of my life.

I will say to God, my rock:

“Why have you forgotten me?”

Why do I go mourning,

oppressed by the foe?”

With cries that pierce me to the heart,

my enemies revile me,

saying to me all the day long:

“Where is your God?”

Why are you cast down, my soul,

why groan within me?

Hope in God; I will praise him still,

my savior and my God.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. When will I come to the end of my pilgrimage and enter the presence of God?

Sirach 36:1-5

Ant. Lord, show us the radiance of your mercy.

Come to our aid, O God of the universe,

and put all the nations in dread of you!

Raise your hand against the heathen,

that they may realize your power.

As you have used us to show them your holiness,

so now use them to show us your glory.

Thus they will know, as we know,

that there is no God but you.

Give new signs and work new wonders;

show forth the splendor of your right hand and arm.

Gather all the tribes of Jacob,

that they may inherit the land as of old.

Show mercy to the people called by your name;

Israel, whom you named your first-born.

Take pity on your holy city,

Jerusalem, your dwelling place.

Fill Zion with your majesty,

your temple with 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. Lord, show us the radiance of your mercy.

Psalm 19

Ant. The vaults of heaven ring with your praise, O Lord.

The heavens proclaim the glory of God

and the firmament shows forth the work of his hands.

Day unto day takes up the story

and night unto night makes known the message.

No speech, no word, no voice is heard

yet their span extends through all the earth,

their words to the utmost bounds of the world.

There he has placed a tent for the sun;

it comes forth like a bridegroom coming from his tent,

rejoices like a champion to run its course.

At the end of the sky is the rising of the sun;

to the furthest end of the sky is its course.

There is nothing concealed from its burning heat.

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 vaults of heaven ring with your praise, O Lord.

Isaiah 9:5

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

All the kings of the earth will bow down in worship.

Men and women of every nation will serve him.

They will bow down in worship.

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

All the kings of the earth will bow down in worship.

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

All the ends of the earth have seen Jesus Christ, the saving power of God. Let us praise him and cry out in joy:

Glory be to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Redeemer of all, you came to tear down the walls separating Jew from Gentile,

root out the prejudices which erode the depths of our humanity.

Glory be to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Through your incarnation and your birth you established your presence among us,

teach us to recognize the many forms of your presence in the Church and in one another.

Glory be to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

You are the fullest revelation of God to men and women,

show us how we can assent to your word with integrity of faith and action.

Glory be to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

You are God-with-us, wondrously transforming all creation,

let every heart, every voice, every deed throughout the universe now be transformed.

Glory be to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

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

O God, whose eternal Word adorns the face of the heavens

yet accepted from the Virgin Mary the frailty of our flesh,

grant, we pray, that he who appeared among us as the splendor of truth

may go forth in the fullness of power

for the redemption of the world.

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 119:41-48

Ant. This mystery, which has been hidden through all ages and from all generations, is revealed to us today.

Lord, let your love come upon me,

the saving help of your promise.

And I shall answer those who taunt me

for I trust in your word.

Do not take the word of truth from my mouth

for I trust in your decrees.

I shall always keep your law

for ever and ever.

I shall walk in the path of freedom

for I seek your precepts.

I will speak of your will before kings

and not be abashed.

Your commands have been my delight;

these I have loved.

I will worship your commands and love them

and ponder your will.

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 40:2-14

I waited, I waited for the Lord

and he stooped down to me;

he heard my cry.

He drew me from the deadly pit,

from the miry clay.

He set my feet upon a rock

and made my footsteps firm.

He put a new song into my mouth,

praise of our God.

Many shall see and fear

and shall trust in the Lord.

Happy the man who has placed

his trust in the Lord

and has not gone over to the rebels

who follow false gods.

How many, O Lord my God,

are the wonders and designs

that you have worked for us;

you have no equal.

Should I proclaim and speak of them,

they are more than I can tell!

You do not ask for sacrifice and offerings,

but an open ear.

You do not ask for holocaust and victim.

Instead, here am I.

In the scroll of the book it stands written

that I should do your will.

My God, I delight in your law

in the depth of my heart.

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.

Your justice I have proclaimed

in the great assembly.

My lips I have not sealed;

you know it, O Lord.

I have not hidden your justice in my heart

but declared your faithful help.

I have not hidden your love and your truth

from the great assembly.

O Lord, you will not withhold

your compassion from me.

Your merciful love and your truth

will always guard me.

For I am beset with evils

too many to be counted.

My sins have fallen upon me

and my sight fails me.

They are more than the hairs of my head

and my heart sinks.

O Lord, come to my rescue.

Lord, come to my aid.

O let there be rejoicing and gladness

for all who seek you.

Let them ever say: “The Lord is great,”

who love your saving help.

As for me, wretched and poor,

the Lord thinks of me.

You are my rescuer, my help,

O God, do not delay.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. This mystery, which has been hidden through all ages and from all generations, is revealed to us today.

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?.

He was seen on the earth.

He was a man among men.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

O God, whose eternal Word adorns the face of the heavens

yet accepted from the Virgin Mary the frailty of our flesh,

grant, we pray,

that he who appeared among us as the splendor of truth

may go forth in the fullness of power

for the redemption of the world.

Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

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 119:41-48

Ant. Christ Jesus has come, bringing the joyful news: peace to those who were far off; peace to those who are near.

Lord, let your love come upon me,

the saving help of your promise.

And I shall answer those who taunt me

for I trust in your word.

Do not take the word of truth from my mouth

for I trust in your decrees.

I shall always keep your law

for ever and ever.

I shall walk in the path of freedom

for I seek your precepts.

I will speak of your will before kings

and not be abashed.

Your commands have been my delight;

these I have loved.

I will worship your commands and love them

and ponder your will.

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 40:2-14

I waited, I waited for the Lord

and he stooped down to me;

he heard my cry.

He drew me from the deadly pit,

from the miry clay.

He set my feet upon a rock

and made my footsteps firm.

He put a new song into my mouth,

praise of our God.

Many shall see and fear

and shall trust in the Lord.

Happy the man who has placed

his trust in the Lord

and has not gone over to the rebels

who follow false gods.

How many, O Lord my God,

are the wonders and designs

that you have worked for us;

you have no equal.

Should I proclaim and speak of them,

they are more than I can tell!

You do not ask for sacrifice and offerings,

but an open ear.

You do not ask for holocaust and victim.

Instead, here am I.

In the scroll of the book it stands written

that I should do your will.

My God, I delight in your law

in the depth of my heart.

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.

Your justice I have proclaimed

in the great assembly.

My lips I have not sealed;

you know it, O Lord.

I have not hidden your justice in my heart

but declared your faithful help.

I have not hidden your love and your truth

from the great assembly.

O Lord, you will not withhold

your compassion from me.

Your merciful love and your truth

will always guard me.

For I am beset with evils

too many to be counted.

My sins have fallen upon me

and my sight fails me.

They are more than the hairs of my head

and my heart sinks.

O Lord, come to my rescue.

Lord, come to my aid.

O let there be rejoicing and gladness

for all who seek you.

Let them ever say: “The Lord is great,”

who love your saving help.

As for me, wretched and poor,

the Lord thinks of me.

You are my rescuer, my help,

O God, do not delay.

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 Jesus has come, bringing the joyful news: peace to those who were far off; peace to those who are near.

Isaiah 12:5-6

Sing praise to the Lord

for his glorious achievement;

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 nations will see the glory of your holy One.

All the kings of the earth will acknowledge your majesty.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

O God, whose eternal Word adorns the face of the heavens

yet accepted from the Virgin Mary the frailty of our flesh,

grant, we pray,

that he who appeared among us as the splendor of truth

may go forth in the fullness of power

for the redemption of the world.

Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

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 119:41-48

Ant. I have raised you up as a light for all the nations; through you my salvation will be proclaimed to the ends of the earth.

Lord, let your love come upon me,

the saving help of your promise.

And I shall answer those who taunt me

for I trust in your word.

Do not take the word of truth from my mouth

for I trust in your decrees.

I shall always keep your law

for ever and ever.

I shall walk in the path of freedom

for I seek your precepts.

I will speak of your will before kings

and not be abashed.

Your commands have been my delight;

these I have loved.

I will worship your commands and love them

and ponder your will.

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 40:2-14

I waited, I waited for the Lord

and he stooped down to me;

he heard my cry.

He drew me from the deadly pit,

from the miry clay.

He set my feet upon a rock

and made my footsteps firm.

He put a new song into my mouth,

praise of our God.

Many shall see and fear

and shall trust in the Lord.

Happy the man who has placed

his trust in the Lord

and has not gone over to the rebels

who follow false gods.

How many, O Lord my God,

are the wonders and designs

that you have worked for us;

you have no equal.

Should I proclaim and speak of them,

they are more than I can tell!

You do not ask for sacrifice and offerings,

but an open ear.

You do not ask for holocaust and victim.

Instead, here am I.

In the scroll of the book it stands written

that I should do your will.

My God, I delight in your law

in the depth of my heart.

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.

Your justice I have proclaimed

in the great assembly.

My lips I have not sealed;

you know it, O Lord.

I have not hidden your justice in my heart

but declared your faithful help.

I have not hidden your love and your truth

from the great assembly.

O Lord, you will not withhold

your compassion from me.

Your merciful love and your truth

will always guard me.

For I am beset with evils

too many to be counted.

My sins have fallen upon me

and my sight fails me.

They are more than the hairs of my head

and my heart sinks.

O Lord, come to my rescue.

Lord, come to my aid.

O let there be rejoicing and gladness

for all who seek you.

Let them ever say: “The Lord is great,”

who love your saving help.

As for me, wretched and poor,

the Lord thinks of me.

You are my rescuer, my help,

O God, do not delay.

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. I have raised you up as a light for all the nations; through you my salvation will be proclaimed to the ends of the earth.

Tobit 14:6-7

All the nations of the world shall be converted and shall offer God true worship; all shall abandon their idols which have deceitfully led them into error, and shall bless the God of the ages in righteousness.

All you peoples, praise our God.

Sing to the glory of his name.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

O God, whose eternal Word adorns the face of the heavens

yet accepted from the Virgin Mary the frailty of our flesh,

grant, we pray,

that he who appeared among us as the splendor of truth

may go forth in the fullness of power

for the redemption of the world.

Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

Vespers

Now

Evening Prayer

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

INTRODUCTION

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

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

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

HYMN

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 45

Ant. Yours is more than mortal beauty; every word you speak is full of grace.

My heart overflows with noble words.

To the king I must speak the song I have made;

my tongue as nimble as the pen of a scribe.

You are the fairest of the children of men

and graciousness is poured upon your lips:

because God has blessed you for evermore.

O mighty one, gird your sword upon your thigh;

in splendor and state, ride on in triumph

for the cause of truth and goodness and right.

Take aim with your bow in your dread right hand.

Your arrows are sharp: peoples fall beneath you.

The foes of the king fall down and lose heart.

Your throne, O God, shall endure for ever.

A scepter of justice is the scepter of your kingdom.

Your love is for justice; your hatred for evil.

Therefore God, your God, has anointed you

with the oil of gladness above other kings:

your robes are fragrant with aloes and myrrh.

From the ivory palace you are greeted with music.

The daughters of kings are among your loved ones.

On your right stands the queen in gold of Ophir.

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. Yours is more than mortal beauty; every word you speak is full of grace.

Ant. The Bridegroom is here; go out and welcome him.

Listen, O daughter, give ear to my words:

forget your own people and your father’s house.

So will the king desire your beauty:

he is your lord, pay homage to him.

And the people of Tyre shall come with gifts,

the richest of the people shall seek your favor.

The daughter of the king is clothed with splendor,

her robes embroidered with pearls set in gold.

She is led to the king with her maiden companions.

They are escorted amid gladness and joy;

they pass within the palace of the king.

Sons shall be yours in place of your fathers:

you will make them princes over all the earth.

May this song make your name for ever remembered.

May the peoples praise you from age to age.

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 Bridegroom is here; go out and welcome him.

Ephesians 1:3-10

Ant. God planned in the fullness of time to restore all things in Christ.

Praised be the God and Father

of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who has bestowed on us in Christ

every spiritual blessing in the heavens.

God chose us in him

before the world began

to be holy and blameless in his sight.

He predestined us

to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ,

such was his will and pleasure,

that all might praise the glorious favor

he has bestowed on us in his beloved.

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

and our sins forgiven,

so immeasurably generous

is God’s favor to us.

God has given us the wisdom

to understand fully the mystery,

the plan he was pleased

to decree in Christ.

A plan to be carried out

in Christ, in the fullness of time,

to bring all things into one in him,

in the heavens and on earth.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. God planned in the fullness of time to restore all things in Christ.

2 Peter 1:3-4

The divine power of Christ has bestowed on us everything that makes for life and devotion, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and power. Through these, he has bestowed on us the precious and very great promises, so that through them you may come to share in the divine nature, after escaping from the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire.

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

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

my spirit rejoices in God my Savior

for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed:

the Almighty has done great things for me,

and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him

in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm,

he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,

and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel

for he has remembered his promise of mercy,

the promise he made to our fathers,

to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

INTERCESSIONS

Blessed be Jesus Christ, the Lord, who has come to bring light to those sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death. With deep faith we beg him:

Christ, Rising Sun, give us your light.

Lord Jesus, at your coming you brought to birth your body, the Church,

let her be rooted in love and gifted with growth.

Christ, Rising Sun, give us your light.

You hold heaven and earth in your hands,

let all peoples and their leaders recognize your royal power.

Christ, Rising Sun, give us your light.

Through your incarnation you became eternal high priest,

let all priests be genuine ministers of your saving work.

Christ, Rising Sun, give us your light.

In the womb of the Virgin Mary, you brought about a mystical union of divinity and humanity,

bless the virgins consecrated to you, their heavenly Spouse.

Christ, Rising Sun, give us your light.

You did not create the power of death but you destroyed it by becoming man,

graciously transform the mortality of our deceased brothers and sisters into eternal life.

Christ, Rising Sun, give us your light.

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

O God, whose eternal Word adorns the face of the heavens

yet accepted from the Virgin Mary the frailty of our flesh,

grant, we pray, that he who appeared among us as the splendor of truth

may go forth in the fullness of power

for the redemption of the world.

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 86

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

Turn your ear, O Lord, and give answer

for I am poor and needy.

Preserve my life, for I am faithful:

save the servant who trusts in you.

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

for I cry to you all day long.

Give joy to your servant, O Lord,

for to you I lift up my soul.

O Lord, you are good and forgiving,

full of love to all who call.

Give heed, O Lord, to my prayer

and attend to the sound of my voice.

In the day of distress I will call

and surely you will reply.

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

nor work to compare with yours.

All the nations shall come to adore you

and glorify your name, O Lord:

for you are great and do marvelous deeds,

you who alone are God.

Show me, Lord, your way

so that I may walk in your truth.

Guide my heart to fear your name.

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

and glorify your name for ever;

for your love to me has been great:

you have saved me from the depths of the grave.

The proud have risen against me;

ruthless men seek my life:

to you they pay no heed.

But you, God of mercy and compassion,

slow to anger, O Lord,

abounding in love and truth,

turn and take pity on me.

O give your strength to your servant

and save your handmaid’s son.

Show me the sign of your favor

that my foes may see to their shame

that you console me and give me your help.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

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

RESPONSORY

Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth.

I commend my spirit.

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

Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

Canticle of Simeon

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

Lord, now you let your servant go in peace;

your word has been fulfilled:

my own eyes have seen the salvation

which you have prepared in the sight of every people:

a light to reveal you to the nations

and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

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

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Lord, give our bodies restful sleep

and let the work we have done today

bear fruit in eternal life.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

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

MARIAN ANTIPHON

Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy,

our life, our sweetness, and our hope.

To you do we cry,

poor banished children of Eve.

To you do we send up our sighs

mourning and weeping in this vale of tears.

Turn then, most gracious advocate,

your eyes of mercy toward us,

and after this exile

show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.

O clement, O loving,

O sweet Virgin Mary.

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