Invitatorium: A Liturgy of the Hours Player

White

Christmas Time

Wednesday after the Epiphany of the Lord

Wednesday · Weekday · Psalter Week 2

The audio isn’t available for this day right now. The full text of each hour is below, and you can select it to have your phone read it aloud.

The Hours

Invitatorium

Now

Invitatory

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

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

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

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

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

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

HYMN

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 39

Ant. We groan in pain as we await the redemption of our bodies.

I said: “I will be watchful of my ways

for fear I should sin with my tongue.

I will put a curb on my lips

when the wicked man stands before me.”

I was dumb, silent and still.

His prosperity stirred my grief.

My heart was burning within me.

At the thought of it, the fire blazed up

and my tongue burst into speech:

“O Lord, you have shown me my end,

how short is the length of my days.

Now I know how fleeting is my life.

You have given me a short span of days;

my life is as nothing in your sight.

A mere breath, the man who stood so firm,

a mere shadow, the man passing by,

a mere breath the riches he hoards,

not knowing who will have them.”

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. We groan in pain as we await the redemption of our bodies.

Ant. Hear and answer my prayer, O Lord; let me not weep in vain.

And now, Lord, what is there to wait for?

In you rests all my hope.

Set me free from all my sins,

do not make me the taunt of the fool.

I was silent, not opening my lips,

because this was all your doing.

Take away your scourge from me.

I am crushed by the blows of your hand.

You punish man’s sins and correct him;

like the moth you devour all he treasures.

Mortal man is no more than a breath;

O Lord, hear my prayer.

O Lord, turn your ear to my cry.

Do not be deaf to my tears.

In your house I am a passing guest,

a pilgrim, like all my fathers.

Look away that I may breathe again

before I depart to be no more.

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. Hear and answer my prayer, O Lord; let me not weep in vain.

Psalm 52

Ant. I have put all my trust in God’s never-failing mercy.

Why do you boast of your wickedness,

you champion of evil,

planning ruin all day long,

your tongue like a sharpened razor,

you master of deceit?

You love evil more than good;

lies more than truth.

You love the destructive word,

you tongue of deceit.

For this God will destroy you

and remove you for ever.

He will snatch you from your tent and uproot you

from the land of the living.

The just shall see and fear.

They shall laugh and say:

“So this is the man who refused

to take God as his stronghold,

but trusted in the greatness of his wealth

and grew powerful by his crimes.”

But I am like a growing olive tree

in the house of God.

I trust in the goodness of God

for ever and ever.

I will thank you for evermore;

for this is your doing.

I will proclaim that your name is good,

in the presence of your friends.

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 put all my trust in God’s never-failing mercy.

The Lord will teach us his ways.

And we will follow in his footsteps.

From the book of the prophet Isaiah

The favors of the Lord I will recall,

the glorious deeds of the Lord,

Because of all he has done for us;

for he is good to the house of Israel,

He has favored us according to his mercy

and his great kindness.

He said: They are indeed my people,

children who are not disloyal;

So he became their savior

in their every affliction.

It was not a messenger or an angel,

but he himself who saved them.

Because of his love and pity

he redeemed them himself,

Lifting them and carrying them

all the days of old.

But they rebelled, and grieved

his holy spirit;

So he turned on them like an enemy,

and fought against them.

Then they remembered the days of old

and Moses, his servant;

Where is he who brought up out of the sea

the shepherd of his flock?

Where is he who put his holy spirit

in their midst;

Whose glorious arm

was the guide at Moses’ right;

Who divided the waters before them,

winning for himself eternal renown;

Who led them without stumbling through the depths

like horses in the open country,

Like cattle going down into the plain,

the spirit of the Lord guiding them?

Thus you led your people,

bringing glory to your name.

Look down from heaven and regard us

from your holy and glorious palace!

Where is your zealous care and your might,

your surge of pity and your mercy?

O Lord, hold not back,

for you are our father.

Were Abraham not to know us,

nor Israel to acknowledge us,

You, Lord, are our father,

our redeemer you are named forever.

Why do you let us wander, O Lord, from your ways,

and harden our hearts so that we fear you not?

Return for the sake of your servants,

the tribes of your heritage.

Why have the wicked invaded your holy place,

why have our enemies trampled your sanctuary?

Too long have we been like those you do not rule,

who do not bear your name.

Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down,

with the mountains quaking before you!

Isaiah 63:19; 59:11

Lord, we are like those over whom you do not rule,

like those who do not bear your name.

O, that you would rend the heavens and come down!

We have yearned for justice and there is none;

for salvation and it is kept far off from us.

O, that you would rend the heavens and come down!

From a sermon by Saint Proclus of Constantinople, bishop

Christ appeared in the world, and, bringing beauty out of disarray, gave it luster and joy. He bore the world’s sins and crushed the world’s enemy. He sanctified the fountains of waters and enlightened the minds of men. Into the fabric of miracles he interwove ever greater miracles.

For on this day land and sea share between them the grace of the Savior, and the whole world is filled with joy. Today’s feast of the Epiphany manifests even more wonders than the feast of Christmas.

On the feast of the Savior’s birth, the earth rejoiced because it bore the Lord in a manger; but on today’s feast of the Epiphany it is the sea that is glad and leaps for joy; the sea is glad because it receives the blessing of holiness in the river Jordan.

At Christmas we saw a weak baby, giving proof of our weakness. In today’s feast, we see a perfect man, hinting at the perfect Son who proceeds from the all-perfect Father. At Christmas the King puts on the royal robe of his body; at Epiphany the very source enfolds and, as it were, clothes the river.

Come then and see new and astounding miracles: the Sun of righteousness washing in the Jordan, fire immersed in water, God sanctified by the ministry of man.

Today every creature shouts in resounding song:

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Blessed is he who comes in every age, for this is not his first coming.

And who is he? Tell us more clearly, I beg you, blessed David:

The Lord is God and has shone upon us.

David is not alone in prophesying this; the apostle Paul adds his own witness, saying:

The grace of God has appeared bringing salvation for all men, and instructing us.

Not for some men, but

for all.

To Jews and Greeks alike God bestows salvation through baptism, offering baptism as a common grace for all.

Come, consider this new and wonderful deluge, greater and more important than the flood of Noah’s day. Then the water of the flood destroyed the human race, but now the water of Baptism has recalled the dead to life by the power of the one who baptized. In the days of the flood the dove with an olive branch in its beak foreshadowed the fragrance of the good odor of Christ the Lord; now the Holy Spirit, coming in the likeness of a dove reveals the Lord of mercy.

Responsory

Today, Jesus, Light from Light, whom John baptized in the Jordan, has appeared to us:

we believe that he was born of the Virgin Mary.

The heavens opened above him,

and the voice was heard.

We believe that he was born of the Virgin Mary.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

O God, who bestow light on all the nations,

grant your peoples the gladness of lasting peace

and pour into our hearts that brilliant light

by which you purified the minds of our fathers in faith.

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

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

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

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

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

HYMN

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 77

Ant. O God, all your ways are holy; what god can compare with our God?

I cry aloud to God,

cry aloud to God that he may hear me.

In the day of my distress I sought the Lord.

My hands were raised at night without ceasing;

my soul refused to be consoled.

I remembered my God and I groaned.

I pondered and my spirit fainted.

You withheld sleep from my eyes.

I was troubled, I could not speak.

I thought of the days of long ago

and remembered the years long past.

At night I mused within my heart.

I pondered and my spirit questioned.

“Will the Lord reject us for ever?

Will he show us his favor no more?

Has his love vanished for ever?

Has his promise come to an end?

Does God forget his mercy

or in anger withhold his compassion?”

I said: “This is what causes my grief;

that the way of the Most High has changed.”

I remember the deeds of the Lord,

I remember your wonders of old,

I muse on all your works

and ponder your mighty deeds.

Your ways, O God, are holy.

What god is as great as our God?

You are the God who works wonders.

You showed your power among the peoples.

Your strong arm redeemed your people,

the sons of Jacob and Joseph.

The waters saw you, O God,

the waters saw you and trembled;

the depths were moved with terror.

The clouds poured down rain,

the skies sent forth their voice;

your arrows flashed to and fro.

Your thunder rolled round the sky,

your flashes lighted up the world.

The earth was moved and trembled

when your way led through the sea,

your path through the mighty waters

and no one saw your footprints.

You guided your people like a flock

by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

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 God, all your ways are holy; what god can compare with our God?

1 Samuel 2:1-10

Ant. My heart leaps up with joy to the Lord, for he humbles only to exalt us.

My heart exults in the Lord,

my horn is exalted in my God.

I have swallowed up my enemies;

I rejoice in my victory.

There is no Holy One like the Lord;

there is no Rock like our God.

Speak boastfully no longer,

nor let arrogance issue from your mouths.

For an all-knowing God is the Lord,

a God who judges deeds.

The bows of the mighty are broken,

while the tottering gird on strength.

The well-fed hire themselves out for bread,

while the hungry batten on spoil.

The barren wife bears seven sons,

while the mother of many languishes.

The Lord puts to death and gives life;

he casts down to the nether world;

he raises up again.

The Lord makes poor and makes rich,

he humbles, he also exalts.

He raises the needy from the dust;

from the ash heap he lifts up the poor,

to seat them with nobles

and make a glorious throne their heritage.

For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s.

and he has set the world upon them.

He will guard the footsteps of his faithful ones,

but the wicked shall perish in the darkness.

For not by strength does man prevail;

the Lord’s foes shall be shattered.

The Most High in heaven thunders;

the Lord judges the ends of the earth.

Now may he give strength to his king

and exalt the horn of his anointed!

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 heart leaps up with joy to the Lord, for he humbles only to exalt us.

Psalm 97

Ant. The Lord is king, let the earth rejoice.

The Lord is king, let earth rejoice,

let all the coastlands be glad.

Cloud and darkness are his raiment;

his throne, justice and right.

A fire prepares his path;

it burns up his foes on every side.

His lightnings light up the world,

the earth trembles at the sight.

The mountains melt like wax

before the Lord of all the earth.

The skies proclaim his justice;

all peoples see his glory.

Let those who serve idols be ashamed,

those who boast of their worthless gods.

All you spirits, worship him.

Zion hears and is glad;

the people of Judah rejoice

because of your judgments, O Lord.

For you indeed are the Lord

most high above all the earth,

exalted far above all spirits.

The Lord loves those who hate evil;

he guards the souls of his saints;

he sets them free from the wicked.

Light shines forth for the just

and joy for the upright of heart.

Rejoice, you just, in the Lord;

give glory to his holy name.

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 king, let the earth rejoice.

Isaiah 49:8-9

In a time of favor I answer you,

on the day of salvation I help you,

To restore the land

and allot the desolate heritage,

Saying to the prisoners: Come out!

to those in darkness: Show yoursleves!

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

Ant. We have seen his star in the East and have come with gifts to worship the Lord.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;

he has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior,

born of the house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old

that he would save us from our enemies,

from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers

and to remember his holy covenant.

This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:

to set us free from the hands of our enemies,

free to worship him without fear,

holy and righteous in his sight

all the days of our life.

You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;

for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,

to give his people knowledge of salvation

by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God

the dawn from on high shall break upon us,

to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,

and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. We have seen his star in the East and have come with gifts to worship the Lord.

INTERCESSIONS

In the fullness of time, the eternal Word was begotten of the Father. He is the child who is born for us, the son who is given to us. To him we lift our voices in joy:

Praise be to you, Lord.

Son of the living God, you existed before the world was made and you came on earth to save all,

enable us to be witnesses to your Gospel.

Praise be to you, Lord.

Sun of Justice, whose brightness shone forth from the bosom of the Father and flooded the entire world,

be light for all who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

Praise be to you, Lord.

You became a little child and lay in a manger,

renew in us the simplicity of little children.

Praise be to you, Lord.

For our sake you became the living bread of eternal life,

fill us with joy through the sacrament of your altar.

Praise be to you, Lord.

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, who bestow light on all the nations,

grant your peoples the gladness of lasting peace

and pour into our hearts that brilliant light

by which you purified the minds of our fathers in faith.

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

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

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 119:57-64

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

My part, I have resolved, O Lord,

is to obey your word.

With all my heart I implore your favor;

show the mercy of your promise.

I have pondered over my ways

and returned to your will.

I made haste and did not delay

to obey your commands.

Though the nets of the wicked ensnared me

I remembered your law.

At midnight I will rise and thank you

for your just decrees.

I am a friend of all who revere you,

who obey your precepts.

Lord, your love fills the earth.

Teach me your commands.

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 55:2-15

O God, listen to my prayer,

do not hide from my pleading,

attend to me and reply;

with my cares, I cannot rest.

I tremble at the shouts of the foe,

at the cries of the wicked;

for they bring down evil upon me.

They assail me with fury.

My heart is stricken within me,

death’s terror is on me,

trembling and fear fall upon me

and horror overwhelms me.

O that I had wings like a dove

to fly away and be at rest.

So I would escape far away

and take refuge in the desert.

I would hasten to find a shelter

from the raging wind,

from the destructive storm, O Lord,

and from their plotting tongues.

For I can see nothing but violence

and strife in the city.

Night and day they patrol

high on the city walls.

It is full of wickedness and evil;

it is full of sin.

Its streets are never free

from tyranny and deceit.

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.

If this had been done by an enemy

I could bear his taunts.

If a rival had risen against me,

I could hide from him.

But it is you, my own companion,

my intimate friend!

How close was the friendship between us.

We walked together in harmony

in the house of God.

As for me, I will cry to God

and the Lord will save me.

Evening, morning and at noon

I will cry and lament.

He will deliver my soul in peace

in the attack against me:

for those who fight me are many,

but he hears my voice.

God will hear and will humble them,

the eternal judge:

for they will not amend their ways.

They have no fear of God.

The traitor has turned against his friends;

he has broken his word.

His speech is softer than butter,

but war is in his heart.

His words are smoother than oil,

but they are naked swords.

Entrust your cares to the Lord

and he will support you.

He will never allow

the just man to stumble.

But you, O God, will bring them down

to the pit of death.

Deceitful and bloodthirsty men

shall not live half their days.

O Lord, I will trust in you.

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.

Isaiah 45:13

It was I who stirred up one for the triumph of justice;

all his ways I make level.

He shall rebuild my city

and let my exiles go free

Without price or ransom,

says the Lord of hosts.

He was seen on the earth.

He was a man among men.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

O God, whose Only Begotten Son

has appeared in our very flesh,

grant, we pray, that we may be inwardly transformed

through him whom we recognize as outwardly like ourselves.

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

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 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 119:57-64

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

My part, I have resolved, O Lord,

is to obey your word.

With all my heart I implore your favor;

show the mercy of your promise.

I have pondered over my ways

and returned to your will.

I made haste and did not delay

to obey your commands.

Though the nets of the wicked ensnared me

I remembered your law.

At midnight I will rise and thank you

for your just decrees.

I am a friend of all who revere you,

who obey your precepts.

Lord, your love fills the earth.

Teach me your commands.

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 55:2-15

O God, listen to my prayer,

do not hide from my pleading,

attend to me and reply;

with my cares, I cannot rest.

I tremble at the shouts of the foe,

at the cries of the wicked;

for they bring down evil upon me.

They assail me with fury.

My heart is stricken within me,

death’s terror is on me,

trembling and fear fall upon me

and horror overwhelms me.

O that I had wings like a dove

to fly away and be at rest.

So I would escape far away

and take refuge in the desert.

I would hasten to find a shelter

from the raging wind,

from the destructive storm, O Lord,

and from their plotting tongues.

For I can see nothing but violence

and strife in the city.

Night and day they patrol

high on the city walls.

It is full of wickedness and evil;

it is full of sin.

Its streets are never free

from tyranny and deceit.

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.

If this had been done by an enemy

I could bear his taunts.

If a rival had risen against me,

I could hide from him.

But it is you, my own companion,

my intimate friend!

How close was the friendship between us.

We walked together in harmony

in the house of God.

As for me, I will cry to God

and the Lord will save me.

Evening, morning and at noon

I will cry and lament.

He will deliver my soul in peace

in the attack against me:

for those who fight me are many,

but he hears my voice.

God will hear and will humble them,

the eternal judge:

for they will not amend their ways.

They have no fear of God.

The traitor has turned against his friends;

he has broken his word.

His speech is softer than butter,

but war is in his heart.

His words are smoother than oil,

but they are naked swords.

Entrust your cares to the Lord

and he will support you.

He will never allow

the just man to stumble.

But you, O God, will bring them down

to the pit of death.

Deceitful and bloodthirsty men

shall not live half their days.

O Lord, I will trust in you.

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 48:20

With shouts of joy proclaim this,

make it known;

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

“The Lord has redeemed his servant Jacob.”

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 Only Begotten Son

has appeared in our very flesh,

grant, we pray, that we may be inwardly transformed

through him whom we recognize as outwardly like ourselves.

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 119:57-64

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.

My part, I have resolved, O Lord,

is to obey your word.

With all my heart I implore your favor;

show the mercy of your promise.

I have pondered over my ways

and returned to your will.

I made haste and did not delay

to obey your commands.

Though the nets of the wicked ensnared me

I remembered your law.

At midnight I will rise and thank you

for your just decrees.

I am a friend of all who revere you,

who obey your precepts.

Lord, your love fills the earth.

Teach me your commands.

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 55:2-15

O God, listen to my prayer,

do not hide from my pleading,

attend to me and reply;

with my cares, I cannot rest.

I tremble at the shouts of the foe,

at the cries of the wicked;

for they bring down evil upon me.

They assail me with fury.

My heart is stricken within me,

death’s terror is on me,

trembling and fear fall upon me

and horror overwhelms me.

O that I had wings like a dove

to fly away and be at rest.

So I would escape far away

and take refuge in the desert.

I would hasten to find a shelter

from the raging wind,

from the destructive storm, O Lord,

and from their plotting tongues.

For I can see nothing but violence

and strife in the city.

Night and day they patrol

high on the city walls.

It is full of wickedness and evil;

it is full of sin.

Its streets are never free

from tyranny and deceit.

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.

If this had been done by an enemy

I could bear his taunts.

If a rival had risen against me,

I could hide from him.

But it is you, my own companion,

my intimate friend!

How close was the friendship between us.

We walked together in harmony

in the house of God.

As for me, I will cry to God

and the Lord will save me.

Evening, morning and at noon

I will cry and lament.

He will deliver my soul in peace

in the attack against me:

for those who fight me are many,

but he hears my voice.

God will hear and will humble them,

the eternal judge:

for they will not amend their ways.

They have no fear of God.

The traitor has turned against his friends;

he has broken his word.

His speech is softer than butter,

but war is in his heart.

His words are smoother than oil,

but they are naked swords.

Entrust your cares to the Lord

and he will support you.

He will never allow

the just man to stumble.

But you, O God, will bring them down

to the pit of death.

Deceitful and bloodthirsty men

shall not live half their days.

O Lord, I will trust in you.

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.

Isaiah 65:1

I was ready to respond to those who asked me not,

to be found by those who sought me not.

I said: Here I am! Here I am!

to a nation that did not call upon my name.

All you peoples, praise our God.

Sing to the glory of his name.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

O God, whose Only Begotten Son

has appeared in our very flesh,

grant, we pray, that we may be inwardly transformed

through him whom we recognize as outwardly like ourselves.

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 62

Ant. Eagerly we await the fulfillment of our hope, the glorious coming of our Savior.

In God alone is my soul at rest;

my help comes from him.

He alone is my rock, my stronghold,

my fortress: I stand firm.

How long will you all attack one man

to break him down,

as though he were a tottering wall,

or a tumbling fence?

Their plan is only to destroy;

they take pleasure in lies.

With their mouth they utter blessing

but in their heart they curse.

In God alone be at rest, my soul;

for my hope comes from him.

He alone is my rock, my stronghold,

my fortress: I stand firm.

In God is my safety and glory,

the rock of my strength.

Take refuge in God, all you people.

Trust him at all times.

Pour out your hearts before him

for God is our refuge.

Common folk are only a breath,

great men an illusion.

Placed in the scales, they rise;

they weigh less than a breath.

Do not put your trust in oppression

nor vain hopes on plunder.

Do not set your heart on riches

even when they increase.

For God has said only one thing:

only two do I know:

that to God alone belongs power

and to you, Lord, love;

and that you repay each man

according to his deeds.

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. Eagerly we await the fulfillment of our hope, the glorious coming of our Savior.

Psalm 67

Ant. May God turn his radiant face toward us, and fill us with his blessings.

O God, be gracious and bless us

and let your face shed its light upon us.

So will your ways be known upon earth

and all nations learn your saving help.

Let the peoples praise you, O God;

let all the peoples praise you.

Let the nations be glad and exult

for you rule the world with justice.

With fairness you rule the peoples,

you guide the nations on earth.

Let the peoples praise you, O God;

let all the peoples praise you.

The earth has yielded its fruit

for God, our God, has blessed us.

May God still give us his blessing

till the ends of the earth revere him.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. May God turn his radiant face toward us, and fill us with his blessings.

Colossians 1:12-20

Ant. Through him all things were made; he holds all creation together in himself.

Let us give thanks to the Father

for having made you worthy

to share the lot of the saints

in light.

He rescued us from the power of darkness

and brought us into the kingdom of his beloved Son.

Through him we have redemption,

the forgiveness of our sins.

He is the image of the invisible God,

the first-born of all creatures.

In him everything in heaven and on earth was created,

things visible and invisible.

All were created through him;

all were created for him.

He is before all else that is.

In him everything continues in being.

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

he who is the beginning,

the first-born of the dead,

so that primacy may be his in everything.

It pleased God to make absolute fullness reside in him

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

both on earth and in the heavens,

making peace through the blood of his cross.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Through him all things were made; he holds all creation together in himself.

Colossians 1:13-15

God rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of his beloved Son. Through him we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creatures.

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. Herod questioned the Magi: What is this sign of which you speak, this sign of a newborn king? We saw a brilliant star in the heavens; its splendor filled the world.

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. Herod questioned the Magi: What is this sign of which you speak, this sign of a newborn king? We saw a brilliant star in the heavens; its splendor filled the world.

INTERCESSIONS

Let us praise the Word of God, for he has come to cast our sins into the sea. Strengthened by this knowledge, let us pray to him:

Lord, show us your compassion.

As eternal high priest you entered the world and established the fullest expression of worship,

through your Church let all men and women share in this sacred liturgy.

Lord, show us your compassion.

As physician of bodies and spirits you came to visit all who were sick,

heal and strengthen those who are ill.

Lord, show us your compassion.

You were a source of joy for all at your birth,

give hope to those in torment and to those in sin that they may be able to rejoice in you.

Lord, show us your compassion.

Mighty King, you cut the bonds of our former slavery,

release those who are captives and show your care for those in prison.

Lord, show us your compassion.

You came as the door leading into heaven,

let the dead pass through that door into the heavenly kingdom.

Lord, show us your compassion.

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, who bestow light on all the nations,

grant your peoples the gladness of lasting peace

and pour into our hearts that brilliant light

by which you purified the minds of our fathers in faith.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

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

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

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

Compline

Now

Night Prayer

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

Examination of conscience

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

Coptic act of contrition

11th Hour

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

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

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

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

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

12th Hour

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

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

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

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

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

The Prayer of the Veil

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

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

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

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

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

The Absolution

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

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

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

The Thanksgiving Prayer

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

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

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

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

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

INTRODUCTION

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

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

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

Examination of Conscience

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

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

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

HYMN

To you before the close of light,

Creator of all things, we pray:

Be our protector, keep us safe

in your unfailing clemency.

Incline our hearts to dream of you,

to sense your presence as we sleep;

as light returns, so let us sing

your praise and glory evermore.

Grant us the grace of health and strength,

renew our warmth and joy of life;

and let your radiant light dispel

the dreaded darkness of the night.

Almighty Father, grant our prayer

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who reigns with you from age to age,

one with the Spirit, ever blest. Amen.

Psalm 31:1-6

Ant. Lord God, be my refuge and my strength.

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.

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 God, be my refuge and my strength.

Psalm 130

Ant. Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord.

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

Lord, hear my voice!

O let your ears be attentive

to the voice of my pleading.

If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt,

Lord, who would survive?

But with you is found forgiveness:

for this we revere you.

My soul is waiting for the Lord,

I count on his word.

My soul is longing for the Lord

more than watchman for daybreak.

Let the watchman count on daybreak

and Israel on the Lord.

Because with the Lord there is mercy

and fullness of redemption,

Israel indeed he will redeem

from all its iniquity.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord.

Ephesians 4:26-27

If you are angry, let it be without sin. The sun must not go down on your wrath; do not give the devil a chance to work on you.

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 Jesus Christ,

you have given your followers

an example of gentleness and humility,

a task that is easy, a burden that is light.

Accept the prayers and work of this day,

and give us the rest that will strengthen us

to render more faithful service to you

who live and reign 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 Redemptoris Mater, quæ pervia cæli

porta manes, et stella maris, succurre cadenti,

surgere qui curat, populo: tu quæ genuisti,

natura mirante, tuum sanctum Genitorem,

Virgo prius ac posterius, Gabrielis ab ore

sumens illud Ave, peccatorum miserere.

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