Advent Prayers FRI

PRAYERS FOR ALL THE FRIDAYS OF ADVENT

“Thou art my God, and I will praise Thee! Thou art my God, and I will exalt Thee! I will praise Thee, because Thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation!”
(Psalm 117:28).

“I will praise the Name of God with a canticle and I will magnify Him with praise!”
(Psalm 68:31)

THE LITURGY AND LITURGICAL PRAYER IS THE BEST FORM OF PRAYER AND THE MOST POWERFUL OF ALL PRAYERS, BUT, TODAY, THE MOST NEGLECTED OF ALL PRAYERS

In bygone days, liturgical prayer—the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the Divine Office (also known as the Breviary, the Liturgy of the Hours, the Work of God)—was the prayer par excellence of the Church. With the Protestant Reformation, it began to fall from popularity and usage, giving way to private devotions in place of public devotion. Private devotion, no matter how pious and spiritual it may be, is merely the composition and work of man—whereas liturgical prayer is the composition and work of the Holy Spirit. During this Advent season you will have the chance to try-out and participate in an abbreviated version of the liturgical prayer contained in the Divine Office (Breviary) that is prayed by the clergy and religious orders of Holy Mother Church. First of all, here are a few words from the greatest liturgist of modern times—Dom Gueranger:

“Prayer is man's richest boon. It is his light, his nourishment, and his very life, for it brings him into communication with God, who is light, nourishment, and life. But of ourselves we know not what we should pray for as we ought, therefore, we must address ourselves to Jesus Christ, and say to Him as the apostles did: “Lord, teach us how to pray!” He effects by sending His Holy Spirit of grace and of prayers … Ever since that day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit has dwelt in this His favored bride—the Church. He is the principle of everything that is in her. He it is that prompts her prayers, her desires, her canticles of praise. The prayer of the Church is, therefore, the most pleasing to the ear and heart of God, and therefore the most efficacious of all prayers. Happy, then, is he who prays with the Church, and unites his own petitions with those of this bride, who is so dear to her Lord that He gives her all she asks.

“Prayer said in union with the Church is the light of the understanding, it is the fire of divine love for the heart. The Christian soul neither needs nor wishes to avoid the company of the Church, when she would converse with God, and praise His greatness and His mercy. She knows that the company of the bride of Christ could not be a distraction to her. But now for many ages past, Christians have grown too solicitous about earthly things to frequent the holy vigils, and the mystical Hours of the day. Each new generation increased in indifference for that which their forefathers in the Faith had loved as their best and strongest food. Social prayer was made to give way to individual devotion. The spirit of prayer, and even prayer itself, has been sought for in methods and prayer-books, which contain, it is true, laudable and pious thoughts, but after all only human thoughts. Such nourishment cannot satisfy the soul, for it does not initiate her into the prayer of the Church. Instead of uniting her with the prayer of the Church, it isolates her.

“Liturgical prayer would soon become powerless were the faithful not to take a real share in it, or at least not to associate themselves to it in heart. It can heal and save the world, but only on the condition that it be understood. Be wise, then, ye children of the Catholic Church, and obtain that largeness of heart which will make you pray the prayer of your mother. Come, and by your share in It fill up that harmony which is so sweet to the ear of God. Where would you obtain the spirit of prayer if not at its natural source?” (Dom Gueranger, The Liturgical Year).

FOR ALL THE FRIDAYS OF ADVENT
PSALMS & READINGS

As of Saturday, December 8th, all the days of the week are fully completed.

Please note that you do NOT have to say ALL of these eight liturgical hours if it seems too burdensome. Pray what you can! Like lifting weights, add more as you get used to it.

Neither are you absolutely obliged to pray them at the recommended times (though it is better to do so). You could set aside just two or three periods in the day to cover them all.

As a rough estimate, the entire eight prayer periods should only take around 1 hour per day. The approximate maximum time for each of the eight liturgical hours is as follows (please note that Matins has been shortened by 60%, to only 1 of 3 Nocturns):

Matins (15 minutes); Lauds ( 7 minutes); Prime (7 minutes); Terce (4 minutes);
Sext (4 minutes); None (4 minutes); Vespers (7 minutes); Compline (7 minutes).
Total 55 minutes (more or less).

So if you set aside three 20-minute periods a day, or two 30-minute periods, then you could easily manage to pray the entire Divine Office (abbreviated version) daily.

The First Liturgical Hour
NIGHT PRAYER (MATINS) FOR FRIDAY
usually prayed in the middle of the night, or else right before dawn
(modern day suggestion: very last thing at night, or immediately after waking)

Religious would rise from sleep after midnight in the very early hours of the morning, well before dawn, to pray Matins
Usually Matins would consist of (1) an invitation to prayer called the "Invitatory"; (2) a hymn; (3) followed by nine psalms;
(4) then three spiritual readings; and (5) after this the Te Deum a hymn of thanksgiving is said; (6) which is followed by the prayer or collect of the day or feast.

Below you have an abbreviated version that you can easily pray.

The following extracts from the Divine Office of Matins is only around one-third of the actual length of Matins.

Versicle: O Lord, ✠︎ open thou my lips. (make the Sign of the Cross over the lips with your right thumb)
Response: And my mouth shall declare thy praise.

Versicle: O God, ✝ come to my assistance; (make the normal Sign of the Cross)
Response: O Lord, make haste to help me.

Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Alleluia.

THE INVITATORY FROM THE OFFICE OF MATINS FOR THE SEASON OF ADVENT
Inviting all to come and praise the Lord our God

Antiphon for the First & Second Weeks of Advent: The Lord, the King Who is to come * O come, let us adore Him!
Antiphon for the Third & Fourth Weeks of Advent:  The Lord is now near * O come, let us adore Him

Come let us praise the Lord with joy! Let us joyfully sing to God our Savior! Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving and sing joyful praise to Him with psalms!

Antiphon for the First & Second Weeks of Advent: The Lord, the King Who is to come * O come, let us adore Him!
Antiphon for the Third & Fourth Weeks of Advent:  The Lord is now near * O come, let us adore Him

For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. For the Lord will not cast off His people: for in His hand are all the ends of the Earth, and the heights of the mountains are His.

Antiphon for the First & Second Weeks of Advent: O come, let us adore Him!
Antiphon for the Third & Fourth Weeks of Advent:  O come, let us adore Him

For the sea is His and He made it: and His hands formed the dry land. (genuflect for next sentence) Come let us adore and fall down, and weep before the Lord that made us! (rise) For He is the Lord our God: and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand.

Antiphon for the First & Second Weeks of Advent: The Lord, the King Who is to come * O come, let us adore Him!
Antiphon for the Third & Fourth Weeks of Advent:  The Lord is now near * O come, let us adore Him

Today if you shall hear His voice, harden not your hearts: as in the provocation by the Israelites during the Exodus, according to the day of temptation in the desert wilderness: where your fathers tempted Me, they tested Me, and saw My works.

Antiphon for the First & Second Weeks of Advent: O come, let us adore Him!
Antiphon for the Third & Fourth Weeks of Advent:  O come, let us adore Him

Forty years long was I offended with that generation, and I said: “These people always err in their heart! And these men have not known My ways!” So I swore, in My wrath, that they shall not enter into My rest!

Antiphon for the First & Second Weeks of Advent: The Lord, the King Who is to come * O come, let us adore Him!
Antiphon for the Third & Fourth Weeks of Advent:  The Lord is now near * O come, let us adore Him

Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon for the First & Second Weeks of Advent: O come, let us adore Him! The Lord, the King Who is to come * O come, let us adore Him!
Antiphon for the Third & Fourth Weeks of Advent:  O come, let us adore Him! The Lord is now near * O come, let us adore Him

THE ADVENT HYMN FROM THE OFFICE OF MATINS

Celestial Word, to this our Earth
Sent down from God's eternal clime,
To save mankind by mortal birth
Into a world of change and time;

Enlighten our hearts; vain hopes destroy;
And in Thy love's consuming fire
Fill all the soul with heavenly joy,
And melt the dross of low desire.

So when the Judge of quick and dead
Shall bid His awful summons come,
To overwhelm guilty souls with dread,
And call the blessed to their home.

Saved from the whirling, black abyss,
Forevermore to us be given
To share the feast of saintly bliss,
And see the face of God in Heaven.

To God the Father and the Son
Our songs with one accord we raise;
And to the Holy Spirit, One
With them, be ever equal praise
Amen.

The first of three psalms
PSALM 138

Antiphon: Behold, there cometh the King * even the Most High, with great power, to save the nations, alleluia.

[138:1] Lord, Thou hast proved me, and known me:
[138:2] Thou hast know my sitting down, and my rising up.
[138:3] Thou hast understood my thoughts afar off: my path and my line Thou hast searched out.
[138:4] And Thou hast foreseen all my ways: for there is no speech in my tongue.
[138:5] Behold, O Lord, Thou hast known all things, the last and those of old: Thou hast formed me, and hast laid Thy hand upon me.
[138:6] Thy knowledge is become wonderful to me: it is high, and I cannot reach to it.
[138:7] Whither shall I go from Thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from Thy face?
[138:8] If I ascend into Heaven, Thou art there: if I descend into Hell, Thou art present.
[138:9] If I take my wings early in the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea:
[138:10] Even there also shall Thy hand lead me: and Thy right hand shall hold me.
[138:11] And I said: Perhaps darkness shall cover me: and night shall be my light in my pleasures.
[138:12] But darkness shall not be dark to thee, and night shall be light as day: the darkness thereof, and the light thereof are alike to thee.
[138:13] For Thou hast possessed my reins: Thou hast protected me from my mother’s womb.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: Behold, there cometh the King * even the Most High, with great power, to save the nations, alleluia.

The second of three psalms
PSALMS 138 (continued)

Antiphon: Rejoice * all ye, and be glad for, behold, the Lord will come with vengeance, He will bring a recompense He will come and save us.

[138:14] I will praise Thee, for Thou art fearfully magnified: wonderful are Thy works, and my soul knoweth right well.
[138:15] My bone is not hidden from Thee, which Thou hast made in secret: and my substance in the lower parts of the Earth.
[138:16] Thy eyes did see my imperfect being, and in Thy book all shall be written: days shall be formed, and no one in them.
[138:17] But to me Thy friends, O God, are made exceedingly honorable: their principality is exceedingly strengthened.
[138:18] I will number them, and they shall be multiplied above the sand: I rose up and am still with Thee.
[138:19] If Thou wilt kill the wicked, O God: ye men of blood, depart from me:
[138:20] Because you say in thought: They shall receive thy cities in vain.
[138:21] Have I not hated them, O Lord, that hated Thee: and pine away because of Thy enemies?
[138:22] I have hated them with a perfect hatred: and they are become enemies to me.
[138:23] Prove me, O God, and know my heart: examine me, and know my paths.
[138:24] And see if there be in me the way of iniquity: and lead me in the eternal way.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: Rejoice * all ye, and be glad for, behold, the Lord will come with vengeance, He will bring a recompense He will come and save us.

The third of three psalms
PSALM 141

Antiphon: Rejoice greatly, * O daughter of Jerusalem; behold, thy King cometh into thee, O Sion; fear not, for thy salvation cometh quickly.

[141:2] I cried to the Lord with my voice: with my voice I made supplication to the Lord.
[141:3] In His sight I pour out my prayer, and before Him I declare my trouble:
[141:4] When my spirit failed me, then Thou newest my paths. In this way wherein I walked, they have hidden a snare for me.
[141:5] I looked on my right hand, and beheld, and there was no one that would know me. Flight hath failed me: and there is no one that hath regard to my soul.
[141:6] I cried to Thee, O Lord: I said: Thou art my hope, my portion in the land of the living.
[141:7] Attend to my supplication: for I am brought very low. Deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.
[141:8] Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise Thy Name: the just wait for me, until Thou reward me.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: Rejoice greatly, * O daughter of Jerusalem; behold, thy King cometh into thee, O Sion; fear not, for thy salvation cometh quickly.

Versicle: From Sion, from the place of His greatness.
Response: Our God shall come manifestly.

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.

Versicle: And lead us not into temptation:
Response: But deliver us from evil.

Absolution before the reading: O Lord Jesus Christ, graciously hear the prayers of Thy servants, and have mercy upon us, Who livest and reignest with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, for ever, world without end. Amen.

FIRST READING
Taken from a Homily on the First Sunday of Advent by St. Bernard of Clairvaux

It is surely right that you should celebrate our Lord’s coming with all your hearts, and that the greatness of the consolation which his Advent brings us should fill you with joy. Indeed one can only be amazed at the depth of his self-abasement, and stirred up to new fervor by the immensity of his love. But you must not think of his first coming only, when he came to seek and save what was lost; remember that he will come again and take us to himself. It is my desire that you should be constantly meditating upon this twofold advent, continually turning over in your minds of all that he has done for us in the first, and all that he promises to do in the second.

Versicle: But Thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us!
Response: Thanks be to God!

Versicle: Christ our King cometh!
Response: And John hath testified of Him, that He is the Lamb that should come!
Versicle: The kings shall shut their mouths at Him, all nations shall serve Him!
Response: And John hath testified of Him, that He is the Lamb that should come!

SECOND READING
Continuation of the Homily on the First Sunday of Advent by St. Bernard of Clairvaux

It is time for judgement to begin at the house of God. But what will be the fate of those who do not obey the Gospel? What judgement will be reserved for those who will not submit to the judgement taking place now? In this present judgement the ruler of this world is being cast out, and those who seek to evade it must expect – indeed they must greatly fear – the judge who will cast them out along with him. However, if we are fully judged now, we may safely await the Savior who is to come, our Lord Jesus Christ, who will change our lowly bodies into the likeness of his glorious body. Then the just will shine forth so that both learned and simple may see it; they will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.

Versicle: But Thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us!
Response: Thanks be to God!

Versicle: Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch; and a King shall reign in wisdom and shall execute judgment and justice in the Earth:
Response: And this is His Name whereby He shall be called: * The Lord our Righteous One.
Versicle: In His days Juda shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely.
Response: And this is His Name whereby He shall be called.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: The Lord our Righteous One.

THIRD READING
Continuation of the Homily on the First Sunday of Advent by St. Bernard of Clairvaux

When our Savior comes he will change our lowly bodies into the likeness of his glorious body, provided that our hearts have been changed and made humble as his was. This is why he said: Learn of me, for I am meek and humble of heart. We may note from this text that humility is twofold: that is intellectual humility and a humility of one’s whole disposition and attitude, here called the heart. By the first we recognize that we are nothing; we can learn this much of ourselves from our own weakness. The second enables us to trample the glory of the world under our feet, and this we learn from him who emptied himself, taking the form of a servant. When the people desired to make him a king, he fled from them; but when they wanted to make him undergo the shame and ignominy of the cross, he gave himself up to them of his own free will.

Versicle: But Thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us!
Response: Thanks be to God!

Versicle: Behold, I, the Lord your God, come from the South
Response: To visit you in peace.

Versicle: I will look again upon you and make you to increase ye shall be multiplied, and I will establish My covenant with you.
Response: To visit you in peace.

Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: To visit you in peace.

Versicle: From Sion, from the place of His greatness.
Response: Our God shall come manifestly.

PRAYER

Versicle: O Lord, hear my prayer!
Response: And let my cry come unto Thee!

(Throughout the entire First Week in Advent)
Let us pray. Put forth Thy power, O Lord, we beseech Thee, and come, that with Thee as our Protector we may be rescued from the impending danger of our sins; and with Thee as our Deliverer, may we obtain our salvation.
Who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.
Response: Amen

(Throughout the entire Second Week in Advent)
Let us pray. Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the ways of Thy only-begotten Son, so that through His coming we may be able to serve Thee with purified minds. Who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.
Response: Amen

(Throughout the entire Third Week in Advent)
Let us pray. Lend Thy ear to our prayers, O Lord, we beseech Thee; and brighten the darkness of our minds by the grace of Thy coming. Who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.
Response: Amen

(Throughout the entire Fourth Week in Advent)
Let us pray. Stir up, O Lord, we pray Thee, Thy strength, and delay not to come among us, that whereas through our sins and wickedness we do justly apprehend Thy wrathful judgments hanging over us, Thy bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.
Response: Amen

CONCLUSION

Versicle: O Lord, hear my prayer!
Response: And let my cry come unto Thee!

Versicle:  Let us bless the Lord!
Response: Thanks be to God!

Versicle: May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Response: Amen.

The Second Liturgical Hour
DAWN PRAYER (LAUDS) FOR FRIDAY
usually prayed before dawn
(modern day suggestion: after waking in the morning, before breakfast)
The Religious would rise from sleep once again before dawn, to pray Lauds. If Matins was not prayed during the middle of the night, then it is prayed now, at dawn, immediately before praying Lauds.
Usually Lauds consists of (1) five psalms with their appropriate seasonal antiphons (2) followed by what is called a "Chapter Verse" which is a short paragraphed reading; (3) this is followed by a hymn that suits the liturgical season; (4) then follows the Canticle of St. Zachary, the "Benedictus" with its appropriate seasonal antiphon; (5) finally there is said the prayer or collect for the day or feast.

Below you have an abbreviated version that you can easily pray.

OPENING INVOCATIONS

Versicle: O God, ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross) come to my assistance!
Response: O Lord, make haste to help me!

Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia.

The first of five psalms
PSALM 50

Antiphon: In that day * the mountains shall drop down sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk and honey. Alleluia.

[50:3] Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy. And according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my iniquity.
[50:4] Wash me yet more from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
[50:5] For I know my iniquity, and my sin is always before me.
[50:6] To Thee only have I sinned, and have done evil before Thee: that Thou mayest be justified in Thy words and mayest overcome when Thou art judged.
[50:7] For behold I was conceived in iniquities; and in sins did my mother conceive me.
[50:8] For behold Thou hast loved truth: the uncertain and hidden things of Thy wisdom Thou hast made manifest to me.
[50:9] Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be cleansed: Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.
[50:10] To my hearing Thou shalt give joy and gladness: and the bones that have been humbled shall rejoice.
[50:11] Turn away Thy face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: In that day * the mountains shall drop down sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk and honey. Alleluia.

The second of five psalms
PSALM 50 (continued)

Antiphon: Sing, O daughter of Zion, * and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem, for thy Lord cometh. Alleluia.

[50:12] Create a clean heart in me, O God: and renew a right spirit within my bowels.
[50:13] Cast me not away from Thy face; and take not Thy holy spirit from me.
[50:14] Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and strengthen me with a perfect spirit.
[50:15] I will teach the unjust Thy ways: and the wicked shall be converted to Thee.
[50:16] Deliver me from blood, O God, Thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall extol Thy justice.
[50:17] O Lord, Thou wilt open my lips: and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.
[50:18] For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I would indeed have given it: with burnt offerings Thou wilt not be delighted.
[50:19] A sacrifice to God is an afflicted spirit: a contrite and humbled heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.
[50:20] Deal favorably, O Lord, in Thy good will with Sion; that the walls of Jerusalem may be built up.
[50:21] Then shalt Thou accept the sacrifice of justice, oblations and whole burnt offerings: then shall they lay calves
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: Sing, O daughter of Zion, * and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem, for thy Lord cometh. Alleluia.

The third of five psalms
PSALM 68

Antiphon: Behold, the Lord shall come, * and all His saints with Him; and it shall come to pass in that day that the light shall be great. Alleluia.

[68:2] Save me, O God: for the waters are come in even unto my soul.
[68:3] I stick fast in the mire of the deep: and there is no sure standing. I am come into the depth of the sea: and a tempest hath overwhelmed me.
[68:4] I have labored with crying; my jaws are become hoarse: my eyes have failed, whilst I hope in my God.
[68:5] They are multiplied above the hairs of my head, who hate me without cause. My enemies are grown strong who have wrongfully persecuted me: then did I pay that which I took not away.
[68:6] O God, Thou knowest my foolishness; and my offences are not hidden from Thee:
[68:7] Let not them be ashamed for me, who look for Thee, O Lord, the Lord of hosts. Let them not be confounded on my account, who seek Thee, O God of Israel.
[68:8] Because for Thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered my face.
[68:9] I am become a stranger to my brethren, and an alien to the sons of my mother.
[68:10] For the zeal of Thy house hath eaten me up: and the reproaches of them that reproached Thee are fallen upon me.
[68:11] And I covered my soul in fasting: and it was made a reproach to me.
[68:12] And I made haircloth my garment: and I became a byword to them.
[68:13] They that sat in the gate spoke against me: and they that drank wine made me their song.
[68:14] But as for me, my prayer is to Thee, O Lord; for the time of Thy good pleasure, O God. In the multitude of Thy mercy hear me, in the truth of Thy salvation.
[68:15] Draw me out of the mire, that I may not stick fast: deliver me from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.
[68:16] Let not the tempest of water drown me, nor the deep swallow me up: and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.
[68:17] Hear me, O Lord, for Thy mercy is kind; look upon me according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies.
[68:18] And turn not away Thy face from Thy servant: for I am in trouble, hear me speedily.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: Behold, the Lord shall come, * and all His saints with Him; and it shall come to pass in that day that the light shall be great. Alleluia.

The fourth of five psalms
PSALM 68 (continued)

Antiphon: Behold, every one that thirsteth * come ye to the waters: seek ye the Lord while He may be found. Alleluia.

[68:19] Attend to my soul, and deliver it: save me because of my enemies.
[68:20] Thou knowest my reproach, and my confusion, and my shame.
[68:21] In Thy sight are all they that afflict me; my heart hath expected reproach and misery. And I looked for one that would grieve together with me, but there was none: and for one that would comfort me, and I found none.
[68:22] And they gave me gall for my food, and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
[68:23] Let their table become as a snare before them, and a recompense, and a stumbling-block.
[68:24] Let their eyes be darkened that they see not; and their back bend Thou down always.
[68:25] Pour out Thy indignation upon them: and let Thy wrathful anger take hold of them.
[68:26] Let their habitation be made desolate: and let there be none to dwell in their tabernacles.
[68:27] Because they have persecuted him whom Thou hast smitten; and they have added to the grief of my wounds.
[68:28] Add Thou iniquity upon their iniquity: and let them not come into Thy justice.
[68:29] Let them be blotted out of the book of the living; and with the just let them not be written.
[68:30] But I am poor and sorrowful: Thy salvation, O God, hath set me up.
[68:31] I will praise the Name of God with a canticle: and I will magnify Him with praise.
[68:32] And it shall please God better than a young calf, that bringeth forth horns and hoofs.
[68:33] Let the poor see and rejoice: seek ye God, and your soul shall live.
[68:34] For the Lord hath heard the poor: and hath not despised His prisoners.
[68:35] Let the heavens and the Earth praise Him; the sea, and every thing that creepeth therein.
[68:36] For God will save Sion, and the cities of Juda shall be built up. And they shall dwell there, and acquire it by inheritance.
[68:37] And the seed of His servants shall possess it; and they that love His Name shall dwell therein.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: Behold, every one that thirsteth * come ye to the waters: seek ye the Lord while He may be found. Alleluia.

The fifth of five psalms
CANTICLE OF ISAIAS
(Canticle of Isaias taken from Isaias 45:15-30)

Antiphon: Behold, a great Prophet * shall arise, and He shall build up a new Jerusalem. Alleluia.

45:15 Verily Thou art a hidden God, * the God of Israel the savior.
45:16 They are all confounded and ashamed: * the forgers of errors are gone together into confusion.
45:17 Israel is saved in the Lord with an eternal salvation: * you shall not be confounded, and you shall not be ashamed for ever and ever.
45:18 For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens, * God Himself that formed the Earth, and made it, the very maker thereof:
45:19 He did not create it in vain: He formed it to be inhabited. * I am the Lord, and there is no other.
45:20 I have not spoken in secret, * in a dark place of the Earth:
45:21 I have not said to the seed of Jacob: Seek Me in vain. * I am the Lord that speak justice, that declare right things.
45:22  Assemble yourselves, and come, and draw near together, * ye that are saved of the Gentiles:
45:23  They have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven work, * and pray to a god that cannot save.
45:24  Tell ye, and come, and consult together: * who hath declared this from the beginning, who hath foretold this from that time?
45:25  Have not I the Lord, and there is no God else besides Me? * A just God and a savior, there is none besides Me.
45:26  Be converted to Me, and you shall be saved, all ye ends of the Earth: * for I am God, and there is no other.
45:27  I have sworn by Myself, the word of justice shall go out of My mouth, * and shall not return:
45:28  For every knee shall be bowed to Me, * and every tongue shall swear.
45:29  Therefore shall he say: In the Lord are my justices and empire: * they shall come to Him, and all that resist Him shall be confounded.
45:30  In the Lord shall all the seed * of Israel be justified and praised.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: Behold, a great Prophet * shall arise, and He shall build up a new Jerusalem. Alleluia.

CHAPTER VERSE
(Romans 13:11)

And that knowing the season; that it is now the hour for us to rise from sleep. For now our salvation is nearer than when we believed.
Response: Thanks be to God!

HYMN

Hark, a herald voice is calling;
“Christ is nigh,” it seems to say;
“Cast away the dreams of darkness,
O ye children of the day.”

Startled at the solemn warning,
Let the Earth-bound soul arise;
Christ, her sun, all sloth dispelling,
Shines upon the morning skies.

Behold, the Lamb, so long expected,
Comes with pardon down from Heaven;
Let us haste, with tears of sorrow,
One and all to be forgiven.

So when next He comes with glory,
Wrapping all the Earth in fear,
May He then as our defender
On the clouds of Heaven appear.

Honor, glory, virtue, merit,
To the Father and the Son,
With the co-eternal Spirit,
While eternal ages run.
Amen.

Versicle: A voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord.
Response: Make straight His paths.

THE “BENEDICTUS” (Canticle of St. Zachary. Luke 1:68-79)

Antiphon: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, * O Mary; fear not, thou shalt bear in thy womb the Son of God. Alleluia.

[1:68] Blessed be the Lord ☩ (make a sign of the cross) God of Israel; * because He hath visited and wrought the redemption of His people:
[1:69] And hath raised up an horn of salvation to us, * in the house of David His servant:
[1:70] As He spoke by the mouth of His holy Prophets, * who are from the beginning:
[1:71] Salvation from our enemies, * and from the hand of all that hate us:
[1:72] To perform mercy to our fathers, * and to remember His holy testament,
[1:73] The oath, which He swore to Abraham our father, * that He would grant to us,
[1:74] That being delivered from the hand of our enemies, * we may serve Him without fear,
[1:75] In holiness and justice before Him, * all our days.
[1:76] And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: * for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways:
[1:77] To give knowledge of salvation to His people, * unto the remission of their sins:
[1:78] Through the bowels of the mercy of our God, * in which the Orient from on high hath visited us:
[1:79] To enlighten them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death: * to direct our feet into the way of peace.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, O Mary; fear not, thou shalt bear in thy womb the Son of God. Alleluia.

PRAYER
Versicle: O Lord, hear my prayer!
Response: And let my cry come unto Thee!

(Throughout the entire First Week in Advent)
Let us pray. Put forth Thy power, O Lord, we beseech Thee, and come, that with Thee as our Protector we may be rescued from the impending danger of our sins; and with Thee as our Deliverer, may we obtain our salvation.
Who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.
Response: Amen

(Throughout the entire Second Week in Advent)
Let us pray. Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the ways of Thy only-begotten Son, so that through His coming we may be able to serve Thee with purified minds. Who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.
Response: Amen

(Throughout the entire Third Week in Advent)
Let us pray. Lend Thy ear to our prayers, O Lord, we beseech Thee; and brighten the darkness of our minds by the grace of Thy coming. Who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.
Response: Amen

(Throughout the entire Fourth Week in Advent)
Let us pray. Stir up, O Lord, we pray Thee, Thy strength, and delay not to come among us, that whereas through our sins and wickedness we do justly apprehend Thy wrathful judgments hanging over us, Thy bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.
Response: Amen

CONCLUSION

Versicle: O Lord, hear my prayer!
Response: And let my cry come unto Thee!

Versicle: Let us bless the Lord!
Response: Thanks be to God!

Versicle: May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Response: Amen.

The Third Liturgical Hour
MORNING PRAYER (PRIME) FOR FRIDAY
usually prayed after breakfast and before starting work for the day
(modern day suggestion: after breakfast and before work, before 9 a.m.)

The word "Prime" refers to the first hour of daylight. It is the most recent addition to the Divine Office originating around the 4th century. It was the prayer said before starting work for the day.
Usually Prime consists of (1) an opening hymn which is always the same regardless of season or feast
(2) followed by three psalms with their appropriate seasonal antiphons
(3) then comes what is called a "Chapter Verse" which is a short paragraphed reading;
(4) this is followed by a prayer or collect which is always the same one, regardless of season or feast;
(4) then the Martyrology for the day in read;
(5) this is followed by another "Chapter Verse" and versicles;
(6) then come the concluding prayers, which include the Our Father;
(7) after which there is a seasonal "Chapter Verse" that is the same throughout the season;
(8) finally there is said the short concluding prayer, which is always the same throughout the year.

Below you have an abbreviated version that you can easily pray.

The Fourth Liturgical Hour
MID-MORNING PRAYER (TERCE) FOR FRIDAY
work is temporarily halted for this short middle of the morning prayer
(modern day suggestion: anytime between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.)

The word "Terce" refers to the third hour of daylight. The Religious would stop work and would again congregate in the church or chapel for prayer. In some Religious communities, the "Conventual" or "Community" Mass would be offered after Terce, even though private Masses had been offered by other priests earlier in the morning.

Usually Terce consists of (1) an opening hymn which is always the same regardless of season or feast;
(2) followed by three psalms with their appropriate seasonal antiphons;
(3) then comes what is called a "Chapter Verse" which is a short paragraphed reading;
(4) this is followed by a prayer or collect which is always the same one, regardless of season or feast.

Below you have an abbreviated version that you can easily pray.

The Fifth Liturgical Hour
MIDDAY PRAYER (SEXT) FOR FRIDAY
this midday prayer is usually said before eating lunch
(modern day suggestion: anytime between 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m.)

The word "Sext" refers to the sixth hour of daylight. The Religious would stop work and would again congregate in the church or chapel for prayer.

Usually Sext consists of (1) an opening hymn which is always the same regardless of season or feast
(2) followed by three psalms with their appropriate seasonal antiphons
(3) then comes what is called a "Chapter Verse" which is a short paragraphed reading;
(4) this is followed by a prayer or collect which is always the same one, regardless of season or feast,

Below you have an abbreviated version that you can easily pray.

The Sixth Liturgical Hour
MID-AFTERNOON PRAYER (NONE) FOR FRIDAY
work is temporarily halted for this short middle of the afternoon prayer
(modern day suggestion: anytime between 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.)

The word "None" refers to the ninth hour of daylight. The Religious would stop work and would again congregate in the church or chapel for prayer.

Usually None consists of (1) an opening hymn which is always the same regardless of season or feast
(2) followed by three psalms with their appropriate seasonal antiphons
(3) then comes what is called a "Chapter Verse" which is a short paragraphed reading;
(4) this is followed by a prayer or collect which is always the same one, regardless of season or feast,

Below you have an abbreviated version that you can easily pray.

The Seventh Liturgical Hour
EVENING PRAYER (VESPERS) FOR FRIDAY
usually prayed as the sun begins to set
(modern day suggestion: anytime between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

The Religious would finish work at sunset to pray Vespers before the evening meal.

Usually Vespers consists of (1) five psalms with their appropriate seasonal antiphons
(2) followed by what is called a "Chapter Verse" which is a short paragraphed reading;
(3) this is followed by a hymn that suits the liturgical season;
(4) then follows the Canticle of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the "Magnificat" with its appropriate seasonal antiphon;
(5) finally there is said the prayer or collect for the day or feast.

Below you have an abbreviated version that you can easily pray.

The Eighth Liturgical Hour
BEDTIME PRAYER (COMPLINE) FOR FRIDAY
usually prayed before retiring to sleep for the night
(modern day suggestion: anytime between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.)

The English word Compline is derived from the Latin completorium, as Compline is the completion of the working day. The word was first used in this sense about the beginning of the 6th century by St. Benedict in his monastic Rule.

Usually Compline consists of (1) an opening plea for God's blessing for the night to come;
(2) followed by the Lord's Prayer (Our Father), an examination of conscience, and the recitation of the
Act of Contrition, the Confiteor, with the two prayers of absolution that follow;
(3) after which three psalms with their appropriate seasonal antiphons are prayed;
(4) these are followed by a hymn which is always the same throughout the year;
(5) then follows a "Chapter Verse";
(6) this is followed by the Canticle of St. Simeon;
(7) after which comes the concluding prayer or collect, which is always the same;
(8) finally, the seasonal antiphon or hymn to Our Lady is sung.

Below you have an abbreviated version that you can easily pray.

OPENING INVOCATION

Please grant us, O Lord, a blessing!
May almighty God grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.

SHORT READING
(1 Peter 5:8-9)

Brothers: Be sober and watch: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about seeking whom he may devour. Whom resist ye, strong in Faith!
Versicle: But Thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us!
Response: Thanks be to God!

Versicle: Our help is ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross) in the Name of the Lord!
Response: Who made Heaven and Earth.

There follows an examination of conscience, or the Our Father said silently.

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. Amen.

Then all say the Coniteor aloud
I confess to almighty God, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and to all the Saints, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word and deed: (strike your chest three times) through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I beseech blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the Saints, 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.

May the almighty ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross) and merciful Lord grant us pardon, absolution and remission of our sins. Amen.

Versicle: Turn us then, ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross over the heart with your right thumb) O God, our Savior!
Response: And let thy anger cease from us!

Versicle: O God, ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross) come to my assistance!
Response: O Lord, make haste to help me!

Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia.

The first of three psalms
PSALM 76

For Compline, the antiphon is only said once before the three psalms are said, and once after the three psalms have been said.

Antiphon: The angel of the Lord * shall encamp round about them that fear him: and shall deliver them.

[76:2] I cried to the Lord with my voice; to God with my voice, and He gave ear to me.
[76:3] In the day of my trouble I sought God, with my hands lifted up to Him in the night, and I was not deceived. My soul refused to be comforted:
[76:4] I remembered God, and was delighted, and was exercised, and my spirit swooned away.
[76:5] My eyes prevented the watches: I was troubled, and I spoke not.
[76:6] I thought upon the days of old: and I had in my mind the eternal years.
[76:7] And I meditated in the night with my own heart: and I was exercised and I swept my spirit.
[76:8] Will God then cast off for ever? Or will He never be more favorable again?
[76:9] Or will He cut off His mercy for ever, from generation to generation?
[76:10] Or will God forget to show mercy? Or will He in His anger shut up His mercies?
[76:11] And I said, Now have I begun: this is the change of the right hand of the most High.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The second of three psalms
PSALM 76 (continued)

[76:12] I remembered the works of the Lord: for I will be mindful of Thy wonders from the beginning.
[76:13] And I will meditate on all Thy works: and will be employed in Thy inventions.
[76:14] Thy way, O God, is in the holy place: who is the great God like our God?
[76:15] Thou art the God that dost wonders. Thou hast made Thy power known among the nations:
[76:16] With Thy arm Thou hast redeemed Thy people the children of Jacob and of Joseph.
[76:17] The waters saw Thee, O God, the waters saw Thee: and they were afraid, and the depths were troubled.
[76:18] Great was the noise of the waters: the clouds sent out a sound. For Thy arrows pass:
[76:19] The voice of Thy thunder in a wheel. Thy lightnings enlightened the world: the Earth shook and trembled.
[76:20] Thy way is in the sea, and Thy paths in many waters: and Thy footsteps shall not be known.
[76:21] Thou hast conducted Thy people like sheep, by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The third of three psalms
PSALM 140

[140:1] I have cried to the, O Lord, hear me: hearken to my voice, when I cry to Thee.
[140:2] Let my prayer be directed as incense in Thy sight; the lifting up of my hands, as evening sacrifice.
[140:3] Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth: and a door round about my lips.
[140:4] Incline not my heart to evil words; to make excuses in sins. With men that work iniquity: and I will not communicate with the choicest of them.
[140:5] The just shall correct me in mercy, and shall reprove me: but let not the oil of the sinner fatten my head. For my prayer also shall still be against the things with which they are well pleased:
[140:6] Their judges falling upon the rock have been swallowed up. They shall hear my words, for they have prevailed:
[140:7] As when the thickness of the earth is broken up upon the ground: Our bones are scattered by the side of Hell.
[140:8] But O to Thee, O Lord, Lord, are my eyes: in Thee have I put my trust, take not away my soul.
[140:9] Keep me from the snare, which they have laid for me, and from the stumbling-blocks of them that work iniquity.
[140:10] The wicked shall fall in his net: I am alone until I pass.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: The angel of the Lord * shall encamp round about them that fear Him: and shall deliver them.

HYMN

Before the ending of the day,
Creator of the world, we pray
That with Thy wonted favor Thou
Wouldst be our guard and keeper now.

From all ill dreams defend our eyes,
From nightly fears and fantasies;
Tread under foot our ghostly foe,
That no pollution we may know.

O Father, that we ask be done,
Through Jesus Christ, Thine only Son;
Who, with the Holy Ghost and Thee,
Doth live and reign eternally.
Amen.

CHAPTER VERSE
(Jeremais 14:9)

But Thou, O Lord, art among us, and Thy Name is called upon by us: forsake us not, O Lord our God!
Response: Thanks be to God!

Versicle: Into Thy hands, O Lord, * I commend my spirit.
Response: Into Thy hands, O Lord, * I commend my spirit.

Versicle: For Thou hast redeemed us, O Lord, God of truth.
Response: I commend my spirit.

Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: Into Thy hands, O Lord, * I commend my spirit.

Versicle: Keep us, Lord, as the apple of Thine eye!
Response: Protect us under the shadow of Thy wings!

CANTICLE: NUNC DIMITTIS
Canticle of St. Simeon (Luke 2:29-32)

Antiphon: Protect us, * Lord, while we are awake and safeguard us while we sleep; that we may keep watch with Christ, and rest in peace.

[2:29] Now Thou dost dismiss Thy servant, O Lord, ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross) * according to Thy word in peace;
[2:30] Because my eyes have seen * Thy salvation,
[2:31] Which Thou hast prepared * before the face of all peoples:
[2:32] A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, * and the glory of Thy people Israel.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: Protect us, * Lord, while we are awake and safeguard us while we sleep; that we may keep watch with Christ, and rest in peace.

PRAYER

Versicle: O Lord, hear my prayer!
Response: And let my cry come unto Thee!

Let us pray.
Visit, we beseech Thee, O Lord, this dwelling, and drive far from it the snares of the enemy; let Thy holy angels dwell herein to preserve us in peace, and let Thy blessing be always upon us. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.
Response: Amen

CONCLUSION

Versicle: O Lord, hear my prayer!
Response: And let my cry come unto Thee!

Versicle: Let us bless the Lord!
Response: Thanks be to God!

Versicle: The almighty and merciful Lord, ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross) the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us.
Response: Amen.

FINAL ANTIPHON OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Mother of Christ, hear thou thy people's cry
Star of the deep and Portal of the sky!
Mother of Him who thee from nothing made.
Sinking we strive and call to thee for aid:
O, by what joy which Gabriel brought to thee,
Thou Virgin first and last, let us thy mercy see.

Versicle: The Angel of the Lord announced unto Mary.
Response: And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Let us pray.
Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts: that as we have known the incarnation of Thy Son Jesus Christ by the message of an Angel, so too by His Passion and Cross may we be brought to the glory of His resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord.
Response: Amen.

Versicle: May the divine assistance ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross) remain with us always.
Response: Amen.