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PRAYERS FOR ALL THE MONDAYS OF ADVENT
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“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).
“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).
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FOR ALL THE MONDAYS OF ADVENT
PSALMS & READINGS As of Saturday, December 8th, all the days of the week are all 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 MONDAY 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 2 Antiphon: Behold, there cometh the King * even the Most High, with great power, to save the nations, alleluia. [2:1] Why have the Gentiles raged, and the people devised vain things? [2:2] The kings of the Earth stood up, and the princes met together, against the Lord and against His Christ. [2:3] Let us break their bonds asunder: and let us cast away their yoke from us. [2:4] He that dwelleth in Heaven shall laugh at them: and the Lord shall deride them. [2:5] Then shall He speak to them in His anger, and trouble them in His rage. [2:9] Thou shalt rule them with a rod of iron, and shalt break them in pieces like a potter’s vessel. [2:10] O ye kings, understand: receive instruction, you that judge the earth. [2:11] Serve ye the Lord with fear: and rejoice unto Him with trembling. [2:12] Embrace discipline, lest at any time the Lord be angry, and you perish from the just 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: Behold, there cometh the King * even the Most High, with great power, to save the nations, alleluia. The second of three psalms PSALMS 11 & 13 (the first of the seven Penitential Psalms) 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. [11:2] Save me, O Lord, for there is now no saint: truths are decayed from among the children of men. [11:3] They have spoken vain things everyone to his neighbor: with deceitful lips, and with a double heart have they spoken. [11:4] May the Lord destroy all deceitful lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things. [11:5] Who have said: “We will magnify our tongue! Our lips are our own! Who is Lord over us?” [13:1] The fool hath said in his heart: “There is no God!” They are corrupt, and are become abominable in their ways: there is none that doth good, no not one. [13:2] The Lord hath looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there be any that understand and seek God. [13:3a] They are all gone aside, they are become unprofitable together: there is none that doth good, no not one. [13:3b] Their throat is an open sepulcher: with their tongues they acted deceitfully; the poison of asps is under their lips. [13:3c] Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness; their feet are swift to shed blood. [13:3d] Destruction and unhappiness in their ways: and the way of peace they have not known: there is no fear of God before their eyes. [13:4] Shall not all they know that work iniquity, who devour my people as they eat bread? [13:5] They have not called upon the Lord: there have they trembled for fear, where there was no fear. 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 23 Antiphon: Rejoice greatly, * O daughter of Jerusalem; behold, thy King cometh into thee, O Sion; fear not, for thy salvation cometh quickly. [23:3] Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord: or who shall stand in His holy place? [23:4] The innocent in hands, and clean of heart, who hath not taken his soul in vain, nor sworn deceitfully to his neighbor. [23:5] He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, and mercy from God his Savior. [23:6] This is the generation of them that seek Him, of them that seek the face of the God of Jacob. [23:7] Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and be ye lifted up, O eternal gates: and the King of Glory shall enter in. [23:8] Who is this King of Glory? The Lord who is strong and mighty: the Lord mighty in battle. [23:9] Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and be ye lifted up, O eternal gates: and the King of Glory shall enter in. [23:10] Who is this King of Glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of Glory. 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 Continuation of the Homily by Pope St. Gregory the Great, preached on the First Sunday of Advent in the Church of St. Peter. As, however, these words of our Savior are spoken to the lost, so are the following uttered for the comfort of the elect: When these things begin to come to pass, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is at hand. Truth Itself teaches the chosen ones in these words, and seems to say to them: “When you see the calamities which portend the end of the world increasing; when fear of that awful Judgment-Day takes possession of even the bravest hearts at the sight of the shaken powers of heaven, then lift up your heads, that is, rejoice with your whole heart, because the end of this world, so little loved by you, announces to you the wished-for freedom to be enjoyed by you hereafter.” The head is often used in Holy Scripture for the soul, and in this way, by warning us to lift up our heads, it reminds us to rouse up our souls to the thought of the heavenly home which is awaiting us. 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 by Pope St. Gregory the Great Those, therefore, who love God, are commanded to rejoice when they see the end of the world approaching, because, when this world, which they have not loved, is destroyed, they will find themselves in possession of Him, Who is the one true object of their love. We are assured that among these true believers, who have a real longing to see God, there is not one who will not be deeply moved by the fearful events accompanying the end of the world. For we know from Holy Scripture that, “Whosoever will be a friend of this world, becometh an enemy of God” (James 4:4). Therefore, to show no pleasure at the approach of the end of the world is as much as to declare that we love this world, and that we are the enemies of God. This wicked clinging to the world must be far removed from the hearts of good Christians, and of those who by faith are convinced that there is another life, and by their good works deserve that life. 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 by Pope St. Gregory the Great Let those weep over the destruction of the world, whose hearts are given to it, and whose hopes are fixed upon it, and who, far from seeking this new life, refuse to believe that there will be another life. As for us who believe in this heavenly home and in its eternal bliss prepared for us, let us hasten to reach them. We should wish to attain this home as soon as possible, and endeavor to find the shortest way thither. For, are we not surrounded in this world by a great many misfortunes? Do we not experience many troubles and calamities? What, indeed, is this mortal life but a painful way? 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
THE DAWN PRAYER (LAUDS) FOR MONDAY 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 41 Antiphon: In that day * the mountains shall drop down sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk and honey. Alleluia. [41:2] As the hart pants after the fountains of water; so my soul pants after Thee, O God. [41:3] My soul hath thirsted after the strong living God; when shall I come and appear before the face of God? [41:4] My tears have been my bread day and night, whilst it is said to me daily: “Where is thy God?” [41:5] These things I remembered, and poured out my soul in me: for I shall go over into the place of the wonderful tabernacle, even to the house of God: With the voice of joy and praise; the noise of one feasting. [41:6] Why art thou sad, O my soul? And why dost thou trouble me? Hope in God, for I will still give praise to Him: the salvation of my countenance and my God. 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 42 Antiphon: Sing, O daughter of Zion, * and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem, for thy Lord cometh. Alleluia. [42:2] Judge me, O God, and distinguish my cause from the nation that is not holy: deliver me from the unjust and deceitful man. [42:2] For thou art God my strength: why hast thou cast me off? And why do I go sorrowful whilst the enemy afflicts me? [42:3] Send forth thy light and thy truth: they have conducted me, and brought me unto thy holy hill, and into thy tabernacles. [42:4] And I will go in to the altar of God: to God who giveth joy to my youth. [42:5] To thee, O God my God, I will give praise upon the harp: why art thou sad, O my soul? and why dost thou disquiet me? [42:6] Hope in God, for I will still give praise to him: the salvation of my countenance, and my God. 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 39 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. [39:2] With expectation I have waited for the Lord, and He was attentive to me. [39:3] And He heard my prayers, and brought me out of the pit of misery and the mire of dregs. And He set my feet upon a rock, and directed my steps. [39:4] And He put a new canticle into my mouth, a song to our God. Many shall see, and shall fear: and they shall hope in the Lord. [39:5] Blessed is the man whose trust is in the name of the Lord; and who hath not had regard to vanities, and lying follies. [39:6] Thou hast multiplied Thy wonderful works, O Lord my God: and in Thy thoughts there is no one like to Thee. I have declared and I have spoken; they are multiplied above number. [39:7] Sacrifice and oblation Thou didst not desire; but Thou hast pierced ears for me. Burnt offering and sin offering Thou didst not require: [39:8] Then I said: "Behold I come. In the head of the book it is written of Me!" [39:9] "That I should do Thy will: O my God, I have desired it, and Thy law in the midst of My heart." 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 CANTICLE OF DAVID (Canticle of David taken from 1 Paralipomenon 29:10-13) Antiphon: Behold, every one that thirsteth * come ye to the waters: seek ye the Lord while He may be found. Alleluia. [29:10] Blessed art thou, O Lord the God of Israel, our father * from eternity to eternity. [29:11] Thine, O Lord, is magnificence, and power, * and glory, and victory: [29:11] And to thee is praise: * for all that is in heaven, and in earth, is thine: [29:11] Thine is the kingdom, O Lord, * and thou art above all princes. [29:12] Thine are riches, and thine is glory, * thou hast dominion over all, [29:12] In thy hand is power and might: * in thy hand greatness, and the empire of all things. [29:13] Now therefore our God we give thanks to thee, * and we praise thy glorious name. 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 PSALM 43 Antiphon: Behold, a great Prophet * shall arise, and He shall build up a new Jerusalem. Alleluia. [43:2] We have heard, O God, with our ears: our fathers have declared to us, The work, thou hast wrought in their days, and in the days of old. [43:3] Thy hand destroyed the Gentiles, and thou plantedst them: thou didst afflict the people and cast them out. [43:4] For they got not the possession of the land by their own sword: neither did their own arm save them. But thy right hand and thy arm, and the light of thy countenance: because thou wast pleased with them. [43:5] Thou art thyself my king and my God, who commandest the saving of Jacob. [43:6] Through thee we will push down our enemies with the horn: and through thy name we will despise them that rise up against us. [43:7] For I will not trust in my bow: neither shall my sword save me. [43:8] But thou hast saved us from them that afflict us: and hast put them to shame that hate us. [43:9] In God shall we glory all the day long: and in thy name we will give praise for ever. 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
THE MORNING PRAYER (PRIME) FOR MONDAY 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. 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. HYMN Now in the sun’s new dawning ray, Lowly of heart, our God we pray That He from harm may keep us free In all the deeds this day shall see. May fear of Him our tongues restrain, Lest strife unguarded speech should stain: His favoring care our guardian be, Lest our eyes feed on vanity. May every heart be pure from sin And folly find no place therein: Scant need of food, excess denied, Wear down in us the body’s pride. That when the light of day is gone, And night in course shall follow on. We, free from cares the world affords, May chant the praise that is our Lord’s. All laud to God the Father be, All praise, Eternal Son, to Thee: All glory, as is ever meet, To God the Holy Paraclete. Amen. The first of three psalms PSALM 62 For Prime, the antiphon is only said once before the three psalms are said, and once after the three psalms have been said. Antiphon: In that day * the mountains shall drop down sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk and honey. Alleluia. [62:2] O God, my God, to thee do I watch at break of day. For thee my soul hath thirsted; for thee my flesh, O how many ways! [62:3] In a desert land, and where there is no way, and no water: so in the sanctuary have I come before thee, to see thy power and thy glory. [62:4] For thy mercy is better than lives: thee my lips shall praise. [62:5] Thus will I bless thee all my life long: and in thy name I will lift up my hands. [62:6] Let my soul be filled as with marrow and fatness: and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips. [62:7] If I have remembered thee upon my bed, I will meditate on thee in the morning: [62:8] Because thou hast been my helper. And I will rejoice under the covert of thy wings: [62:9] My soul hath stuck close to thee: thy right hand hath received me. [62:10] But they have sought my soul in vain, they shall go into the lower parts of the earth: [62:11] They shall be delivered into the hands of the sword, they shall be the portions of foxes. [62:12] But the king shall rejoice in God, all they shall be praised that swear by him: because the mouth is stopped of them that speak wicked things. 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 61 [61:2] Shall not my soul be subject to God? For from Him is my salvation. [61:3] For He is my God and my Savior: He is my protector, I shall be moved no more. [61:4] How long do you rush in upon a man? You all kill, as if you were thrusting down a leaning wall, and a tottering fence. [61:5] But they have thought to cast away my price; I ran in thirst: they blessed with their mouth, but cursed with their heart. [61:6] But be thou, O my soul, subject to God: for from him is my patience. [61:7] For he is my God and my Saviour: He is my helper, I shall not be moved. [61:8] In God is my salvation and my glory: He is the God of my help, and my hope is in God. [61:9] Trust in him, all ye congregations of people: pour out your hearts before Him. God is our helper for ever. [61:10] But vain are the sons of men, the sons of men are liars in the balances: that by vanity they may together deceive. [61:11] Trust not in iniquity, and cover not robberies: if riches abound, set not your heart upon them. [61:12] God hath spoken once, these two things have I heard, that power belongeth to God, [61:13] And mercy to Thee, O Lord; for Thou wilt render to every man according to his works. 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 46 [46:2] O clap your hands, all ye nations: shout unto God with the voice of Joy. [46:3] For the Lord is high, terrible: a great king over all the Earth. [46:4] He will subdue the people under us; and the nations under our feet. [46:5] He hath chosen for us His inheritance the beauty of Jacob which He hath loved. [46:7] Sing praises to our God, sing ye: sing praises to our king, sing ye. [46:8] For God is the king of all the Earth, sing ye wisely. [46:9] God shall reign over the nations: God sitteth on His holy throne. [46:10] The princes of the people are gathered together, with the God of Abraham: for the strong gods of the earth are exceedingly exalted. 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. CHAPTER VERSE (1 Timothy 1:17) Now to the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever! Amen. Response: Thanks be to God! RESPONSORIES Versicle: Christ, Son of the living God, * have mercy on us! Response: Christ, Son of the living God, * have mercy on us! Versicle: Thou that shalt come into the world. Response: Have mercy on us! Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost. Response: Christ, Son of the living God, * have mercy on us! Versicle: Arise, O Christ, and help us! Response: And deliver us for Thy Name’s sake! PRAYERS Versicle: O Lord, hear my prayer! Response: And let my cry come unto Thee! Let us pray. O Lord, our heavenly Father, Almighty and everlasting God, Who has safely brought us to the beginning of this day: defend us by Thy mighty power; and grant that this day we fall into no sin, but that all our doings may be ordered by Thy governance, to do always that is righteous in Thy sight. 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. 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: Precious in the sight of the Lord. Response: Is the death of His saints. May Holy Mary and all the Saints, intercede for us with the Lord, our God, so that we may merit His help and salvation, Who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Response: Amen. Versicle: O God come to my assistance! Response: O Lord, make haste to help me! Versicle: O God come to my assistance! Response: O Lord, make haste to help me! Versicle: O God 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. Versicle: Lord have mercy on us! Response: Christ have mercy on us! Lord have mercy on 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. Versicle: And lead us not into temptation: Response: But deliver us from evil. Versicle: Look upon Thy servants and upon Thy works: and direct their children. Response: And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us. Direct Thou the works of our hands; yes, the work of our hands do Thou direct. 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. Let us pray. O Lord, Almighty God, King of Heaven and Earth, Savior of the world, bless, lead, rule and govern our hearts and bodies, our senses, words and deeds today, following Thy law and commandments, that here and for eternity, with Thy help, we shall be saved in freedom. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Response: Amen. Versicle: Grant, Lord, a blessing! Response: May Almighty God arrange our deeds and our day in His peace. Amen. SHORT READING (Isaias 33:2) O Lord, have mercy on us: for we have waited for Thee! Be Thou our arm in the morning and our salvation in the time of trouble! Versicle: But Thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us! Response: Thanks be to God! CONCLUSION Versicle: Our help ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross) is in the Name of the Lord. Response: Who made Heaven and Earth. Versicle: Let us bless. Response: God! Versicle: May the Lord bless us, ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross) protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Response: Amen. The Fourth Liturgical Hour
THE MID-MORNING PRAYER (TERCE) FOR MONDAY 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. 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. HYMN Come Holy Ghost, Who ever One Art with the Father and the Son, It is the hour, our souls possess With Thy full flood of holiness. Let flesh and heart and lips and mind Sound forth our witness to mankind; And love light up our mortal frame, Till others catch the living flame. Almighty Father, hear our cry, Through Jesus Christ, our Lord most High, Who, with the Holy Ghost and Thee, Doth live and reign eternally. Amen. The first of three psalms PSALM 65 For Terce, the antiphon is only said once before the three psalms are said, and once after the three psalms have been said. Antiphon: Sing, O daughter of Zion, * and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem, for thy Lord cometh. Alleluia. [65:1] Shout with joy to God, all the earth, [65:2] Sing ye a psalm to his name; give glory to his praise. [65:3] Say unto God, How terrible are thy works, O Lord! in the multitude of thy strength thy enemies shall lie to thee. [65:4] Let all the earth adore thee, and sing to thee: let it sing a psalm to thy name. [65:5] Come and see the works of God; who is terrible in his counsels over the sons of men. [65:6] Who turneth the sea into dry land, in the river they shall pass on foot: there shall we rejoice in him. [65:7] Who by his power ruleth for ever: his eyes behold the nations; let not them that provoke him be exalted in themselves. Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. The second of three psalms PSALM 65 (continued) [65:8] O bless our God, ye Gentiles: and make the voice of his praise to be heard. [65:9] Who hath set my soul to live: and hath not suffered my feet to be moved: [65:10] For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us by fire, as silver is tried. [65:11] Thou hast brought us into a net, thou hast laid afflictions on our back: [65:12] Thou hast set men over our heads. We have passed through fire and water, and thou hast brought us out into a refreshment. [65:13] I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows, [65:14] Which my lips have uttered, And my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble. [65:15] I will offer up to thee holocausts full of marrow, with burnt offerings of rams: I will offer to thee bullocks with goats. [65:16] Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will tell you what great things he hath done for my soul. [65:17] I cried to him with my mouth: and I extolled him with my tongue. [65:18] If I have looked at iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. [65:19] Therefore hath God heard me, and hath attended to the voice of my supplication. [65:20] Blessed be God, who hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me. Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost. 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 81 [81:1] God hath stood in the congregation of gods: and being in the midst of them he judgeth gods. [81:2] How long will you judge unjustly: and accept the persons of the wicked? [81:3] Judge for the needy and fatherless: do justice to the humble and the poor. [81:4] Rescue the poor; and deliver the needy out of the hand of the sinner. [81:5] They have not known nor understood: they walk on in darkness; all the foundations of the earth shall be moved. [81:6] I have said: “You are gods and all of you the sons of the most High.” [81:7] But you like men shall die: and shall fall like one of the princes. [81:8] Arise, O God, judge thou the earth: for Thou shalt inherit among all the nations. 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. 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! RESPONSORIES Versicle: Come to my rescue * O God, Lord of hosts! Response: Come to my rescue * O God, Lord of hosts! Versicle: Show us Thy face, and we shall be saved! Response: O God, Lord of hosts! Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost. Response: Come to my rescue * O God, Lord of hosts. Versicle: And the Gentiles shall fear Thy name, O Lord. Response: And all the kings of the earth Thy glory. 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 Fifth Liturgical Hour
THE MIDDAY PRAYER (SEXT) FOR MONDAY 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. 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. HYMN O God of truth, O Lord of might, Who orderest time and change aright, Who send’st the early morning ray, And light’st the glow of perfect day! Extinguish Thou each sinful fire, And banish every ill desire; And while Thou keep’st the body whole, Shed forth Thy peace upon the soul. Almighty Father, hear our cry, Through Jesus Christ, our Lord most High, Who, with the Holy Ghost and Thee, Doth live and reign eternally. Amen. The first of three psalms PSALM 6 For Prime, the antiphon is only said once before the three psalms are said, and once after the three psalms have been said. 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. [6:2] O Lord, rebuke me not in Thy indignation, nor chastise me in Thy wrath. [6:3] Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak: heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled. [6:4] And my soul is troubled exceedingly: but Thou, O Lord, how long? [6:5] Turn to me, O Lord, and deliver my soul: O save me for Thy mercy’s sake. [6:6] For there is no one in death that is mindful of Thee: and who shall confess to Thee in Hell? [6:7] I have labored in my groanings, every night I will wash my bed: I will water my couch with my tears. [6:8] My eye is troubled through indignation: I have grown old amongst all my enemies. [6:9] Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity: for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping. [6:10] The Lord hath heard my supplication: the Lord hath received my prayer. [6:11] Let all my enemies be ashamed, and be very much troubled: let them be turned back, and be ashamed very 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. The second of three psalms PSALM 83 [83:2] How lovely are Thy tabernacles, O Lord of host! [83:3] My soul longeth and fainteth for the courts of the Lord. My heart and my flesh have rejoiced in the living God. [83:4] For the sparrow hath found herself a house, and the turtle a nest for herself where she may lay her young ones: Thy altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. [83:5] Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house, O Lord: they shall praise Thee for ever and ever. [83:6] Blessed is the man whose help is from Thee: in his heart he hath disposed to ascend by steps, [83:7] In the vale of tears, in the place which he hath set. [83:8] For the lawgiver shall give a blessing, they shall go from virtue to virtue: the God of gods shall be seen in Sion. [83:9] O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. [83:10] Behold, O God our protector: and look on the face of thy Christ. [83:11] For better is one day in Thy courts above thousands. I have chosen to be an abject in the house of my God, rather than to dwell in the tabernacles of sinners. [83:12] For God loveth mercy and truth: the Lord will give grace and glory. [83:13] He will not deprive of good things them that walk in innocence: O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in Thee. 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 84 [84:2] Lord, Thou hast blessed Thy land: Thou hast turned away the captivity of Jacob. [84:3] Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of Thy people: Thou hast covered all their sins. [84:4] Thou hast mitigated all Thy anger: Thou hast turned away from the wrath of Thy indignation. [84:5] Convert us, O God our Savior: and turn away Thy anger from us. [84:6] Wilt Thou be angry with us for ever: and wilt Thou extend Thy wrath from generation to generation? [84:7] Thou wilt turn to us, O God, and bring us to life: and Thy people shall rejoice in Thee. [84:8] Show us, O Lord, Thy mercy; and grant us Thy salvation. [84:9] I will hear what the Lord God will speak in me: for He will speak peace unto His people: And unto His saints: and unto them that are converted in the heart. [10] Surely His salvation is near to them that fear Him: that glory may dwell in our land. [84:11] Mercy and truth have met each other: justice and peace have kissed. [84:12] Truth is sprung out of the earth: and justice hath looked down from heaven. [84:13] For the Lord will give goodness: and our earth shall yield her fruit. [84:14] Justice shall walk before Him: and shall set His steps in the 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: 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. CHAPTER VERSE (Romans 13:12-13) The night is passed, and the day is at hand. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day! Response: Thanks be to God. RESPONSORIES Versicle: Show us, O Lord, * Thy mercy. Response: Show us, O Lord, * Thy mercy. Versicle: And grant us Thy salvation. Response: Thy mercy. Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost. Response: Show us, O Lord, * Thy mercy. Versicle: Remember us, O Lord, in the favor of Thy people. Response: Visit us with Thy salvation. 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 Sixth Liturgical Hour
THE MID-AFTERNOON PRAYER (NONE) FOR MONDAY 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. 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. HYMN O strength and stay upholding all creation, Who ever dost thyself unmoved abide, Yet day by day the light in due gradation From hour to hour through all its changes guide: Grant to life’s day a calm unclouded ending, An eve untouched by shadows of decay, The brightness of a holy death-bed blending With dawning glories of th’ eternal day. Hear us, O Father, gracious and forgiving, And thou, O Christ, the co-eternal Word, Who, with the Holy Ghost, by all things living Now and to endless ages art adored. Amen. The first of three psalms PSALM 85 For Prime, the antiphon is only said once before the three psalms are said, and once after the three psalms have been said. Antiphon: Behold, a great Prophet * shall arise, and He shall build up a new Jerusalem. Alleluia. [85:1] Incline thy ear, O Lord, and hear me: for I am needy and poor. [85:2] Preserve my soul, for I am holy: save Thy servant, O my God, that trusteth in Thee. [85:3] Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I have cried to Thee all the day. [85:4] Give joy to the soul of Thy servant, for to thee, O Lord, I have lifted up my soul. [85:5] For Thou, O Lord, art sweet and mild: and plenteous in mercy to all that call upon Thee. [85:6] Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer: and attend to the voice of my petition. [85:7] I have called upon Thee in the day of my trouble: because Thou hast heard me. [85:8] There is none among the gods like unto Thee, O Lord: and there is none according to Thy works. 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 85 (cont.) [85:9] All the nations thou hast made shall come and adore before Thee, O Lord: and they shall glorify Thy Name. [85:10] For Thou art great and dost wonderful things: Thou art God alone. [85:11] Conduct me, O Lord, in Thy way, and I will walk in Thy truth: let my heart rejoice that it may fear Thy Name. [85:12] I will praise thee, O Lord my God: with my whole heart, and I will glorify Thy Name for ever: [85:13] For Thy mercy is great towards me: and Thou hast delivered my soul out of the lower Hell. [85:14] O God, the wicked are risen up against me, and the assembly of the mighty have sought my soul: and they have not set Thee before their eyes. [85:15] And Thou, O Lord, art a God of compassion, and merciful, patient, and of much mercy, and true. [85:16] O look upon me, and have mercy on me: give Thy command to Thy servant, and save the son of Thy handmaid. [85:17] Show me a token for good: that they who hate me may see, and be confounded, because Thou, O Lord, hast helped me and hast comforted 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. The third of three psalms PSALM 89 [89:1] Lord, Thou hast been our refuge from generation to generation. [89:2] Before the mountains were made, or the earth and the world was formed; from eternity and to eternity Thou art God. [89:3] Turn not man away to be brought low: and Thou hast said: Be converted, “O ye sons of men!” [89:4] For a thousand years in Thy sight are as yesterday, which is past. And as a watch in the night, [89:5] Things that are counted nothing, shall their years be. [89:6] In the morning man shall grow up like grass; in the morning he shall flourish and pass away: in the evening he shall fall, grow dry, and wither. [89:7] For in Thy wrath we have fainted away: and are troubled in Thy indignation. [89:8] Thou hast set our iniquities before Thy eyes: our life in the light of Thy countenance. [89:9] For all our days are spent; and in Thy wrath we have fainted away. Our years shall be considered as a spider: [89:10] The days of our years in them are seventy years. But if in the strong they be eighty years: most of them are full of labor and sorrow. For mildness is come upon us: and we shall be corrected. [89:11] Who knoweth the power of Thy anger, and for Thy fear [89:12] Can anyone number Thy wrath? So make Thy right hand known: and men learned in heart, in wisdom. [89:13] Return, O Lord, how long? And be entreated in favor of Thy servants. [89:14] We are filled in the morning with Thy mercy: and we have rejoiced, and are delighted all our days. [89:15] We have rejoiced for the days in which Thou hast humbled us: for the years in which we have seen evils. [89:16] Look upon Thy servants and upon their works: and direct their children. [89:17] And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us: and direct Thou the works of our hands over us; yea, the work of our hands do Thou direct. 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 13:13-14) Let us walk honestly, as in the day: not in partying and drunkenness, not in chambering and impurities, not in contention and envy: But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ! Response: Thanks be to God! RESPONSORIES Versicle: The Lord shall arise * upon thee, Jerusalem. Response: The Lord shall arise * upon thee, Jerusalem. Versicle: And His glory shall be seen upon thee. Response: Upon thee, Jerusalem. Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost. Response: The Lord shall arise * upon thee, Jerusalem. Versicle: Come, O Lord, do not be late! Response: Forgive the misdeeds of your people! 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 Seventh Liturgical Hour
THE EVENING PRAYER (VESPERS) FOR MONDAY 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. 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 94 Antiphon: In that day * the mountains shall drop down sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk and honey. Alleluia. [94:1] Come let us praise the Lord with joy: let us joyfully sing to God our Savior. [94:2] Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; and make a joyful sound to Him with psalms. [94:3] For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. [94:4] For in His hand are all the ends of the earth: and the heights of the mountains are His. [94:5] For the sea is His, and He made it: and His hands formed the dry land. [94:6] Come let us adore and fall down: and weep before the Lord that made us. [94:7] For He is the Lord our God: and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand. [94:8] Today if you shall hear His voice, harden not your hearts: [94:9] As in the provocation, according to the day of temptation in the desert wilderness: where your fathers tempted Me, they tested Me, and saw My works. [94:10] Forty years long was I offended with that generation, and I said: “These always err in heart. [94:11] “And these men have not known My ways: so I swore in My wrath that they shall not enter into My rest!” 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 95 Antiphon: Sing, O daughter of Zion, * and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem, for thy Lord cometh. Alleluia. [95:1] Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: sing to the Lord, all the earth. [95:2] Sing ye to the Lord and bless His Name: show forth His salvation from day to day. [95:3] Declare His glory among the Gentiles: His wonders among all people. [95:4] For the Lord is great, and exceedingly to be praised: He is to be feared above all gods. [95:5] For all the gods of the Gentiles are devils: but the Lord made the heavens. [95:6] Praise and beauty are before Him: holiness and majesty in His sanctuary. [95:7] Bring ye to the Lord, O ye kindreds of the Gentiles, bring ye to the Lord glory and honor: [95:8] Bring to the Lord glory unto His Name. Bring up sacrifices, and come into His courts: [95:9] Adore ye the Lord in His holy court. Let all the earth be moved at His presence. [95:10] Say ye among the Gentiles, the Lord hath reigned. For He hath corrected the world, which shall not be moved: He will judge the people with justice. [95:11] Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad, let the sea be moved, and the fullness thereof: [95:12] The fields and all things that are in them shall be joyful. Then shall all the trees of the woods rejoice [95:13] Before the face of the Lord, because He cometh: because He cometh to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with justice, and the people with His truth. 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 96 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. [96:1] The Lord hath reigned, let the earth rejoice: let many islands be glad. [96:2] Clouds and darkness are round about Him: justice and judgment are the establishment of His throne. [96:3] A fire shall go before Him, and shall burn His enemies round about. [96:4] His lightnings have shone forth to the world: the earth saw and trembled. [96:5] The mountains melted like wax, at the presence of the Lord: at the presence of the Lord of all the earth. [96:6] The heavens declared His justice: and all people saw His glory. [96:7] Let them be all confounded that adore graven things, and that glory in their idols. Adore Him, all you his angels: [96:8] Sion heard, and was glad. And the daughters of Juda rejoiced, because of Thy judgments, O Lord. [96:9] For Thou art the most high Lord over all the earth: Thou art exalted exceedingly above all gods. [96:10] You that love the Lord, hate evil: the Lord preserveth the souls of His saints, He will deliver them out of the hand of the sinner. [96:11] Light is risen to the just, and joy to the right of heart. [96:12] Rejoice, ye just, in the Lord: and give praise to the remembrance of His holiness. 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 97 Antiphon: Behold, every one that thirsteth * come ye to the waters: seek ye the Lord while He may be found. Alleluia. [97:1] Sing ye to the Lord anew canticle: because He hath done wonderful things. His right hand hath wrought for him salvation, and His arm is holy. [97:2] The Lord hath made known His salvation: He hath revealed His justice in the sight of the Gentiles. [97:3] He hath remembered His mercy: His truth toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. [97:4] Sing joyfully to God, all the earth; make melody, rejoice and sing. [97:5] Sing praise to the Lord on the harp, on the harp, and with the voice of a psalm: [97:6] With long trumpets, and sound of comet. Make a joyful noise before the Lord our king: [97:7] Let the sea be moved and the fullness thereof: the world and they that dwell therein. [97:8] The rivers shall clap their hands, the mountains shall rejoice together [97:9] At the presence of the Lord: because He cometh to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with justice, and the people with equity. 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 PSALM 98 Antiphon: Behold, a great Prophet * shall arise, and He shall build up a new Jerusalem. Alleluia. [98:1] The Lord hath reigned, even though the people be angry. [98:2] The Lord is great in Sion, and high above all people. [98:3] Let them give praise to Thy great Name: for it is terrible and holy: [98:4] And the king's honor loveth judgment. Thou hast prepared directions: Thou hast done judgment and justice in Jacob. [98:5] Exalt ye the Lord our God, and adore His footstool, for it is holy. [98:6] Moses and Aaron among His priests: and Samuel among them that call upon His Name. They called upon the Lord, and He heard them: [98:7] He spoke to them in the pillar of the cloud. They kept His testimonies, and the commandment which He gave them. [98:8] Thou didst hear them, O Lord our God: Thou wast a merciful God to them, and taking vengeance on all their inventions. [98:9] Exalt ye the Lord our God, and adore at His holy mountain: for the Lord our God is holy. 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 Bright builder of the heavenly poles, Eternal light of faithful souls, Jesus, Redeemer of mankind, Our humble prayers vouchsafe to mind. Who, lest the fraud of Hell’s black king Should all men to destruction bring, Didst, by an act of generous love, The fainting world’s physician prove. Who, that Thou might our ransom pay And wash the stains of sin away, Would from a Virgin’s womb proceed And on the cross a victim bleed. Whose glorious power, Whose saving Name No sooner any voice can frame, But Heaven and Earth and Hell agree To honor them with trembling knee. Thee, Christ, Who at the latter day Shalt be our Judge, we humbly pray Such arms of heavenly grace to send As may Thy Church from foes defend. Be glory given and honor done To God the Father and the Son And to the Holy Ghost on high, From age to age eternally. Amen. Versicle: Drop down dew, ye Heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain the Just. Response: Let the earth be opened, and bud forth the Savior. THE MAGNIFICAT Canticle of the Blessed Virgin (Luke 1:46-55) Antiphon: Fear not, Mary, * for thou hast found grace with the Lord; behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a Son. Alleluia. [1:46] My soul ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross) * doth magnify the Lord. [1:47] And my spirit hath rejoiced * in God my Savior. [1:48] Because He hath regarded the humility of His handmaid; * for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. [1:49] Because He that is mighty, hath done great things to me; * and holy is His Name. [1:50] And His mercy is from generation unto generations, * to them that fear Him. [1:51] He hath shown might in His arm: * He hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. [1:52] He hath put down the mighty from their seat, * and hath exalted the humble. [1:53] He hath filled the hungry with good things; * and the rich He hath sent empty away. [1:54] He hath received Israel His servant, * being mindful of His mercy: [1:55] As He spoke to our fathers, * to Abraham and to His seed for ever. 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: Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with the Lord; behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a Son. 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 Eighth Liturgical Hour
THE NIGHT PRAYER (COMPLINE) FOR MONDAY 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 100 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. [100:1] Mercy and judgment I will sing! To Thee, O Lord, I will sing! [100:2] And I will understand in the unspotted way, when Thou shalt come to me. I walked in the innocence of my heart, in the midst of my house. [100:3] I did not set before my eyes any unjust thing: I hated the workers of iniquities. [100:4] The perverse heart did not cleave to me: and the malignant, that turned aside from me, I would not know. [100:5] The man that in private detracted his neighbor, him did I persecute. With him that had a proud eye, and an unsatiable heart, I would not eat. [100:6] My eyes were upon the faithful of the earth, to sit with me: the man that walked in the perfect way, he served me. [100:7] He that worketh pride shall not dwell in the midst of my house: he that speaketh unjust things did not prosper before my eyes. [100:8] In the morning I put to death all the wicked of the land: that I might cut off all the workers of iniquity from the city of the Lord. 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 102 [102:1] Bless the Lord, O my soul: and let all that is within me bless His holy Nname. [102:2] Bless the Lord, O my soul, and never forget all He hath done for thee. [102:3] Who forgiveth all thy iniquities: Who healeth all thy diseases. [102:4] Who redeemeth thy life from destruction: Who crowneth thee with mercy and compassion. [102:5] Who satisfieth thy desire with good things: thy youth shall be renewed like the eagle's. [102:6] The Lord doth mercies, and judgment for all that suffer wrong. [102:7] He hath made his ways known to Moses: His wishes to the children of Israel. [102:8] The Lord is compassionate and merciful: longsuffering and plenteous in mercy. [102:9] He will not always be angry: nor will He threaten for ever. [102:10] He hath not dealt with us according to our sins: nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. [102:11] For according to the height of the heaven above the earth: He hath strengthened His mercy towards them that fear Him. [102:12] As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our iniquities from us. 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 102 (continued) [102:13] As a father hath compassion on his children, so hath the Lord compassion on them that fear Him: [102:14] For He knoweth our frame. He remembereth that we are dust: [102:15] Man's days are as grass, as the flower of the field so shall he flourish. [102:16] For the spirit shall pass in him, and he shall not be: and he shall know his place no more. [102:17] But the mercy of the Lord is from eternity and unto eternity upon them that fear Him: And His justice unto children's children, [102:18] To such as keep His covenant, and are mindful of His commandments to do them. [102:19] The Lord hath prepared His throne in heaven: and His kingdom shall rule over all. [102:20] Bless the Lord, all ye His angels: you that are mighty in strength, and execute His word, hearkening to the voice of His orders. [102:21] Bless the Lord, all ye His hosts: you ministers of his that do His will. [102:22] Bless the Lord, all His works: in every place of His dominion, O my soul, bless thou the Lord. 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. |