Advent Prayers SUN

PRAYERS FOR ALL THE SUNDAYS OF ADVENT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR ALL THE SUNDAYS OF ADVENT
PSALMS & READINGS

As of Saturday, December 8th, all the day 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 SUNDAY
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 5

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

[5:2] Give ear, O Lord, to my words, understand my cry.
[5:3] Hearken to the voice of my prayer, O my King and my God.
[5:4] For to Thee will I pray, O Lord! In the morning Thou shalt hear my voice.
[5:5] In the morning I will stand before Thee, and will see, because Thou art not a God that willest iniquity.
[5:6] Neither shall the wicked dwell near Thee: nor shall the unjust abide before Thy eyes.
[5:7] Thou hatest all the workers of iniquity! Thou wilt destroy all that speak a lie. The bloody and the deceitful man the Lord will abhor.
[5:8] But as for me, in the multitude of Thy mercy, I will come into Thy house! I will worship towards Thy holy temple, in Thy fear.
[5:9] Conduct me, O Lord, in Thy justice, because of my enemies, direct my way in Thy sight.
[5:10] For there is no truth in their mouth; their heart is vain.
[5:11a] Their throat is an open sepulcher! They dealt deceitfully with their tongues! Judge them, O God!
[5:11b] Let them fall from their devices: according to the multitude of their wickedness cast them out: for they have provoked Thee, O Lord.
[5:12] But let all them be glad that hope in Thee! They shall rejoice for ever, and Thou shalt dwell in them. And all they that love Thy Name shall glory in Thee:
[5:13] For Thou wilt bless the just. O Lord, Thou hast crowned us, as with a shield of Thy good will.
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
PSALM 6
(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.

[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.

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 17

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

[17:2] I will love Thee, O Lord, my strength! The Lord is my firmament, my refuge, and my deliverer!
[17:3] My God is my helper, and in Him will I put my trust. My protector and the horn of my salvation, and my support.
[17:4] Praising I will call upon the Lord; and I shall be saved from my enemies.
[17:5] The sorrows of death surrounded me; and the torrents of iniquity troubled me.
[17:6] The sorrows of Hell encompassed me; and the snares of death confronted me.
[17:7] In my affliction I called upon the Lord, and I cried to my God! And He heard my voice from His holy temple and my cry before Him came into His ears!
[17:17] He sent from on high, and took me in; and pulled me out of many waters.
[17:18] He delivered me from my strongest enemies, and from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me.
[17:19] They confronted me in the day of my affliction: and the Lord became my protector.
[17:20] And He brought me forth into a spacious place! He saved me, because He was well pleased with me.
[17:21] And the Lord will reward me according to my justice; and will repay me according to the cleanness of my hands.
[17:22] Because I have kept the ways of the Lord; and have not done wickedly against 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: 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
Homily by Pope St. Gregory the Great, preached on the First Sunday of Advent in the Church of St. Peter.

As our adorable Savior will expect at His coming to find us ready, He warns us of the terrors that will accompany the latter days in order to wean us from the love of this world; and He foretells the misery which will be the prelude to this inevitable time, so that, if we neglect in the quietness of this life to fear a God of compassion, the fearful spectacle of the approaching Last Judgment may impress us with a wholesome dread. A short time before He had said: “Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there shall be great earthquakes in various places, and pestilences and famines” (Luke 21:10-11). Now He added: “And there shall be signs in the sun and in the moon and in the stars, and, upon the Earth, distress of nations.”

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

Of all these events we have seen many already fulfilled, and with fear and trembling we look for the near fulfillment of the rest. As for the nations which are to rise up one against the other, and the persecutions which are to be endured on Earth, what we learn from the history of our own times, and what we have seen with our own eyes, makes a far deeper impression than what we read even in Holy Scripture. With regard to the earthquakes converting numberless cities into lamentable heaps of ruins, the accounts of them are not unknown to you, and reports of the like events reach us still from various parts of the world. Epidemics also continue to cause us the greatest sorrow and anxiety; and though we have not seen the signs in the sun and in the moon and in the stars, mentioned in Holy Scripture, we know, at least, that fiery weapons have appeared shining in the sky, and even blood, the foreboding of that blood which was to be shed in Italy by the invading barbarian hordes. As to the terrible roaring of the sea and of the waves, we have not yet heard it. However, we do not doubt that this also will happen; for, the greater part of the prophecies of Our Lord being fulfilled, this one will also see its fulfillment, the past being a guarantee for the future.

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

Moreover, we say this, beloved brethren, to encourage you to unceasing watchfulness over yourselves, so that no false confidence may take possession of your souls, leaving you to languish in ignorance; but that, on the contrary, a true and wholesome fear may drive you on to do good, and strengthen you in the carrying out of good works. Take special notice of the following, added by our Savior: Men shall wither away for fear and expectation of what shall come upon the whole world. For the powers of Heaven shall be moved. What is meant by our heavenly Teacher when speaking of the powers of Heaven, but the angels and archangels, the thrones, principalities and powers, that will appear on the day of vengeance of that severe Judge, Who will then demand from us with severity the homage and submission, which He now, as our Creator, although unseen, asks for in love as His due. Then they shall see the Son of Man coming in a cloud, with great power and majesty. Which means that the people will then see Him, whom in His meekness and humiliations they would neither listen to nor recognize, coming in power and majesty. In that day they will feel the more compelled to acknowledge His power, since in the present time they deny Him, and refuse to submit themselves to His yoke, to which He so patiently invites them.

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 SUNDAY
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 96

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

[96:1] The Lord hath reigned, let the Earth rejoice: * let the multitude of 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.
[96:10] For Thou art the most high Lord over all the Earth: * Thou art exalted exceedingly above all gods.
[96:11] 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.
[96:12] Light is risen to the just, * and joy to the right of heart.
[96:13] 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: 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 64

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

[64:4] Blessed is he whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thee: * he shall dwell in Thy courts.
[64:5] We shall be filled with the good things of tThy house; holy is Thy temple, * wonderful in justice.
[64:6] Hear us, O God our Savior, * Who art the hope of all the ends of the Earth, and in the sea afar off.
[64:7] Thou who preparest the mountains by Thy strength, being girded with power: * who troublest the depth of the sea, the noise of its waves.
[64:8] The Gentiles shall be troubled, and they that dwell in the uttermost borders shall be afraid at Thy signs: * Thou shalt make the outgoings of the morning and of the evening to be joyful.
[64:9] Thou hast visited the Earth, and hast plentifully watered it; * Thou hast in many ways enriched it.
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 100

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.

[100:1] Mercy and judgment * I will sing to Thee, O Lord:
[100:2] I will sing, and I will understand in the unspotted way, * when Thou shalt come to me.
[100:3] I walked in the innocence of my heart, * in the midst of my house.
[100:4] I did not set before my eyes any unjust thing: * I hated the workers of iniquities.
[100:5] The perverse heart did not cleave to me: * and the malignant, that turned aside from me, I would not know.
[100:6] The man that in private detracted his neighbor, * him did I persecute.
[100:7] With him that had a proud eye, and an insatiable heart, * I would not eat.
[100:8] My eyes were upon the faithful of the Earth, to sit with me: * the man that walked in the perfect way, he served me.
[100:9] He that worketh pride shall not dwell in the midst of my house: * he that speaketh unjust things did not prosper before my eyes.
[100:10] 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.

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
THE CANTICLE OF JUDITH (Judith 16:15-22)

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

[16:15] Let us sing a hymn to the Lord, * let us sing a new hymn to our God.
[16:16] O Lord, God, great art Thou, and glorious in Thy power, * and no one can overcome Thee.
[16:17] Let all Thy creatures serve thee: * because Thou hast spoken, and they were made:
[16:18] Thou didst send forth Thy spirit, and they were created, * and there is no one that can resist Thy voice.
[16:19] The mountains shall be moved from the foundations with the waters: * the rocks shall melt as wax before Thy face.
[16:20] But they that fear Thee, * shall be great with Thee in all things.
[16:21] Woe be to the nation that riseth up against my people: for the Lord almighty will take revenge on them, * in the day of judgment He will visit them.
[16:22] For He will give fire, and worms into their flesh, * that they may burn, and may feel 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, 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 145

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

[145:1] Praise the Lord, O my soul, in my life I will praise the Lord: * I will sing to my God as long as I shall be.
[145:2] Put not your trust in princes: * in the children of men, in whom there is no salvation.
[145:3] His spirit shall go forth, and he shall return into his Earth: * in that day all their thoughts shall perish.
[145:4] Blessed is he who hath the God of Jacob for his helper, whose hope is in the Lord his God: * who made Heaven and Earth, the sea, and all things that are in them.
[145:5] God, Who keepeth truth for ever! God, Who executes judgment for them that suffer wrong: * Who giveth food to the hungry.
[145:6] The Lord loosens them that are fettered: * the Lord enlighteneth the blind.
[145:7] The Lord lifts up them that are cast down: * the Lord loveth the just.
[145:8] The Lord keepeth the strangers, He will support the fatherless and the widow: * and the ways of sinners He will destroy.
[145:9] The Lord shall reign for ever: thy God, O Sion, * unto generation and generation.
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 SUNDAY
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 25

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.

[25:1] Judge me, O Lord, for I have walked in my innocence: * and I have put my trust in the Lord, and shall not be weakened.
[25:2] Prove me, O Lord, and try me; * burn my reins and my heart.
[25:3] For Thy mercy is before my eyes; * and I am well pleased with Thy truth.
[25:4] I have not sat with the council of vanity: * neither will I go in with the doers of unjust things.
[25:5] I have hated the assembly of the malignant; * and with the wicked I will not sit.
[25:6] I will wash my hands among the innocent; * and will compass Thy altar, O Lord:
[25:7] That I may hear the voice of Thy praise: * and tell of all Thy wondrous works.
[25:8] I have loved, O Lord, the beauty of Thy house; * and the place where Thy glory dwelleth.
[25:9] Take not away my soul, O God, with the wicked: * nor my life with bloody men!
[25:10] In whose hands are iniquities: * their right hand is filled with gifts!
[25:11] But as for me, I have walked in my innocence: * redeem me, and have mercy on me!
[25:12] My foot hath stood in the direct way: * in the churches I will bless Thee, O 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 51

[51:1] Why dost thou glory in malice, * thou that art mighty in iniquity?
[51:2] All the day long thy tongue hath devised injustice! * As a sharp razor, thou hast wrought deceit!
[51:3] Thou hast loved malice more than goodness: * and iniquity rather than to speak righteousness!
[51:4] Thou hast loved all the words of ruin, * O deceitful tongue!
[51:5] Therefore will God destroy thee for ever! * He will pluck thee out, and remove thee from thy dwelling place: and thy root out of the land of the living!
[51:6] The just shall see and fear, and shall laugh at him, and say: * “Behold the man that made not God his helper:
[51:7] But trusted in the abundance of his riches: * and prevailed in his vanity!”
51:8] But I, as a fruitful olive tree in the house of God, * have hoped in the mercy of God for ever, yes, for ever and ever.
51:9] I will praise Thee for ever, because Thou hast done it: * and I will wait on Thy Name, for it is good in the sight of Thy saints.
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 52

[52:1] The fool said in his heart: * “There is no God!”
[52:2] They are corrupted, and become abominable in iniquities: * there is none that doth good!
[52:3] God looked down from Heaven on the children of men: * to see if there were any that did understand, or did seek God.
[52:4] All have gone aside, they are become unprofitable together, * there is none that doth good, no not one!
[52:5] Shall not all the workers of iniquity know, * who eat up my people as they eat bread?
[52:6] They have not called upon God: * there have they trembled for fear, where there was no fear.
[52:7] For God hath scattered the bones of them that please men: * they have been confounded, because God hath despised them.
[52:8] Who will give out of Sion the salvation of Israel? * When God shall bring back the captivity of His people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad!
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
MID-MORNING PRAYER (TERCE) FOR SUNDAY
work is temporarily halted for this short middle of the morning prayer
(modern day suggestion: anytime between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Seventh Liturgical Hour
EVENING PRAYER (VESPERS) FOR SUNDAY
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 127

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

[127:1] Blessed are all they that fear the Lord: * that walk in His ways.
[127:2] For thou shalt eat the labours of thy hands: * blessed art thou, and it shall be well with thee.
[127:3] Thy wife as a fruitful vine, * on the sides of thy house.
[127:4] Thy children as olive plants, * round about thy table.
[127:5] Behold, thus shall the man be blessed * that feareth the Lord.
[127:6] May the Lord bless thee out of Sion: * and mayest thou see the good things of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.
[127:7] And mayest thou see thy children’s children! * Peace upon 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: 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 128

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

[128:1] Often have they fought against me from my youth, * let Israel now say.
[128:2] Often have they fought against me from my youth: * but they could not prevail over me!
[128:3] The wicked have piled upon my back: * they have increased their iniquity.
[128:4 The Lord, Who is just, will cut the necks of sinners! * Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Sion!
[128:5] Let them be as grass upon the tops of houses: * which withers before it can be plucked up!
[128:6] Wherewith the mower cannot fill his hand: * nor he that gathers sheaves, fill his bosom.
[128:7] And they that passed by have not said: “The blessing of the Lord be upon you! * We have blessed you in the name 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.

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 129

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.

[129:1] Out of the depths I have cried to Thee, O Lord! * Lord, hear my voice!
[129:2] Let Thy ears be attentive * to the voice of my supplication!
[129:3] If Thou, O Lord, will mark iniquities: * Lord, who could stand it?
[129:4] For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: * and, by reason of Thy law, I have waited for Thee, O Lord!
[129:5] My soul hath relied on His word: * my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
[129:6] From the morning watch even until night, * let Israel hope in the Lord.
[129:7] Because with the Lord there is mercy: * and with Him plentiful redemption.
[129:8] And He shall redeem Israel * from all its iniquities.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: 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 130

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

[130:1] O Lord, my heart is not exalted: * nor are my eyes lofty.
[130:2] Neither have I walked in great matters, * nor in wonderful things above me.
[130:3] If I was not humbly minded, * but exalted my soul,
[130:4] Like a child, that is weaned, is towards his mother, * so reward in my soul.
[130:5] Let Israel hope in the Lord, * from henceforth now and 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, 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 131

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

[131:1] Lord, remember David, * and all his meekness.
[131:7] We will go into his tabernacle: * we will adore in the place where his feet stood.
[131:8] Arise, O Lord, into Thy resting place: * Thou and the ark, which Thou hast sanctified.
[131:9] Let Thy priests be clothed with justice: * and let Thy saints rejoice.
[131:10] For Thy servant David’s sake, * turn not away the face of Thy anointed.
[131:12] If thy children will keep My covenant, * and these My testimonies which I shall teach them:
[131:13] Their children also for evermore * shall sit upon thy throne.
[131:14] For the Lord hath chosen Sion: * He hath chosen it for His dwelling.
[131:15] This is my rest for ever and ever: * here will I dwell, for I have chosen it.
[131:17] I will clothe her priests with salvation: * and her saints shall rejoice with exceeding great joy.
[131:18] There will I bring forth a horn to David: * I have prepared a lamp for My anointed.
[131:19] His enemies I will clothe with confusion: * but upon Him shall my sanctification flourish.
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
NIGHT PRAYER (COMPLINE) FOR SUNDAY
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 33

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.

[33:1] I will bless the Lord at all times, * His praise shall be always in my mouth.
[33:2] In the Lord shall my soul be praised: * let the meek hear and rejoice.
[33:3] O magnify the Lord with me; * and let us extol His Name together.
[33:4] I sought the Lord, and He heard me; * and He delivered me from all my troubles.
[33:5] Come ye to Him and be enlightened: * and your faces shall not be confounded.
[33:6] This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him: * and saved him out of all his troubles.
[33:7] The Angel of the Lord shall encamp round about them that fear Him: * and shall deliver them.
[33:8] O taste, and see that the Lord is sweet: * blessed is the man that hopeth in Him.
[33:9] Fear the Lord, all ye His saints: * for there is nothing lacking to them that fear Him.
[33:10] The rich have wanted, and have suffered hunger: * but they that seek the Lord shall not be deprived of any good.
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 33 (cont.)

[33:12] Come, children, hearken to me: * I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
[33:13] Who is the man that desireth life: * who loveth to see good days?
[33:14] Keep thy tongue from evil, * and thy lips from speaking guile.
[33:15] Turn away from evil and do good: * seek after peace and pursue it.
[33:16] The eyes of the Lord are upon the just: * and His ears unto their prayers.
[33:17] But the countenance of the Lord is against them that do evil things: * to cut off the remembrance of them from the Earth.
[33:18] The just cried, and the Lord heard them: * and delivered them out of all their troubles.
[33:19] The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart: * and He will save the humble of spirit.
[33:20] Many are the afflictions of the just; * but out of them all will the Lord deliver them.
[33:21] The Lord keepeth all their bones, * not one of them shall be broken.
[33:22] The death of the wicked is very evil: * and they that hate the just shall be guilty.
[33:23] The Lord will redeem the souls of His servants: * and none of them that trust in Him shall offend.
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 60

[60:1] Hear, O God, my supplication: * be attentive to my prayer.
[60:2] To thee have I cried from the ends of the Earth: * when my heart was in anguish, Thou hast exalted me on a rock.
[60:3] Thou hast conducted me; for Thou hast been my hope: * a tower of strength against the face of the enemy.
[60:4] In Thy tabernacle I shall dwell for ever: * I shall be protected under the cover of Thy wings.
[60:5] For Thou, my God, hast heard my prayer: * Thou hast given an inheritance to them that fear Thy Name.
[60:6] Thou wilt add days to the days of the king: * his years even to generation and generation.
[60:7] He abideth for ever in the sight of God: * His mercy and truth who shall search?
[60:8] So will I sing a psalm to Thy Name for ever and ever: * that I may pay my vows from day to day.
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.