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PRAYERS FOR ALL THE THURSDAYS 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 THURSDAYS OF ADVENT
PSALMS & READINGS As of Saturday, December 8th, all the days of the week are fully completed. Please note that you do NOT have to say ALL of these eight liturgical hours if it seems too burdensome. Pray what you can! Like lifting weights, add more as you get used to it. Neither are you absolutely obliged to pray them at the recommended times (though it is better to do so). You could set aside just two or three periods in the day to cover them all. As a rough estimate, the entire eight prayer periods should only take around 1 hour per day. The approximate maximum time for each of the eight liturgical hours is as follows (please note that Matins has been shortened by 60%, to only 1 of 3 Nocturns): Matins (15 minutes); Lauds ( 7 minutes); Prime (7 minutes); Terce (4 minutes); Sext (4 minutes); None (4 minutes); Vespers (7 minutes); Compline (7 minutes). Total 55 minutes (more or less). So if you set aside three 20-minute periods a day, or two 30-minute periods, then you could easily manage to pray the entire Divine Office (abbreviated version) daily. The First Liturgical Hour
NIGHT PRAYER (MATINS) FOR THURSDAY 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 40 Antiphon: Behold, there cometh the King * even the Most High, with great power, to save the nations, alleluia. [40:2] Blessed is he that understandeth concerning the needy and the poor: the Lord will deliver him in the evil day. [40:3] The Lord preserve him and give him life, and make him blessed upon the Earth: and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies. [40:4] The Lord help him on his bed of sorrow: Thou hast turned all his couch in his sickness. [40:5] I said: O Lord, be Thou merciful to me: heal my soul, for I have sinned against Thee. [40:6] My enemies have spoken evils against me: “When shall he die and his name perish?” [40:7] And if he came in to see me, he spoke vain things: his heart gathered together iniquity to itself. He went out and spoke to the same purpose. 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 40 (continued) Antiphon: Rejoice * all ye, and be glad for, behold, the Lord will come with vengeance, He will bring a recompense He will come and save us. [40:8] All my enemies whispered together against me: they devised evils to me. [40:9] They determined against me an unjust word: shall he that sleepeth rise again no more? [40:10] For even the man of peace, in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, hath greatly supplanted me. [40:11] But Thou, O Lord, have mercy on me, and raise me up again: and I will repay them. [40:12] By this I know, that Thou hast had a good will for me: because my enemy shall not rejoice over me. [40:13] But Thou hast upheld me by reason of my innocence: and hast established me in Thy sight for ever. [40:14] Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel from eternity to eternity. So be it. So be 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: 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 78 Antiphon: Rejoice greatly, * O daughter of Jerusalem; behold, thy King cometh into thee, O Sion; fear not, for thy salvation cometh quickly. [78:1] O God, the heathens are come into Thy inheritance, they have defiled Thy holy temple: they have made Jerusalem as a place to keep fruit. [78:2] They have given the dead bodies of Thy servants to be meat for the fowls of the air: the flesh of Thy saints for the beasts of the Earth. [78:3] They have poured out their blood as water, round about Jerusalem and there was none to bury them. [78:4] We are become a reproach to our neighbors: a scorn and derision to them that are round about us. [78:5] How long, O Lord, wilt Thou be angry for ever: shall Thy zeal be kindled like a fire? [78:6] Pour out Thy wrath upon the nations that have not known Thee: and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon Thy Name. [78:7] Because they have devoured Jacob; and have laid waste his place. [78:8] Remember not our former iniquities: let Thy mercies speedily prevent us, for we are become exceeding poor. [78:9] Help us, O God, our Savior: and for the glory of Thy Name, O Lord, deliver us: and forgive us our sins for Thy Name’s sake: [78:10] Lest they should say among the Gentiles: Where is their God? And let Him be made known among the nations before our eyes, by the revenging the blood of Thy servants, which hath been shed: [78:11] Let the sighing of the prisoners come in before Thee. According to the greatness of Thy arm, take possession of the children of them that have been put to death. [78:12] And render to our neighbors sevenfold in their bosom: the reproach wherewith they have reproached Thee, O Lord. [78:13] But we Thy people, and the sheep of Thy pasture, will give thanks to Thee for ever. We will show forth Thy praise, 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: 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. St. Paul, thinking of the infinite power of the Judge appearing on this awful day, exclaims: “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). The Royal Prophet expresses himself with the same force, when in his psalm he says: “The God of gods, the Lord hath spoken; and He hath called the earth. From the rising of the sun, to the going down thereof, God shall come manifestly: our God shall come, and shall not keep silence. A fire shall burn before Him; and a mighty tempest shall be round about Him. He shall call heaven from above, and the earth, to judge His people. Gather ye together His saints to Him; and the heavens shall declare His justice, for God is Judge. Hear, O My people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify to thee; I am God thy God. Understand these things you that forget God; lest He snatch you away, and there be none to deliver you” (Psalm 49). 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 It is not without a special reason that this severe judgment will be accompanied by fire and storms; for it will weigh, as in scales, men who were devoured by the natural fire. Therefore, beloved brethren, keep this great day before your mind s eye, and whatever seems difficult and troublesome, will soon become light and easy, when you compare the one with the other. The prophet Sophonias says to us: “The great day of the Lord is near, it is near and exceeding swift; the voice of the day of the Lord is bitter; the mighty man shall there meet with tribulation. That day is a day of wrath, a day of tribulation and distress, a day of calamity and misery, a day of darkness and obscurity, a day of clouds and whirlwinds; a day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high bulwarks” (Sophonias 1:14-16). 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 And the Lord God has spoken of this day through His prophet: “Yet one little while, and I will move the heaven, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land” (Aggeus 2:7). But, as we have already remarked, if the earth could not resist the force of the wind set in motion, how will man be able to resist the motions of the heavens? For what are all these terrible events causing us so much uneasiness and fear, but heralds announcing to us the wrath of God following them? From all this we conclude that between the evils oppressing us now, and those which will come in the latter days, there is as great a difference as between the power of the highest Judge and the power announcing Him. Therefore, beloved brethren, think of the last day with renewed attention; amend your lives; steadfastly resist all temptations leading you to sin, and wipe out with your tears the sins you have committed. Then the more you have endeavored, through salutary fear, to anticipate the severity of His judgments, the greater will be the confidence with which you will witness the coming of this Immortal King. Versicle: But Thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us! Response: Thanks be to God! Versicle: Behold, I, the Lord your God, come from the South Response: To visit you in peace. Versicle: I will look again upon you and make you to increase ye shall be multiplied, and I will establish My covenant with you. Response: To visit you in peace. Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost. Response: To visit you in peace. Versicle: From Sion, from the place of His greatness. Response: Our God shall come manifestly. PRAYER Versicle: O Lord, hear my prayer! Response: And let my cry come unto Thee! (Throughout the entire First Week in Advent) Let us pray. Put forth Thy power, O Lord, we beseech Thee, and come, that with Thee as our Protector we may be rescued from the impending danger of our sins; and with Thee as our Deliverer, may we obtain our salvation. Who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Response: Amen (Throughout the entire Second Week in Advent) Let us pray. Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the ways of Thy only-begotten Son, so that through His coming we may be able to serve Thee with purified minds. Who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Response: Amen (Throughout the entire Third Week in Advent) Let us pray. Lend Thy ear to our prayers, O Lord, we beseech Thee; and brighten the darkness of our minds by the grace of Thy coming. Who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Response: Amen (Throughout the entire Fourth Week in Advent) Let us pray. Stir up, O Lord, we pray Thee, Thy strength, and delay not to come among us, that whereas through our sins and wickedness we do justly apprehend Thy wrathful judgments hanging over us, Thy bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Response: Amen CONCLUSION Versicle: O Lord, hear my prayer! Response: And let my cry come unto Thee! Versicle: Let us bless the Lord! Response: Thanks be to God! Versicle: May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Response: Amen. The Second Liturgical Hour
DAWN PRAYER (LAUDS) FOR THURSDAY 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 79 Antiphon: In that day * the mountains shall drop down sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk and honey. Alleluia. [79:2] Give ear, O Thou that rulest Israel: Thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep. Thou that sittest upon the cherubims, shine forth [79:3] Before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasses. Stir up Thy might, and come to save us. [79:4] Convert us, O God: and show us Thy face, and we shall be saved. [79:5] O Lord God of hosts, how long wilt Thou be angry against the prayer of Thy servant? [79:6] How long wilt Thou feed us with the bread of tears: and give us for our drink tears in measure? [79:7] Thou hast made us to be a contradiction to our neighbors: and our enemies have scoffed at us. [79:8] O God of hosts, convert us: and show Thy face, and we shall be saved. 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 79 (continued) Antiphon: Sing, O daughter of Zion, * and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem, for thy Lord cometh. Alleluia. [79:9] Thou hast brought a vineyard out of Egypt: Thou hast cast out the Gentiles and planted it. [79:10] Thou wast the guide of its journey in its sight: Thou plantedst the roots thereof, and it filled the land. [79:11] The shadow of it covered the hills: and the branches thereof the cedars of God. [79:12] It stretched forth its branches unto the sea, and its boughs unto the river. [79:13] Why hast Thou broken down the hedge thereof, so that all they who pass by the way do pluck it? [79:14] The boar out of the wood hath laid it waste: and a singular wild beast hath devoured it. [79:15] Turn again, O God of hosts, look down from Heaven, and see, and visit this vineyard: [79:16] And perfect the same which Thy right hand hath planted: and upon the son of man whom Thou hast confirmed for thyself. [79:17] Things set on fire and dug down shall perish at the rebuke of Thy countenance. [79:18] Let Thy hand be upon the man of Thy right hand: and upon the son of man whom Thou hast confirmed for thyself. [79:19] And we depart not from Thee, Thou shalt quicken us: and we will call upon Thy Name. [79:20] O Lord God of hosts, convert us: and show Thy face, and we shall be saved. 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 80 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. [80:2] Rejoice to God our helper: sing aloud to the God of Jacob. [80:3] Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel: the pleasant psaltery with the harp. [80:4] Blow up the trumpet on the new moon, on the noted day of your solemnity. [80:5] For it is a commandment in Israel, and a judgment to the God of Jacob. [80:6] He ordained it for a testimony in Joseph, when he came out of the land of Egypt: he heard a tongue which he knew not. [80:7] He removed his back from the burdens: his hands had served in baskets. [80:8] Thou calledst upon Me in affliction, and I delivered thee: I heard thee in the secret place of tempest: I proved thee at the waters of contradiction. 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 80 (continued) Antiphon: Behold, a great Prophet * shall arise, and He shall build up a new Jerusalem. Alleluia. [80:9] Hear, O My people, and I will testify to thee: O Israel, if Thou wilt hearken to Me, [80:10] There shall be no new god in thee: neither shalt Thou adore a strange god. [80:11] For I am the Lord thy God, Who brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. [80:12] But my people heard not My voice: and Israel hearkened not to Me. [80:13] So I let them go according to the desires of their heart: they shall walk in their own inventions. [80:14] If My people had heard Me: if Israel had walked in My ways: [80:15] I should soon have humbled their enemies, and laid My hand on them that troubled them. [80:16] The enemies of the Lord have lied to Him: and their time shall be for ever. [80:17] And He fed them with the fat of wheat, and filled them with honey out of the rock. Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost. Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Antiphon: Behold, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters: seek ye the Lord while He may be found. Alleluia. The fifth of five psalms CANTICLE OF JEREMIAS (Canticle of Jeremias taken from Jeremias 31:10-18) Antiphon: Behold, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters: seek ye the Lord while He may be found. Alleluia. [31:10] Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations, * and declare it in the islands that are afar off, [31:11] And say: He that scattered Israel will gather him: * and he will keep him as the shepherd doth his flock. [31:12] For the Lord hath redeemed Jacob, * and delivered him out of the hand of one that was mightier than he. [31:13] And they shall come, and shall give praise in mount Sion: * and they shall flow together to the good things of the Lord, [31:14] For the corn, and wine, and oil, * and the increase of cattle and herds, [31:15] And their soul shall be as a watered garden, * and they shall be hungry no more. [31:16] Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, * the young men and old men together: [31:17] And I will turn their mourning into joy, * and will comfort them, and make them joyful after their sorrow. [31:18] And I will fill the soul of the priests with fatness: * and my people shall be filled with my good 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. Antiphon: Behold, a great Prophet * shall arise, and He shall build up a new Jerusalem. Alleluia. CHAPTER VERSE (Romans 13:11) And that knowing the season; that it is now the hour for us to rise from sleep. For now our salvation is nearer than when we believed. Response: Thanks be to God! HYMN Hark, a herald voice is calling; “Christ is nigh,” it seems to say; “Cast away the dreams of darkness, O ye children of the day.” Startled at the solemn warning, Let the Earth-bound soul arise; Christ, her sun, all sloth dispelling, Shines upon the morning skies. Behold, the Lamb, so long expected, Comes with pardon down from Heaven; Let us haste, with tears of sorrow, One and all to be forgiven. So when next He comes with glory, Wrapping all the Earth in fear, May He then as our defender On the clouds of Heaven appear. Honor, glory, virtue, merit, To the Father and the Son, With the co-eternal Spirit, While eternal ages run. Amen. Versicle: A voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord. Response: Make straight His paths. THE “BENEDICTUS” (Canticle of St. Zachary. Luke 1:68-79) Antiphon: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, * O Mary; fear not, thou shalt bear in thy womb the Son of God. Alleluia. [1:68] Blessed be the Lord ☩ (make a sign of the cross) God of Israel; * because He hath visited and wrought the redemption of His people: [1:69] And hath raised up an horn of salvation to us, * in the house of David His servant: [1:70] As He spoke by the mouth of His holy Prophets, * who are from the beginning: [1:71] Salvation from our enemies, * and from the hand of all that hate us: [1:72] To perform mercy to our fathers, * and to remember His holy testament, [1:73] The oath, which He swore to Abraham our father, * that He would grant to us, [1:74] That being delivered from the hand of our enemies, * we may serve Him without fear, [1:75] In holiness and justice before Him, * all our days. [1:76] And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: * for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways: [1:77] To give knowledge of salvation to His people, * unto the remission of their sins: [1:78] Through the bowels of the mercy of our God, * in which the Orient from on high hath visited us: [1:79] To enlighten them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death: * to direct our feet into the way of peace. Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost. Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Antiphon: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, O Mary; fear not, thou shalt bear in thy womb the Son of God. Alleluia. PRAYER Versicle: O Lord, hear my prayer! Response: And let my cry come unto Thee! (Throughout the entire First Week in Advent) Let us pray. Put forth Thy power, O Lord, we beseech Thee, and come, that with Thee as our Protector we may be rescued from the impending danger of our sins; and with Thee as our Deliverer, may we obtain our salvation. Who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Response: Amen (Throughout the entire Second Week in Advent) Let us pray. Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the ways of Thy only-begotten Son, so that through His coming we may be able to serve Thee with purified minds. Who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Response: Amen (Throughout the entire Third Week in Advent) Let us pray. Lend Thy ear to our prayers, O Lord, we beseech Thee; and brighten the darkness of our minds by the grace of Thy coming. Who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Response: Amen (Throughout the entire Fourth Week in Advent) Let us pray. Stir up, O Lord, we pray Thee, Thy strength, and delay not to come among us, that whereas through our sins and wickedness we do justly apprehend Thy wrathful judgments hanging over us, Thy bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Response: Amen CONCLUSION Versicle: O Lord, hear my prayer! Response: And let my cry come unto Thee! Versicle: Let us bless the Lord! Response: Thanks be to God! Versicle: May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Response: Amen. The Third Liturgical Hour
MORNING PRAYER (PRIME) FOR THURSDAY 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 92 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. [92:1] The Lord hath reigned, He is clothed with beauty: the Lord is clothed with strength, and hath girded Himself. For He hath established the world which shall not be moved. [92:2] Thy throne is prepared from of old: Thou art from everlasting. [92:3] The floods have lifted up, O Lord: the floods have lifted up their voice. The floods have lifted up their waves, [92:4] With the noise of many waters. Wonderful are the surges of the sea: wonderful is the Lord on high. [92:5] Thy testimonies are become exceedingly credible: holiness becometh Thy house, O Lord, unto length of days. 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 93 [93:1] The Lord is the God to whom revenge belongeth: the God of revenge hath acted freely. [93:2] Lift up thyself, Thou that judgest the Earth: render a reward to the proud. [93:3] How long shall sinners, O Lord: how long shall sinners glory? [93:4] Shall they utter, and speak iniquity: shall all speak who work injustice? [93:5] Thy people, O Lord, they have brought low: and they have afflicted Thy inheritance. [93:6] They have slain the widow and the stranger: and they have murdered the fatherless. [93:7] And they have said: The Lord shall not see: neither shall the God of Jacob understand. [93:8] Understand, ye senseless among the people: and, you fools, be wise at last. [93:9] He that planted the ear, shall He not hear? or He that formed the eye, doth He not consider? [93:10] He that chastiseth nations, shall He not rebuke: He that teacheth man knowledge? [93:11] The Lord knoweth the thoughts of men, that they are vain. 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 93 (continued) [93:12] Blessed is the man whom Thou shalt instruct, O Lord: and shalt teach him out of Thy law. [93:13] That Thou mayst give him rest from the evil days: till a pit be dug for the wicked. [93:14] For the Lord will not cast off His people: neither will He forsake His own inheritance. [93:15] Until justice be turned into judgment: and they that are near it are all the upright in heart. [93:16] Who shall rise up for me against the evildoers? or who shall stand with me against the workers of iniquity? [93:17] Unless the Lord had been my helper, my soul had almost dwelt in Hell. [93:18] If I said: My foot is moved: Thy mercy, O Lord, assisted me. [93:19] According to the multitude of my sorrows in my heart, Thy comforts have given joy to my soul. [93:20] Doth the seat of iniquity stick to Thee, who framest labor in commandment? [93:21] They will hunt after the soul of the just, and will condemn innocent blood. [93:22] But the Lord is my refuge: and my God the help of my hope. [93:23] And He will render them their iniquity: and in their malice He will destroy them: the Lord our God will destroy them. 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 THURSDAY 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 75 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. [75:2] In Judea God is known: His Name is great in Israel. [75:3] And His place is in peace: and His abode in Sion: [75:4] There hath He broken the powers of bows, the shield, the sword, and the battle. [75:5] Thou enlightenest wonderfully from the everlasting hills. [75:6] All the foolish of heart were troubled. They have slept their sleep; and all the men of riches have found nothing in their hands. [75:7] At Thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, they have all slumbered that mounted on horseback. [75:8] Thou art terrible, and who shall resist Thee? From that time, Thy wrath? [75:9] Thou hast caused judgment to be heard from Heaven: the Earth trembled and was still, [75:10] When God arose in judgment, to save all the meek of the Earth. [75:11] For the thought of man shall give praise to Thee: and the remainders of the thought shall keep holiday to Thee. [75:12] Vow ye, and pay to the Lord your God: all you that are round about Him bring presents. To Him that is terrible, [75:13] Even to Him who taketh away the spirit of princes: to the terrible with the kings of the Earth. 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 144 [144:1] I will extol Thee, O God my king: and I will bless Thy Name for ever; yea, for ever and ever. [144:2] Every day I will bless Thee: and I will praise Thy Name for ever; yea, for ever and ever. [144:3] Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised: and of His greatness there is no end. [144:4] Generation and generation shall praise Thy works: and they shall declare Thy power. [144:5] They shall speak of the magnificence of the glory of Thy holiness: and shall tell Thy wondrous works. [144:6] And they shall speak of the might of Thy terrible acts: and shall declare Thy greatness. [144:7] They shall publish the memory of the abundance of Thy sweetness: and shall rejoice in Thy justice. [144:8] The Lord is gracious and merciful: patient and plenteous in mercy. [144:9] The Lord is sweet to all: and His tender mercies are over all 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 144 (cont.) [144:10] Let all Thy works, O Lord, praise Thee: and let Thy saints bless Thee. [144:11] They shall speak of the glory of Thy kingdom: and shall tell of Thy power: [144:12] To make Thy might known to the sons of men: and the glory of the magnificence of Thy kingdom. [144:13] Thy kingdom is a kingdom of all ages: and Thy dominion endureth throughout all generations. The Lord is faithful in all His words: and holy in all His works. [144:14] The Lord lifteth up all that fall: and setteth up all that are cast down. [144:15] The eyes of all hope in Thee, O Lord: and Thou givest them meat in due season. [144:16] Thou openest Thy hand, and fillest with blessing every living creature. [144:17] The Lord is just in all His ways: and holy in all His works. [144:18] The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him: to all that call upon Him in truth. [144:19] He will do the will of them that fear Him: and He will hear their prayer, and save them. [144:20] The Lord keepeth all them that love Him; but all the wicked He will destroy. [144:21] My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord: and let all flesh bless Thy Holy Name for ever; yea, for ever and 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: 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
MIDDAY PRAYER (SEXT) FOR THURSDAY 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 82 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. [82:2] O God, who shall be like to Thee? Hold not Thy peace, neither be Thou still, O God. [82:3] For lo, Thy enemies have made a noise: and they that hate Thee have lifted up the head. [82:4] They have taken a malicious counsel against Thy people, and have consulted against Thy saints. [82:5] They have said: Come and let us destroy them, so that they be not a nation: and let the name of Israel be remembered no more. [82:6] For they have contrived with one consent: they have made a covenant together against Thee, [82:13] Who have said: Let us possess the sanctuary of God for an inheritance. [82:14] O my God, make them like a wheel; and as stubble before the wind. [82:15] As fire which burneth the wood: and as a flame burning mountains: [82:16] So shalt Thou pursue them with Thy tempest: and shalt trouble them in Thy wrath. [82:17] Fill their faces with shame; and they shall seek Thy Name, O Lord. [82:18] Let them be ashamed and troubled for ever and ever: and let them be confounded and perish. [82:19] And let them know that the Lord is Thy Name: Thou alone art the most High over all the Earth. 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 108 [108:2] O God, be not Thou silent in my praise: for the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful man is opened against me. [108:3] They have spoken against me with deceitful tongues; and they have compassed me about with words of hatred; and have fought against me without cause. [108:4] Instead of making me a return of love, they detracted me: but I gave myself to prayer. [108:5] And they repaid me evil for good: and hatred for my love. [108:6] Set Thou the sinner over him: and may the devil stand at his right hand. [108:7] When he is judged, may he go out condemned; and may his prayer be turned to sin. [108:8] May his days be few: and his bishopric let another take. [108:9] May his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow. [108:10] Let his children be carried about vagabonds, and beg; and let them be cast out of their dwellings. [108:11] May the usurer search all his substance: and let strangers plunder his labors. [108:12] May there be none to help him: nor none to pity his fatherless offspring. [108:13] May his posterity be cut off; in one generation may his name be blotted out. [108:14] May the iniquity of his fathers be remembered in the sight of the Lord: and let not the sin of his mother be blotted out. [108:15] May they be before the Lord continually, and let the memory of them perish from the Earth: [108:16] Because he remembered not to show mercy, [108:17] But persecuted the poor man and the beggar; and the broken in heart, to put him to death. [108:18] And he loved cursing, and it shall come unto him: and he would not have blessing, and it shall be far from him. And he put on cursing, like a garment: and it went in like water into his entrails, and like oil in his bones. [108:19] May it be unto him like a garment which covereth him; and like a girdle with which he is girded continually. [108:20] This is the work of them who detract me before the Lord; and who speak evils against my soul. 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 108 (continued) [108:21] But Thou, O Lord, do with me for Thy Name’s sake: because Thy mercy is sweet. Do Thou deliver me, [108:22] for I am poor and needy, and my heart is troubled within me. [108:23] I am taken away like the shadow when it declineth: and I am shaken off as locusts. [108:24] My knees are weakened through fasting: and my flesh is changed for oil. [108:25] And I am become a reproach to them: they saw me and they shook their heads, [108:26] Help me, O Lord my God; save me according to Thy mercy. [108:27] And let them know that this is Thy hand: and that Thou, O Lord, hast done it. [108:28] They will curse and Thou will bless: let them that rise up against me be confounded: but Thy servant shall rejoice. [108:29] Let them that detract me be clothed with shame: and let them be covered with their confusion as with a double cloak. [108:30] I will give great thanks to the Lord with my mouth: and in the midst of many I will praise Him. [108:31] Because He hath stood at the right hand of the poor, to save my soul from persecutors. 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
MID-AFTERNOON PRAYER (NONE) FOR THURSDAY 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 106 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. [106:1] Give glory to the Lord, for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever. [106:2] Let them say so that have been redeemed by the Lord, whom He hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy: and gathered out of the countries. [106:3] From the rising and the setting of the sun, from the north and from the sea. [106:4] They wandered in a wilderness, in a place without water: they found not the way of a city for their habitation. [106:5] They were hungry and thirsty: their soul fainted in them. [106:6] And they cried to the Lord in their tribulation: and He delivered them out of their distresses. [106:7] And He led them into the right way: that they might go to a city of habitation. [106:8] Let the mercies of the Lord give glory to Him: and His wonderful works to the children of men. [106:9] For He hath satisfied the empty soul, and hath filled the hungry soul with good things. [106:10] Such as sat in darkness and in the shadow of death: bound in want and in iron. [106:11] Because they had exasperated the words of God: and provoked the counsel of the most High: [106:12] And their heart was humbled with labors: they were weakened, and their was none to help them. [106:13] Then they cried to the Lord in their affliction: and He delivered them out of their distresses. [106:14] And He brought them out of darkness, and the shadow of death; and broke their bonds in sunder. 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 106 (cont.) [106:15] Let the mercies of the Lord give glory to Him, and His wonderful works to the children of men. [106:16] Because He hath broken gates of brass, and burst the iron bars. [106:17] He took them out of the way of their iniquity: for they were brought low for their injustices. [106:18] Their soul abhorred all manner of meat: and they drew nigh even to the gates of death. [106:19] And they cried to the Lord in their affliction: and He delivered them out of their distresses. [106:20] He sent His word, and healed them: and delivered them from their destructions. [106:21] Let the mercies of the Lord give glory to Him: and His wonderful works to the children of men. [106:22] And let them sacrifice the sacrifice of praise: and declare His works with joy. [106:23] They that go down to the sea in ships, doing business in the great waters: [106:24] These have seen the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep. [106:25] He said the word, and there arose a storm of wind: and the waves thereof were lifted up. [106:26] They mount up to the heavens, and they go down to the depths: their soul pined away with evils. [106:27] They were troubled, and reeled like a drunken man; and all their wisdom was swallowed up. [106:28] And they cried to the Lord in their affliction: and He brought them out of their distresses. [106:29] And He turned the storm into a breeze: and its waves were still. [106:30] And they rejoiced because they were still: and He brought them to the haven which they wished for. 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 106 (cont.) [106:31] Let the mercies of the Lord give glory to Him, and His wonderful works to the children of men. [106:32] And let them exalt Him in the church of the people: and praise Him in the chair of the ancients. [106:33] He hath turned rivers into a wilderness: and the sources of water into dry ground: [106:34] A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein. [106:35] He hath turned a wilderness into pools of water, and a dry land into water springs. [106:36] And hath placed there the hungry; and they made a city for their habitation. [106:37] And they sowed fields, and planted vineyards: and they yielded fruit of birth. [106:38] And He blessed them, and they were multiplied exceedingly: and their cattle He suffered not to decrease. [106:39] Then they were brought to be few: and they were afflicted through the trouble of evils and sorrow. [106:40] Contempt was poured forth upon their princes: and He caused them to wander where there was no passing, and out of the way. [106:41] And He helped the poor out of poverty: and made him families like a flock of sheep. [106:42] The just shall see, and shall rejoice, and all iniquity shall stop their mouth. [106:43] Who is wise, and will keep these things: and will understand the mercies 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, 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
EVENING PRAYER (VESPERS) FOR THURSDAY 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 103 Antiphon: In that day * the mountains shall drop down sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk and honey. Alleluia. [103:1] For David himself. Bless the Lord, O my soul: O Lord my God, Thou art exceedingly great. Thou hast put on praise and beauty: [103:2] And art clothed with light as with a garment. Who stretchest out the Heaven like a pavilion: [103:3] Who coverest the higher rooms thereof with water. Who makest the clouds thy chariot: who walkest upon the wings of the winds. [103:4] Who makest Thy angels spirits: and Thy ministers a burning fire. [103:5] Who hast founded the Earth upon its own bases: it shall not be moved for ever and ever. [103:6] The deep like a garment is its clothing: above the mountains shall the waters stand. [103:7] At Thy rebuke they shall flee: at the voice of Thy thunder they shall 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: 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 103 (continued) Antiphon: Sing, O daughter of Zion, * and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem, for thy Lord cometh. Alleluia. [103:8] The mountains ascend, and the plains descend into the place which Thou hast founded for them. [103:9] Thou hast set a bound which they shall not pass over; neither shall they return to cover the Earth. [103:10] Thou sendest forth springs in the vales: between the midst of the hills the waters shall pass. [103:11] All the beasts of the field shall drink: the wild asses shall expect in their thirst. [103:12] Over them the birds of the air shall dwell: from the midst of the rocks they shall give forth their voices. [103:13] Thou waterest the hills from Thy upper rooms: the earth shall be filled with the fruit of Thy works: [103:14] Bringing forth grass for cattle, and herb for the service of men. That Thou mayst bring bread out of the earth: [103:15] And that wine may cheer the heart of man. That he may make the face cheerful with oil: and that bread may strengthen man’s 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: 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 103 (continued) 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. [103:16] The trees of the field shall be filled, and the cedars of Libanus which he hath planted: [17] There the sparrows shall make their nests. The highest of them is the house of the heron. [103:18] The high hills are a refuge for the harts, the rock for the irchins. [103:19] He hath made the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down. [103:20] Thou hast appointed darkness, and it is night: in it shall all the beasts of the woods go about: [103:21] The young lions roaring after their prey, and seeking their meat from God. [103:22] The sun ariseth, and they are gathered together: and they shall lie down in their dens. [103:23] Man shall go forth to his work, and to his labor until the evening. 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 103 (continued) Antiphon: Behold, every one that thirsteth * come ye to the waters: seek ye the Lord while He may be found. Alleluia. [103:24] How great are Thy works, O Lord? Thou hast made all things in wisdom: the Earth is filled with Thy riches. [103:25] So is this great sea, which stretcheth wide its arms: there are creeping things without number: Creatures little and great. [103:26] There the ships shall go. This sea dragon which Thou hast formed to play therein. [103:27] All expect of Thee that Thou give them food in season. [103:28] What Thou givest to them they shall gather up: when Thou openest Thy hand, they shall all be filled with good. [103:29] But if Thou turnest away Thy face, they shall be troubled: Thou shalt take away their breath, and they shall fail, and shall return to their dust. [103:30] Thou shalt send forth Thy spirit, and they shall be created: and Thou shalt renew the face of the Earth. 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 103 (continued) Antiphon: Behold, a great Prophet * shall arise, and He shall build up a new Jerusalem. Alleluia. [103:31] May the glory of the Lord endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in His works. [103:32] He looketh upon the Earth, and maketh it tremble: He toucheth the mountains, and they smoke. [103:33] I will sing to the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. [103:34] Let my speech be acceptable to Him: but I will take delight in the Lord. [103:35] Let sinners be consumed out of the Earth, and the unjust, so that they be no more: 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: 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
BEDTIME PRAYER (COMPLINE) FOR THURSDAY 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 87 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. [87:2] O Lord, the God of my salvation: I have cried in the day, and in the night before Thee. [87:3] Let my prayer come in before Thee: incline Thy ear to my petition. [87:4] For my soul is filled with evils: and my life hath drawn nigh to Hell. [87:5] I am counted among them that go down to the pit: I am become as a man without help, [87:6] Free among the dead. Like the slain sleeping in the sepulchers, whom Thou rememberest no more: and they are cast off from Thy hand. [87:7] They have laid me in the lower pit: in the dark places, and in the shadow of death. [87:8] Thy wrath is strong over me: and all Thy waves Thou hast brought in upon me. [87:9] Thou hast put away my acquaintance far from me: they have set me an abomination to themselves. I was delivered up, and came not forth: [87:10] My eyes languished through poverty. All the day I cried to Thee, O Lord: I stretched out my hands to Thee. [87:11] Wilt Thou show wonders to the dead? Or shall physicians raise to life, and give praise to 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 second of three psalms PSALM 87 (cont.) [87:12] Shall anyone in the sepulcher declare Thy mercy: and Thy truth in destruction? [87:13] Shall Thy wonders be known in the dark; and Thy justice in the land of forgetfulness? [87:14] But I, O Lord, have cried to Thee: and in the morning my prayer shall prevent Thee. [87:15] Lord, why castest Thou off my prayer: why turnest Thou away Thy face from me? [87:16] I am poor, and in labors from my youth: and being exalted have been humbled and troubled. [87:17] Thy wrath hath come upon me: and Thy terrors have troubled me. [87:18] They have come round about me like water all the day: they have compassed me about together. [87:19] Friend and neighbor Thou hast put far from me: and my acquaintance, because of misery. 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 120 [120:1] I have lifted up my eyes to the mountains, from whence help shall come to me. [120:2] My help is from the Lord, who made Heaven and Earth. [120:3] May He not suffer thy foot to be moved: neither let Him slumber that keepeth thee. [120:4] Behold He shall neither slumber nor sleep, that keepeth Israel. [120:5] The Lord is thy keeper, the Lord is thy protection upon thy right hand. [120:6] The sun shall not burn thee by day: nor the moon by night. [120:7] The Lord keepeth thee from all evil: may the Lord keep thy soul. [120:8] May the Lord keep thy coming in and thy going out; 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: 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. |