Advent Prayers TUE

PRAYERS FOR ALL THE TUESDAYS OF ADVENT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR ALL THE TUESDAYS OF ADVENT
PSALMS & READINGS

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

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

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

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

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

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

The First Liturgical Hour
NIGHT PRAYER (MATINS) FOR TUESDAY
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 1

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

[1:1] Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the chair of pestilence.
[1:2] But his will is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he shall meditate day and night.
[1:3] He shall be like a tree which is planted near the running waters, which shall bring forth its fruit, in due season. His leaf shall not fall off: and all whatsoever he shall do shall prosper.
[1:4] Not so the wicked, not so: but like the dust, which the wind driveth from the face of the Earth.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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

The second of three psalms
PSALMS 99
(the first of the seven Penitential Psalms)

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

[99:2] Sing joyfully to God, all the Earth! Serve ye the Lord with gladness! Come in before His presence with exceeding great joy!
[99:3] Know ye that the Lord He is God: He made us, and not we ourselves. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
[99:4] Go ye into His gates with praise, into His courts with hymns: and give glory to Him! Praise ye His Name!
[99:5] For the Lord is sweet, His mercy endureth for ever, and His truth to 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 * 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 100

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

[100:1] Mercy and judgment I will sing! To Thee, O Lord, I will sing!
[100:2] And I will understand in the unspotted way, when Thou shalt come to me. I walked in the innocence of my heart, in the midst of my house.
[100:3] I did not set before my eyes any unjust thing: I hated the workers of iniquities.
[100:4] The perverse heart did not cleave to me: and the malignant, that turned aside from me, I would not know.
[100:5] The man that in private detracted his neighbor, him did I persecute. With him that had a proud eye, and an insatiable heart, I would not eat.
[100:6] My eyes were upon the faithful of the Earth, to sit with me: the man that walked in the perfect way, he served me.
[100:7] He that worketh pride shall not dwell in the midst of my house: he that speaketh unjust things did not prosper before my eyes.
[100:8] In the morning I put to death all the wicked of the land: that I might cut off all the workers of iniquity from the city of the Lord.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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.

Consider, beloved brethren, what folly it would be in a man walking along a toilsome and difficult road until overcome with fatigue, and yet not wishing to see the end of it! Moreover, our Savior teaches us by His wise similitude that this world does not deserve our affection, but that, on the contrary, we should despise it. He says: See the fig-tree and all the trees. When they now shoot forth their fruit, you know that summer is nigh. So yon also, when you shall see these things come to pass, know that the kingdom of God is at hand. Is it not as though He said: In the same way that you conclude by the trees bearing fruit that summer is near, so by the downfall of the world you will know that the kingdom of God is not far off?

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

These words show us plainly enough that the fall and destruction of this world are its real fruits, since its rise and increase are closely connected with its fall, and since it brings forth those things only which are destined to perish. If, on the contrary, we consider the kingdom of God, we are aware that we may in all truth compare it with the summer, when all the clouds of our afflictions will be dispersed and be followed by happy days, lighted up by a never disappearing sun of bliss.

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 that we should never doubt these truths, Our Lord confirms them with an oath, saying: Amen, I say to you, this generation shall not pass away, till all things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away. Among all corporeal things and beings nothing is more durable than heaven and earth; in the same way nothing disappears more quickly than the word. Before the word is expressed it exists, and hardly is it said than it has disappeared; for the word cannot attain its perfection without at the same instant losing its existence. Now heaven and earth shall pass away, says the oracle of eternal truth, “But My words shall not pass away.” It is as if our Savior said: “Learn ye, that everything among you, that seems to be durable, has not been made to last for ever or to continue without any change; whereas what seems to pass away quickly, is firmly and for ever established. For even the words I speak, and which fly away, contain in themselves irrevocable utterances.”

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 TUESDAY
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 3

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

[3:2] Why, O Lord, are they multiplied that afflict me? Many are they who rise up against me.
[3:3] Many say to my soul: There is no salvation for him in his God.
[3:4] But Thou, O Lord art my protector, my glory, and the lifter up of my head.
[3:5] I have cried to the Lord with my voice: and He hath heard me from His holy hill.
[3:6] I have slept and taken my rest: and I have risen up, because the Lord hath protected me.
[3:7] I will not fear thousands of the people, surrounding me: arise, O Lord; save me, O my God.
[3:8] For Thou hast struck all them who are my adversaries without cause: Thou hast broken the teeth of sinners.
[3:9] Salvation is of the Lord: and Thy blessing is upon Thy people.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
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 9

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

PSALM 9
[9:2] I will give praise to Thee, O Lord, with my whole heart: I will relate all Thy wonders.
[9:3] I will be glad and rejoice in Thee: I will sing to Thy Name, O Thou most high.
[9:4] When my enemy shall be turned back: they shall be weakened and perish before Thy face.
[9:5] For Thou hast maintained my judgment and my cause: Thou hast sat on the throne, who judgest justice.
[9:6] Thou hast rebuked the Gentiles, and the wicked one hath perished: Thou hast blotted out their name for ever and ever.
[9:7] The swords of the enemy have failed unto the end: and their cities Thou hast destroyed. Their memory hath perished with a noise.
[9:8] But the Lord remaineth for ever. He hath prepared His throne in judgment.
[9:9] And He shall judge the world in equity, He shall judge the people in justice.
[9:10] And the Lord is become a refuge for the poor: a helper in due time in tribulation.
[9:11] And let them trust in Thee who know Thy Name: for Thou hast not forsaken them that seek Thee, O Lord.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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 9 (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.

[9:12] Sing ye to the Lord, who dwelleth in Sion: declare His ways among the Gentiles.
[9:13] For requiring their blood He hath remembered them: He hath not forgotten the cry of the poor.
[9:14] Have mercy on me, O Lord: see my humiliation which I suffer from my enemies.
[9:15] Thou that liftest me up from the gates of death, that I may declare all Thy praises in the gates of the daughter of Sion.
[9:16] I will rejoice in Thy salvation! The Gentiles have stuck fast in the destruction which they have prepared. Their foot hath been taken in the very snare which they hid.
[9:17] The Lord shall be known when He executeth judgments! The sinner hath been caught in the works of his own hands.
[9:18] The wicked shall be turned into Hell, all the nations that forget God.
[9:19] For the poor man shall not be forgotten to the end: the patience of the poor shall not perish for ever.
[
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: Behold, 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 9 (continued)

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

9:20] Arise, O Lord, let not man be strengthened! Let the Gentiles be judged in Thy sight.
[9:21] Appoint, O Lord, a lawgiver over them: that the Gentiles may know themselves to be but men.
[9:22] Why, O Lord, hast Thou retired afar off? Why dost Thou slight us in our wants, in the time of trouble?
[9:23] Whilst the wicked man is proud, the poor is set on fire: they are caught in the counsels which they devise.
[9:24] For the sinner is praised in the desires of his soul: and the unjust man is blessed.
[9:25] The sinner hath provoked the Lord, according to the multitude of his wrath he will not seek Him.
[9:26] God is not before his eyes: his ways are filthy at all times. Thy judgments are removed from his sight: he shall rule over all his enemies.
[9:27] For he hath said in his heart: “I shall not be moved from generation to generation, and shall be without evil.”
[9:28] His mouth is full of cursing, and of bitterness, and of deceit: under his tongue are labor and sorrow.
[9:29] He sits in ambush with the rich in private places, that he may kill the innocent.
[9:30] His eyes are upon the poor man: He lies in wait in secret like a lion in his den. He lies in ambush that he may catch the poor man: to catch the poor, whilst he draws him to him.
[9:31] In his net he will bring him down, he will crouch and fall, when he shall have power over the poor.
[9:32] For he hath said in his heart: “God hath forgotten, He hath turned away His face not to see to the end.”
[9:33] Arise, O Lord God, let Thy hand be exalted: forget not the poor.
[9:34] Wherefore hath the wicked provoked God? For he hath said in his heart: “He will not require it!”
[9:35] Thou seest it, for Thou considerest labor and sorrow, that Thou mayest deliver them into Thy hands. To Thee is the poor man left! Thou wilt be a helper to the orphan.
[9:36] Break Thou the arm of the sinner and of the malignant: his sin shall be sought, and shall not be found.
[9:37] The Lord shall reign to eternity, yea, for ever and ever! Ye Gentiles shall perish from His land.
[9:38] The Lord hath heard the desire of the poor! Thy ear hath heard the preparation of their heart.
[9:39] To judge for the fatherless and for the humble, that man may no more presume to magnify himself upon 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
CANTICLE OF TOBIAS
(Canticle of Tobias taken from Tobias 13:1-11)

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

[13:1] Thou art great, O Lord, for ever, and Thy kingdom is unto all ages:
[13:2] For Thou scourgest, and Thou savest: Thou leadest down to Hell, and bringest up again: and there is none that can escape Thy hand.
[13:3] Give glory to the Lord, ye children of Israel, and praise Him in the sight of the Gentiles:
[13:4] Because He hath therefore scattered you among the Gentiles, who know not Him, that you may declare His wonderful works,
[13:5] And make them know that there is no other almighty God besides Him.
[13:6] He hath chastised us for our iniquities:and He will save us for His own mercy.
[13:7] See then what He hath done with us, and with fear and trembling give ye glory to Him:and extol the eternal King of worlds in your works.
[13:8] As for me, I will praise him in the land of my captivity: because He hath shewn His majesty toward a sinful nation.
[13:9] Be converted therefore, ye sinners, and do justice before God, * believing that He will show His mercy to you.
[13:10] And I and my soul will rejoice in Him.
[13:11] Bless ye the Lord, all His elect, keep days of joy, and give glory to 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: 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 TUESDAY
usually prayed after breakfast and before starting work for the day
(modern day suggestion: after breakfast and before work, before 9 a.m.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Seventh Liturgical Hour
EVENING PRAYER (VESPERS) FOR TUESDAY
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 112

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

[112:1] Praise the Lord, ye children: praise ye the Name of the Lord.
[112:2] Blessed be the Name of the Lord, from henceforth now and for ever.
[112:3] From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, the Name of the Lord is worthy of praise.
[112:4] The Lord is high above all nations; and His glory above the heavens.
[112:5] Who is as the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high:
[112:6] And looketh down on the low things in Heaven and in Earth?
[112:7] Raising up the needy from the Earth, and lifting up the poor out of the dunghill:
[112:8] That He may place him with princes, with the princes of His people.
[112:9] Who maketh a barren woman to dwell in a house, the joyful mother of children.
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 113

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

[113:1] When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a barbarous people:
[113:2] Judea made His sanctuary, Israel His dominion.
[113:3] The sea saw and fled: Jordan was turned back.
[113:4] The mountains skipped like rams, and the hills like the lambs of the flock.
[113:5] What ailed thee, O thou sea, that thou didst flee: and thou, O Jordan, that thou wast turned back?
[113:6] Ye mountains, that ye skipped like rams, and ye hills, like lambs of the flock?
[113:7] At the presence of the Lord the Earth was moved, at the presence of the God of Jacob:
[113:8] Who turned the rock into pools of water, and the stony hill into fountains of waters.
[113:9] Not to us, O Lord, not to us; but to Thy Name give glory.
[113:10] For Thy mercy, and for Thy truth’s sake: lest the gentiles should say: Where is their God?
[113:11] But our God is in Heaven: He hath done all things whatsoever He would.
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 113 (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.

[113:12] The idols of the gentiles are silver and gold, the works of the hands of men.
[113:13] They have mouths and speak not: they have eyes and see not.
[113:14] They have ears and hear not: they have noses and smell not.
[113:15] They have hands and feel not: they have feet and walk not: neither shall they cry out through their throat.
[113:16] Let them that make them become like unto them: and all such as trust in them.
[113:17] The house of Israel hath hoped in the Lord: He is their helper and their protector.
[113:18] The house of Aaron hath hoped in the Lord: He is their helper and their protector.
[113:19] They that fear the Lord hath hoped in the Lord: He is their helper and their protector.
[113:20] The Lord hath been mindful of us, and hath blessed us. He hath blessed the house of Israel: He hath blessed the house of Aaron.
[113:21] He hath blessed all that fear the Lord, both little and great.
[113:22] May the Lord add blessings upon you: upon you, and upon your children.
[113:23] Blessed be you of the Lord, who made Heaven and Earth.
[113:24] The Heaven of Heaven is the Lord’s: but the Earth He has given to the children of men.
[113:25] The dead shall not praise Thee, O Lord: nor any of them that go down to Hell.
[113:26] But we that live bless the Lord: from this time now and for ever.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: Behold, 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 114

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

[114:1] I have loved, because the Lord will hear the voice of my prayer.
[114:2] Because He hath inclined His ear unto me: and in my days I will call upon Him.
[114:3] The sorrows of death have encompassed me: and the perils of Hell have found me. I met with trouble and sorrow:
[114:4] And I called upon the Name of the Lord. O Lord, deliver my soul.
[114:5] The Lord is merciful and just, and our God showeth mercy.
[114:6] The Lord is the keeper of little ones: I was little and He delivered me.
[114:7] Turn, O my soul, into thy rest: for the Lord hath been bountiful to thee.
[114:8] For He hath delivered my soul from death: my eyes from tears, my feet from falling.
[114:9] I will please the Lord in the land of the living.
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 115

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

[115:10] I have believed, therefore have I spoken; but I have been humbled exceedingly.
[115:11] I said in my excess: Every man is a liar.
[115:12] What shall I render to the Lord, for all the things He hath rendered unto me?
[115:13] I will take the chalice of salvation; and I will call upon the Name of the Lord.
[115:14] I will pay my vows to the Lord before all His people:
[115:15] Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.
[115:16] O Lord, for I am Thy servant: I am Thy servant, and the son of Thy handmaid. Thou hast broken my bonds:
[115:17] I will sacrifice to Thee the sacrifice of praise, and I will call upon the Name of the Lord.
[115:18] I will pay my vows to the Lord in the sight of all His people:
[115:19] In the courts of the house of the Lord, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem.
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 TUESDAY
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 101

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.

[101:2] Hear, O Lord, my prayer: and let my cry come to Thee.
[101:3] Turn not away Thy face from me: in the day when I am in trouble, incline Thy ear to me. In what day soever I shall call upon Thee, hear me speedily.
[101:4] For my days are vanished like smoke: and my bones are grown dry like fuel for the fire.
[101:5] I am smitten as grass, and my heart is withered: because I forgot to eat my bread.
[101:6] Through the voice of my groaning, my bone hath cleaved to my flesh.
[101:7] I am become like to a pelican of the wilderness: I am like a night raven in the house.
[101:8] I have watched, and am become as a sparrow all alone on the housetop.
[101:9] All the day long my enemies reproached me: and they that praised me did swear against me.
[101:10] For I did eat ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping.
[101:11] Because of Thy anger and indignation: for having lifted me up Thou hast thrown me down.
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 101 (continued)

[101:12] My days have declined like a shadow, and I am withered like grass.
[101:13] But Thou, O Lord, endurest for ever: and Thy memorial is to all generations.
[101:14] Thou shalt arise and have mercy on Sion: for it is time to have mercy on it, for the time is come.
[101:15] For the stones thereof have pleased Thy servants: and they shall have pity on the Earth thereof.
[101:16] And the Gentiles shall fear Thy Name, O Lord, and all the kings of the Earth Thy glory.
[101:17] For the Lord hath built up Sion: and He shall be seen in His glory.
[101:18] He hath had regard to the prayer of the humble: and He hath not despised their petition.
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 101 (continued)

[101:19] Let these things be written unto another generation: and the people that shall be created shall praise the Lord:
[101:20] Because He hath looked forth from His high sanctuary: from Heaven the Lord hath looked upon the Earth.
[101:21] That He might hear the groans of them that are in fetters: that He might release the children of the slain:
[101:22] That they may declare the Name of the Lord in Sion: and His praise in Jerusalem;
[101:23] When the people assemble together, and kings, to serve the Lord.
[101:24] He answered Him in the way of His strength: Declare unto me the fewness of my days.
[101:25] Call me not away in the midst of my days: Thy years are unto generation and generation.
[101:26] In the beginning, O Lord, Thou foundedst the Earth: and the heavens are the works of Thy hands.
[101:27] They shall perish but Thou remainest: and all of them shall grow old like a garment: And as clothing Thou shalt change them, and they shall be changed.
[101:28] But Thou art always the selfsame, and Thy years shall not fail.
[101:29] The children of Thy servants shall continue: and their seed shall be directed 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.