Advent Prayers WED

PRAYERS FOR ALL THE WEDNESDAYS 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 WEDNESDAYS OF ADVENT
PSALMS & READINGS

As of Saturday, December 8th, all the days of the week are 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 WEDNESDAY
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 7

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

[7:2] O Lord my God, in Thee have I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me.
[7:3] Lest at any time he seize upon my soul like a lion, while there is no one to redeem me, nor to save.
[7:4] O Lord my God, if I have done this thing, if there be iniquity in my hands:
[7:5] If I have rendered to them that repaid me evils, let me deservedly fall empty before my enemies.
[7:6] Let the enemy pursue my soul, and take it, and tread down my life on the Earth, and bring down my glory to the dust.
[7:7] Rise up, O Lord, in Thy anger: and be Thou exalted in the borders of my enemies. And arise, O Lord my God, in the precept which Thou hast commanded:
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 7 (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.

[7:8] And a congregation of people shall surround Thee. And for their sakes return Thou on high.
[7:9] The Lord judgeth the people. Judge me, O Lord, according to my justice, and according to my innocence in me.
[7:10] The wickedness of sinners shall be brought to nought: and Thou shalt direct the just: the searcher of hearts and reins is God.
[7:11] Just is my help from the Lord: who saveth the upright of heart.
[7:12] God is a just judge, strong and patient: is He angry every day?
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: 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 7 (continued)

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

[7:13] Except you will be converted, He will brandish His sword: He hath bent His bow and made it ready.
[7:14] And in it He hath prepared the instruments of death, He hath made ready His arrows for them that burn.
[7:15] Behold he hath been in labor with injustice; he hath conceived sorrow, and brought forth iniquity.
[7:16] He hath opened a pit and dug it; and he is fallen into the hole he made.
[7:17] His sorrow shall be turned on his own head: and his iniquity shall comedown upon his crown.
[7:18] I will give glory to the Lord according to His justice: and will sing to the Name of the Lord the most high.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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.

Now, beloved brethren, to return to what you have heard about this world being filled with continual daily increasing evils, consider what remains of the immense nation that has sustained the calamities of which I am speaking. Meanwhile, the troubles have not yet left us; we are still oppressed by lamentable and unforeseen calamities, and we are grieved and afflicted by new losses. Strip, therefore, your hearts from the love of this world which you enjoy so little; and for this purpose take to heart the precept of the Apostle: “Love not the world, nor the things which are in the world. If any man love the world, the charity of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15).

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

What we have experienced these last three days is not unknown to you; how suddenly raging storms have rooted out the largest and strongest trees, have pulled down houses and destroyed churches! Many of the inhabitants, who at the end of the day quietly and in good health projected new plans for the next day, were taken away by a sudden death during the night, and buried under the ruins of their dwellings.

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

I beseech you, beloved brethren, be careful! If the invisible Judge is letting loose the stormy winds in order to produce these terrible effects; if He only needs to move the clouds of heaven and thus to shake the whole earth, and to overthrow and ruin the strongest buildings; what can we expect from this Judge when in His wrath He comes to take revenge and to punish sinners? If a mere cloud raised by Him against us is sufficient to strike us down, how shall we be able to resist His almighty power?

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 WEDNESDAY
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 21

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

PSALM 21
[21:5] In Thee have our fathers hoped: they have hoped, and Thou hast delivered them.
[21:6] They cried to Thee, and they were saved! They trusted in Thee, and were not confounded.
[21:7] But I am a worm, and no man: the reproach of men, and the outcast of the people!
[21:8] All they that saw me have laughed me to scorn: they have spoken with the lips, and wagged the head.
[21:9] He hoped in the Lord, let Him deliver him! Let Him save him, seeing that He delighteth in him.
[21:10] For Thou art He that hast drawn me out of the womb: my hope from the breasts of my mother.
[21:11] I was cast upon Thee from the womb. From my mother’s womb Thou art my God.
[21:12] Depart not from me! For tribulation is very near: for there is none 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.

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 21 (continued)

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

[21:13] Many calves have surrounded me! Fat bulls have besieged me!
[21:14] They have opened their mouths against me, as a lion growling and roaring.
[21:15] I am poured out like water; and all my bones are scattered! My heart is become like wax melting in the midst of my bowels!
[21:16] My strength is dried up like clay, and my tongue hath cleaved to my jaws: and Thou hast brought me down into the dust of death!
[21:17] For many dogs have encompassed me! The council of the wicked hath besieged me! They have dug my hands and feet!
[21:18] They have numbered all my bones! And they have looked and stared upon me!
[21:19] They parted my garments amongst them; and upon my vesture they cast lots!
[21:20] But Thou, O Lord, remove not Thy help to a distance from me; look towards my defense!
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 26

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.

[26:2] The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the protector of my life: of whom shall I be afraid?
[26:2] Whilst the wicked draw near against me, to eat my flesh. My enemies that trouble me, have themselves been weakened, and have fallen.
[26:3] If armies in camp should stand together against me, my heart shall not fear. If a battle should rise up against me, in this will I be confident.
[26:4] One thing I have asked of the Lord, this will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. That I may see the delight of the Lord, and may visit His temple.
[26:5] For He hath hidden me in His tabernacle; in the day of evils, He hath protected me in the secret place of His tabernacle.
[26:6] He hath exalted me upon a rock: and now He hath lifted up my head above my enemies. I have gone round, and have offered up in His tabernacle a sacrifice of jubilation: I will sing, and recite a psalm to the Lord.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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

The fourth of five psalms
PSALM 26 (continued)

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

[26:7] Hear, O Lord, my voice, with which I have cried to Thee: “Have mercy on me and hear me!”
[26:8] My heart hath said to Thee: “My face hath sought Thee!” Thy face, O Lord, will I still seek.
[26:9] Turn not away Thy face from me! Turn not away in Thy wrath from Thy servant! Be Thou my helper, forsake me not! Do not Thou despise me, O God my Savior!
[26:10] For my father and my mother have left me: but the Lord hath taken me up.
[26:11] Set me, O Lord, a law in Thy way, and guide me in the right path, because of my enemies.
[26:12] Deliver me not over to the will of them that trouble me; for unjust witnesses have risen up against me; and iniquity hath lied to itself.
[26:13] I believe to see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.
[26:14] Expect the Lord, do manfully, and let thy heart take courage, and wait thou for 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, 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 DAVID
(Canticle of Anna taken from 1 Kings 2:1-16)

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

[2:1] My heart hath rejoiced in the Lord, and my horn is exalted in my God:
[2:2] My mouth is enlarged over my enemies: because I have joyed in Thy salvation.
[2:3] There is none holy as the Lord is: for there is no other beside Thee, and there is none strong like our God.
[2:4] Do not multiply to speak lofty things, boasting:
[2:5] Let old matters depart from your mouth: for the Lord is a God of all knowledge, and to him are thoughts prepared.
[2:6] The bow of the mighty is overcome, and the weak are girt with strength.
[2:7] They that were full before, have hired out themselves for bread: and the hungry are filled,
[2:8] So that the barren hath borne many: and she that had many children is weakened.
[2:9] The Lord killeth and maketh alive, He bringeth down to Hell and bringeth back again.
[2:10] The Lord maketh poor and maketh rich, He humbleth and He exalteth.
[2:11] He raiseth up the needy from the dust, and lifteth up the poor from the dunghill:
[2:12] That he may sit with princes, and hold the throne of glory.
[2:13] For the poles of the earth are the Lord’s, and upon them He hath set the world.
[2:14] He will keep the feet of His saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness, because no man shall prevail by his own strength.
[2:15] The adversaries of the Lord shall fear Him: and upon them shall He thunder in the heavens.
[2:16] The Lord shall judge the ends of the Earth, and He shall give empire to His king, and shall exalt the horn of his Christ.
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 WEDNESDAY
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 WEDNESDAY
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 WEDNESDAY
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 WEDNESDAY
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 WEDNESDAY
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 37

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

PSALM 37 (3rd Penitential)

[37:2] Rebuke me not, O Lord, in Thy indignation; nor chastise me in Thy wrath.
[37:3] For Thy arrows are fastened in me: and Thy hand hath been strong upon me.
[37:4] There is no health in my flesh, because of Thy wrath: there is no peace for my bones, because of my sins.
[37:5] For my iniquities are gone over my head: and as a heavy burden are become heavy upon me.
[37:6] My sores are putrified and corrupted, because of my foolishness.
[37:7] I am become miserable, and am bowed down even to the end: I walked sorrowful all the day long.
[37:8] For my loins are filled with illusions; and there is no health in my flesh.
[37:9] I am afflicted and humbled exceedingly: I roared with the groaning of my heart.
[37:10] Lord, all my desire is before Thee, and my groaning is not hidden from Thee.
[37:11] My heart is troubled, my strength hath left me, and the light of my eyes itself is not with me.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: 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 37 (continued)

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

[37:12] My friends and my neighbors have drawn near, and stood against me. And they that were near me stood afar off.
[37:13] And they that sought my soul used violence. And they that sought evils to me spoke vain things, and studied deceits all the day long.
[37:14] But I, as a deaf man, heard not: and as a dumb man not opening his mouth.
[37:15] And I became as a man that heareth not: and that hath no reproofs in his mouth.
[37:16] For in Thee, O Lord, have I hoped: Thou wilt hear me, O Lord my God.
[37:17] For I said: Lest at any time my enemies rejoice over me: and whilst my feet are moved, they speak great things against me.
[37:18] For I am ready for scourges: and my sorrow is continually before me.
[37:19] For I will declare my iniquity: and I will think for my sin.
[37:20] But my enemies live, and are stronger than I: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.
[37:21] They that render evil for good, have detracted me, because I followed goodness.
[37:22] Forsake me not, O Lord my God: do not Thou depart from me.
[37:23] Attend unto my help, O Lord, the God of my salvation.
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 67

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.

PSALM 67

[67:2] Let God arise, and let His enemies be scattered: and let them that hate Him flee from before His face.
[67:3] As smoke vanisheth, so let them vanish away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
[67:4] And let the just feast, and rejoice before God: and be delighted with gladness.
[67:5] Sing ye to God, sing a psalm to His Name, make a way for Him who ascendeth upon the west: the Lord is His Name. Rejoice ye before Him: but the wicked shall be troubled at His presence,
[67:6] Who is the father of orphans, and the judge of widows. God in His holy place:
[67:7] God who maketh men of one manner to dwell in a house: Who bringeth out them that were bound in strength; in like manner them that provoke, that dwell in sepulchers.
[67:8] O God, when Thou didst go forth in the sight of Thy people, when Thou didst pass through the desert:
[67:9] The Earth was moved, and the heavens dropped at the presence of the God of Sina, at the presence of the God of Israel.
[67:10] Thou shalt set aside for Thy inheritance a free rain, O God: and it was weakened, but Thou hast made it perfect.
[67:11] In it shall Thy animals dwell; in Thy sweetness, O God, Thou hast provided for the poor.
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 67 (continued)

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

[67:12] The Lord shall give the word to them that preach good tidings with great power.
[67:13] The king of powers is of the beloved, of the beloved; and the beauty of the house shall divide spoils.
[67:14] If you sleep among the midst of lots, you shall be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and the hinder parts of her back with the paleness of gold.
[67:15] When He that is in Heaven appointeth kings over her, they shall be whited with snow in Selmon.
[67:16] The mountain of God is a fat mountain. A curdled mountain, a fat mountain.
[67:17] Why suspect, ye curdled mountains? A mountain in which God is well pleased to dwell: for there the Lord shall dwell unto the end.
[67:18] The chariot of God is attended by ten thousands; thousands of them that rejoice: the Lord is among them in Sina, in the holy place.
[67:19] Thou hast ascended on high, Thou hast led captivity captive; Thou hast received gifts in men. Yea for those also that do not believe, the dwelling of the Lord God.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: 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 67 (continued)

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

[67:20] Blessed be the Lord day by day: the God of our salvation will make our journey prosperous to us.
[67:21] Our God is the God of salvation: and of the Lord, of the Lord are the issues from death.
[67:22] But God shall break the heads of His enemies: the hairy crown of them that walk on in their sins.
[67:23] The Lord said: I will turn them from Basan, I will turn them into the depth of the sea:
[67:24] That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thy enemies; the tongue of thy dogs be red with the same.
[67:25] They have seen Thy goings, O God, the goings of my God: of my king who is in His sanctuary.
[67:26] Princes went before joined with singers, in the midst of young damsels playing on timbrels.
[67:27] In the churches bless ye God the Lord, from the fountains of Israel.
[67:28] There is Benjamin a youth, in ecstasy of mind. The princes of Juda are their leaders: the princes of Zabulon, the princes of Nephthali.
[67:29] Command Thy strength, O God: confirm, O God, what Thou hast wrought in us.
[67:30] From Thy temple in Jerusalem, kings shall offer presents to Thee.
[67:31] Rebuke the wild beasts of the reeds, the congregation of bulls with the kine of the people; who seek to exclude them who are tried with silver. Scatter Thou the nations that delight in wars:
[67:32] Ambassadors shall come out of Egypt: Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands to God.
[67:33] Sing to God, ye kingdoms of the Earth: sing ye to the Lord: Sing ye to God,
[67:34] Who mounteth above the Heaven of heavens, to the east. Behold He will give to His voice the voice of power:
[67:35] Give ye glory to God for Israel, His magnificence, and His power is in the clouds.
[67:36] God is wonderful in His saints: the God of Israel is He who will give power and strength to His people. Blessed be God.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: 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 WEDNESDAY
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 69

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.

[69:2] O God, come to my assistance; O Lord, make haste to help me.
[69:3] Let them be confounded and ashamed that seek my soul:
[69:4] Let them be turned backward, and blush for shame that desire evils to me: Let them be presently turned away blushing for shame that say to me: Tis well, tis well.
[69:5] Let all that seek Thee rejoice and be glad in Thee; and let such as love Thy salvation say always: The Lord be magnified.
[69:6] But I am needy and poor; O God, help me. Thou art my helper and my deliverer: O Lord, make no delay.

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 70

[70:1] In Thee, O Lord, I have hoped, let me never be put to confusion:
[70:2] Deliver me in Thy justice, and rescue me. Incline Thy ear unto me, and save me.
[70:3] Be Thou unto me a God, a protector, and a place of strength: that Thou mayst make me safe. For Thou art my firmament and my refuge.
[70:4] Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the sinner, and out of the hand of the transgressor of the law and of the unjust.
[70:5] For Thou art my patience, O Lord: my hope, O Lord, from my youth;
[70:6] By Thee have I been confirmed from the womb: from my mother’s womb Thou art my protector. Of Thee shall I continually sing:
[70:7] I run become unto many as a wonder, but Thou art a strong helper.
[70:8] Let my mouth be filled with praise, that I may sing Thy glory; Thy greatness all the day long.
[70:9] Cast me not off in the time of old age: when my strength shall fail, do not Thou forsake me.
[70:10] For my enemies have spoken against me; and they that watched my soul have consulted together,
[70:11] Saying: God hath forsaken him: pursue and take him, for there is none to deliver him.
[70:12] O God, be not Thou far from me: O my God, make haste to my help.
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 70 (continued)

[70:13] Let them be confounded and come to nothing that detract my soul; let them be covered with confusion and shame that seek my hurt.
[70:14] But I will always hope; and will add to all Thy praise.
[70:15] My mouth shall show forth Thy justice; Thy salvation all the day long. Because I have not known learning,
[70:16] I will enter into the powers of the Lord: O Lord, I will be mindful of Thy justice alone.
[70:17] Thou hast taught me, O God, from my youth: and till now I will declare Thy wonderful works.
[70:18] And unto old age and grey hairs: O God, forsake me not, Until I show forth Thy arm to all the generation that is to come: Thy power,
[70:19] And Thy justice, O God, even to the highest great things Thou hast done: O God, who is like to Thee?
[70:20] How great troubles hast Thou shown me, many and grievous: and turning Thou hast brought me to life, and hast brought me back again from the depths of the Earth:
[70:21] Thou hast multiplied Thy magnificence; and turning to me Thou hast comforted me.
[70:22] For I will also confess to Thee Thy truth with the instruments of psaltery: O God, I will sing to Thee with the harp, Thou holy one of Israel.
[70:23] My lips shall greatly rejoice, when I shall sing to Thee; and my soul which Thou hast redeemed.
[70:24] Yea and my tongue shall meditate on Thy justice all the day; when they shall be confounded and put to shame that seek evils to me.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: 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.