Christmas Prayers MON

PRAYERS FOR ALL THE MONDAYS OF CHRISTMAS

“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 THE MONDAYS OF CHRISTMAS
PSALMS & READINGS

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

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

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

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

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

The First Liturgical Hour
NIGHT PRAYER (MATINS) FOR MONDAY
usually prayed in the middle of the night, or else right before dawn
(modern day suggestion: very last thing at night, or immediately after waking)

Religious would rise from sleep after midnight in the very early hours of the morning, well before dawn, to pray Matins
Usually Matins would consist of (1) an invitation to prayer called the "Invitatory"; (2) a hymn; (3) followed by nine psalms;
(4) then three spiritual readings; and (5) after this the Te Deum a hymn of thanksgiving is said; (6) which is followed by the prayer or collect of the day or feast.

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

The following extracts from the Divine Office of Matins is only around one-third of the actual length of Matins.

Versicle: O Lord, ✠︎ open thou my lips. (make the Sign of the Cross over the lips with your right thumb)
Response: And my mouth shall declare thy praise.

Versicle: O God, ✝ come to my assistance; (make the normal Sign of the Cross)
Response: O Lord, make haste to help me.

Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Alleluia.

THE INVITATORY FROM THE OFFICE OF MATINS FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON
Inviting all to come and praise the Lord our God

Antiphon: Unto us a Christ is born, * O come, let us worship 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: Unto us a Christ is born, * O come, let us worship 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: O come, let us worship 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: Unto us a Christ is born, * O come, let us worship 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: O come, let us worship 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: Unto us a Christ is born, * O come, let us worship 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: O come, let us worship Him.* Unto us a Christ is born, * O come, let us worship Him.

THE CHRISTMAS HYMN FROM THE OFFICE OF MATINS

Jesus, the Ransomer of man,
Who, ere created light began,
Didst from the sovereign Father spring,
His power and glory equallng.

The Father’s Light and Splendor Thou,
Their endless hope to Thee that bow;
Accept the prayers and praise today
That through the world Thy servants pay.

Salvation’s Author, call to mind
How, taking form of humankind,
Born of a Virgin undefiled,
Thou in man’s flesh becam’st a Child.

Thus testifies the present day,
Through every year in long array,
That Thou, salvation’s source alone,
Proceedest from the Father’s throne.

The heavens above, the rolling main
And all that earth’s wide realms contain,
With joyous voice now loudly sing
The glory of their new-born King.

And we who, by Thy precious Blood
From sin redeemed, are marked for God,
On this the day that saw Thy birth,
Sing the new song of ransomed earth.

O Lord, the Virgin-born, to
Thee Eternal praise and glory be,
Whom with the Father we adore
And Holy Ghost forevermore.
Amen.

The first of three psalms
PSALMS 121

Antiphon: The Lord hath said unto Me: * Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten thee.

121:1 I rejoiced at the things that were said to me: We shall go into the house of the Lord.
121:2 Our feet were standing in thy courts, O Jerusalem.
121:3 Jerusalem, which is built as a city, which is compact together.
121:4 For thither did the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord: the testimony of Israel, to praise the Name of the Lord.
121:5 Because their seats have sat in judgment, seats upon the house of David.
121:6 Pray ye for the things that are for the peace of Jerusalem: and abundance for them that love Thee.
121:7 Let peace be in thy strength: and abundance in thy towers.
121:8 For the sake of my brethren, and of my neighbors, I spoke peace of thee.
121:9 Because of the house of the Lord our God, I have sought good things for thee.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: The Lord hath said unto Me: * Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten thee.

The second of three psalms
PSALMS 134

Antiphon: In the Lord's days * shall abundance of peace arise and flourish.

134:1 Praise ye the Name of the Lord: O you His servants, praise the Lord:
134:2 You that stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God.
134:3 Praise ye the Lord, for the Lord is good: sing ye to His Name, for it is sweet.
134:4 For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto Himself: Israel for His own possession.
134:5 For I have known that the Lord is great, and our God is above all gods.
134:6 Whatsoever the Lord hath pleased He hath done, in Heaven, in Earth, in the sea, and in all the deeps.
134:7 He bringeth up clouds from the end of the Earth: He hath made lightnings for the rain. He bringeth forth winds out of His stores:
134:8 He slew the firstborn of Egypt from man even unto beast.
134:9 He sent forth signs and wonders in the midst of thee, O Egypt: upon Pharao, and upon all his servants.
134:10 He smote many nations, and slew mighty kings:
134:11 Sehon king of the Amorrhites, and Og king of Basan, and all the kingdoms of Chanaan.
134:12 And gave their land for an inheritance, for an inheritance to His 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: In the Lord's days * shall abundance of peace arise and flourish.

The third of three psalms
PSALM 134 (continued)

Antiphon: Truth is sprung out of the earth, * and righteousness hath looked down from Heaven.

134:13 Thy Name, O Lord, is for ever: Thy memorial, O Lord, unto all generations.
134:14 For the Lord will judge His people, and will be entreated in favour of His servants.
134:15 The idols of the Gentiles are silver and gold, the works of men’s hands.
134:16 They have a mouth, but they speak not: they have eyes, but they see not.
134:17 They have ears, but they hear not: neither is there any breath in their mouths.
134:18 Let them that make them be like to them: and every one that trusteth in them.
134:19 Bless the Lord, O house of Israel: bless the Lord, O house of Aaron.
134:20 Bless the Lord, O house of Levi: you that fear the Lord, bless the Lord.
134:21 Blessed be the Lord out of Sion, who dwelleth in 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: Truth is sprung out of the earth, * and righteousness hath looked down from Heaven.

Versicle: The Lord is as a bridegroom.
Response: Coming out of his chamber.

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, ever world without end. Amen.

FIRST READING
Taken from a homily of Pope St. Leo I (St. Leo the Great). Sermon XXIII

V. The Coming of Christ in Our Flesh Corresponds with Our Becoming Members of His Body
Wherefore, dearly beloved, since the loving-kindness is manifest, wherewith all the riches of Divine goodness are showered on us, whose call to eternal life has been assisted not only by the profitable examples of those who went before, but also by the visible and bodily appearing of the Truth Itself, we are bound to keep the day of the Lord’s Nativity with no slothful nor carnal joy. And we shall each keep it worthily and thoroughly, if we remember of what Body we are members, and to what a Head we are joined, lest anyone, as an ill-fitting joint, cohere not with the rest of the sacred building. Consider, dearly beloved, and, by the illumination of the Holy Spirit, thoughtfully bear in mind Who it was that received us into Himself, and that we have received in us: since, as the Lord Jesus became our flesh by being born, so we also became His body by being re-born. Therefore are we both members of Christ, and the temple of the Holy Ghost: and for this reason the blessed Apostle says, “Glorify and carry God in your body!” ―for, while suggesting to us the standard of His own gentleness and humility, He fills us with that power whereby He redeemed us, as the Lord Himself promises: “Come unto Me all ye who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will refresh you. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest to your souls.” Let us then take the yoke, that is not heavy nor irksome, of the Truth that rules us, and let us imitate His humility, to Whose glory we wish to be conformed: He Himself helping us and leading us to His promises, Who, according to His great mercy, is powerful to blot out our sins, and to perfect His gifts in us, Jesus Christ our Lord, Who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

Versicle: But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
Response: Thanks be to God.

Versicle: This is the day whereon the King of heaven was pleased to be born of a Virgin, that He might bring back to Heaven man who was lost. There is joy among the hosts of Angels, because eternal salvation hath appeared unto men.
Response: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, to men of goodwill.

Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: This is the day whereon the King of heaven was pleased to be born of a Virgin, that He might bring back to Heaven man who was lost. There is joy among the hosts of Angels, because eternal salvation hath appeared unto men.

SECOND READING
Taken from the homily of Pope St. Leo I (St. Leo the Great). Sermon XXIV

II. The Incarnation Was the Only Effective Remedy to the Fall
Let the righteous then rejoice in the Lord, and let the hearts of believers turn to God’s praise, and the sons of men confess His wondrous acts; since in this work of God especially our humble estate realizes how highly its Maker values it: in that, after His great gift to mankind in making us after His image, He contributed far more largely to our restoration when the Land Himself took on Him “the form of a slave.” For though all that the Creator expends upon His creature is part of one and the same Fatherly love, yet it is less wonderful than man should advance to divine things than that God should descend to humanity. But unless the Almighty God did deign to do this, no kind of righteousness, no form of wisdom could rescue any one from the devil’s bondage and from the depths of eternal death. For the condemnation that passes with sin from one upon all would remain, and our nature, corroded by its deadly wound, would discover no remedy, because it could not alter its state in its own strength. For the first man received the substance of flesh from the earth, and was quickened with a rational spirit by the in-breathing of his Creator, so that living after the image and likeness of his Maker, he might preserve the form of God’s goodness and righteousness as in a bright mirror. And, if he had perseveringly maintained this high dignity of his nature by observing the Law that was given him, his uncorrupt mind would have raised the character even of his earthly body to heavenly glory. But because in unhappy rashness he trusted the envious deceiver, and agreeing to his presumptuous counsels, preferred to forestall rather than to win the increase of honor that was in store for him, not only did that one man, but in him all that came after him also hear the verdict: “earth thou art, and unto earth shalt thou go;” “as in the earthy,” therefore, “such are they also that are earthy,” and no one is immortal, because no one is heavenly.

Versicle: But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
Response: Thanks be to God.

Versicle: O ye shepherds, speak, and tell us what ye have seen; who is appeared in the earth?
Response: We saw the new-born Child, and Angels singing praise to the Lord.

Versicle: Speak; what have ye seen? And tell us of the Birth of Christ.
Response: We saw the new-born Child, and Angels singing praise to the Lord.

Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: We saw the new-born Child, and Angels singing praise to the Lord.

THIRD READING
Continuation of the homily of Pope St. Leo I (St. Leo the Great). Sermon XXIV

III. We All Became Partakers in the Birth of Christ, by the Re-Birth of Baptism
And so to undo this chain of sin and death, the Almighty Son of God, that fills all things and contains, all things, altogether equal to the Father and co-eternal in one essence from Him and with Him, took on Him man’s nature, and the Creator and Land of all things deigned to be a mortal: choosing for His mother one whom He had made, one who, without loss of her maiden honor, supplied so much of bodily substance, that without the pollution of human seed the New Man might be possessed of purity and truth. In Christ, therefore, born of the Virgin’s womb, the nature does not differ from ours, because His nativity is wonderful. For He Who is true God, is also true man: and there is no lie in either nature. “The Word became flesh” by exaltation of the flesh, not by failure of the Godhead: which so tempered its power and goodness as to exalt our nature by taking it, and not to lose His own by imparting it. In this nativity of Christ, according to the prophecy of David, “truth sprang out of the earth, and righteousness looked down from Heaven.” In this nativity also, Isaias’s saying is fulfilled, “let the earth produce and bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together.” For the earth of human flesh, which in the first transgressor, was cursed, in this Offspring of the Blessed Virgin only produced a seed that was blessed and free from the fault of its stock. And each one is a partaker of this spiritual origin in regeneration; and to everyone when he is re-born, the water of baptism is like the Virgin’s womb; for the same Holy Spirit fills the font, Who filled the Virgin, that the sin, which that sacred conception overthrew, may be taken away by this mystical washing.

Versicle: But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
Response: Thanks be to God.

Versicle: The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. *
Response: And we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Versicle: All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made.
Response:And we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us

PRAYER

Versicle: O Lord, hear my prayer.
Response: And let my cry come unto Thee.

(Throughout the Octave of Christmas)
Let us pray. Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the new birth of Thy Only-begotten Son as man may set us free, who are held by the old bondage under the yoke of sin. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, 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, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Response: Amen.

The Second Liturgical Hour
DAWN PRAYER (LAUDS) FOR MONDAY
usually prayed before dawn
(modern day suggestion: after waking in the morning, before breakfast)
The Religious would rise from sleep once again before dawn, to pray Lauds. If Matins was not prayed during the middle of the night, then it is prayed now, at dawn, immediately before praying Lauds.
Usually Lauds consists of (1) five psalms with their appropriate seasonal antiphons (2) followed by what is called a "Chapter Verse" which is a short paragraphed reading; (3) this is followed by a hymn that suits the liturgical season; (4) then follows the Canticle of St. Zachary, the "Benedictus" with its appropriate seasonal antiphon; (5) finally there is said the prayer or collect for the day or feast.

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

OPENING INVOCATIONS

Versicle: O God, ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross) come to my assistance!
Response: O Lord, make haste to help me!

Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia.

The first of five psalms
PSALM 95

Antiphon: O ye shepherds, speak, * and tell us what ye have seen; who is appeared in the earth? We saw the newborn Child, and angels singing praise to the Lord, alleluia, alleluia.

95:1 Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: sing to the Lord, all the Earth.
95:2 Sing ye to the Lord and bless His Name: show forth His salvation from day to day.
95:3 Declare His glory among the Gentiles: His wonders among all people.
95:4 For the Lord is great, and exceedingly to be praised: He is to be feared above all gods.
95:5 For all the gods of the Gentiles are devils: but the Lord made the heavens.
95:6 Praise and beauty are before Him: holiness and majesty in His sanctuary.
95:7 Bring ye to the Lord, O ye kindreds of the Gentiles, bring ye to the Lord glory and honor:
95:8 Bring to the Lord glory unto His Name. Bring up sacrifices, and come into His courts:
95:9 Adore ye the Lord in His holy court. Let all the Earth be moved at His presence.
95:10 Say ye among the Gentiles, the Lord hath reigned. For He hath corrected the world, which shall not be moved: He will judge the people with justice.
95:11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the Earth be glad, let the sea be moved, and the fullness thereof:
95:12 The fields and all things that are in them shall be joyful. Then shall all the trees of the woods rejoice
95:13 Before the face of the Lord, because He cometh: because He cometh to judge the Earth. He shall judge the world with justice, and the people with His truth.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: O ye shepherds, speak, * and tell us what ye have seen; who is appeared in the earth? We saw the newborn Child, and angels singing praise to the Lord, alleluia, alleluia.

The second of five psalms
PSALM 96

Antiphon: The Mother brought forth the King, * Whose name is called The Eternal; the joy of a Mother was hers, remaining a Virgin unsullied; neither before nor henceforth hath there been or shall be such another, alleluia.

96:1 The Lord hath reigned, let the Earth rejoice: let many islands be glad.
96:2 Clouds and darkness are round about Him: justice and judgment are the establishment of His throne.
96:3 A fire shall go before Him, and shall burn His enemies round about.
96:4 His lightnings have shone forth to the world: the Earth saw and trembled.
96:5 The mountains melted like wax, at the presence of the Lord: at the presence of the Lord of all the Earth.
96:6 The heavens declared His justice: and all people saw His glory.
96:7 Let them be all confounded that adore graven things, and that glory in their idols. Adore Him, all you His angels:
96:8 Sion heard, and was glad. And the daughters of Juda rejoiced, because of Thy judgments, O Lord.
96:9 For Thou art the most high Lord over all the Earth: Thou art exalted exceedingly above all gods.
96:10 You that love the Lord, hate evil: the Lord preserveth the souls of His saints, He will deliver them out of the hand of the sinner.
96:11 Light is risen to the just, and joy to the right of heart.
96:12 Rejoice, ye just, in the Lord: and give praise to the remembrance of His holiness.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: The Mother brought forth the King, * Whose name is called The Eternal; the joy of a Mother was hers, remaining a Virgin unsullied; neither before nor henceforth hath there been or shall be such another, alleluia.

The third of five psalms
PSALM 100

Antiphon: The Angel said unto the shepherds * I bring you good tidings of great joy; for unto you is born this day a Savior of the world, alleluia.

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: The Angel said unto the shepherds * I bring you good tidings of great joy; for unto you is born this day a Savior of the world, alleluia.

The fourth of five psalms
PSALM 102

Antiphon: There was with the Angel a multitude of the heavenly host, * praising God, and saying Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, to men of good will, alleluia.

102:1 Bless the Lord, O my soul: and let all that is within me bless His holy Name.
102:2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and never forget all He hath done for Thee.
102:3 Who forgiveth all thy iniquities: Who healeth all thy diseases.
102:4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction: Who crowneth thee with mercy and compassion.
102:5 Who satisfieth thy desire with good things: thy youth shall be renewed like the eagle’s.
102:6 The Lord doth mercies, and judgment for all that suffer wrong.
102:7 He hath made His ways known to Moses: His wishes to the children of Israel.
102:8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful: longsuffering and plenteous in mercy.
102:9 He will not always be angry: nor will He threaten for ever.
102:10 He hath not dealt with us according to our sins: nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
102:11 For according to the height of the Heaven above the Earth: He hath strengthened His mercy towards them that fear Him.
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: There was with the Angel a multitude of the heavenly host, * praising God, and saying Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, to men of good will, alleluia.

The fifth of five psalms
PSALM 102 (continued)

Antiphon: Unto us this day a little Child is born, * and His name shall be called the Mighty God, alleluia, alleluia.

102:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our iniquities from us.
102:13 As a father hath compassion on his children, so hath the Lord compassion on them that fear Him:
102:14 For He knoweth our frame. He remembereth that we are dust:
102:15 Man’s days are as grass, as the flower of the field so shall he flourish.
102:16 For the spirit shall pass in him, and he shall not be: and he shall know his place no more.
102:17 But the mercy of the Lord is from eternity and unto eternity upon them that fear Him: And His justice unto children’s children,
102:18 To such as keep His covenant, and are mindful of His commandments to do them.
102:19 The Lord hath prepared His throne in Heaven: and His kingdom shall rule over all.
102:20 Bless the Lord, all ye His angels: you that are mighty in strength, and execute His word, hearkening to the voice of His orders.
102:21 Bless the Lord, all ye His hosts: you ministers of His that do His will.
102:22 Bless the Lord, all His works: in every place of His dominion, O my soul, bless Thou the Lord.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: Unto us this day a little Child is born, * and His name shall be called the Mighty God, alleluia, alleluia.

CHAPTER VERSE
(Romans 13:11)

Versicle: God, Who, at sundry times and in divers manners, spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets, last of all, in these days hath spoken to us by His Son, Whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by Whom also He made the world.
Response: Thanks be to God!

HYMN

From lands that see the sun arise
To Earth's remotest boundaries,
The Virgin-born today we sing,
The Son of Mary, Christ the King.

Blest Author of this earthly frame,
To take a servant's form He came,
That, liberating flesh by flesh,
Whom He had made might live afresh.

In that chaste parent's holy womb
Celestial grace hath found its home;
And she, as Earthly bride unknown,
Yet calls that Offspring blest her own.

The mansion of the modest breast
Becomes a shrine where God shall rest:
The pure and undefilèd one
Conceived in her womb the Son.

That Son, that Royal Son she bore,
Whom Gabriel's voice had told afore;
Whom, in His mother yet concealed,
The infant Baptist had revealed.

The manger and the straw He bore,
The cradle did He not abhor;
By milk in infant portions fed,
Who gives e'en fowls their daily bread.

The heavenly chorus filled the sky,
The Angels sang to God on high,
What time to shepherds, watching lone,
They made creation's Shepherd known.

All honor, laud, and glory be,
O Jesu, Virgin-born to thee:
All glory, as is ever meet,
To Father and to Paraclete.
Amen.

Versicle: The Lord hath made known, alleluia.
Response: His salvation, alleluia.

THE “BENEDICTUS” (Canticle of St. Zachary. Luke 1:68-79)

Antiphon: Glory be to God in the highest; * and on Earth, peace to men of good will, alleluia, alleluia..

1:69 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: Glory be to God in the highest; * and on Earth, peace to men of good will, alleluia, alleluia..

PRAYER

Versicle: O Lord, hear my prayer.
Response: And let my cry come unto Thee.

(Throughout the Octave of Christmas)
Let us pray. Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the new birth of Thy Only-begotten Son as man may set us free, who are held by the old bondage under the yoke of sin. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, 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, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Response: Amen.

The Third Liturgical Hour
MORNING PRAYER (PRIME) FOR MONDAY
usually prayed after breakfast and before starting work for the day
(modern day suggestion: after breakfast and before work, before 9 a.m.)

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

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

OPENING INVOCATIONS

Versicle: O God, ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross) come to my assistance!
Response: O Lord, make haste to help me!

Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia.

HYMN

Now in the sun’s new dawning ray,
Lowly of heart, our God we pray
That he from harm may keep us free
In all the deeds this day shall see.

May fear of him our tongues restrain,
Lest strife unguarded speech should stain:
His favoring care our guardian be,
Lest our eyes feed on vanity.

May every heart be pure from sin
And folly find no place therein:
Scant need of food, excess denied,
Wear down in us the body’s pride.

That when the light of day is gone,
And night in course shall follow on.
We, free from cares the world affords,
May chant the praise that is our Lord’s.

All laud to God the Father be,
All praise, Eternal Son, to thee:
All glory, as is ever meet,
To God the holy Paraclete.
Amen.

The first of three psalms
PSALM 95

For Prime, the antiphon is only said once before the three psalms are said, and once after the three psalms have been said.

Antiphon: O ye shepherds, speak, * and tell us what ye have seen; who is appeared in the earth? We saw the newborn Child, and angels singing praise to the Lord, alleluia, alleluia.

95:1 Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: sing to the Lord, all the Earth.
95:2 Sing ye to the Lord and bless His Name: show forth His salvation from day to day.
95:3 Declare His glory among the Gentiles: His wonders among all people.
95:4 For the Lord is great, and exceedingly to be praised: He is to be feared above all gods.
95:5 For all the gods of the Gentiles are devils: but the Lord made the heavens.
95:6 Praise and beauty are before Him: holiness and majesty in His sanctuary.
95:7 Bring ye to the Lord, O ye kindreds of the Gentiles, bring ye to the Lord glory and honor:
95:8 Bring to the Lord glory unto His Name. Bring up sacrifices, and come into His courts:
95:9 Adore ye the Lord in His holy court. Let all the Earth be moved at His presence.
95:10 Say ye among the Gentiles, the Lord hath reigned. For He hath corrected the world, which shall not be moved: He will judge the people with justice.
95:11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the Earth be glad, let the sea be moved, and the fullness thereof:
95:12 The fields and all things that are in them shall be joyful. Then shall all the trees of the woods rejoice
95:13 Before the face of the Lord, because He cometh: because He cometh to judge the Earth. He shall judge the world with justice, and the people with His truth.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The second of three psalms
PSALM 96

96:1 The Lord hath reigned, let the Earth rejoice: let many islands be glad.
96:2 Clouds and darkness are round about Him: justice and judgment are the establishment of His throne.
96:3 A fire shall go before Him, and shall burn His enemies round about.
96:4 His lightnings have shone forth to the world: the Earth saw and trembled.
96:5 The mountains melted like wax, at the presence of the Lord: at the presence of the Lord of all the Earth.
96:6 The heavens declared His justice: and all people saw His glory.
96:7 Let them be all confounded that adore graven things, and that glory in their idols. Adore Him, all you His angels:
96:8 Sion heard, and was glad. And the daughters of Juda rejoiced, because of Thy judgments, O Lord.
96:9 For Thou art the most high Lord over all the Earth: Thou art exalted exceedingly above all gods.
96:10 You that love the Lord, hate evil: the Lord preserveth the souls of His saints, He will deliver them out of the hand of the sinner.
96:11 Light is risen to the just, and joy to the right of heart.
96:12 Rejoice, ye just, in the Lord: and give praise to the remembrance of His holiness.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The third of three psalms
PSALM 98

98:1 The Lord hath reigned, even though the people be angry.
98:2 The Lord is great in Sion, and high above all people.
98:3 Let them give praise to Thy great Name: for it is terrible and holy:
98:4 And the king’s honor loveth judgment. Thou hast prepared directions: Thou hast done judgment and justice in Jacob.
98:5 Exalt ye the Lord our God, and adore His footstool, for it is holy.
98:6 Moses and Aaron among His priests: and Samuel among them that call upon His Name. They called upon the Lord, and He heard them:
98:7 He spoke to them in the pillar of the cloud. They kept His testimonies, and the commandment which He gave them.
98:8 Thou didst hear them, O Lord our God: Thou wast a merciful God to them, and taking vengeance on all their inventions.
98:9 Exalt ye the Lord our God, and adore at His holy mountain: for the Lord our God is holy.

Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: O ye shepherds, speak, * and tell us what ye have seen; who is appeared in the earth? We saw the newborn Child, and angels singing praise to the Lord, alleluia, alleluia.

CHAPTER VERSE
(1 Timothy 1:17)

Versicle:  Now to the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever! Amen.
Response: Thanks be to God!

RESPONSORIES

Versicle: Christ, Son of the living God, * have mercy on us!
Response: Christ, Son of the living God, * have mercy on us!

Versicle: Thou that wast born of the Virgin Mary.
Response: Have mercy on us!

Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: Christ, Son of the living God, * have mercy on us!

Versicle: Arise, O Christ, and help us!
Response: And deliver us for Thy Name’s sake!

PRAYERS

Versicle: O Lord, hear my prayer!
Response: And let my cry come unto Thee!

Let us pray.
O Lord, our heavenly Father, Almighty and everlasting God, Who has safely brought us to the beginning of this day: defend us by Thy mighty power; and grant that this day we fall into no sin, but that all our doings may be ordered by Thy governance, to do always that is righteous in Thy sight. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.
Response: Amen.

Versicle: O Lord, hear my prayer!
Response: And let my cry come unto Thee!

Versicle: Let us bless the Lord!
Response: Thanks be to God!

Versicle: Precious in the sight of the Lord.
Response: Is the death of His saints.

Versicle:  May Holy Mary and all the Saints, intercede for us with the Lord, our God, so that we may merit His help and salvation, Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Response: Amen.

Versicle: O God come to my assistance!
Response: O Lord, make haste to help me!

Versicle: O God come to my assistance!
Response: O Lord, make haste to help me!

Versicle:  O God come to my assistance!
Response: O Lord, make haste to help me!

Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Versicle: Lord have mercy on us!
Response: Christ have mercy on us! Lord have mercy on us!

Our Father, Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

Versicle: And lead us not into temptation:
Response: But deliver us from evil.

Versicle: Look upon Thy servants and upon Thy works: and direct their children.
Response: And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us. Direct Thou the works of our hands; yes, the work of our hands do Thou direct.

Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Let us pray.
O Lord, Almighty God, King of Heaven and Earth, Savior of the world, bless, lead, rule and govern our hearts and bodies, our senses, words and deeds today, following Thy law and commandments, that here and for eternity, with Thy help, we shall be saved in freedom. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Response: Amen.

Versicle: Grant, Lord, a blessing!
Response: May Almighty God arrange our deeds and our day in His peace. Amen.

SHORT READING
(Hebrews 1:11-12)

Versicle:  They shall perish, but Thou shalt continue: and they shall all grow old as a garment. And as a garment shalt Thou change them, and they shall be changed: but Thou art the selfsame, and Thy years shall not fail.

Versicle: But Thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us!
Response: Thanks be to God!

CONCLUSION

Versicle: Our help ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross) is in the Name of the Lord.
Response: Who made Heaven and Earth.

Versicle: Let us bless.
Response: God!

Versicle: May the Lord bless us, ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross)  protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Response: Amen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Seventh Liturgical Hour
EVENING PRAYER (VESPERS) FOR MONDAY
usually prayed as the sun begins to set
(modern day suggestion: anytime between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

The Religious would finish work at sunset to pray Vespers before the evening meal.

Usually Vespers consists of (1) five psalms with their appropriate seasonal antiphons
(2) followed by what is called a "Chapter Verse" which is a short paragraphed reading;
(3) this is followed by a hymn that suits the liturgical season;
(4) then follows the Canticle of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the "Magnificat" with its appropriate seasonal antiphon;
(5) finally there is said the prayer or collect for the day or feast.

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

OPENING INVOCATIONS

Versicle: O God, ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross) come to my assistance!
Response: O Lord, make haste to help me!

Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia.

The first of five psalms
PSALM 145

Antiphon: Thine shall be the dominion * in the day of thy power, amid the brightness of the saints, from the womb, before the day-star, have I begotten thee.

145:2 Praise the Lord, O my soul, in my life I will praise the Lord: I will sing to my God as long as I shall be. Put not your trust in princes:
145:3 In the children of men, in whom there is no salvation.
145:4 His spirit shall go forth, and he shall return into his earth: in that day all their thoughts shall perish.
145:5 Blessed is he who hath the God of Jacob for his helper, whose hope is in the Lord his God:
145:6 Who made Heaven and Earth, the sea, and all things that are in them.
145:7 Who keepeth truth for ever: who executeth judgment for them that suffer wrong: who giveth food to the hungry. The Lord looseth them that are fettered:
145:8 The Lord enlighteneth the blind. The Lord lifteth up them that are cast down: the Lord loveth the just.
145:9 The Lord keepeth the strangers, He will support the fatherless and the widow: and the ways of sinners He will destroy.
145:10 The Lord shall reign for ever: thy God, O Sion, unto generation and generation.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: Thine shall be the dominion * in the day of thy power, amid the brightness of the saints, from the womb, before the day-star, have I begotten thee.

The second of five psalms
PSALM 146

Antiphon: The Lord sent redemption * unto His people, He hath commanded His covenant for ever.

146:1 Praise ye the Lord, because psalm is good: to our God be joyful and comely praise.
146:2 The Lord buildeth up Jerusalem: He will gather together the dispersed of Israel.
146:3 Who healeth the broken of heart, and bindeth up their bruises.
146:4 Who telleth the number of the stars: and calleth them all by their names.
146:5 Great is our Lord, and great is His power: and of His wisdom there is no number.
146:6 The Lord lifteth up the meek, and bringeth the wicked down even to the ground.
146:7 Sing ye to the Lord with praise: sing to our God upon the harp.
146:8 Who covereth the Heaven with clouds, and prepareth rain for the earth. Who maketh grass to grow on the mountains, and herbs for the service of men.
146:9 Who giveth to beasts their food: and to the young ravens that call upon Him.
146:10 He shall not delight in the strength of the horse: nor take pleasure in the legs of a man.
146:11 The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear Him: and in them that hope in His mercy.
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 Lord sent redemption * unto His people, He hath commanded His covenant for ever.

The third of five psalms
PSALM 147

Antiphon: Unto the upright there ariseth * light in the darkness; the Lord is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

147:12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem: praise thy God, O Sion.
147:13 Because He hath strengthened the bolts of thy gates, He hath blessed thy children within thee.
147:14 Who hath placed peace in thy borders: and filleth thee with the fat of corn.
147:15 Who sendeth forth His speech to the Earth: His word runneth swiftly.
147:16 Who giveth snow like wool: scattereth mists like ashes.
147:17 He sendeth His crystal like morsels: who shall stand before the face of His cold?
147:18 He shall send out His word, and shall melt them: His wind shall blow, and the waters shall run.
147:19 Who declareth His word to Jacob: His justices and His judgments to Israel.
147:20 He hath not done in like manner to every nation: and His judgments He hath not made manifest to them. Alleluia.
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: Unto the upright there ariseth * light in the darkness; the Lord is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

The fourth of five psalms
PSALM 149

Antiphon: With the Lord * there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption.

149:1 Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: let His praise be in the church of the saints.
149:2 Let Israel rejoice in Him that made him: and let the children of Sion be joyful in their king.
149:3 Let them praise His Name in choir: let them sing to Him with the timbrel and the psaltery.
149:4 For the Lord is well pleased with His people: and He will exalt the meek unto salvation.
149:5 The saints shall rejoice in glory: they shall be joyful in their beds.
149:6 The high praise of God shall be in their mouth: and two-edged swords in their hands:
149:7 To execute vengeance upon the nations, chastisements among the people:
149:8 To bind their kings with fetters, and their nobles with manacles of iron.
149:9 To execute upon them the judgment that is written: this glory is to all His saints. Alleluia.
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: With the Lord * there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption.

The fifth of five psalms
PSALM 150

Antiphon: Of the fruit * of thy body will I set upon thy throne.

150:1 Praise ye the Lord in His holy places: praise ye Him in the firmament of His power.
150:2 Praise ye Him for His mighty acts: praise ye Him according to the multitude of His greatness.
150:3 Praise Him with sound of trumpet: praise Him with psaltery and harp.
150:4 Praise Him with timbrel and choir: praise Him with strings and organs.
150:5 Praise Him on high sounding cymbals: praise Him on cymbals of joy: let every spirit praise the Lord. Alleluia.
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: Of the fruit * of thy body will I set upon thy throne.

CHAPTER VERSE
(Romans 13:11)

Versicle: God, who, at sundry times and in divers manners, spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets, last of all, in these days hath spoken to us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the world.
Response: Thanks be to God.

HYMN

Jesus, the Ransomer of man,
Who, ere created light began,
Didst from the sovereign Father spring,
His power and glory equaling.

The Father’s Light and Splendor Thou,
Their endless hope to Thee that bow;
Accept the prayers and praise to-day
That through the world Thy servants pay.

Salvation’s Author, call to mind
How, taking form of humankind,
Born of a Virgin undefiled,
Thou in man’s flesh becam’st a Child.

Thus testifies the present day,
Through every year in long array,
That Thou, salvation’s source alone,
Proceedest from the Father’s throne.

The heavens above, the rolling main
And all that earth’s wide realms contain,
With joyous voice now loudly sing
The glory of their new-born King.

And we who, by Thy precious Blood
From sin redeemed, are marked for God,
On this the day that saw Thy birth,
Sing the new song of ransomed earth.

O Lord, the Virgin-born, to
Thee Eternal praise and glory be,
Whom with the Father we adore
And Holy Ghost forevermore.
Amen.

Versicle: The Lord hath made known, alleluia.
Response: His salvation, alleluia.

THE MAGNIFICAT
Canticle of the Blessed Virgin (Luke 1:46-55)

Antiphon: This day the Christ is born this day the Savior is appeared; * this day the Angels sing praise in the Earth and the Archangels rejoice; this day the righteous are glad and say: Glory to God in the highest. 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 showed 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: This day the Christ is born this day the Savior is appeared; * this day the Angels sing praise in the Earth and the Archangels rejoice; this day the righteous are glad and say: Glory to God in the highest. Alleluia.

PRAYER

Versicle: O Lord, hear my prayer.
Response: And let my cry come unto Thee.

(Throughout the Octave of Christmas)
Let us pray. Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the new birth of Thy Only-begotten Son as man may set us free, who are held by the old bondage under the yoke of sin. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, 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, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Response: Amen.

The Eighth Liturgical Hour
BEDTIME PRAYER (COMPLINE) FOR MONDAY
usually prayed before retiring to sleep for the night
(modern day suggestion: anytime between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.)

The English word Compline is derived from the Latin completorium, as Compline is the completion of the working day. The word was first used in this sense about the beginning of the 6th century by St. Benedict in his monastic Rule.

Usually Compline consists of (1) an opening plea for God's blessing for the night to come;
(2) followed by the Lord's Prayer (Our Father), an examination of conscience, and the recitation of the
Act of Contrition, the Confiteor, with the two prayers of absolution that follow;
(3) after which three psalms with their appropriate seasonal antiphons are prayed;
(4) these are followed by a hymn which is always the same throughout the year;
(5) then follows a "Chapter Verse";
(6) this is followed by the Canticle of St. Simeon;
(7) after which comes the concluding prayer or collect, which is always the same;
(8) finally, the seasonal antiphon or hymn to Our Lady is sung.

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

OPENING INVOCATION

Please grant us, O Lord, a blessing!
May almighty God grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.

SHORT READING
(1 Peter 5:8-9)

Brothers: Be sober and watch: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about seeking whom he may devour. Whom resist ye, strong in Faith!
Versicle: But Thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us!
Response: Thanks be to God!

Versicle: Our help is ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross)  in the Name of the Lord!
Response: Who made Heaven and Earth.

There follows an examination of conscience, or the Our Father said silently.

Our Father, Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation: But deliver us from evil. Amen.

Then all say the Coniteor aloud
I confess to almighty God, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and to all the Saints, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word and deed: (strike your chest three times) through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I beseech blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the Saints, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.

May the almighty ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross) and merciful Lord grant us pardon, absolution and remission of our sins. Amen.

Versicle: Turn us then, ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross over the heart with your right thumb) O God, our Savior!
Response: And let thy anger cease from us!

Versicle:  O God, ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross) come to my assistance!
Response: O Lord, make haste to help me!

Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia.

The first of three psalms
PSALM 142

For Compline, the antiphon is only said once before the three psalms are said, and once after the three psalms have been said.

Antiphon: Have mercy * on me, O Lord, and hear my prayer.

142:1 Hear, O Lord, my prayer: give ear to my supplication in Thy truth: hear me in Thy justice.
142:2 And enter not into judgment with Thy servant: for in Thy sight no man living shall be justified.
142:3 For the enemy hath persecuted my soul: He hath brought down my life to the Earth. He hath made me to dwell in darkness as those that have been dead of old:
142:4 And my spirit is in anguish within me: my heart within me is troubled.
142:5 I remembered the days of old, I meditated on all Thy works: I meditated upon the works of Thy hands.
142:6 I stretched forth my hands to Thee: my soul is as earth without water unto Thee.
142:7 Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit hath fainted away. Turn not away Thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.
142:8 Cause me to hear Thy mercy in the morning; for in Thee have I hoped. Make the way known to me, wherein I should walk: for I have lifted up my soul to Thee.
142:9 Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord, to Thee have I fled:
142:10 Teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God. Thy good spirit shall lead me into the right land:
142:11 For Thy Name’s sake, O Lord, Thou wilt quicken me in Thy justice. Thou wilt bring my soul out of trouble:
142:12 And in Thy mercy Thou wilt destroy my enemies. And Thou wilt cut off all them that afflict my soul: for I am Thy servant.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The second of three psalms
PSALM 144

144:1 I will extol Thee, O God my king: and I will bless Thy Name for ever; yea, for ever and ever.
144:2 Every day I will bless Thee: and I will praise Thy Name for ever; yea, for ever and ever.
144:3 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised: and of His greatness there is no end.
144:4 Generation and generation shall praise Thy works: and they shall declare Thy power.
144:5 They shall speak of the magnificence of the glory of Thy holiness: and shall tell Thy wondrous works.
144:6 And they shall speak of the might of Thy terrible acts: and shall declare Thy greatness.
144:7 They shall publish the memory of the abundance of Thy sweetness: and shall rejoice in Thy justice.
144:8 The Lord is gracious and merciful: patient and plenteous in mercy.
144:9 The Lord is sweet to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works.
144:10 Let all Thy works, O Lord, praise Thee: and let Thy saints bless Thee.
144:11 They shall speak of the glory of Thy kingdom: and shall tell of Thy power:
144:12 To make Thy might known to the sons of men: and the glory of the magnificence of Thy kingdom.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The third of three psalms
PSALM 144 (continued)

144:13 Thy kingdom is a kingdom of all ages: and Thy dominion endureth throughout all generations. The Lord is faithful in all His words: and holy in all His works.
144:14 The Lord lifteth up all that fall: and setteth up all that are cast down.
144:15 The eyes of all hope in Thee, O Lord: and Thou givest them meat in due season.
144:16 Thou openest Thy hand, and fillest with blessing every living creature.
144:17 The Lord is just in all His ways: and holy in all His works.
144:18 The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him: to all that call upon Him in truth.
144:19 He will do the will of them that fear Him: and He will hear their prayer, and save them.
144:20 The Lord keepeth all them that love Him; but all the wicked He will destroy.
144:21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord: and let all flesh bless Thy Holy Name for ever; yea, for ever and ever.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: Have mercy * on me, O Lord, and hear my prayer.

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.

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!

Final Blessing: 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: After childbirth thou didst remain a virgin.
Response: Intercede for us, O Mother of God.

Let us pray.
O God, who, by the fruitful virginity of Blessed Mary, hast bestowed upon mankind the reward of eternal salvation: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may experience her intercession, through whom we have been made worthy to receive the author of life, Our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son. Amen.

Versicle: May the divine assistance ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross) remain with us always.
Response: Amen.