Christmas Prayers SAT

PRAYERS FOR ALL THE SATURDAYS OF CHRISTMAS
Including Christmas Day 2021

“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 SATURDAYS 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 SATURDAY
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 6

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

6:2 O Lord, rebuke me not in Thy indignation, nor chastise me in Thy wrath.
6:3 Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak: heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled.
6:4 And my soul is troubled exceedingly: but Thou, O Lord, how long?
6:5 Turn to me, O Lord, and deliver my soul: O save me for Thy mercy’s sake.
6:6 For there is no one in death that is mindful of Thee: and who shall confess to Thee in Hell?
6:7 I have labored in my groanings, every night I will wash my bed: I will water my couch with my tears.
6:8 My eye is troubled through indignation: I have grown old amongst all my enemies.
6:9 Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity: for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping.
6:10 The Lord hath heard my supplication: the Lord hath received my prayer.
6:11 Let all my enemies be ashamed, and be very much troubled: let them be turned back, and be ashamed very speedily.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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

The second of three psalms
PSALMS 18

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

18:2 The heavens show forth the glory of God, * and the firmament declareth the work of His hands.
18:3 Day to day uttereth speech, * and night to night showeth knowledge.
18:4 There are no speeches nor languages, * where their voices are not heard.
18:5 Their sound hath gone forth into all the Earth: * and their words unto the ends of the world.
18:6 He hath set His tabernacle in the sun: * and He, as a bridegroom coming out of his bride chamber,
18:6 Hath rejoiced as a giant to run the way: * His going out is from the end of Heaven,
18:7 And His circuit even to the end thereof: * and there is no one that can hide himself from His heat.
18:8 The law of the Lord is unspotted, converting souls: * the testimony of the Lord is faithful, giving wisdom to little ones.
18:9 The justices of the Lord are right, rejoicing hearts: * the commandment of the Lord is lightsome, enlightening the eyes.
18:10 The fear of the Lord is holy, enduring for ever and ever: * the judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves.
18:11 More to be desired than gold and many precious stones: * and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb.
18:12 For Thy servant keepeth them, * and in keeping them there is a great reward.
18:13 Who can understand sins? From my secret ones cleanse me, O Lord: * and from those of others spare Thy servant.
18:14 If they shall have no dominion over me, then shall I be without spot: * and I shall be cleansed from the greatest sin.
18:15a And the words of my mouth shall be such as may please: * and the meditation of my heart always in Thy sight.
18:15b O Lord, my helper, * and my redeemer.
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 44

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

44:2 My heart hath uttered a good word; * I speak my works to the King.
44:2 My tongue is the pen of a scrivener * that writeth swiftly.
44:3 Thou art beautiful above the sons of men: grace is poured abroad in Thy lips; * therefore hath God blessed Thee for ever.
44:4 Gird Thy sword upon Thy thigh, * O thou most mighty.
44:5 With Thy comeliness and Thy beauty * set out, proceed prosperously, and reign.
44:5 Because of truth and meekness and justice: * and Thy right hand shall conduct Thee wonderfully.
44:6 Thy arrows are sharp: under Thee shall people fall, * into the hearts of the King’s enemies.
44:7 Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: * the scepter of Thy kingdom is a scepter of uprightness.
44:8 Thou hast loved justice, and hated iniquity: * therefore God, Tthy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows.
44:9 Myrrh and stacte and cassia perfume Thy garments, from the ivory houses: * out of which the daughters of kings have delighted thee in Thy glory.
44:10 The queen stood on Thy right hand, in gilded clothing; * surrounded with variety.
44:11 Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline thy ear: * and forget thy people and thy father’s house.
44:12 And the King shall greatly desire thy beauty; * for He is the Lord thy God, and Him they shall adore.
44:13 And the daughters of Tyre with gifts, * yea, all the rich among the people, shall entreat thy countenance.
44:14 All the glory of the king’s daughter is within, * in golden borders, clothed round about with varieties.
44:15 After her shall virgins be brought to the King: * her neighbors shall be brought to Thee.
44:16 They shall be brought with gladness and rejoicing: * they shall be brought into the temple of the King.
44:17 Instead of Thy fathers, sons are born to Thee: * Thou shalt make them princes over all the Earth.
44:18 They shall remember Thy name * throughout all generations.
44:18 Therefore shall people praise Thee 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: 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 XXII

III. Justice Required that Satan Should Be Vanquished by God Made Man
And, dearly beloved, this very fact that Christ chose to be born of a Virgin does it not appear to be part of the deepest design? I mean, that the devil should not be aware that Salvation had been born for the human race, and through the obscurity of that spiritual conception, when he saw Him no different to others, should believe Him born in no different way to others. For when he observed that His nature was like that of all others, he thought that He had the same origin as all had: and did not understand that He was free from the bonds of transgression because he did not find Him a stranger to the weakness of mortality. For though the true mercy of God had infinitely many schemes to hand for the restoration of mankind, it chose that particular design which put in force for destroying the devil’s work, not the efficacy of might but the dictates of justice. For the pride of the ancient foe not undeservedly made good its despotic rights over all men, and with no unwarrantable supremacy tyrannized over those who had been of their own accord lured away from God’s commands to be the slaves of his will. And so there would be no justice in his losing the immemorial slavery of the human race, were he not conquered by that which he had subjugated. And to this end, without male seed Christ was conceived of a Virgin, who was fecundated not by human intercourse but by the Holy Spirit. And whereas in all mothers conception does not take place without stain of sin, this one received purification from the Source of her conception. For no taint of sin penetrated, where no intercourse occurred. Her unsullied virginity knew no lust when it ministered the substance. The Lord took from His mother our nature, not our fault. The slave’s form is, created without the slave’s estate, because the New Man is so commingled with the old, as both to assume the reality of our race and to remove its ancient flaw.

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
Continuation of the homily of Pope St. Leo I (St. Leo the Great). Sermon XXII

IV. The Incarnation Deceived the Devil and Caused Him to Break the Bond Under Which He Held Men
When, therefore, the merciful and almighty Savior so arranged the commencement of His human course as to hide the power of His Godhead which was inseparable from His manhood under the veil of our weakness, the crafty foe was taken off his guard and he thought that the nativity of the Child, Who was born for the salvation of mankind, was as much subject to himself as all others are at their birth. For he saw Him crying and weeping, he saw Him wrapped in swaddling clothes, subjected to circumcision, offering the sacrifice which the law required. And then he perceived in Him the usual growth of boyhood, and could have had no doubt of His reaching man’s estate by natural steps. Meanwhile, he inflicted insults, multiplied injuries, made use of curses, affronts, blasphemies, abuse, in a word, poured upon Him all the force of his fury and exhausted all the varieties of trial: and knowing how he had poisoned man’s nature, had no conception that He had no share in the first transgression Whose mortality he had ascertained by so many proofs. The unscrupulous thief and greedy robber persisted in assaulting Him Who had nothing of His own, and in carrying out the general sentence on original sin, went beyond the bond on which he rested, and required the punishment of iniquity from Him in Whom he found no fault. And thus the malevolent terms of the deadly compact are annulled, and through the injustice of an overcharge the whole debt is cancelled. The strong one is bound by his own chains, and every device of the evil one recoils on his own head. When the prince of the world is bound, all that he held in captivity is released. Our nature cleansed from its old contagion regains its honorable estate, death is destroyed by death, nativity is restored by nativity: since at one and the same time redemption does away with slavery, regeneration changes our origin, and faith justifies the sinner.

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 XXII

V. The Christian is Exhorted to Share in the Blessings of the Incarnation
Whoever then thou art that devoutly and faithfully boastest of the Christian name, estimate this atonement at its right worth. For to thee who wast a castaway, banished from the realms of paradise, dying of thy weary exile, reduced to dust and ashes, without further hope of living, by the Incarnation of the Word was given the power to return from afar to thy Maker, to recognize thy parentage, to become free after slavery, to be promoted from being an outcast to sonship: so that, thou who wast born of corruptible flesh, mayest be reborn by the Spirit of God, and obtain through grace what thou hadst not by nature, and, if thou acknowledge thyself the son of God by the spirit of adoption, dare to call God Father. Freed from the accusations of a bad conscience, aspire to the kingdom of heaven, do God’s will supported by the Divine help, imitate the angels upon earth, feed on the strength of immortal sustenance, fight fearlessly on the side of piety against hostile temptations, and if thou keep thy allegiance in the heavenly warfare, doubt not that thou wilt be crowned for thy victory in the triumphant camp of the Eternal King, when the resurrection that is prepared for the faithful has raised thee to participate in the heavenly Kingdom.

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 SATURDAY
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 47

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.

47:2 Great is the Lord, and exceedingly to be praised * in the city of our God, in His holy mountain.
47:3 With the joy of the whole Earth is mount Sion founded, * on the sides of the north, the city of the great king.
47:4 In her houses shall God be known, * when He shall protect her.
47:5 For behold the kings of the Earth assembled themselves: * they gathered together.
47:6 So they saw, and they wondered, they were troubled, they were moved: * trembling took hold of them.
47:7 There were pains as of a woman in labor; * with a vehement wind Thou shalt break in pieces the ships of Tharsis.
47:9 As we have heard, so have we seen, in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God: * God hath founded it for ever.
47:10 We have received Thy mercy, O God, * in the midst of Thy temple.
47:11 According to Thy Name, O God, so also is Thy praise unto the ends of the Earth: * Thy right hand is full of justice.
47:12 Let mount Sion rejoice, and the daughters of Juda be glad; * because of Thy judgments, O Lord.
47:13 Surround Sion, and encompass her: * tell ye in her towers.
47:14 Set your hearts on her strength; and distribute her houses, * that ye may relate it in another generation.
47:15 For this is God, our God unto eternity, and for ever and ever: * He shall rule us for evermore.
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 70

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.

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.
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.
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 70 (continued)

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.

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 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 72

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.

72:1 How good is God to Israel, to them that are of a right heart!
72:2 But my feet were almost moved; my steps had well nigh slipped.
72:3 Because I had a zeal on occasion of the wicked, seeing the prosperity of sinners.
72:4 For there is no regard to their death, nor is there strength in their stripes.
72:5 They are not in the labor of men: neither shall they be scourged like other men.
72:6 Therefore pride hath held them fast: they are covered with their iniquity and their wickedness.
72:7 Their iniquity hath come forth, as it were from fatness: they have passed into the affection of the heart.
72:8 They have thought and spoken wickedness: they have spoken iniquity on high.
72:9 They have set their mouth against Heaven: and their tongue hath passed through the Earth.
72:10 Therefore will my people return here and full days shall be found in them.
72:11 And they said: How doth God know? And is there knowledge in the most High?
72:12 Behold these are sinners; and yet abounding in the world they have obtained riches.
72:13 And I said: Then have I in vain justified my heart, and washed my hands among the innocent.
72:14 And I have been scourged all the day; and my chastisement hath been in the mornings.
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 72 (continued)

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

72:15 If I said: I will speak thus; behold I should condemn the generation of thy children.
72:16 I studied that I might know this thing, it is a labor in my sight:
72:71 Until I go into the sanctuary of God, and understand concerning their last ends.
72:18 But indeed for deceits Thou hast put it to them: when they were lifted up Thou hast cast them down.
72:19 How are they brought to desolation? They have suddenly ceased to be: they have perished by reason of their iniquity.
72:20 As the dream of them that awake, O Lord; so in Thy city Thou shalt bring their image to nothing.
72:21 For my heart hath been inflamed, and my reins have been changed:
72:22 And I am brought to nothing, and I knew not.
72:23 I am become as a beast before Thee: and I am always with Thee.
72:24 Thou hast held me by my right hand; and by Thy will Thou hast conducted me, and with Thy glory Thou hast received me.
72:25 For what have I in Heaven? And besides Thee what do I desire upon Earth?
72:26 For Thee my flesh and my heart hath fainted away: Thou art the God of my heart, and the God that is my portion for ever.
72:27 For behold they that go far from Thee shall perish: Thou hast destroyed all them that are disloyal to Thee.
72:28 But it is good for me to adhere to my God, to put my hope in the Lord God: That I may declare all Thy praises, in the gates of the daughter of Sion.
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 SATURDAY
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 SATURDAY
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 SATURDAY
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 SATURDAY
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 SATURDAY
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 104

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.

104:1 Alleluia. Give glory to the Lord, and call upon His Name: declare His deeds among the Gentiles.
104:2 Sing to Him, yea sing praises to Him: relate all His wondrous works.
104:3 Glory ye in His Holy Name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.
104:4 Seek ye the Lord, and be strengthened: seek His face evermore.
104:5 Remember His marvelous works which He hath done; His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth.
104:6 O ye seed of Abraham His servant; ye sons of Jacob His chosen.
104:7 He is the Lord our God: His judgments are in all the Earth.
104:8 He hath remembered His covenant for ever: the word which He commanded to a thousand generations.
104:9 Which He made to Abraham; and His oath to Isaac:
104:10 And He appointed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting testament:
104:11 Saying: To thee will I give the land of Chanaan, the lot of your inheritance.
104:12 When they were but a small number: yea very few, and sojourners therein:
104:13 And they passed from nation to nation, and from one kingdom to another people.
104:14 He suffered no man to hurt them: and He reproved kings for their sakes.
104:15 Touch ye not My anointed: and do no evil to My prophets.
104:16 And He called a famine upon the land: and He broke in pieces all the support of bread.
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 104 (continued)

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

104:17 He sent a man before them: Joseph, who was sold for a slave.
104:18 They humbled his feet in fetters: the iron pierced his soul,
104:19 Until His word came. The word of the Lord inflamed him.
104:20 The king sent, and he released him: the ruler of the people, and he set him at liberty.
104:21 He made him master of his house, and ruler of all his possession.
104:22 That he might instruct his princes as himself, and teach his ancients wisdom.
104:23 And Israel went into Egypt: and Jacob was a sojourner in the land of Cham.
104:24 And He increased His people exceedingly: and strengthened them over their enemies,
104:25 He turned their heart to hate His people: and to deal deceitfully with His servants.
104:26 He sent Moses His servant: Aaron the man whom He had chosen.
104:27 He gave them power to show His signs, and His wonders in the land of Cham.
104:28 He sent darkness, and made it obscure: and grieved not His words.
104:29 He turned their waters into blood, and destroyed their fish.
104:30 Their land brought forth frogs, in the inner chambers of their kings.
104:31 He spoke, and there came divers sorts of flies and sciniphs in all their coasts.
104:32 He gave them hail for rain, a burning fire in the land.
104:33 And He destroyed their vineyards and their fig trees: and He broke in pieces the trees of their coasts.
104:34 He spoke, and the locust came, and the bruchus, of which there was no number.
104:35 And they devoured all the grass in their land, and consumed all the fruit of their ground.
104:36 And he slew all the firstborn in their land: the first-fruits of all their labor.
104:37 And He brought them out with silver and gold: and there was not among their tribes one that was feeble.
104:38 Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them lay upon them.
104:39 He spread a cloud for their protection, and fire to give them light in the night.
104:40 They asked, and the quail came: and He filled them with the bread of Heaven.
104:41 He opened the rock, and waters flowed: rivers ran down in the dry land.
104:42 Because He remembered His holy word, which He had spoken to His servant Abraham.
104:43 And He brought forth His people with joy, and His chosen with gladness.
104:44 And He gave them the lands of the Gentiles: and they possessed the labors of the people:
104:45 That they might observe His justifications, and seek after His law.
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 105

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

105:1 Alleluia. Give glory to the Lord, for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever.
105:2 Who shall declare the powers of the Lord? Who shall set forth all His praises?
105:3 Blessed are they that keep judgment, and do justice at all times.
105:4 Remember us, O Lord, in the favor of Thy people: visit us with Thy salvation.
105:5 That we may see the good of Thy chosen, that we may rejoice in the joy of Thy nation: that Thou mayst be praised with Thy inheritance.
105:6 We have sinned with our fathers: we have acted unjustly, we have wrought iniquity.
105:7 Our fathers understood not Thy wonders in Egypt: they remembered not the multitude of Thy mercies: And they provoked to wrath going up to the sea, even the Red Sea.
105:8 And He saved them for His own Name’s sake: that He might make His power known.
105:9 And He rebuked the Red Sea, and it was dried up: and He led them through the depths, as in a wilderness.
105:10 And He saved them from the hand of them that hated them: and He redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.
105:11 And the water covered them that afflicted them: there was not one of them left.
105:12 And they believed His words: and they sang His praises.
105:13 They had quickly done, they forgot His works: and they waited not for His counsels.
105:14 And they coveted their desire in the desert: and they tempted God in the place without water.
105:15 And He gave them their request: and sent fullness into their souls.
105:16 And they provoked Moses in the camp, Aaron the holy one of the Lord.
105:17 The Earth opened and swallowed up Dathan: and covered the congregation of Abiron.
105:18 And a fire was kindled in their congregation: the flame burned the wicked.
105:19 They made also a calf in Horeb: and they adored the graven thing.
105:20 And they changed their glory into the likeness of a calf that eateth grass.
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 105 (continued)

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

105:21 They forgot God, who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt,
105:22 Wondrous works in the land of Cham: terrible things in the Red Sea.
105:23 And He said that He would destroy them: had not Moses His chosen stood before Him in the breach: To turn away His wrath, lest He should destroy them.
105:24 And they set at nought the desirable land. They believed not His word,
105:25 And they murmured in their tents: they hearkened not to the voice of the Lord.
105:26 And He lifted up His hand over them: to overthrow them in the desert;
105:27 And to cast down their seed among the nations, and to scatter them in the countries.
105:28 They also were initiated to Beelphegor: and ate the sacrifices of the dead.
105:29 And they provoked Him with their inventions: and destruction was multiplied among them.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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

The fifth of five psalms
PSALM 105 (continued)

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

105:30 Then Phinees stood up, and pacified Him: and the slaughter ceased.
105:31 And it was reputed to him unto justice, to generation and generation for evermore.
105:32They provoked Him also at the waters of contradiction: and Moses was afflicted for their sakes:
105:33 Because they exasperated his spirit. And he distinguished with his lips.
105:34 They did not destroy the nations of which the Lord spoke unto them.
105:35 And they were mingled among the heathens, and learned their works:
105:36 And served their idols, and it became a stumbling-block to them.
105:37 And they sacrificed their sons, and their daughters to devils.
105:38 And they shed innocent blood: the blood of their sons and of their daughters which they sacrificed to the idols of Chanaan. And the land was polluted with blood,
105:39 And was defiled with their works: and they went aside after their own inventions.
105:40 And the Lord was exceedingly angry with His people: and He abhorred His inheritance.
105:41 And He delivered them into the hands of the nations: and they that hated them had dominion over them.
105:42 And their enemies afflicted them: and they were humbled under their hands:
105:43 Many times did He deliver them. But they provoked Him with their counsel: and they were brought low by their iniquities.
105:44 And He saw when they were in tribulation: and He heard their prayer.
105:45 And He was mindful of His covenant: and repented according to the multitude of His mercies.
105:46 And He gave them unto mercies, in the sight of all those that had made them captives.
105:47 Save us, O Lord, our God: and gather us from among nations: That we may give thanks to Thy Holy Name, and may glory in Thy praise.
105:48 Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say: So be it, so be it.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: 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 SATURDAY
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 138

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.

138:1 Lord, Thou hast proved me, and known me:
138:2 Thou hast know my sitting down, and my rising up.
138:3 Thou hast understood my thoughts afar off: my path and my line Thou hast searched out.
138:4 And Thou hast foreseen all my ways: for there is no speech in my tongue.
138:5 Behold, O Lord, Thou hast known all things, the last and those of old: Thou hast formed me, and hast laid Thy hand upon me.
138:6 Thy knowledge is become wonderful to me: it is high, and I cannot reach to it.
138:7 Whither shall I go from Thy spirit? Or where shall I flee from Thy face?
138:8 If I ascend into Heaven, Thou art there: if I descend into Hell, Thou art present.
138:9 If I take my wings early in the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea:
138:10 Even there also shall Thy hand lead me: and Thy right hand shall hold me.
138:11 And I said: Perhaps darkness shall cover me: and night shall be my light in my pleasures.
138:12 But darkness shall not be dark to thee, and night shall be light as day: the darkness thereof, and the light thereof are alike to thee.
138:13 For Thou hast possessed my reins: Thou hast protected me from my mother’s womb.
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 138 (continued)

138:14 I will praise Thee, for Thou art fearfully magnified: wonderful are Thy works, and my soul knoweth right well.
138:15 My bone is not hidden from Thee, which Thou hast made in secret: and my substance in the lower parts of the Earth.
138:16 Thy eyes did see my imperfect being, and in Thy book all shall be written: days shall be formed, and no one in them.
138:17 But to me Thy friends, O God, are made exceedingly honourable: their principality is exceedingly strengthened.
138:18 I will number them, and they shall be multiplied above the sand: I rose up and am still with Thee.
138:19 If Thou wilt kill the wicked, O God: ye men of blood, depart from me:
138:20 Because you say in thought: They shall receive thy cities in vain.
138:21 Have I not hated them, O Lord, that hated Thee: and pine away because of Thy enemies?
138:22 I have hated them with a perfect hatred: and they are become enemies to me.
138:23 Prove me, O God, and know my heart: examine me, and know my paths.
138:24 And see if there be in me the way of iniquity: and lead me in the eternal way.
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 140

140:1 I have cried to the, O Lord, hear me: hearken to my voice, when I cry to Thee.
140:2 Let my prayer be directed as incense in Thy sight; the lifting up of my hands, as evening sacrifice.
140:3 Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth: and a door round about my lips.
140:4 Incline not my heart to evil words; to make excuses in sins. With men that work iniquity: and I will not communicate with the choicest of them.
140:5 The just shall correct me in mercy, and shall reprove me: but let not the oil of the sinner fatten my head. For my prayer also shall still be against the things with which they are well pleased:
140:6 Their judges falling upon the rock have been swallowed up. They shall hear my words, for they have prevailed:
140:7 As when the thickness of the earth is broken up upon the ground: Our bones are scattered by the side of Hell.
140:8 But O to Thee, O Lord, Lord, are my eyes: in Thee have I put my trust, take not away my soul.
140:9 Keep me from the snare, which they have laid for me, and from the stumbling-blocks of them that work iniquity.
140:10 The wicked shall fall in his net: I am alone until I pass.
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.