Christmas Prayers THU

PRAYERS FOR ALL THE THURSDAYS 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 THURSDAYS 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 THURSDAY
usually prayed in the middle of the night, or else right before dawn
(modern day suggestion: very last thing at night, or immediately after waking)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alleluia.

THE INVITATORY FROM THE OFFICE OF MATINS FOR THE 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
PSALM 92

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

92:1 The Lord hath reigned, He is clothed with beauty: * the Lord is clothed with strength, and hath girded Himself.
92:1 For He hath established the world * which shall not be moved.
92:2 Thy throne is prepared from of old: * Thou art from everlasting.
92:3 The floods have lifted up, O Lord: * the floods have lifted up their voice.
92:3 The floods have lifted up their waves, * with the noise of many waters.
92:4 Wonderful are the surges of the sea: * wonderful is the Lord on high.
92:5 Thy testimonies are become exceedingly credible: * holiness becometh Thy house, O Lord, unto length of days.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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

The second of three psalms
PSALMS 62

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

62:2 O God, my God, * to Thee do I watch at break of day.
62:2 For Thee my soul hath thirsted; * for Thee my flesh, O how many ways!
62:3 In a desert land, and where there is no way, and no water: * so in the sanctuary have I come before Thee, to see Thy power and Thy glory.
62:4 For Thy mercy is better than lives: * Thee my lips shall praise.
62:5 Thus will I bless Thee all my life long: * and in Thy name I will lift up my hands.
62:6 Let my soul be filled as with marrow and fatness: * and my mouth shall praise Thee with joyful lips.
62:7 If I have remembered Thee upon my bed, I will meditate on Thee in the morning: * because Thou hast been my helper.
62:8 And I will rejoice under the covert of Thy wings: my soul hath stuck close to Thee: * Thy right hand hath received me.
62:10 But they have sought my soul in vain, they shall go into the lower parts of the Earth: * they shall be delivered into the hands of the sword, they shall be the portions of foxes.
62:12 But the king shall rejoice in God, all they shall be praised that swear by Him: * because the mouth is stopped of them that speak wicked things.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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

The third of three psalms
PSALM 99

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

99:2 Sing joyfully to God, all the Earth: * serve ye the Lord with gladness.
99:2 Come in before His presence * with exceeding great joy.
99:3 Know ye that the Lord He is God: * He made us, and not we ourselves.
99:4 We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. * Go ye into His gates with praise, into His courts with hymns: and give glory to Him.
99:5 Praise ye His Name: for the Lord is sweet, His mercy endureth for ever, * and His truth to generation and generation.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: 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 St. John Chrysostom.

Behold on Christmas a new and wondrous reality. The angels sing and the archangels blend their voices in harmony. The Cherubim hymn their joyful praise. The Seraphim exalt Christ’s glory. All join to praise this holy feast, beholding the Godhead here on earth and man in heaven. He Who is above now for our redemption dwells here below, and we who are lowly are by divine mercy raised up. Bethlehem this day resembles heaven, hearing from the stars the singing of angelic voices. Ask not how. For where God wills, nature yields. For He willed. He had the power. He descended. He redeemed. All things move in obedience to God. This day He Who is born and He Who is becomes what He is not. He is God become man, yet not departing from His Godhead.

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 St. Gregory Nazianzus

This is our present Festival; it is this which we are celebrating today, the Coming of God to Man, that we might go forth, or rather (for this is the more proper expression) that we might go back to God – that putting off of the old man, we might put on the new; and that as we died in Adam, so we might live in Christ, being born with Christ and crucified with Him and buried with Him and rising with Him. For I must undergo the beautiful conversion, and as the painful succeeded the more blissful, so must the more blissful come out of the painful. For where sin abounded grace did much more abound; and if a taste condemned us, how much more does the passion of Christ justify us? Therefore let us keep the Feast, not after the manner of a heathen festival, but after a godly sort; not after the way of the world, but in a fashion above the world; not as our own, but as belonging to Him who is ours, or rather as our master’s; not as of weakness, but as of healing; not as of creation, but of re-creation.

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
Taken from St. Augustine

Wake up, O human being! For it was for you that God was made man. Rise up and realize it was all for you. Eternal death would have awaited you had He not been born in time. Never would you be freed from your sinful flesh had He not taken to Himself the likeness of sinful flesh. Everlasting would be your misery had He not performed this act of mercy. You would not have come to life again had He not come to die your death. You would have perished had He not come.

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

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

OPENING INVOCATIONS

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

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

The first of five psalms
PSALM 61

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.

61:2 Shall not my soul be subject to God? For from Him is my salvation.
61:3 For He is my God and my Savior: He is my protector, I shall be moved no more.
61:4 How long do you rush in upon a man? You all kill, as if you were thrusting down a leaning wall, and a tottering fence.
61:5 But they have thought to cast away my price; I ran in thirst: they blessed with their mouth, but cursed with their heart.
61:6 But be Thou, O my soul, subject to God: for from Him is my patience.
61:7 For He is my God and my Savior: He is my helper, I shall not be moved.
61:8 In God is my salvation and my glory: He is the God of my help, and my hope is in God.
61:9 Trust in Him, all ye congregations of people: pour out your hearts before Him. God is our helper for ever.
61:10 But vain are the sons of men, the sons of men are liars in the balances: that by vanity they may together deceive.
61:11 Trust not in iniquity, and cover not robberies: if riches abound, set not your heart upon them.
61:12 God hath spoken once, these two things have I heard, that power belongeth to God,
61:13 And mercy to Thee, O Lord; for Thou wilt render to every man according to his works.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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 65

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.

65:1 Shout with joy to God, all the Earth,
65:2 Sing ye a psalm to His Name; give glory to His praise.
65:3 Say unto God, How terrible are Thy works, O Lord! in the multitude of Thy strength Thy enemies shall lie to Thee.
65:4 Let all the Earth adore Thee, and sing to Thee: let it sing a psalm to Thy Name.
65:5 Come and see the works of God; who is terrible in His counsels over the sons of men.
65:6 Who turneth the sea into dry land, in the river they shall pass on foot: there shall we rejoice in Him.
65:7 Who by His power ruleth for ever: His eyes behold the nations; let not them that provoke Him be exalted in themselves.
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 65 (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.

65:8 O bless our God, ye Gentiles: and make the voice of His praise to be heard.
65:9  Who hath set my soul to live: and hath not suffered my feet to be moved:
65:10 For Thou, O God, hast proved us: Thou hast tried us by fire, as silver is tried.
65:11 Thou hast brought us into a net, Thou hast laid afflictions on our back:
65:12 Thou hast set men over our heads. We have passed through fire and water, and Thou hast brought us out into a refreshment.
65:13 I will go into Thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay Thee my vows,
65:14 Which my lips have uttered, And my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble.
65:15 I will offer up to Thee holocausts full of marrow, with burnt offerings of rams: I will offer to Thee bullocks with goats.
65:16 Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will tell you what great things He hath done for my soul.
65:17 I cried to Him with my mouth: and I extolled Him with my tongue.
65:18 If I have looked at iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.
65:19 Therefore hath God heard me, and hath attended to the voice of my supplication.
65:20 Blessed be God, who hath not turned away my prayer, nor His mercy from 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
CANTICLE OF JEREMIAS
(Canticle of Jeremias taken from Jeremias 31:10-18)

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

31:10 Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations, * and declare it in the islands that are afar off,
31:11 And say: He that scattered Israel will gather him: * and he will keep him as the shepherd doth his flock.
31:12 For the Lord hath redeemed Jacob, * and delivered him out of the hand of one that was mightier than he.
31:13 And they shall come, and shall give praise in mount Sion: * and they shall flow together to the good things of the Lord,
31:14 For the corn, and wine, and oil, * and the increase of cattle and herds,
31:15 And their soul shall be as a watered garden, * and they shall be hungry no more.
31:16 Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, * the young men and old men together:
31:17 And I will turn their mourning into joy, * and will comfort them, and make them joyful after their sorrow.
31:18 And I will fill the soul of the priests with fatness: * and my people shall be filled with my good things.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: 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 69

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

69:2 O God, come to my assistance; O Lord, make haste to help me.
69:3 Let them be confounded and ashamed that seek my soul:
69:4 Let them be turned backward, and blush for shame that desire evils to me: Let them be presently turned away blushing for shame that say to me: Tis well, tis well.
69:5 Let all that seek Thee rejoice and be glad in Thee; and let such as love Thy salvation say always: The Lord be magnified.
69:6 But I am needy and poor; O God, help me. Thou art my helper and my deliverer: O Lord, make no delay.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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 THURSDAY
usually prayed after breakfast and before starting work for the day
(modern day suggestion: after breakfast and before work, before 9 a.m.)

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

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

OPENING INVOCATIONS

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

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

HYMN

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

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

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

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

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

The first of three psalms
PSALM 25

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.

25:1 Judge me, O Lord, for I have walked in my innocence: * and I have put my trust in the Lord, and shall not be weakened.
25:2 Prove me, O Lord, and try me; * burn my reins and my heart.
25:3 For Thy mercy is before my eyes; * and I am well pleased with Thy truth.
25:4 I have not sat with the council of vanity: * neither will I go in with the doers of unjust things.
25:5 I have hated the assembly of the malignant; * and with the wicked I will not sit.
25:6 I will wash my hands among the innocent; * and will compass Thy altar, O Lord:
25:7 That I may hear the voice of Thy praise: * and tell of all Thy wondrous works.
25:8 I have loved, O Lord, the beauty of Thy house; * and the place where Thy glory dwelleth.
25:9 Take not away my soul, O God, with the wicked: * nor my life with bloody men:
25:10 In whose hands are iniquities: * their right hand is filled with gifts.
25:11 But as for me, I have walked in my innocence: * redeem me, and have mercy on me.
25:12 My foot hath stood in the direct way: * in the churches I will bless Thee, O Lord.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The second of three psalms
PSALM 51

51:3 Why dost thou glory in malice, * thou that art mighty in iniquity?
51:4 All the day long thy tongue hath devised injustice: * as a sharp razor, thou hast wrought deceit.
51:5 Thou hast loved malice more than goodness: * and iniquity rather than to speak righteousness.
51:6 Thou hast loved all the words of ruin, * O deceitful tongue.
51:7 Therefore will God destroy thee for ever: * He will pluck thee out, and remove thee from thy dwelling place: and thy root out of the land of the living.
51:8 The just shall see and fear, and shall laugh at him, and say: * Behold the man that made not God his helper:
51:9 But trusted in the abundance of his riches: * and prevailed in his vanity.
51:10 But I, as a fruitful olive tree in the house of God, * have hoped in the mercy of God for ever, yea for ever and ever.
51:11 I will praise Thee for ever, because Thou hast done it: * and I will wait on Thy Name, for it is good in the sight of Thy saints.
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 52

52:1 The fool said in his heart: * There is no God.
52:2 They are corrupted, and become abominable in iniquities: * there is none that doth good.
52:3 God looked down from heaven on the children of men: * to see if there were any that did understand, or did seek God.
52:4 All have gone aside, they are become unprofitable together, * there is none that doth good, no not one.
52:5 Shall not all the workers of iniquity know, * who eat up My people as they eat bread?
52:6 They have not called upon God: * there have they trembled for fear, where there was no fear.
52:6 For God hath scattered the bones of them that please men: * they have been confounded, because God hath despised them.
52:7 Who will give out of Sion the salvation of Israel? * When God shall bring back the captivity of His people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.
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 THURSDAY
work is temporarily halted for this short middle of the morning prayer
(modern day suggestion: anytime between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OPENING INVOCATIONS

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

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

The first of five psalms
PSALM 109

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.

109:1 The Lord said to my Lord: * Sit thou at my right hand:
109:1 Until I make thy enemies * thy footstool.
109:2 The Lord will send forth the sceptre of thy power out of Sion: * rule thou in the midst of thy enemies.
109:3 With thee is the principality in the day of thy strength: in the brightness of the saints: * from the womb before the day star I begot thee.
109:4 The Lord hath sworn, and he will not repent: * Thou art a priest for ever according to the order of Melchisedech.
109:5 The Lord at thy right hand * hath broken kings in the day of his wrath.
109:6 He shall judge among nations, he shall fill ruins: * he shall crush the heads in the land of many.
109:7 He shall drink of the torrent in the way: * therefore shall he lift up the head.
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 110

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

110:1 I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; * in the council of the just, and in the congregation.
110:2 Great are the works of the Lord: * sought out according to all his wills.
110:3 His work is praise and magnificence: * and his justice continueth for ever and ever.
110:4 He hath made a remembrance of his wonderful works, being a merciful and gracious Lord: * he hath given food to them that fear him.
110:5 He will be mindful for ever of his covenant: * he will shew forth to his people the power of his works.
110:7 That he may give them the inheritance of the Gentiles: * the works of his hands are truth and judgment.
110:8 All his commandments are faithful: confirmed for ever and ever, * made in truth and equity.
110:9 He hath sent redemption to his people: * he hath commanded his covenant for ever.
110:9 Holy and terrible is his name: * the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
110:10 A good understanding to all that do it: * his praise continueth 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: The Lord sent redemption * unto His people, He hath commanded His covenant for ever.

The third of five psalms
PSALM 111

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

111:1 Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord: * he shall delight exceedingly in his commandments.
111:2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth: * the generation of the righteous shall be blessed.
111:3 Glory and wealth shall be in his house: * and his justice remaineth for ever and ever.
111:4 To the righteous a light is risen up in darkness: * he is merciful, and compassionate and just.
111:5 Acceptable is the man that sheweth mercy and lendeth: he shall order his words with judgment: * because he shall not be moved for ever.
111:7 The just shall be in everlasting remembrance: * he shall not fear the evil hearing.
111:8 His heart is ready to hope in the Lord: his heart is strengthened, * he shall not be moved until he look over his enemies.
111:9 He hath distributed, he hath given to the poor: his justice remaineth for ever and ever: * his horn shall be exalted in glory.
111:10 The wicked shall see, and shall be angry, he shall gnash with his teeth and pine away: * the desire of the wicked shall perish.
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 129

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

129:1 Out of the depths I have cried to thee, O Lord: * Lord, hear my voice.
129:2 Let thy ears be attentive * to the voice of my supplication.
129:3 If thou, O Lord, wilt mark iniquities: * Lord, who shall stand it.
129:4 For with thee there is merciful forgiveness: * and by reason of thy law, I have waited for thee, O Lord.
129:5 My soul hath relied on his word: * my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
129:6 From the morning watch even until night, * let Israel hope in the Lord.
129:7 Because with the Lord there is mercy: * and with him plentiful redemption.
129:8 And he shall redeem Israel * from all his iniquities
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 131

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

131:1 Lord, remember David, * and all his meekness.
131:2 How he swore to the Lord, * he vowed a vow to the God of Jacob:
131:3 If I shall enter into the tabernacle of my house: * if I shall go up into the bed wherein I lie:
131:4 If I shall give sleep to my eyes, * or slumber to my eyelids,
131:5 Or rest to my temples: until I find out a place for the Lord, * a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.
131:7 We will go into his tabernacle: * we will adore in the place where his feet stood.
131:8 Arise, O Lord, into thy resting place: * thou and the ark, which thou hast sanctified.
131:9 Let thy priests be clothed with justice: * and let thy saints rejoice.
131:10 For thy servant David’s sake, * turn not away the face of thy anointed.
131:11 The Lord hath sworn truth to David, and he will not make it void: * of the fruit of thy womb I will set upon thy throne.
131:12 If thy children will keep my covenant, * and these my testimonies which I shall teach them:
131:12 Their children also for evermore * shall sit upon thy throne.
131:13 For the Lord hath chosen Sion: * he hath chosen it for his dwelling.
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 THURSDAY
usually prayed before retiring to sleep for the night
(modern day suggestion: anytime between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.)

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

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

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

OPENING INVOCATION

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

SHORT READING
(1 Peter 5:8-9)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The first of three psalms
PSALM 4

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.

4:2 When I called upon him, the God of my justice heard me: * when I was in distress, thou hast enlarged me.
4:2 Have mercy on me: * and hear my prayer.
4:3 O ye sons of men, how long will you be dull of heart? * Why do you love vanity, and seek after lying?
4:4 Know ye also that the Lord hath made his holy one wonderful: * the Lord will hear me when I shall cry unto him.
4:5 Be ye angry, and sin not: * the things you say in your hearts, be sorry for them upon your beds.
4:6 Offer up the sacrifice of justice, and trust in the Lord: * many say, Who sheweth us good things?
4:7 The light of thy countenance, O Lord, is signed upon us: * thou hast given gladness in my heart.
4:8 By the fruit of their corn, their wine, and oil, * they are multiplied.
4:9 In peace in the selfsame * I will sleep, and I will rest:
4:10 For thou, O Lord, singularly * hast settled me in hope.
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 90

90:1 He that dwelleth in the aid of the most High, * shall abide under the protection of the God of Jacob.
90:2 He shall say to the Lord: Thou art my protector, and my refuge: * my God, in him will I trust.
90:3 For he hath delivered me from the snare of the hunters: * and from the sharp word.
90:4 He will overshadow thee with his shoulders: * and under his wings thou shalt trust.
90:5 His truth shall compass thee with a shield: * thou shalt not be afraid of the terror of the night.
90:6 Of the arrow that flieth in the day, of the business that walketh about in the dark: * of invasion, or of the noonday devil.
90:7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand: * but it shall not come nigh thee.
90:8 But thou shalt consider with thy eyes: * and shalt see the reward of the wicked.
90:9 Because thou, O Lord, art my hope: * thou hast made the most High thy refuge.
90:10 There shall no evil come to thee: * nor shall the scourge come near thy dwelling.
90:11 For he hath given his angels charge over thee; * to keep thee in all thy ways.
90:12 In their hands they shall bear thee up: * lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
90:13 Thou shalt walk upon the asp and the basilisk: * and thou shalt trample under foot the lion and the dragon.
90:14 Because he hoped in me I will deliver him: * I will protect him because he hath known my name.
90:15 He shall cry to me, and I will hear him: * I am with him in tribulation, I will deliver him, and I will glorify him.
90:16 I will fill him with length of days; * and I will shew him my salvation.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The third of three psalms
PSALM 133

133:1 Behold now bless ye the Lord, * all ye servants of the Lord:
133:1 Who stand in the house of the Lord, * in the courts of the house of our God.
133:2 In the nights lift up your hands to the holy places, * and bless ye the Lord.
133:3 May the Lord out of Sion bless thee, * he that made heaven and earth.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: 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.