Christmas Prayers TUE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alleluia.

THE INVITATORY FROM THE OFFICE OF MATINS FOR THE 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 2

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

2:1 Why have the Gentiles raged, * and the people devised vain things?
2:2 The kings of the earth stood up, and the princes met together, * against the Lord and against his Christ.
2:3 Let us break their bonds asunder: * and let us cast away their yoke from us.
2:4 He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh at them: * and the Lord shall deride them.
2:5 Then shall he speak to them in his anger, * and trouble them in his rage.
2:6 But I am appointed king by him over Sion his holy mountain, * preaching his commandment.
2:7 The Lord hath said to me: * Thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee.
2:8 Ask of me, and I will give thee the Gentiles for thy inheritance, * and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession.
2:9 Thou shalt rule them with a rod of iron, * and shalt break them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
2:10 And now, O ye kings, understand: * receive instruction, you that judge the earth.
2:11 Serve ye the Lord with fear: * and rejoice unto him with trembling.
2:12 Embrace discipline, lest at any time the Lord be angry, * and you perish from the just way.
2:13 When his wrath shall be kindled in a short time, * blessed are all they that trust in 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: The Lord hath said unto Me: * Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten thee.

The second of three psalms
PSALMS 71

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

71:7 In his days shall justice spring up, and abundance of peace, * till the moon be taken away.
71:8 And He shall rule from sea to sea, * and from the river unto the ends of the Earth.
71:9 Before Him the Ethiopians shall fall down: * and His enemies shall lick the ground.
71:10 The kings of Tharsis and the islands shall offer presents: * the kings of the Arabians and of Saba shall bring gifts:
71:11 And all kings of the Earth shall adore Him: * all nations shall serve Him.
71:12 For He shall deliver the poor from the mighty: * and the needy that had no helper.
71:13 He shall spare the poor and needy: * and He shall save the souls of the poor.
71:14 He shall redeem their souls from usuries and iniquity: * and their names shall be honorable in His sight.
71:15 And He shall live, and to Him shall be given of the gold of Arabia, for Him they shall always adore: * they shall bless Him all the day.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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

The third of three psalms
PSALM 84

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

84:2 Lord, thou hast blessed thy land: * thou hast turned away the captivity of Jacob.
84:3 Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people: * thou hast covered all their sins.
84:4 Thou hast mitigated all thy anger: * thou hast turned away from the wrath of thy indignation.
84:5 Convert us, O God our savior: * and turn off thy anger from us.
84:6 Wilt thou be angry with us for ever: * or wilt thou extend thy wrath from generation to generation?
84:7 Thou wilt turn, O God, and bring us to life: * and thy people shall rejoice in thee.
84:8 Shew us, O Lord, thy mercy; * and grant us thy salvation.
84:9 I will hear what the Lord God will speak in me: * for he will speak peace
84:9 And unto his saints: * and unto them that are converted to the heart.
84:10 Surely his salvation is near to them that fear him: * that glory may dwell in our land.
84:11 Mercy and truth have met each other: * justice and peace have kissed.
84:12 Truth is sprung out of the earth: * and justice hath looked down from heaven.
84:13 For the Lord will give goodness: * and our earth shall yield her fruit.
84:14 Justice shall walk before him: * and shall set his steps in the 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.

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
The Homily by Pope St. Leo the Great, preached at the First Mass of Christmas Day.

Dearly beloved brethren, Unto us is born this day a Savior, Luke ii. 11. Let us rejoice. It would be unlawful to be sad to day, for today is Life's Birthday; the Birthday of that Life, Which, for us dying creatures, taketh away the sting of death, and bringeth the bright promise of the eternal gladness hereafter. It would be unlawful for any man to refuse to partake in our rejoicing. All men have an equal share in the great cause of our joy, for, since our Lord, Who is the destroyer of sin and of death, findeth that all are bound under the condemnation, He is come to make all free. Rejoice, O thou that art holy, thou drawest nearer to thy crown! Rejoice, O thou that art sinful, thy Savior offereth thee pardon! Rejoice also, O thou Gentile, God calleth thee to life! For the Son of God, when the fullness of the time was come, which had been fixed by the unsearchable counsel of God, took upon Him the nature of man, that He might reconcile that nature to Him Who made it, and so the devil, the inventor of death, is met and beaten in that very flesh which hath been the field of his victory.

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 by Pope St. Leo the Great

When our Lord entered the field of battle against the devil, He did so with a great and wonderful fairness. Being Himself the Almighty, He laid aside His uncreated Majesty to fight with our cruel enemy in our weak flesh. He brought against him the very shape, the very nature of our mortality, yet without sin. Hebrews iv. 15. His birth however was not a birth like other births for no other is born pure, nay, not the little child whose life endureth but a day on the earth. To His birth alone the throes of human passion had not contributed, in His alone no consequence of sin had had part. For His Mother was chosen a Virgin of the kingly lineage of David, and when she was to grow heavy with the sacred Child, her soul had already conceived Him before her body. She knew the counsel of God announced to her by the Angel, lest the unwonted events should alarm her. The future Mother of God knew what was to be wrought in her by the Holy Ghost, and that her modesty was absolutely safe.

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 by Pope St. Leo the Great

Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us give thanks to God the Father, through His Son, in the Holy Ghost: Who, for His great love wherewith He loved us, hath had mercy on us and, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, Ephesians ii. 4, 5, that in Him we might be a new creature, and a new workmanship. Let us then put off the old man with his deeds Colossians iii. 9; and, having obtained a share in the Sonship of Christ, let us renounce the deeds of the flesh. Learn, O Christian, how great thou art, who hast been made partaker of the Divine nature, 2 Peter i. 4, and fall not again by corrupt conversation into the beggarly elements above which thou art lifted. Remember Whose Body it is Whereof thou art made a member, and Who is its Head, 1 Corinthians vi. 15. Remember that it is He That hath delivered thee from the power of darkness and hath translated thee into God's light, and God's kingdom. Colossians i. 13.

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

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

OPENING INVOCATIONS

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

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

The first of five psalms
PSALM 3

Antiphon: 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.

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

Antiphon: 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 9

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.

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

Antiphon: 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 9 (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.

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

Antiphon: 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 9 (continued)

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.

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

Antiphon: 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
CANTICLE OF TOBIAS
(Canticle of Tobias taken from Tobias 13:1-11)

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

13:1 Thou art great, O Lord, for ever, and Thy kingdom is unto all ages:
13:2 For Thou scourgest, and Thou savest: Thou leadest down to Hell, and bringest up again: and there is none that can escape Thy hand.
13:3 Give glory to the Lord, ye children of Israel, and praise Him in the sight of the Gentiles:
13:4 Because He hath therefore scattered you among the Gentiles, who know not Him, that you may declare His wonderful works,
13:5 And make them know that there is no other almighty God besides Him.
13:6 He hath chastised us for our iniquities:and He will save us for His own mercy.
13:7 See then what He hath done with us, and with fear and trembling give ye glory to Him:and extol the eternal King of worlds in your works.
13:8 As for me, I will praise him in the land of my captivity: because He hath shewn His majesty toward a sinful nation.
13:9 Be converted therefore, ye sinners, and do justice before God, * believing that He will show His mercy to you.
13:10 And I and my soul will rejoice in Him.
13:11 Bless ye the Lord, all His elect, keep days of joy, and give glory to Him.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: 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: And that knowing the season; that it is now the hour for us to rise from sleep. For now our salvation is nearer than when we believed.
Response: Thanks be to God!

HYMN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OPENING INVOCATIONS

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

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

The first of five psalms
PSALM 112

Antiphon: 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.

112:1 Praise the Lord, ye children: praise ye the Name of the Lord.
112:2 Blessed be the Name of the Lord, from henceforth now and for ever.
112:3 From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, the Name of the Lord is worthy of praise.
112:4 The Lord is high above all nations; and His glory above the heavens.
112:5 Who is as the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high:
112:6 And looketh down on the low things in Heaven and in Earth?
112:7 Raising up the needy from the Earth, and lifting up the poor out of the dunghill:
112:8 That He may place him with princes, with the princes of His people.
112:9 Who maketh a barren woman to dwell in a house, the joyful mother of children.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: 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 113

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

113:1 When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a barbarous people:
113:2 Judea made His sanctuary, Israel His dominion.
113:3 The sea saw and fled: Jordan was turned back.
113:4 The mountains skipped like rams, and the hills like the lambs of the flock.
113:5 What ailed thee, O thou sea, that thou didst flee: and thou, O Jordan, that thou wast turned back?
113:6 Ye mountains, that ye skipped like rams, and ye hills, like lambs of the flock?
113:7 At the presence of the Lord the Earth was moved, at the presence of the God of Jacob:
113:8 Who turned the rock into pools of water, and the stony hill into fountains of waters.
113:9 Not to us, O Lord, not to us; but to Thy Name give glory.
113:10 For Thy mercy, and for Thy truth’s sake: lest the gentiles should say: Where is their God?
113:11 But our God is in Heaven: He hath done all things whatsoever He would.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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

The third of five psalms
PSALM 113 (continued)

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

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

Antiphon: 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 114

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

114:1 I have loved, because the Lord will hear the voice of my prayer.
114:2 Because He hath inclined His ear unto me: and in my days I will call upon Him.
114:3 The sorrows of death have encompassed me: and the perils of Hell have found me. I met with trouble and sorrow:
114:4 And I called upon the Name of the Lord. O Lord, deliver my soul.
114:5 The Lord is merciful and just, and our God showeth mercy.
114:6 The Lord is the keeper of little ones: I was little and He delivered me.
114:7 Turn, O my soul, into thy rest: for the Lord hath been bountiful to thee.
114:8 For He hath delivered my soul from death: my eyes from tears, my feet from falling.
114:9 I will please the Lord in the land of the living.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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

The fifth of five psalms
PSALM 115

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

1154:10 I have believed, therefore have I spoken; but I have been humbled exceedingly.
1154:11 II said in my excess: Every man is a liar.
1154:12 IWhat shall I render to the Lord, for all the things He hath rendered unto me?
1154:13 II will take the chalice of salvation; and I will call upon the Name of the Lord.
1154:14 II will pay my vows to the Lord before all His people:
1154:15 IPrecious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.
1154:16 IO Lord, for I am Thy servant: I am Thy servant, and the son of Thy handmaid. Thou hast broken my bonds:
1154:17 II will sacrifice to Thee the sacrifice of praise, and I will call upon the Name of the Lord.
1154:18 II will pay my vows to the Lord in the sight of all His people:
1154:19 In the courts of the house of the Lord, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: 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 TUESDAY
usually prayed before retiring to sleep for the night
(modern day suggestion: anytime between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.)

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

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

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

OPENING INVOCATION

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

SHORT READING
(1 Peter 5:8-9)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The first of three psalms
PSALM 101

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

Antiphon: The angel of the Lord * shall encamp round about them that fear him: and shall deliver them.

101:2 Hear, O Lord, my prayer: and let my cry come to Thee.
101:3 Turn not away Thy face from me: in the day when I am in trouble, incline Thy ear to me. In what day soever I shall call upon Thee, hear me speedily.
101:4 For my days are vanished like smoke: and my bones are grown dry like fuel for the fire.
101:5 I am smitten as grass, and my heart is withered: because I forgot to eat my bread.
101:6 Through the voice of my groaning, my bone hath cleaved to my flesh.
101:7 I am become like to a pelican of the wilderness: I am like a night raven in the house.
101:8 I have watched, and am become as a sparrow all alone on the housetop.
101:9 All the day long my enemies reproached me: and they that praised me did swear against me.
101:10 For I did eat ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping.
101:11 Because of Thy anger and indignation: for having lifted me up Thou hast thrown me down.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The second of three psalms
PSALM 101 (continued)

101:12 My days have declined like a shadow, and I am withered like grass.
101:13 But Thou, O Lord, endurest for ever: and Thy memorial is to all generations.
101:14 Thou shalt arise and have mercy on Sion: for it is time to have mercy on it, for the time is come.
101:15 For the stones thereof have pleased Thy servants: and they shall have pity on the Earth thereof.
101:16 And the Gentiles shall fear Thy Name, O Lord, and all the kings of the Earth Thy glory.
101:17 For the Lord hath built up Sion: and He shall be seen in His glory.
101:18 He hath had regard to the prayer of the humble: and He hath not despised their petition.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The third of three psalms
PSALM 101 (continued)

101:19 Let these things be written unto another generation: and the people that shall be created shall praise the Lord:
101:20 Because He hath looked forth from His high sanctuary: from Heaven the Lord hath looked upon the Earth.
101:21 That He might hear the groans of them that are in fetters: that He might release the children of the slain:
101:22 That they may declare the Name of the Lord in Sion: and His praise in Jerusalem;
101:23 When the people assemble together, and kings, to serve the Lord.
101:24 He answered Him in the way of His strength: Declare unto me the fewness of my days.
101:25 Call me not away in the midst of my days: Thy years are unto generation and generation.
101:26 In the beginning, O Lord, Thou foundedst the Earth: and the heavens are the works of Thy hands.
101:27 They shall perish but Thou remainest: and all of them shall grow old like a garment: And as clothing Thou shalt change them, and they shall be changed.
101:28 But Thou art always the selfsame, and Thy years shall not fail.
101:29 The children of Thy servants shall continue: and their seed shall be directed for ever.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: The angel of the Lord * shall encamp round about them that fear Him: and shall deliver them.

HYMN

Before the ending of the day,
Creator of the world, we pray
That with Thy wonted favor Thou
Wouldst be our guard and keeper now.

From all ill dreams defend our eyes,
From nightly fears and fantasies;
Tread under foot our ghostly foe,
That no pollution we may know.

O Father, that we ask be done,
Through Jesus Christ, Thine only Son;
Who, with the Holy Ghost and Thee,
Doth live and reign eternally.
Amen.

CHAPTER VERSE
(Jeremais 14:9)

But Thou, O Lord, art among us, and Thy Name is called upon by us: forsake us not, O Lord our God!
Response:  Thanks be to God!

Versicle:  Into Thy hands, O Lord, * I commend my spirit.
Response: Into Thy hands, O Lord, * I commend my spirit.

Versicle: For Thou hast redeemed us, O Lord, God of truth.
Response:  I commend my spirit.

Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: Into Thy hands, O Lord, * I commend my spirit.

Versicle: Keep us, Lord, as the apple of Thine eye!
Response: Protect us under the shadow of Thy wings!

CANTICLE: NUNC DIMITTIS
Canticle of St. Simeon (Luke 2:29-32)

Antiphon: Protect us, * Lord, while we are awake and safeguard us while we sleep; that we may keep watch with Christ, and rest in peace.

2:29 Now Thou dost dismiss Thy servant, O Lord, ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross) * according to Thy word in peace;
2:30 Because my eyes have seen * Thy salvation,
2:31 Which Thou hast prepared * before the face of all peoples:
2:32 A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, * and the glory of Thy people Israel.
Versicle:  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: Protect us, * Lord, while we are awake and safeguard us while we sleep; that we may keep watch with Christ, and rest in peace.

PRAYER

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

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.

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.