Devotion to Our Lady |
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FOR THE WEDNESDAYS 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 WEDNESDAY usually prayed in the middle of the night, or else right before dawn (modern day suggestion: very last thing at night, or immediately after waking) Religious would rise from sleep after midnight in the very early hours of the morning, well before dawn, to pray Matins Usually Matins would consist of (1) an invitation to prayer called the "Invitatory"; (2) a hymn; (3) followed by nine psalms; (4) then three spiritual readings; and (5) after this the Te Deum a hymn of thanksgiving is said; (6) which is followed by the prayer or collect of the day or feast. Below you have an abbreviated version that you can easily pray. The following extracts from the Divine Office of Matins is only around one-third of the actual length of Matins.
Versicle: O Lord, ✠︎ open thou my lips. (make the Sign of the Cross over the lips with your right thumb) Response: And my mouth shall declare thy praise. Versicle: O God, ✝ come to my assistance; (make the normal Sign of the Cross) Response: O Lord, make haste to help me. Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost. Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia. THE INVITATORY FROM THE OFFICE OF MATINS FOR THE 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 1 Antiphon: The Lord hath said unto Me: * Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee. 1:1 Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, * nor sat in the chair of pestilence. 1:2 But his will is in the law of the Lord, * and on His law he shall meditate day and night. 1:3 And he shall be like a tree which is planted near the running waters, * which shall bring forth its fruit, in due season. 1:3 And his leaf shall not fall off: * and all whatsoever he shall do shall prosper. 1:4 Not so the wicked, not so: * but like the dust, which the wind driveth from the face of the Earth. 1:5 Therefore the wicked shall not rise again in judgment: * nor sinners in the council of the just. 1:6 For the Lord knoweth the way of the just: * and the way 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: The Lord hath said unto Me: * Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee. The second of three psalms PSALM 8 Antiphon: In the Lord's days * shall abundance of peace arise and flourish. 8:2 O Lord our Lord, * how admirable is Thy name in the whole Earth! 8:2 For Thy magnificence is elevated * above the heavens. 8:3 Out of the mouth of infants and of sucklings Thou hast perfected praise, because of Thy enemies, * that Thou mayst destroy the enemy and the avenger. 8:4 For I will behold Thy heavens, the works of Thy fingers: * the moon and the stars which Thou hast founded. 8:5 What is man that Thou art mindful of him? * Or the son of man that Thou visitest him? 8:6 Thou hast made him a little less than the angels, Thou hast crowned him with glory and honour: * and hast set him over the works of Thy hands. 8:8 Thou hast subjected all things under his feet, * all sheep and oxen: moreover the beasts also of the fields. 8:9 The birds of the air, and the fishes of the sea, * that pass through the paths of the sea. 8:10 O Lord our Lord, * how admirable is Thy Name in all the 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: In the Lord's days * shall abundance of peace arise and flourish. The third of three psalms PSALM 14 Antiphon: Truth is sprung out of the earth, * and righteousness hath looked down from Heaven. 14:1 Lord, who shall dwell in Thy tabernacle? * Or who shall rest in Thy holy hill? 14:2 He that walketh without blemish, * and worketh justice: 14:3 He that speaketh truth in his heart, * who hath not used deceit in his tongue: 14:3 Nor hath done evil to his neighbor: * nor taken up a reproach against his neighbors. 14:4 In his sight the malignant is brought to nothing: * but he glorifieth them that fear the Lord: 14:5 He that sweareth to his neighbor, and deceiveth not; * He that hath not put out his money to usury, nor taken bribes against the innocent: 14:5 He that doth these things, * shall not be moved 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: 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 WEDNESDAY usually prayed before dawn (modern day suggestion: after waking in the morning, before breakfast) The Religious would rise from sleep once again before dawn, to pray Lauds. If Matins was not prayed during the middle of the night, then it is prayed now, at dawn, immediately before praying Lauds. Usually Lauds consists of (1) five psalms with their appropriate seasonal antiphons (2) followed by what is called a "Chapter Verse" which is a short paragraphed reading; (3) this is followed by a hymn that suits the liturgical season; (4) then follows the Canticle of St. Zachary, the "Benedictus" with its appropriate seasonal antiphon; (5) finally there is said the prayer or collect for the day or feast. Below you have an abbreviated version that you can easily pray. OPENING INVOCATIONS
Versicle: O God, ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross) come to my assistance! Response: O Lord, make haste to help me! Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost. Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia. The first of five psalms PSALM 92 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. 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: 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 99 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. 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: 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 62 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. 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: 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 DANIEL (Canticle of Daniel taken from Daniel 3:57-75) 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. 3:57 All ye works of the Lord, bless the Lord: * praise and exalt him above all for ever. 3:58 O ye angels of the Lord, bless the Lord: * O ye heavens, bless the Lord: 3:59 O all ye waters that are above the heavens, bless the Lord: * O all ye powers of the Lord, bless the Lord. 3:60 O ye sun and moon, bless the Lord: * O ye stars of heaven, bless the Lord. 3:61 O every shower and dew, bless ye the Lord: * O all ye spirits of God, bless the Lord. 3:62 O ye fire and heat, bless the Lord: * O ye cold and heat, bless the Lord. 3:63 O ye dews and hoar frosts, bless the Lord: * O ye frost and cold, bless the Lord. 3:64 O ye ice and snow, bless the Lord: * O ye nights and days, bless the Lord. 3:65 O ye light and darkness, bless the Lord: * O ye lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord. 3:66 O let the Earth bless the Lord: * let it praise and exalt Him above all for ever. 3:67 O ye mountains and hills, bless the Lord: * O all ye things that spring up in the earth, bless the Lord. 3:68 O ye fountains, bless the Lord: * O ye seas and rivers, bless the Lord. 3:69 O ye whales, and all that move in the waters, bless the Lord: * O all ye fowls of the air, bless the Lord. 3:70 O all ye beasts and cattle, bless the Lord: * O ye sons of men, bless the Lord. 3:71 O let Israel bless the Lord: * let them praise and exalt Him above all for ever. 3:72 O ye priests of the Lord, bless the Lord: * O ye servants of the Lord, bless the Lord. 3:73 O ye spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord: * O ye holy and humble of heart, bless the Lord. 3:74 O Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, bless ye the Lord: * praise and exalt Him above all for ever. 3:75 Let us bless the Father and the Son, with the Holy Ghost; * let us praise and exalt Him above all 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: 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 148 Antiphon: Unto us this day a little Child is born, * and His name shall be called the Mighty God, alleluia, alleluia. 148:1 Praise ye the Lord from the heavens * praise ye Him in the high places. 148:2 Praise ye Him, all His angels: * praise ye Him, all His hosts. 148:3 Praise ye Him, O sun and moon: * praise Him, all ye stars and light. 148:4 Praise Him, ye heavens of heavens: * and let all the waters that are above the heavens, praise the Name of the Lord. 148:5 For He spoke, and they were made: * He commanded, and they were created. 148:6 He hath established them for ever, and for ages of ages: * He hath made a decree, and it shall not pass away. 148:7 Praise the Lord from the Earth, * ye dragons, and all ye deeps: 148:8 Fire, hail, snow, ice, stormy winds * which fulfill His word: 148:9 Mountains and all hills, * fruitful trees and all cedars: 148:10 Beasts and all cattle: * serpents and feathered fowls: 148:11 Kings of the Earth and all people: * princes and all judges of the Earth: 148:12 Young men and maidens: * let the old with the younger, praise the Name of the Lord: For His Nname alone is exalted. 148:13 The praise of Him is above Heaven and Earth: * and He hath exalted the horn of His people. 148:14 A hymn to all His saints: to the children of Israel, a people approaching 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: 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 WEDNESDAY usually prayed after breakfast and before starting work for the day (modern day suggestion: after breakfast and before work, before 9 a.m.) The word "Prime" refers to the first hour of daylight. It is the most recent addition to the Divine Office originating around the 4th century. It was the prayer said before starting work for the day. Usually Prime consists of (1) an opening hymn which is always the same regardless of season or feast (2) followed by three psalms with their appropriate seasonal antiphons (3) then comes what is called a "Chapter Verse" which is a short paragraphed reading; (4) this is followed by a prayer or collect which is always the same one, regardless of season or feast; (4) then the Martyrology for the day in read; (5) this is followed by another "Chapter Verse" and versicles; (6) then come the concluding prayers, which include the Our Father; (7) after which there is a seasonal "Chapter Verse" that is the same throughout the season; (8) finally there is said the short concluding prayer, which is always the same throughout the year. Below you have an abbreviated version that you can easily pray. 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 22 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. 22:1 The Lord ruleth me: and I shall want nothing. * He hath set me in a place of pasture. 22:2 He hath brought me up, on the water of refreshment: * He hath converted my soul. 22:3 He hath led me on the paths of justice, * for His own Name’s sake. 22:4 For though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evils, * for Thou art with me. 22:4 Thy rod and Thy staff, * they have comforted me. 22:5 Thou hast prepared a table before me * against them that afflict me. 22:5 Thou hast anointed my head with oil; * and my chalice which inebriateth me, how goodly is it! 22:6 And Thy mercy will follow me * all the days of my life. 22:6 And that I may dwell in the house of the 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. The second of three psalms PSALM 71 71:2 Give to the king thy judgment, O God: * and to the king’s son Thy justice: 71:2 To judge Thy people with justice, * and Thy poor with judgment. 71:3 Let the mountains receive peace for the people: * and the hills justice. 71:4 He shall judge the poor of the people, and He shall save the children of the poor: * and He shall humble the oppressor. 71:5 And He shall continue with the sun, and before the moon, * throughout all generations. 71:6 He shall come down like rain upon the fleece; * and as showers falling gently upon the Earth. 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. 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 71 (continued) 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 hHim: * 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. 71:16 And there shall be a firmament on the Earth on the tops of mountains, above Libanus shall the fruit thereof be exalted: * and they of the city shall flourish like the grass of the Earth. 71:17 Let His Name be blessed for evermore: * His Name continueth before the sun. 71:17 And in Him shall all the tribes of the Earth be blessed: * all nations shall magnify Him. 71:18 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, * Who alone doth wonderful things. 71:19 And blessed be the Name of His majesty for ever: * and the whole Earth shall be filled with His majesty. So be it. So be it. Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost. Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Antiphon: 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 WEDNESDAY work is temporarily halted for this short middle of the morning prayer (modern day suggestion: anytime between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.) The word "Terce" refers to the third hour of daylight. The Religious would stop work and would again congregate in the church or chapel for prayer. In some Religious communities, the "Conventual" or "Community" Mass would be offered after Terce, even though private Masses had been offered by other priests earlier in the morning. Usually Terce consists of (1) an opening hymn which is always the same regardless of season or feast; (2) followed by three psalms with their appropriate seasonal antiphons; (3) then comes what is called a "Chapter Verse" which is a short paragraphed reading; (4) this is followed by a prayer or collect which is always the same one, regardless of season or feast. Below you have an abbreviated version that you can easily pray. 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 Come Holy Ghost, who ever One Art with the Father and the Son, It is the hour, our souls possess With Thy full flood of holiness. Let flesh and heart and lips and mind Sound forth our witness to mankind; And love light up our mortal frame, Till others catch the living flame. Almighty Father, hear our cry, Through Jesus Christ, our Lord most High, Who, with the Holy Ghost and Thee, Doth live and reign eternally. Amen. The first of three psalms PSALM 118 For Terce, the antiphon is only said once before the three psalms are said, and once after the three psalms have been said. 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. 118:33 Set before me for a law the way of Thy justifications, O Lord: * and I will always seek after it. 118:34 Give me understanding, and I will search Thy law; * and I will keep it with my whole heart. 118:35 Lead me into the path of Thy commandments; * for this same I have desired. 118:36 Incline my heart into Thy testimonies * and not to covetousness. 118:37 Turn away my eyes that they may not behold vanity: * quicken me in Thy way. 118:38 Establish Thy word to Thy servant, * in Thy fear. 118:39 Turn away my reproach, which I have apprehended: * for Thy judgments are delightful. 118:40 Behold I have longed after Thy precepts: * quicken me in Thy justice. 118:41 Let Thy mercy also come upon me, O Lord: * Thy salvation according to thy word. 118:42 So shall I answer them that reproach me in any thing; * that I have trusted in Thy words. 118:43 And take not Thou the word of truth utterly out of my mouth: * for in Thy words, I have hoped exceedingly. 118:44 So shall I always keep Thy law, * for ever and ever. 118:45 And I walked at large: * because I have sought after Thy commandments. 118:46 And I spoke of Thy testimonies before kings: * and I was not ashamed. 118:47 I meditated also on Thy commandments, * which I loved. 118:48 And I lifted up my hands to Thy commandments, which I loved: * and I was exercised in Thy justifications. 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 118 (continued) 118:49 Be Thou mindful of thy word to Thy servant, * in which Thou hast given me hope. 118:50 This hath comforted me in my humiliation: * because Thy word hath enlivened me. 118:51 The proud did iniquitously altogether: * but I declined not from Thy law. 118:52 I remembered, O Lord, Thy judgments of old: * and I was comforted. 118:53 A fainting hath taken hold of me, * because of the wicked that forsake Thy law. 118:54 Thy justifications were the subject of my song, * in the place of my pilgrimage. 118:55 In the night I have remembered Thy Name, O Lord: * and have kept Thy law. 118:56 This happened to me: * because I sought after Thy justifications. 118:57 O Lord, my portion, * I have said, I would keep Thy law. 118:58 I entreated Thy face with all my heart: * have mercy on me according to Thy word. 118:59 I have thought on my ways: * and turned my feet unto Thy testimonies. 118:60 I am ready, and am not troubled: * that I may keep Thy commandments. 118:61 The cords of the wicked have encompassed me: * but I have not forgotten Thy law. 118:62 I rose at midnight to give praise to Thee; * for the judgments of Thy justification. 118:63 I am a partaker with all them that fear Thee, * and that keep Thy commandments. 118:64 The earth, O Lord, is full of Thy mercy: * teach me Thy justifications. 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 118 (continued) 118:65 Thou hast done well with Thy servant, O Lord, * according to Thy word. 118:66 Teach me goodness and discipline and knowledge; * for I have believed Thy commandments. 118:67 Before I was humbled I offended; * therefore have I kept Thy word. 118:68 Thou art good; * and in thy goodness teach me Thy justifications. 118:69 The iniquity of the proud hath been multiplied over me: * but I will seek Thy commandments with my whole heart. 118:70 Their heart is curdled like milk: * but I have meditated on Thy law. 118:71 It is good for me that Thou hast humbled me, * that I may learn Thy justifications. 118:72 The law of Thy mouth is good to me, * above thousands of gold and silver. 118:73 Thy hands have made me and formed me: * give me understanding, and I will learn Thy commandments. 118:74 They that fear Thee shall see me, and shall be glad: * because I have greatly hoped in Thy words. 118:75 I know, O Lord, that Thy judgments are equity: * and in Thy truth Thou hast humbled me. 118:76 O! let Thy mercy be for my comfort, * according to Thy word unto Thy servant. 118:77 Let Thy tender mercies come unto me, and I shall live: * for Thy law is my meditation. 118:78 Let the proud be ashamed, because they have done unjustly towards me: * but I will be employed in Thy commandments. 118:79 Let them that fear thee turn to me: * and they that know Thy testimonies. 118:80 Let my heart be undefiled in Thy justifications, * that I may not be confounded. 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. CHAPTER VERSE (Hebrews1:1-2) 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. RESPONSORIES Versicle: The Word was made flesh. * Alleluia, Alleluia. Response: The Word was made flesh. * Alleluia, Alleluia. Versicle: And dwelt among us. Response: Alleluia, Alleluia. Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost. Response: The Word was made flesh. * Alleluia, Alleluia. Versicle: He shall cry unto Me, Alleluia. Response: Thou art My Father, 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 Fifth Liturgical Hour
MIDDAY PRAYER (SEXT) FOR WEDNESDAY this midday prayer is usually said before eating lunch (modern day suggestion: anytime between 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m.) The word "Sext" refers to the sixth hour of daylight. The Religious would stop work and would again congregate in the church or chapel for prayer. Usually Sext consists of (1) an opening hymn which is always the same regardless of season or feast (2) followed by three psalms with their appropriate seasonal antiphons (3) then comes what is called a "Chapter Verse" which is a short paragraphed reading; (4) this is followed by a prayer or collect which is always the same one, regardless of season or feast, Below you have an abbreviated version that you can easily pray. 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 O God of truth, O Lord of might, Who orderest time and change aright, Who send’st the early morning ray, And light’st the glow of perfect day: Extinguish Thou each sinful fire, And banish every ill desire; And while Thou keep’st the body whole, Shed forth Thy peace upon the soul. Almighty Father, hear our cry, Through Jesus Christ, our Lord most High, Who, with the Holy Ghost and Thee, Doth live and reign eternally. Amen. The first of three psalms PSALM 118 For Sext, the antiphon is only said once before the three psalms are said, and once after the three psalms have been said. 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. 118:81 My soul hath fainted after Thy salvation: * and in Thy word I have very much hoped. 118:82 My eyes have failed for Thy word, * saying: When wilt Thou comfort me? 118:83 For I am become like a bottle in the frost: * I have not forgotten Thy justifications. 118:84 How many are the days of Thy servant: * when wilt Thou execute judgment on them that persecute me? 118:85 The wicked have told me fables: * but not as Thy law. 118:86 All thy statutes are truth: * they have persecuted me unjustly, do Thou help me. 118:87 They had almost made an end of me upon Earth: * but I have not forsaken Thy commandments. 118:88 Quicken Thou me according to Thy mercy: * and I shall keep the testimonies of Thy mouth. 118:89 For ever, O Lord, * Thy word standeth firm in Heaven. 118:90 Thy truth unto all generations: * Thou hast founded the Earth, and it continueth. 118:91 By Thy ordinance the day goeth on: * for all things serve Thee. 118:92 Unless Thy law had been my meditation, * I had then perhaps perished in my abjection. 118:93 Thy justifications I will never forget: * for by them Thou hast given me life. 118:94 I am Thine, save Thou me: * for I have sought Thy justifications. 118:95 The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: * but I have understood Thy testimonies. 118:96 I have seen an end of all perfection: * Thy commandment is exceeding broad. 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 118 (continued) 118:97 How have I loved Thy law, O Lord! * it is my meditation all the day. 118:98 Through Thy commandment, Thou hast made me wiser than my enemies: * for it is ever with me. 118:99 I have understood more than all my teachers: * because Thy testimonies are my meditation. 118:100 I have had understanding above ancients: * because I have sought Thy commandments. 118:101 I have restrained my feet from every evil way: * that I may keep Thy words. 118:102 I have not declined from Thy judgments, * because Thou hast set me a law. 118:103 How sweet are Thy words to my palate! * more than honey to my mouth. 118:104 By Thy commandments I have had understanding: * therefore have I hated every way of iniquity. 118:105 Thy word is a lamp to my feet, * and a light to my paths. 118:106 I have sworn and am determined * to keep the judgments of Thy justice. 118:107 I have been humbled, O Lord, exceedingly: * quicken Thou me according to Thy word. 118:108 The free offerings of my mouth make acceptable, O Lord: * and teach me Thy judgments. 118:109 My soul is continually in my hands: * and I have not forgotten Thy law. 118:110 Sinners have laid a snare for me: * but I have not erred from Thy precepts. 118:111 I have purchased Thy testimonies for an inheritance for ever: * because they are the joy of my heart. 118:112 I have inclined my heart to do Thy justifications for ever, * for the reward. 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 118 (continued) 118:113 I have hated the unjust: * and I have loved Thy law. 118:114 Thou art my helper and my protector: * and in Thy word I have greatly hoped. 118:115 Depart from me, ye malignant: * and I will search the commandments of my God. 118:116 Uphold me according to Thy word, and I shall live: * and let me not be confounded in my expectation. 118:117 Help me, and I shall be saved: * and I will meditate always on Thy justifications. 118:118 Thou hast despised all them that fall off from Thy judgments; * for their thought is unjust. 118:119 I have accounted all the sinners of the Earth prevaricators: * therefore have I loved Thy testimonies. 118:120 Pierce Thou my flesh with thy fear: * for I am afraid of Thy judgments. 118:121 I have done judgment and justice: * give me not up to them that slander me. 118:122 Uphold Thy servant unto good: * let not the proud calumniate me. 118:123 My eyes have fainted after Thy salvation: * and for the word of Thy justice. 118:124 Deal with Thy servant according to Thy mercy: * and teach me Thy justifications. 118:125 I am thy servant: * give me understanding that I may know Thy testimonies. 118:126 It is time, O Lord, to do: * they have dissipated Thy law. 118:127 Therefore have I loved Thy commandments * above gold and the topaz. 118:128 Therefore was I directed to all Thy commandments: * I have hated all wicked ways. 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. CHAPTER VERSE (Hebrews 1:10) And: Thou in the beginning, O Lord, didst found the Earth: and the works of Thy hands are the heavens. Response: Thanks be to God. RESPONSORIES Versicle: The Lord hath made known. * Alleluia, Alleluia. Response: The Lord hath made known. * Alleluia, Alleluia. Versicle: His salvation. Response: Alleluia, Alleluia. Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost. Response: The Lord hath made known. * Alleluia, Alleluia. Versicle: All the ends of the Earth have seen. Alleluia. Response: The salvation of our God. 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 Sixth Liturgical Hour
MID-AFTERNOON PRAYER (NONE) FOR WEDNESDAY work is temporarily halted for this short middle of the afternoon prayer (modern day suggestion: anytime between 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.) The word "None" refers to the ninth hour of daylight. The Religious would stop work and would again congregate in the church or chapel for prayer. Usually None consists of (1) an opening hymn which is always the same regardless of season or feast (2) followed by three psalms with their appropriate seasonal antiphons (3) then comes what is called a "Chapter Verse" which is a short paragraphed reading; (4) this is followed by a prayer or collect which is always the same one, regardless of season or feast, Below you have an abbreviated version that you can easily pray. 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 O strength and stay upholding all creation, Who ever dost Thyself unmoved abide, Yet day by day the light in due gradation From hour to hour through all its changes guide: Grant to life’s day a calm unclouded ending, An eve untouched by shadows of decay, The brightness of a holy death-bed blending With dawning glories of th’ eternal day. Hear us, O Father, gracious and forgiving, And Thou, O Christ, the co-eternal Word, Who, with the Holy Ghost, by all things living Now and to endless ages art adored. Amen. The first of three psalms PSALM 118 For None, the antiphon is only said once before the three psalms are said, and once after the three psalms have been said. Antiphon: Unto us this day a little Child is born, * and His name shall be called the Mighty God, alleluia, alleluia. 118:129 Thy testimonies are wonderful: * therefore my soul hath sought them. 118:130 The declaration of Thy words giveth light: * and giveth understanding to little ones. 118:131 I opened my mouth, and panted: * because I longed for Thy commandments. 118:132 Look thou upon me, and have mercy on me, * according to the judgment of them that love Thy Name. 118:133 Direct my steps according to Thy word: * and let no iniquity have dominion over me. 118:134 Redeem me from the calumnies of men: * that I may keep Thy commandments. 118:135 Make Thy face to shine upon Thy servant: * and teach me Thy justifications. 118:136 My eyes have sent forth springs of water: * because they have not kept Thy law. 118:137 Thou art just, O Lord: * and Thy judgment is right. 118:138 Thou hast commanded justice Thy testimonies: * and Thy truth exceedingly. 118:139 My zeal hath made me pine away: * because my enemies forgot Thy words. 118:140 Thy word is exceedingly refined: * and Thy servant hath loved it. 118:141 I am very young and despised; but * I forget not Thy justifications. 118:142 Thy justice is justice for ever: * and Thy law is the truth. 118:143 Trouble and anguish have found me: * Thy commandments are my meditation. 118:144 Thy testimonies are justice for ever: * give me understanding, and I shall live. 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 118 (continued) 118:146 I cried unto thee, save me: * that I may keep Thy commandments. 118:147 I prevented the dawning of the day, and cried: * because in Thy words I very much hoped. 118:148 My eyes to Thee have prevented the morning: * that I might meditate on Thy words. 118:149 Hear Thou my voice, O Lord, according to Thy mercy: * and quicken me according to Thy judgment. 118:150 They that persecute me have drawn nigh to iniquity; * but they are gone far off from Thy law. 118:151 Thou art near, O Lord: * and all Thy ways are truth. 118:152 I have known from the beginning concerning Thy testimonies: * that Thou hast founded them for ever. 118:153 See my humiliation and deliver me: * for I have not forgotten Thy law. 118:154 Judge my judgment and redeem me: * quicken Thou me for Thy word’s sake. 118:155 Salvation is far from sinners; * because they have not sought Thy justifications. 118:156 Many, O Lord, are Thy mercies: * quicken me according to Thy judgment. 118:157 Many are they that persecute me, and afflict me; * but I have not declined from Thy testimonies. 118:158 I beheld the transgressors, and I pined away; * because they kept not Thy word. 118:159 Behold I have loved Thy commandments, O Lord; * quicken me Thou in Thy mercy. 118:160 The beginning of thy words is truth: * all the judgments of Thy justice are 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. The third of three psalms PSALM 118 (continued) 118:161 Princes have persecuted me without cause: * and my heart hath been in awe of Thy words. 118:162 I will rejoice at Thy words, * as one that hath found great spoil. 118:163 I have hated and abhorred iniquity; * but I have loved Thy law. 118:164 Seven times a day I have given praise to Thee, * for the judgments of Thy justice. 118:165 Much peace have they that love Thy law, * and to them there is no stumbling-block. 118:166 I looked for Thy salvation, O Lord: * and I loved Thy commandments. 118:167 My soul hath kept Thy testimonies: * and hath loved them exceedingly. 118:168 I have kept Thy commandments and Thy testimonies: * because all my ways are in Thy sight. 118:169 Let my supplication, O Lord, come near in Thy sight: * give me understanding according to Thy word. 118:170 Let my request come in before Thee; * deliver Thou me according to Thy word. 118:171 My lips shall utter a hymn, * when Thou shalt teach me Thy justifications. 118:172 My tongue shall pronounce Thy word: * because all Thy commandments are justice. 118:173 Let Thy hand be with me to save me; * for I have chosen Thy precepts. 118:174 I have longed for Thy salvation, O Lord; * and Thy law is my meditation. 118:175 My soul shall live and shall praise Thee: * and Thy judgments shall help me. 118:176 I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost: * seek Thy servant, because I have not forgotten Thy commandments. 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 13:13-14) 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. Response: Thanks be to God. RESPONSORIES Versicle: All the ends of the Earth have seen. * Alleluia, Alleluia. Response: All the ends of the Earth have seen. * Alleluia, Alleluia. Versicle: The salvation of our God. Response: Alleluia, Alleluia. Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost. Response: All the ends of the Earth have seen. * Alleluia, Alleluia. Versicle: The Word was made flesh. Alleluia. Response: And dwelt among us. 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 Seventh Liturgical Hour
EVENING PRAYER (VESPERS) FOR WEDNESDAY usually prayed as the sun begins to set (modern day suggestion: anytime between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The Religious would finish work at sunset to pray Vespers before the evening meal. Usually Vespers consists of (1) five psalms with their appropriate seasonal antiphons (2) followed by what is called a "Chapter Verse" which is a short paragraphed reading; (3) this is followed by a hymn that suits the liturgical season; (4) then follows the Canticle of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the "Magnificat" with its appropriate seasonal antiphon; (5) finally there is said the prayer or collect for the day or feast. Below you have an abbreviated version that you can easily pray. OPENING INVOCATIONS
Versicle: O God, ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross) come to my assistance! Response: O Lord, make haste to help me! Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost. Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia. The first of five psalms PSALM 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 scepter 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 show 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 showeth 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 WEDNESDAY usually prayed before retiring to sleep for the night (modern day suggestion: anytime between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.) The English word Compline is derived from the Latin completorium, as Compline is the completion of the working day. The word was first used in this sense about the beginning of the 6th century by St. Benedict in his monastic Rule. Usually Compline consists of (1) an opening plea for God's blessing for the night to come; (2) followed by the Lord's Prayer (Our Father), an examination of conscience, and the recitation of the Act of Contrition, the Confiteor, with the two prayers of absolution that follow; (3) after which three psalms with their appropriate seasonal antiphons are prayed; (4) these are followed by a hymn which is always the same throughout the year; (5) then follows a "Chapter Verse"; (6) this is followed by the Canticle of St. Simeon; (7) after which comes the concluding prayer or collect, which is always the same; (8) finally, the seasonal antiphon or hymn to Our Lady is sung. Below you have an abbreviated version that you can easily pray. OPENING INVOCATION
Please grant us, O Lord, a blessing! May almighty God grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen. SHORT READING (1 Peter 5:8-9) Brothers: Be sober and watch: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about seeking whom he may devour. Whom resist ye, strong in Faith! Versicle: But Thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us! Response: Thanks be to God! Versicle: Our help is ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross) in the Name of the Lord! Response: Who made Heaven and Earth. There follows an examination of conscience, or the Our Father said silently. Our Father, Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation: But deliver us from evil. Amen. Then all say the Coniteor aloud I confess to almighty God, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and to all the Saints, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word and deed: (strike your chest three times) through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I beseech blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the Saints, to pray for me to the Lord our God. May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. May the almighty ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross) and merciful Lord grant us pardon, absolution and remission of our sins. Amen. Versicle: Turn us then, ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross over the heart with your right thumb) O God, our Savior! Response: And let thy anger cease from us! Versicle: O God, ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross) come to my assistance! Response: O Lord, make haste to help me! Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost. Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia. The first of three psalms PSALM 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. |