Lenten Psalms MON

PSALMS & PRAYERS FOR THE MONDAYS OF LENT

“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 MONDAYS OF LENT
PSALMS & READINGS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Praise be to Thee, O Lord, King of eternal glory.

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

Antiphon for Lent until Passion Sunday:
Let it not be vain for you to rise up early, before the light: * For the Lord hath promised a crown to them that watch.
Antiphon from from Passion Sunday until Wednesday of Holy Week:
When you hear the voice of the Lord today * Do not harden your heart.

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 for Lent until Passion Sunday:
Let it not be vain for you to rise up early, before the light: * For the Lord hath promised a crown to them that watch.
Antiphon from from Passion Sunday until Wednesday of Holy Week:
When you hear the voice of the Lord today * Do not harden your heart.

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 for Lent until Passion Sunday:
For the Lord hath promised a crown to them that watch.
Antiphon from from Passion Sunday until Wednesday of Holy Week:
Do not harden your heart.

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 for Lent until Passion Sunday:
Let it not be vain for you to rise up early, before the light: * For the Lord hath promised a crown to them that watch.
Antiphon from from Passion Sunday until Wednesday of Holy Week:
When you hear the voice of the Lord today * Do not harden your heart.

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 for Lent until Passion Sunday:
For the Lord hath promised a crown to them that watch.
Antiphon from from Passion Sunday until Wednesday of Holy Week:
Do not harden your heart.

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 for Lent until Passion Sunday:
Let it not be vain for you to rise up early, before the light: * For the Lord hath promised a crown to them that watch.
Antiphon from from Passion Sunday until Wednesday of Holy Week:
When you hear the voice of the Lord today * Do not harden your heart.

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 for Lent until Passion Sunday:
For the Lord hath promised a crown to them that watch. Let it not be vain for you to rise up early, before the light: * For the Lord hath promised a crown to them that watch.
Antiphon from from Passion Sunday until Wednesday of Holy Week:
Do not harden your heart. When you hear the voice of the Lord today * Do not harden your heart.

THE LENTEN HYMN UP UNTIL PASSION SUNDAY FROM THE OFFICE OF MATINS

The fast, as taught by holy lore,
We keep in solemn course once more:
The fast to all men known, and bound
In forty days of yearly round.

The law and seers that were of old
In divers ways this Lent foretold,
Which Christ, all seasons’ King and Guide,
In after ages sanctified.

More sparing therefore let us make
The words we speak, the food we take,
Our sleep and mirth—and closer barred
Be every sense in holy guard.

Avoid the evil thoughts that roll
Like waters o’er the heedless soul;
Nor let the foe occasion find
Our souls in slavery to bind.

In prayer together let us fall,
And cry for mercy, one and all,
And weep before the Judge’s feet,
And His avenging wrath entreat.

Thy grace have we offended sore,
By sins, O God, which we deplore;
But pour upon us from on high,
O pardoning One, Thy clemency.

Remember Thou, though frail we be,
That yet Thine handiwork are we;
Nor let the honor of Thy Name
Be by another put to shame.

Forgive the sin that we have wrought;
Increase the good that we have sought:
That we at length, our wanderings o'er,
May please Thee here and evermore.

Grant O Thou Blessed Trinity,
Grant, O Essential Unity,
That this our fast of forty days
May work our profit and Thy praise.
Amen.

THE LENTEN HYMN BEGINNING PASSION SUNDAY FROM THE OFFICE OF MATINS

Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle
Sing the last, the dread affray;
O’er the cross, the victor’s trophy,
Sound the high triumphal lay:
Tell how Christ, the world’s Redeemer,
As a victim won the day.

God, his Maker, sorely grieving
That the first-made Adam fell,
When he ate the fruit of sorrow,
Whose reward was death and Hell,
Noted then this wood, the ruin
Of the ancient wood to quell.

For the work of our salvation
Needs would have his order so,
And the multiform deceiver’s
Art by art would overthrow,
And from thence would bring the med’cine
Whence the insult of the foe.

Wherefore, when the sacred fullness
Of the appointed time was come,
This world’s Maker left His Father,
Sent the heav’nly mansion from,
And proceeded, God Incarnate,
Of the Virgin’s holy womb.

Weeps the Infant in the manger
That in Bethlehem’s stable stands;
And His limbs the Virgin Mother
Doth compose in swaddling bands,
Meetly thus in linen folding
Of her God the feet and hands.

To the Trinity be glory
Everlasting, as is meet;
Equal to the Father, equal
To the Son, and Paraclete:
Trinal Unity, whose praises
All created things repeat.
Amen.

The first of three psalms
PSALM 13

Antiphon: Rebuke me not * O Lord, in Thy indignation; nor chastise me in Thy wrath (Psalm 37:2).

13:1 The fool hath said in his heart: * "There is no God!"
13:1 They are corrupt, and are become abominable in their ways: * there is none that doth good, no not one.
13:2 The Lord hath looked down from Heaven upon the children of men, * to see if there be any that understand and seek God.
13:3 They are all gone aside, they are become unprofitable together: * there is none that doth good: no not one.
13:3 Their throat is an open sepulcher; with their tongues they acted deceitfully: * the poison of asps is under their lips.
13:3 Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness; * their feet are swift to shed blood.
13:3 Destruction and unhappiness in their ways; and the way of peace they have not known: * there is no fear of God before their eyes.
13:4 Shall not all they know that work iniquity, * who devour My people as they eat bread?
13:5 They have not called upon the Lord: * there have they trembled for fear, where there was no fear.
13:6 For the Lord is in the just generation: you have confounded the counsel of the poor man; * but the Lord is his hope.
13:7 Who shall give out of Sion the salvation of Israel? * When the Lord shall have turned away the captivity of His people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: Rebuke me not * O Lord, in Thy indignation; nor chastise me in Thy wrath (Psalm 37:2).

The second of three psalms
PSALM 16

Antiphon: My iniquities * are gone over my head: and as a heavy burden are become heavy upon me (Psalm 37:5).

16:1 Hear, O Lord, my justice: * attend to my supplication.
16:1 Give ear unto my prayer, * which proceedeth not from deceitful lips.
16:2 Let my judgment come forth from Thy countenance: * let Thy eyes behold the things that are equitable.
16:3 Thou hast proved my heart, and visited it by night, * Thou hast tried me by fire: and iniquity hath not been found in me.
16:4 That my mouth may not speak the works of men: * for the sake of the words of Thy lips, I have kept hard ways.
16:5 Perfect Thou my goings in Thy paths: * that my footsteps be not moved.
16:6 I have cried to Thee, for Thou, O God, hast heard me: * O incline Thy ear unto me, and hear my words.
16:7 Show forth thy wonderful mercies; * Thou who savest them that trust in Thee.
16:8 From them that resist Thy right hand keep me, * as the apple of Thy eye.
16:9 Protect me under the shadow of Thy wings. * from the face of the wicked who have afflicted me.
16:10 My enemies have surrounded my soul: They have shut up their fat: * their mouth hath spoken proudly.
16:11 They have cast me forth, and now they have surrounded me: * they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth.
16:12 They have taken me, as a lion prepared for the prey; * and as a young lion dwelling in secret places.
16:13 Arise, O Lord, disappoint him and supplant him; * deliver my soul from the wicked one; Thy sword from the enemies of Thy hand.
16:14 O Lord, divide them from the few of the Earth in their life: * their belly is filled from thy hidden stores.
16:14 They are full of children: * and they have left to their little ones the rest of their substance.
16:15 But as for me, I will appear before Thy sight in justice: * I shall be satisfied when Thy glory shall appear.
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: My iniquities * are gone over my head: and as a heavy burden are become heavy upon me (Psalm 37:5).

The third of three psalms
PSALMS 17

Antiphon: Lord * all my desire is before Thee, and my groaning is not hidden from Thee. (Psalm 37:10).

17:36 Thou hast given me the protection of Thy salvation: * and Thy right hand hath held me up:
17:36 And Thy discipline hath corrected me unto the end: * and Thy discipline, the same shall teach me.
17:37 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me; * and my feet are not weakened.
17:38 I will pursue after my enemies, and overtake them: * and I will not turn again till they are consumed.
17:39 I will break them, and they shall not be able to stand: * they shall fall under my feet.
17:40 And Thou hast girded me with strength unto battle; * and hast subdued under me them that rose up against me.
17:41 And Thou hast made my enemies turn their back upon me, * and hast destroyed them that hated me.
17:42 They cried, but there was none to save them, to the Lord: * but He heard them not.
17:43 And I shall beat them as small as the dust before the wind; * I shall bring them to nought, like the dirt in the streets.
17:44 Thou wilt deliver me from the contradictions of the people; * Thou wilt make me head of the Gentiles.
17:45 A people which I knew not, hath served me: * at the hearing of the ear they have obeyed me.
17:46 The children that are strangers have lied to me, * strange children have faded away, and have halted from their paths.
17:47 The Lord liveth, and blessed be my God, * and let the God of my salvation be exalted.
17:48 O God, who avengest me, and subduest the people under me, * my deliverer from my enraged enemies.
17:49 And Thou wilt lift me up above them that rise up against me: * from the unjust man Thou wilt deliver me.
17:50 Therefore will I give glory to Thee, O Lord, among the nations, * and I will sing a psalm to Thy Name.
17:51 Giving great deliverance to his king, and showing mercy to David, His anointed: * 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: Lord * all my desire is before Thee, and my groaning is not hidden from Thee. (Psalm 37:10).

Versicle: I will not turn away My face from you, for I am holy, saith the Lord
Response: And I will not be angry for ever! (Jeremias 3:12)

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, for ever, world without end. Amen.

FIRST READING
Homily #49 by Pope St. Leo the Great, preached at the beginning of the Lenten season

On all days and seasons, indeed, dearly-beloved, some marks of the Divine goodness are set, and no part of the year is destitute of sacred mysteries, in order that, so long as proofs of our salvation meet us on all sides, we may the more eagerly accept the never-ceasing calls of God's mercy. But all that is bestowed on the restoration of human souls in the various works and gifts of grace is put before us more clearly and abundantly now, when no isolated portions of the Faith are to be celebrated, but the whole together. For as the Easter festival approaches, the greatest and most binding of fasts is kept, and its observance is imposed on all the faithful without exception; because no one is so holy that he ought not to be holier, nor so devout that he might not be devouter. For who, that is set in the uncertainty of this life, can be found either exempt from temptation, or free from fault? Who is there who would not wish for additions to his virtue, or removal of his vice? Seeing that adversity does us harm, and prosperity spoils us, and it is equally dangerous not to have what we want at all, and to have it in the fullest measure. There is a trap in the fullness of riches, a trap in the straits of poverty. The one lifts us up in pride, the other incites us to complaint. Health tries us, sickness tries us, so long as the one fosters carelessness and the other sadness. There is a snare in security, a snare in fear; and it matters not whether the mind which is given over to earthly thoughts, is taken up with pleasures or with cares; for it is equally unhealthy to languish under empty delights, or to labor under racking anxiety.

And thus is perfectly fulfilled that assurance of the Truth, by which we learn that narrow and steep is the way that leads to life Matthew 7:14; and while the breadth of the way that leads to death is crowded with a large company, the steps are few of those that tread the path of safety. And wherefore is the left road more thronged than the right, save that the multitude is prone to worldly joys and carnal goods? And although that which it desires is short-lived and uncertain, yet men endure toil more willingly for the lust of pleasure than for love of virtue. Thus while those who crave things visible are unnumbered, those who prefer the eternal to the temporal are hardly to be found. And, therefore, seeing that the blessed Apostle Paul says, the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal 2 Corinthians 4:18, the path of virtue lies hid and in concealment.

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

Versicle: The Lord is just in all His ways: and holy in all His works (Psalm 144:17).
Response: For the Lord is just, and hath loved justice (Psalm 10:8).
Versicle: The Lord is merciful and just, and our God showeth mercy (Psalm 114:5).
Response: For the Lord is just, and hath loved justice (Psalm 10:8).

SECOND READING
Continuation of the Homily (#46) by Pope St. Leo the Great

A great work and toil it is then to keep our wayward heart from all sin, and, with the numberless allurements of pleasure to ensnare it on all sides, not to let the vigor of the mind give way to any attack. Who touches pitch or tar, and is not defiled thereby Ecclesiasticus 13:1? Who is not weakened by the flesh? Who is not dirtied by the dust? Who, lastly, is of such purity as not to be polluted by those things without which one cannot live? For the Divine teaching commands by the Apostle's mouth that they who have wives should be as though they had none: and those that weep as though they wept not; and those that rejoice as though they rejoiced not; and those that buy as though they possessed not; and those that use this world as though they used it not; for the fashion of this world passes away. Blessed, therefore, is the mind that passes the time of its pilgrimage in chaste sobriety, and loiters not in the things through which it has to walk, so that, as a stranger rather than the possessor of its earthly abode, it may not be wanting in human affections, and yet rest on the Divine promises.

And, dearly-beloved, no season requires and bestows this fortitude more than the present, when by the observance of a special strictness a habit is acquired which must be persevered in. For it is well known to you that this is the time when throughout the world the devil waxes furious, and the Christian army has to combat him, and any that have grown lukewarm and slothful, or that are absorbed in worldly cares, must now be furnished with spiritual armor and their ardor kindled for the fray by the heavenly trumpet, inasmuch as he, through whose envy death came into the world Wisdom 2:24, is now consumed with the strongest jealousy and now tortured with the greatest vexation. For he sees whole tribes of the human race brought in afresh to the adoption of God's sons and the offspring of the New Birth multiplied through the virgin fertility of the Church. He sees himself robbed of all his tyrannical power, and driven from the hearts of those he once possessed, while from either sex thousands of the old, the young, the middle-aged are snatched away from him. He sees, too, those that have lapsed, and have been deceived by his treacherous snares, washed in the tears of penitence and, by the Apostle's key unlocking the gates of mercy, admitted to the benefit of reconciliation. He feels, moreover, that the day of the Lord's Passion is at hand, and that he is crushed by the power of that cross which in Christ, Who was free from all debt of sin, was the world's ransom and not the penalty of sin.

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

Versicle: Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak: heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled (Psalm 6:3).
Response: O Lord, have mercy on me, and raise me up again (Psalm 40:11)

Versicle: Forgive Thy people that have sinned against Thee
Response: O Lord, have mercy on me, and raise me up again (Psalm 40:11)

Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and  to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: O Lord, have mercy on me, and raise me up again (Psalm 40:11)

THIRD READING
Continuation of the Homily (#39) by Pope St. Leo the Great

And so, that the malice of the fretting foe may effect nothing by its rage, a keener devotion must be awakened to the performance of the Divine commands, in order that we may enter on the season, when all the mysteries of the Divine mercy meet together, with preparedness both of mind and body, invoking the guidance and help of God, that we may be strong to fulfill all things through Him, without Whom we can do nothing. Nor must any one excuse himself by reason of his weakness, since He Who has granted the will, also gives the power. Which of the faithful does not know what virtues he ought to cultivate, and what vices to fight against? Who is so partial or so unskilled a judge of his own conscience as not to know what ought to be removed, and what ought to be developed? Surely no one is so devoid of reason as not to understand the character of his mode of life, or not to know the secrets of his heart. Let him not then please himself in everything, nor judge himself according to the delights of the flesh, but place his every habit in the scale of the Divine commands, where, some things being ordered to be done and others forbidden, he can examine himself in a true balance by weighing the actions of his life according to this standard. For the designing mercy of God has set up the brightest mirror in His commandments, wherein a man may see his mind's face and realize its conformity or dissimilarity to God's image: with the specific purpose that, at least, during the days of our Redemption and Restoration, we may throw off awhile our carnal cares and restless occupations, and betake ourselves from earthly matters to heavenly.

But because, as it is written, in many things we all stumble James 3:2, let the feeling of mercy be first aroused and the faults of others against us be forgotten; that we may not violate by any love of revenge that most holy compact, to which we bind ourselves in the Lord's prayer, and when we say forgive us our debts as we also forgive our debtors, let us not be hard in forgiving, because we must be possessed either with the desire for revenge, or with the leniency of gentleness, and for man, who is ever exposed to the dangers of temptations, it is more to be desired that his own faults should not need punishment, than that he should get the faults of others punished. And what is more suitable to the Christian Faith than that not only in the Church, but also in all men's homes, there should be forgiveness of sins? Let threats be laid aside; let bonds be loosed, for he who will not loose them will bind himself with them much more disastrously. For whatsoever one man resolves upon against another, he decrees against himself by his own terms. Whereas blessed are the merciful, for God shall have mercy on them. Furthermore, as the Lord says, that the peacemakers are blessed, because they shall be called sons of God Matthew 5:9, let all discords and enmities be laid aside, and let no one think to have a share in the Paschal feast that has neglected to restore brotherly peace.

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

Versicle: Give ear, O Lord, to my words, understand my cry. Hearken to the voice of my prayer, O my King and my God.
Response: For to Thee will I pray, O Lord! In the morning Thou shalt hear my voice.

Versicle: O Lord, rebuke me not in Thy indignation, nor chastise me in Thy wrath.
Response: For to Thee will I pray, O Lord! In the morning Thou shalt hear my voice.

Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: For to Thee will I pray, O Lord! In the morning Thou shalt hear my voice.

Versicle: My God is my helper, and in Him will I put my trust.
Response: My protector and the horn of my salvation, and my support.

PRAYER

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

(Throughout the entire First Week in Lent)
Let us pray. O God, Who dost every year purge Thy Church by the Fast of Forty Days, grant unto this Thy family, that what things soever they strive to obtain at Thy hand by abstaining from meats, they may ever turn to profit by good works.
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

(Throughout the entire Second Week in Lent)
Let us pray. Almighty God, grant, we beseech Thee, unto this thy family, that as they do abstain from meals to afflict the flesh, so by following after righteousness they may fast from sin.
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

(Throughout the entire Third Week in Lent)
Let us pray. Graciously hear us, O Almighty and merciful God, and in thy goodness enable us to reap the fruit of this our healthful Fasting.
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

(Throughout the entire Fourth Week in Lent)
Let us pray. Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that we who for our evil deeds are worthily punished, may, by the comfort of Thy grace, mercifully be relieved.
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

(Throughout the first Week of Passiontide which is the Fifth Week in Lent)
Let us pray.  Lord, we beseech Thee, that this our Fast may be acceptable in Thy sight, and may, through Thy blessing, effectually work in us, making us meet here to receive Thy grace and hereafter the everlasting glory which Thou hast promised.
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

(Throughout Palm Sunday and Monday to Wednesday in Holy Week which is the Sixth Week in Lent)
Let us pray.  Almighty and everlasting God, Who, of Thy tender love towards mankind, hast sent Thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon Him our flesh and to suffer death upon the Cross, that all mankind should follow the example of His great humility; mercifully grant, that we may both follow the example of His patience, and also be made partakers of His resurrection.
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 departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Response: Amen.

The Second Liturgical Hour
THE DAWN PRAYER (LAUDS) FOR MONDAY
usually prayed before dawn
(modern day suggestion: after waking in the morning, before breakfast)

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

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

OPENING INVOCATIONS

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

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

Praise be to Thee, O Lord, King of eternal glory.

The first of five psalms
PSALM 50

Antiphon: According to the multitude of thy tender mercies * blot out my iniquity.

50:3 Have mercy on me, O God, * according to Thy great mercy.
50:3 And according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies * blot out my iniquity.
50:4 Wash me yet more from my iniquity, * and cleanse me from my sin.
50:5 For I know my iniquity, * and my sin is always before me.
50:6 To Thee only have I sinned, and have done evil before Thee: * that Thou mayst be justified in Thy words, and mayst overcome when Thou art judged.
50:7 For behold I was conceived in iniquities; * and in sins did my mother conceive me.
50:8 For behold Thou hast loved truth: * the uncertain and hidden things of Thy wisdom Thou hast made manifest to me.
50:9 Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be cleansed: * Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.
50:10 To my hearing Thou shalt give joy and gladness: * and the bones that have been humbled shall rejoice.
50:11 Turn away Thy face from my sins, * and blot out all my iniquities.
50:12 Create a clean heart in me, O God: * and renew a right spirit within my bowels.
50:13 Cast me not away from Thy face; * and take not Thy holy spirit from me.
50:14 Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, * and strengthen me with a perfect spirit.
50:15 I will teach the unjust Thy ways: * and the wicked shall be converted to Thee.
50:16 Deliver me from blood, O God, thou God of my salvation: * and my tongue shall extol Thy justice.
50:17 O Lord, Thou wilt open my lips: * and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.
50:18 For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I would indeed have given it: * with burnt offerings Thou wilt not be delighted.
50:19 A sacrifice to God is an afflicted spirit: * a contrite and humbled heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.
50:20 Deal favorably, O Lord, in Thy good will with Sion; * that the walls of Jerusalem may be built up.
50:21 Then shalt Thou accept the sacrifice of justice, oblations and whole burnt offerings: * then shall they lay calves upon Thy altar.
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: According to the multitude of thy tender mercies * blot out my iniquity.

The second of five psalms
PSALM 5

Antiphon: If the wicked do penance for all his sins, living he shall live, and shall not die

5:2 Give ear, O Lord, to my words * understand my cry.
5:3 Hearken to the voice of my prayer, * O my King and my God.
5:4 For to Thee will I pray: * O Lord, in the morning Thou shalt hear my voice.
5:5 In the morning I will stand before Thee, and will see: * because Thou art not a God that willest iniquity.
5:6 Neither shall the wicked dwell near Thee: * nor shall the unjust abide before Thy eyes.
5:7 Thou hatest all the workers of iniquity: * Thou wilt destroy all that speak a lie.
5:7 The bloody and the deceitful man the Lord will abhor. * But as for me in the multitude of Thy mercy,
5:8 I will come into Thy house; * I will worship towards Thy holy temple, in Thy fear.
5:9 Conduct me, O Lord, in Thy justice: * because of my enemies, direct my way in Thy sight.
5:10 For there is no truth in their mouth: * their heart is vain.
5:11 Their throat is an open sepulcher: they dealt deceitfully with their tongues: * judge them, O God.
5:11 Let them fall from their devices: according to the multitude of their wickednesses cast them out: * for they have provoked Thee, O Lord.
5:12 But let all them be glad that hope in Thee: * they shall rejoice for ever, and Thou shalt dwell in them.
5:12 And all they that love Thy Name shall glory in Thee: * For Thou wilt bless the just.
5:13 O Lord, Thou hast crowned us, * as with a shield of Thy good will.
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: If the wicked do penance for all his sins, living he shall live, and shall not die

The third of five psalms
PSALM 28

Antiphon: God hath given him place for penance, and he abuseth it unto pride

28:1 Bring to the Lord, O ye children of God: * bring to the Lord the offspring of rams.
28:2 Bring to the Lord glory and honor: bring to the Lord glory to His Name: * adore ye the Lord in His holy court.
28:3 The voice of the Lord is upon the waters; the God of majesty hath thundered, * The Lord is upon many waters.
28:4 The voice of the Lord is in power; * the voice of the Lord in magnificence.
28:5 The voice of the Lord breaketh the cedars: * yea, the Lord shall break the cedars of Libanus.
28:6 And shall reduce them to pieces, as a calf of Libanus, * and as the beloved son of unicorns.
28:7 The voice of the Lord divideth the flame of fire: * The voice of the Lord shaketh the desert: and the Lord shall shake the desert of Cades.
28:9 The voice of the Lord prepareth the stags: and He will discover the thick woods: * and in His temple all shall speak His glory.
28:10 The Lord maketh the flood to dwell: * and the Lord shall sit king for ever.
28:11 The Lord will give strength to His people: * the Lord will bless His people with 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: God hath given him place for penance, and he abuseth it unto pride

The fourth of five psalms
CANTICLE OF EZECHIEL
(Canticle of Isaias * Isaias 12:1-7)

Antiphon: Thou shalt correct me, O Lord, * and make me to live.

12:1 I will give thanks to Thee, O Lord, for Thou wast angry with me: * Thy wrath is turned away, and Thou hast comforted me.
12:2 Behold, God is my Savior, * I will deal confidently, and will not fear:
12:3 Because the Lord is my strength, and my praise, * and He is become my salvation.
12:4 You shall draw waters with joy out of the Savior’s fountains: * And you shall say in that day: "Praise ye the Lord!" and call upon His Name:
12:5 Make His works known among the people: * remember that His Name is high.
12:6 Sing ye to the Lord, for He hath done great things: * show this forth in all the Earth.
12:7 Rejoice, and praise, O thou habitation of Sion: * for great is He that is in the midst of thee the Holy One of 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: God hath given him place for penance, and he abuseth it unto pride

The fifth of five psalms
PSALM 116

Antiphon: From that time Jesus * began to preach, and to say: Do penance, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!.

116:1 Praise the Lord, all ye nations: * praise Him, all ye people.
116:2 For His mercy is confirmed upon us: * and the truth of the Lord remaineth 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: From that time Jesus * began to preach, and to say: Do penance, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!.

CHAPTER VERSE
(Isaias 58:1)

Cry, cease not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their wicked doings, and the house of Jacob their sins.
Response: Thanks be to God!

THE HYMN FROM THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT AND BEFORE PASSION SUNDAY

Jesus, salvation’s Sun Divine,
Within our inmost bosoms shine,
With light all darkness drive away
And give the world a better day.

Now days of grace with mercy flow,
O Lord, the gift of tears bestow,
To wash our stains in every part,
Whilst heavenly fire consumes the heart.

Rise, crystal tears, from that same source
From whence our sins derive their course;
Nor cease, till hardened hearts relent,
And softened by your streams, repent.

Behold, the happy days return,
The days of joy for them that mourn;
May we of their indulgence share,
And bless the God that grants our prayer.

May Heaven and Earth aloud proclaim
The Trinity’s almighty fame;
And we, restored to grace, rejoice
In newness both of heart and voice.
Amen.

Versicle: Have mercy on me, O God, because Thou art merciful!
Response: And wash away the stains of my sins!.

THE HYMN BEGINNING WITH PASSION SUNDAY

Thirty years among us dwelling,
His appointed time fulfilled,
Born for this, he meets his passion,
For that this he freely willed:
On the cross the Lamb is lifted,
Where his life-blood shall be spilled.

He endured the nails, the spitting,
Vinegar, and spear, and reed;
From that holy body broken
Blood and water forth proceed:
Earth, and stars, and sky, and ocean,
By that flood from stain are free.

Faithful cross! above all other,
One and only noble tree!
None in foliage, none in blossom,
None in fruit thy peers may be;
Sweetest wood and sweetest iron!
Sweetest weight is hung on thee.

Bend thy boughs, O tree of glory!
Thy relaxing sinews bend;
For awhile the ancient rigour,
That thy birth bestowed, suspend;
And the King of heavenly beauty
On thy bosom gently tend!

Thou alone wast counted worthy
This world's ransom to uphold;
For a shipwrecked race preparing
Harbour, like the ark of old;
With the sacred blood anointed
From the smitten Lamb that rolled.

To the Trinity be glory
Everlasting, as is meet;
Equal to the Father, equal
To the Son, and Paraclete:
Trinal Unity, whose praises
All created things repeat.
Amen.

Versicle: Deliver me from my enemies, O my God.
Response: And defend me from them that rise up against me.

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

Antiphon: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, * O Mary; fear not, thou shalt bear in thy womb the Son of God. Alleluia.

1:68 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: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, O Mary; fear not, thou shalt bear in thy womb the Son of God. Alleluia.

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

(Throughout the entire First Week in Lent)
Let us pray. O God, Who dost every year purge Thy Church by the Fast of Forty Days, grant unto this Thy family, that what things soever they strive to obtain at Thy hand by abstaining from meats, they may ever turn to profit by good works.
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

(Throughout the entire Second Week in Lent)
Let us pray. Almighty God, grant, we beseech Thee, unto this thy family, that as they do abstain from meals to afflict the flesh, so by following after righteousness they may fast from sin.
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

(Throughout the entire Third Week in Lent)
Let us pray. Graciously hear us, O Almighty and merciful God, and in thy goodness enable us to reap the fruit of this our healthful Fasting.
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

(Throughout the entire Fourth Week in Lent)
Let us pray. Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that we who for our evil deeds are worthily punished, may, by the comfort of Thy grace, mercifully be relieved.
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

(Throughout the first Week of Passiontide which is the Fifth Week in Lent)
Let us pray. Lord, we beseech Thee, that this our Fast may be acceptable in Thy sight, and may, through Thy blessing, effectually work in us, making us meet here to receive Thy grace and hereafter the everlasting glory which Thou hast promised.
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

(Throughout Palm Sunday and Monday to Wednesday in Holy Week which is the Sixth Week in Lent)
Let us pray. Almighty and everlasting God, Who, of Thy tender love towards mankind, hast sent Thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon Him our flesh and to suffer death upon the Cross, that all mankind should follow the example of His great humility; mercifully grant, that we may both follow the example of His patience, and also be made partakers of His resurrection.
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 departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Response: Amen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OPENING INVOCATIONS

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

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

Praise be to Thee, O Lord, King of eternal glory.

The first of five psalms
PSALM 114

Antiphon: According to the multitude of thy tender mercies * blot out my iniquity.

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 compassed me: * and the perils of Hell have found me.
114:4 I met with trouble and sorrow: * and I called upon the Name of the Lord.
114:5 O Lord, deliver my soul. * The Lord is merciful and just, and our God showeth mercy.
114:6 The Lord is the keeper of little ones: * I was humbled, 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: According to the multitude of thy tender mercies * blot out my iniquity.

The second of five psalms
PSALM 115

Antiphon: If the wicked do penance for all his sins, living he shall live, and shall not die

115:1 I have believed, therefore have I spoken; * but I have been humbled exceedingly.
115:2 I said in my excess: * Every man is a liar.
115:3 What shall I render to the Lord, * for all the things that He hath rendered to me?
115:4 I will take the chalice of salvation; * and I will call upon the Name of the Lord.
115:5 I will pay my vows to the Lord before all His people: * precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.
115:7 O Lord, for I am Thy servant: * I am Thy servant, and the son of Thy handmaid.
115:8 Thou hast broken my bonds: * I will sacrifice to Thee the sacrifice of praise, and I will call upon the Name of the Lord.
115:9 I will pay my vows to the Lord in the sight of all His people: * 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: If the wicked do penance for all his sins, living he shall live, and shall not die

The third of five psalms
PSALM 119

Antiphon: God hath given him place for penance, and he abuseth it unto pride

119:1 In my trouble I cried to the Lord: * and He heard me.
119:2 O Lord, deliver my soul from wicked lips, * and a deceitful tongue.
119:3 What shall be given to thee, or what shall be added to thee, * to a deceitful tongue?
119:4 The sharp arrows of the mighty, * with coals that lay waste.
119:5 Woe is me, that my sojourning is prolonged! I have dwelt with the inhabitants of Cedar: * my soul hath been long a sojourner.
119:7 With them that hated peace I was peaceable: * when I spoke to them they fought against me without cause.
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: God hath given him place for penance, and he abuseth it unto pride

The fourth of five psalms
PSALM 120

Antiphon: Thou shalt correct me, O Lord, * and make me to live.

120:1 I have lifted up my eyes to the mountains, * from whence help shall come to me.
120:2 My help is from the Lord, * who made Heaven and Earth.
120:3 May He not suffer thy foot to be moved: * neither let Him slumber that keepeth thee.
120:4 Behold He shall neither slumber nor sleep, * that keepeth Israel.
120:5 The Lord is thy keeper, the Lord is thy protection * upon thy right hand.
120:6 The sun shall not burn thee by day: * nor the moon by night.
120:7 The Lord keepeth thee from all evil: * may the Lord keep thy soul.
120:8 May the Lord keep thy coming in and thy going out; * from henceforth 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: Thou shalt correct me, O Lord, * and make me to live.

The fifth of five psalms
PSALM 121

Antiphon: From that time Jesus * began to preach, and to say: Do penance, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!.

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

Antiphon: From that time Jesus * began to preach, and to say: Do penance, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!.

CHAPTER VERSE
(Romans 13:11)

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.

THE HYMN FROM THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT AND BEFORE PASSION SUNDAY

O kind Creator, bow Thine ear
To mark the cry, to know the tear
Before Thy throne of mercy spent
In this Thy holy fast of Lent.

Our hearts are open, Lord, to Thee:
Thou knowest our infirmity;
Pour out on all who seek Thy face
Abundance of Thy pardoning grace.

Our sins are many, this we know;
Spare us, good Lord, Thy mercy show;
And for the honor of Thy Name
Our fainting souls to life reclaim.

Give us the self-control that springs
From discipline of outward things,
That fasting inward secretly
The soul may purely dwell with Thee.

We pray Thee, Holy Trinity,
One God, unchanging Unity,
That we from this our abstinence
May reap the fruits of penitence.
Amen.

Versicle: Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak:
Response: Heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled

THE HYMN BEGINNING WITH PASSION SUNDAY

Abroad the regal banners fly,
Now shines the cross’s mystery;
Upon it Life did death endure,
And yet by death did life procure.

Who, wounded with a direful spear,
Did, purposely to wash us clear
From stain of sin, pour out a flood
Of precious water mixed with blood.

That which the prophet-king of old
Hath in mysterious verse foretold,
Is now accomplished, whilst we see
God ruling nations from a tree.

O lovely and refulgent tree,
Adorned with purpled majesty;
Culled from a worthy stock, to bear
Those limbs which sanctifièd were.

Blest tree, whose happy branches bore
The wealth that did the world restore;
The beam that did that body weigh
Which raised up hell’s expected prey.

The following verse is said on bended knee.

O Cross, our one reliance, hail!
This holy Passiontide avail
To give fresh merit to the saint,
And pardon to the penitent.

Blest Trinity, salvation’s spring,
May every soul thy praises sing;
To those thou grantest conquest by
The holy cross, rewards apply.
Amen.

Versicle: Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man.
Response: Rescue me from the unjust man.

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

Antiphon: His mercy is from generation unto generations, * to them that fear Him

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: His mercy is from generation unto generations, * to them that fear Him

PRAYER

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

(Throughout the entire First Week in Lent)
Let us pray. O God, Who dost every year purge Thy Church by the Fast of Forty Days, grant unto this Thy family, that what things soever they strive to obtain at Thy hand by abstaining from meats, they may ever turn to profit by good works.
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

(Throughout the entire Second Week in Lent)
Let us pray. Almighty God, grant, we beseech Thee, unto this thy family, that as they do abstain from meals to afflict the flesh, so by following after righteousness they may fast from sin.
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

(Throughout the entire Third Week in Lent)
Let us pray. Graciously hear us, O Almighty and merciful God, and in thy goodness enable us to reap the fruit of this our healthful Fasting.
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

(Throughout the entire Fourth Week in Lent)
Let us pray. Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that we who for our evil deeds are worthily punished, may, by the comfort of Thy grace, mercifully be relieved.
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

(Throughout the first Week of Passiontide which is the Fifth Week in Lent)
Let us pray. Lord, we beseech Thee, that this our Fast may be acceptable in Thy sight, and may, through Thy blessing, effectually work in us, making us meet here to receive Thy grace and hereafter the everlasting glory which Thou hast promised.
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

(Throughout Palm Sunday and Monday to Wednesday in Holy Week which is the Sixth Week in Lent)
Let us pray. Almighty and everlasting God, Who, of Thy tender love towards mankind, hast sent Thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon Him our flesh and to suffer death upon the Cross, that all mankind should follow the example of His great humility; mercifully grant, that we may both follow the example of His patience, and also be made partakers of His resurrection.
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 departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Response: Amen.

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

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

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

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

OPENING INVOCATION

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

SHORT READING
(1 Peter 5:8-9)

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

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

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

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

Then all say the Confiteor 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.

Praise be to Thee, O Lord, King of eternal glory.

The first of three psalms
PSALM 6

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

Antiphon: Unless you do penance * you shall likewise perish.

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

The second of three psalms
PSALM 7

7:2 O Lord my God, in Thee have I put my trust: * save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me.
7:3 Lest at any time he seize upon my soul like a lion, * while there is no one to redeem me, nor to save.
7:4 O Lord my God, if I have done this thing, * if there be iniquity in my hands:
7:5 If I have rendered to them that repaid me evils, * let me deservedly fall empty before my enemies.
7:6 Let the enemy pursue my soul, and take it, and tread down my life on the earth, * and bring down my glory to the dust.
7:7 Rise up, O Lord, in Thy anger: * and be Thou exalted in the borders of my enemies.
7:7 And arise, O Lord my God, in the precept which Thou hast commanded: * and a congregation of people shall surround Thee.
7:8 And for their sakes return Thou on high. * The Lord judgeth the people.
7:9 Judge me, O Lord, according to my justice, * and according to my innocence in me.
7:10 The wickedness of sinners shall be brought to nought: and Thou shalt direct the just: * the searcher of hearts and reins is God.
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 7 (continued)

7:11 Just is my help from the Lord: * who saveth the upright of heart.
7:12 God is a just judge, strong and patient: * is he angry every day?
7:13 Except you will be converted, He will brandish His sword: * He hath bent His bow, and made it ready.
7:14 And in it He hath prepared the instruments of death, * He hath made ready His arrows for them that burn.
7:15 Behold he hath been in labor with injustice; * he hath conceived sorrow, and brought forth iniquity.
7:16 He hath opened a pit and dug it: * and he is fallen into the hole he made.
7:17 His sorrow shall be turned on his own head: * and his iniquity shall come down upon his crown.
7:18 I will give glory to the Lord according to His justice: * and will sing to the Name of the Lord the most High.
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: Unless you do penance * you shall likewise perish.

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!

Let us pray.
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!

Versicle: 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

Hail, O Queen of heaven, enthroned!
Hail, by Angels Mistress owned!
Root of Jesse, Gate of morn,
Whence the world's true Light was born:

Glorious Virgin, joy to thee,
Loveliest whom in heaven they see:
Fairest thou, where all are fair,
Plead with Christ our sins to spare.

Versicle: Allow me to praise thee, holy Virgin.
Response: Give me strength against thine enemies.

Let us pray.
Grant, O merciful God, to our weak natures thy protection, that we who commemorate the holy Mother of God may, by the help of her intercession, arise from our iniquities. Through the same Christ our Lord.
Response: Amen.

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