Lenten Psalms SUN

PSALMS & PRAYERS FOR THE SUNDAYS 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 SUNDAYS 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 SUNDAY
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 1

Antiphon: The Lord saved them * for His own Name's sake.

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 saved them * for his own name's sake.

The second of three psalms
PSALM 2

Antiphon: They forgot God * who saved them.

2:1 Why have the Gentiles raged, * and the people devised vain things?
2:2 The kings of the earth stood up, and the princes met together, * against the Lord and against his Christ.
2:3 Let us break their bonds asunder: * and let us cast away their yoke from us.
2:4 He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh at them: * and the Lord shall deride them.
2:5 Then shall he speak to them in his anger, * and trouble them in his rage.
2:6 But I am appointed king by him over Sion his holy mountain, * preaching his commandment.
2:7 The Lord hath said to me: * Thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee.
2:8 Ask of me, and I will give thee the Gentiles for thy inheritance, * and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession.
2:9 Thou shalt rule them with a rod of iron, * and shalt break them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
2:10 And now, O ye kings, understand: * receive instruction, you that judge the earth.
2:11 Serve ye the Lord with fear: * and rejoice unto him with trembling.
2:12 Embrace discipline, lest at any time the Lord be angry, * and you perish from the just way.
2:13 When his wrath shall be kindled in a short time, * blessed are all they that trust in him.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: They forgot God * who saved them.

The third of three psalms
PSALM 9

Antiphon: And he saw when they were in tribulation * and he heard their prayer.

9:22 Why, O Lord, hast thou retired afar off? * ‡ why dost thou slight us in our wants, in the time of trouble?
9:23 Whilst the wicked man is proud, the poor is set on fire: * they are caught in the counsels which they devise.
9:24 For the sinner is praised in the desires of his soul: * and the unjust man is blessed.
9:25 The sinner hath provoked the Lord, * according to the multitude of his wrath he will not seek him.
9:26 God is not before his eyes: * his ways are filthy at all times.
9:26 Thy judgments are removed from his sight: * he shall rule over all his enemies.
9:27 For he hath said in his heart: * I shall not be moved from generation to generation, and shall be without evil.
9:28 His mouth is full of cursing, and of bitterness, and of deceit: * under his tongue are labour and sorrow.
9:29 He sitteth in ambush with the rich, in private places, * that he may kill the innocent.
9:30 His eyes are upon the poor man: * he lieth in wait, in secret, like a lion in his den.
9:30 He lieth in ambush, that he may catch the poor man: * so catch the poor, whilst he draweth him to him.
9:31 In his net he will bring him down, * he will crouch and fall, when he shall have power over the poor.
9:32 For he hath said in his heart: God hath forgotten, * he hath turned away his face, not to see to the end.
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: And he saw when they were in tribulation * and he heard their prayer.

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
Continuation of the Homily (#42) by Pope St. Leo the Great, preached at the beginning of the Lenten season

Dearly-beloved, doubt not that the devil, who is the opponent of all virtues, is jealous of these good desires, to which we are confident you are prompted of your own selves, and that to this end he is arming the force of his malice in order to make your very piety its own snare, and endeavoring to overcome by boastfulness those whom he could not defeat by distrustfulness. For the vice of pride is a near neighbor to good deeds, and arrogance ever lies in wait hard by virtue: because it is hard for him that lives praise-worthily not to be caught by man’s praise unless, as it is written, he that glories, glories in the Lord (1 Corinthians 10:17). Whose intentions would that most naughty enemy not dare to attack? Whose fasting would he not seek to break down? Seeing that, as has been shown in the reading of the Gospel, he did not restrain his wiles even against the Savior of the world Himself. For being exceedingly afraid of His fast, which lasted 40 days and nights, he wished most cunningly to discover whether this power of abstinence was given Him or His very own: for he need not fear the defeat of all his treacherous designs, if Christ were throughout subject to the same conditions as He is in body. And so he first craftily examined whether He were Himself the Creator of all things, such that He could change the natures of material things as He pleased: secondly, whether under the form of human flesh the Godhead lay concealed, to Whom it was easy to make the air His chariot, and convey His earthly limbs through space. But when the Lord preferred to resist him by the uprightness of His true Manhood, than to display the power of His Godhead, to this he turns the craftiness of his third design, that he might tempt by the lust of empire Him in Whom the signs of Divine power had failed, and entice Him to the worship of himself by promising the kingdoms of the world. But the devil’s cleverness was rendered foolish by God’s wisdom, so that the proud foe was bound by that which he had formerly bound, and did not fear to assail Him Whom it behooved to be slain for the world.

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 (#42) by Pope St. Leo the Great

This adversary’s wiles then let us beware of, not only in the enticements of the palate, but also in our purpose of abstinence. For he who knew how to bring death upon mankind by means of food, knows also how to harm us through our very fasting, and using the Manicheans as his tools, as he once drove men to take what was forbidden, so in the opposite direction he prompts them to avoid what is allowed. It is indeed a helpful observance, which accustoms one to scanty diet, and checks the appetite for dainties: but woe to the dogmatizing of those whose very fasting is turned to sin. For they condemn the creature’s nature to the Creator’s injury, and maintain that they are defiled by eating those things of which they contend the devil, not God, is the author: although absolutely nothing that exists is evil, nor is anything in nature included in the actually bad. For the good Creator made all things good and the Maker of the universe is one, Who made the heaven and the earth, the sea and all that is in them. Of which whatever is granted to man for food and drink, is holy and clean after its kind. But if it is taken with immoderate greed, it is the excess that disgraces the eaters and drinkers, not the nature of the food or drink that defiles them. For all things, as the Apostle says, are clean to the clean. But to the defiled and unbelieving nothing is clean, but their mind and conscience is defiled Titus 1:15.

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 (#42) by Pope St. Leo the Great

But you, dearly-beloved, the holy offspring of the catholic Mother, who have been taught in the school of Truth by God’s Spirit, moderate your liberty with due reasonableness, knowing that it is good to abstain even from things lawful, and at seasons of greater strictness to distinguish one food from another with a view to giving up the use of some kinds, not to condemning their nature. And so be not infected with the error of those who are corrupted merely by their own ordinances, serving the creature rather than the Creator Romans 9:26, and offering a foolish abstinence to the service of the lights of heaven: seeing that they have chosen to fast on the first and second days of the week in honor of the sun and moon, proving themselves in this one instance of their perverseness twice disloyal to God, twice blasphemous, by setting up their fast not only in worship of the stars but also in contempt of the Lord’s Resurrection. For they reject the mystery of man’s salvation and refuse to believe that Christ our Lord in the true flesh of our nature was truly born, truly suffered, was truly buried and was truly raised. And in consequence, condemn the day of our rejoicing by the gloom of their fasting. And since to conceal their infidelity they dare to be present at our meetings, at the Communion of the Mysteries they bring themselves sometimes, in order to ensure their concealment, to receive Christ’s Body with unworthy lips, though they altogether refuse to drink the Blood of our Redemption. And this we make known to you, holy brethren, that men of this sort may be detected by you by these signs, and that they whose impious pretences have been discovered may be driven from the society of the saints by priestly authority. For of such the blessed Apostle Paul in his foresight warns God’s Church, saying: but we beseech you, brethren, that you observe those who make discussions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you learned and turn away from them. For such persons serve not Christ the Lord but their own belly, and by sweet words and fair speeches beguile the hearts of the innocent Romans 16:17-18.

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 SUNDAY
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 117

Antiphon: Turn thee again, O Lord, * and be gracious unto thy servants

117:1 Give praise to the Lord, for he is good: * for his mercy endureth for ever.
117:2 Let Israel now say, that he is good: * that his mercy endureth for ever.
117:3 Let the house of Aaron now say, * that his mercy endureth for ever.
117:4 Let them that fear the Lord now say, * that his mercy endureth for ever.
117:5 In my trouble I called upon the Lord: * and the Lord heard me, and enlarged me.
117:6 The Lord is my helper: * I will not fear what man can do unto me.
117:7 The Lord is my helper: * and I will look over my enemies.
117:8 It is good to confide in the Lord, * rather than to have confidence in man.
117:9 It is good to trust in the Lord, * rather than to trust in princes.
117:10 All nations compassed me about; * and in the name of the Lord I have been revenged on them.
117:11 Surrounding me they compassed me about: * and in the name of the Lord I have been revenged on them.
117:12 They surrounded me like bees, and they burned like fire among thorns: * and in the name of the Lord I was revenged on them.
117:13 Being pushed I was overturned that I might fall: * but the Lord supported me.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: Turn thee again, O Lord, * and be gracious unto thy servants

The third of five psalms
PSALM 117 (continued)

Antiphon: O God, * thou hast multiplied thy mercy.

117:14 The Lord is my strength and my praise: * and he is become my salvation.
117:15 The voice of rejoicing and of salvation * is in the tabernacles of the just.
117:16 The right hand of the Lord hath wrought strength: the right hand of the Lord hath exalted me: * the right hand of the Lord hath wrought strength.
117:17 I shall not die, but live: * and shall declare the works of the Lord.
117:18 The Lord chastising hath chastised me: * but he hath not delivered me over to death.
117:19 Open ye to me the gates of justice: I will go in to them, and give praise to the Lord. * This is the gate of the Lord, the just shall enter into it.
117:21 I will give glory to thee because thou hast heard me: * and art become my salvation.
117:22 The stone which the builders rejected; * the same is become the head of the corner.
117:23 This is the Lord’s doing: * and it is wonderful in our eyes.
117:24 This is the day which the Lord hath made: * let us be glad and rejoice therein.
117:25 O Lord, save me: O Lord, give good success: * Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
117:26 We have blessed you out of the house of the Lord: * The Lord is God, and he hath shone upon us.
117:27 Appoint a solemn day, with shady boughs, * even to the horn of the altar.
117:28 Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: * thou art my God, and I will exalt thee.
117:28 I will praise thee, because thou hast heard me, * and art become my salvation.
117:29 O praise ye the Lord, for he is good: * for his mercy endureth 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: O God, * thou hast multiplied thy mercy.

The fourth of five psalms
PSALM 62

Antiphon: The Lord is my strength * and my praise, and He is become my salvation.

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 Lord is my strength * and my praise, and He is become my salvation.

The fifth of five psalms
PSALM 148

Antiphon: Praise the Lord * who healeth the broken of heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

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 name 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: Praise the Lord * who healeth the broken of heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

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: Son, remember * that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things.

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: Son, remember * that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things.

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 SUNDAY
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 SUNDAY
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 SUNDAY
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 SUNDAY
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 SUNDAY
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 109

Antiphon: Behold how good * and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.

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: Behold how good * and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.

The second of five psalms
PSALM 110

Antiphon: Give ye glory to the Lord * for his mercy endureth for ever.

110:1 I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; * in the council of the just, and in the congregation.
110:2 Great are the works of the Lord: * sought out according to all his wills.
110:3 His work is praise and magnificence: * and his justice continueth for ever and ever.
110:4 He hath made a remembrance of his wonderful works, being a merciful and gracious Lord: * he hath given food to them that fear him.
110:5 He will be mindful for ever of his covenant: * he will shew forth to his people the power of his works.
110:7 That he may give them the inheritance of the Gentiles: * the works of his hands are truth and judgment.
110:8 All his commandments are faithful: confirmed for ever and ever, * made in truth and equity.
110:9 He hath sent redemption to his people: * he hath commanded his covenant for ever.
110:9 Holy and terrible is his name: * the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
110:10 A good understanding to all that do it: * his praise continueth for ever and ever.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: Give ye glory to the Lord * for his mercy endureth for ever.

The third of five psalms
PSALM 111

Antiphon: Give ye glory to the Lord * for he was mindful of us in our affliction.

111:1 Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord: he shall delight exceedingly in his commandments.
111:2 ‡ His seed shall be mighty upon earth: * the generation of the righteous shall be blessed.
111:3 Glory and wealth shall be in his house: * and his justice remaineth for ever and ever.
111:4 To the righteous a light is risen up in darkness: * he is merciful, and compassionate and just.
111:5 Acceptable is the man that sheweth mercy and lendeth: he shall order his words with judgment: * because he shall not be moved for ever.
111:7 The just shall be in everlasting remembrance: * he shall not fear the evil hearing.
111:8 His heart is ready to hope in the Lord: his heart is strengthened, * he shall not be moved until he look over his enemies.
111:9 He hath distributed, he hath given to the poor: his justice remaineth for ever and ever: * his horn shall be exalted in glory.
111:10 The wicked shall see, and shall be angry, he shall gnash with his teeth and pine away: * the desire of the wicked shall perish.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: Give ye glory to the Lord * for he was mindful of us in our affliction.

The fourth of five psalms
PSALM 112

Antiphon: Let my tongue cleave to my jaws * if I do not remember thee, Jerusalem.

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

Antiphon: Let my tongue cleave to my jaws * if I do not remember thee, Jerusalem.

The fifth of five psalms
PSALM 113

Antiphon: I will give glory * to thy name, for thy mercy, and for thy truth.

113:1 When Israel went out of Egypt, * the house of Jacob from a barbarous people:
113:2 Judea was made his sanctuary, * Israel his dominion.
113:3 The sea saw and fled: * Jordan was turned back.
113:4 The mountains skipped like rams, * and the hills like the lambs of the flock.
113:5 What ailed thee, O thou sea, that thou didst flee: * and thou, O Jordan, that thou wast turned back?
113:6 Ye mountains, that ye skipped like rams, * and ye hills, like lambs of the flock?
113:7 At the presence of the Lord the earth was moved, * at the presence of the God of Jacob:
113:8 Who turned the rock into pools of water, * and the stony hill into fountains of waters.
113:9 Not to us, O Lord, not to us; * but to thy name give glory.
113:10 For thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake: * lest the Gentiles should say: Where is their God?
113:11 But our God is in heaven: * he hath done all things whatsoever he would.
113:12 The idols of the Gentiles are silver and gold, * the works of the hands of men.
113:13 They have mouths and speak not: * they have eyes and see not.
113:14 They have ears and hear not: * they have noses and smell not.
113:15 They have hands and feel not: they have feet and walk not: * neither shall they cry out through their throat.
113:16 Let them that make them become like unto them: * and all such as trust in them.
113:17 The house of Israel hath hoped in the Lord: * he is their helper and their protector.
113:18 The house of Aaron hath hoped in the Lord: * he is their helper and their protector.
113:19 They that fear the Lord have hoped in the Lord: * he is their helper and their protector.
113:20 The Lord hath been mindful of us, * and hath blessed us.
113:20 He hath blessed the house of Israel: * he hath blessed the house of Aaron.
113:21 He hath blessed all that fear the Lord, * both little and great.
113:22 May the Lord add blessings upon you: * upon you, and upon your children.
113:23 Blessed be you of the Lord, * who made heaven and earth.
113:24 The heaven of heaven is the Lord’s: * but the earth he has given to the children of men.
113:25 The dead shall not praise thee, O Lord: * nor any of them that go down to hell.
113:26 But we that live bless the Lord: * from this time now and for ever.
Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon: I will give glory * to thy name, for thy mercy, and for thy truth.

CHAPTER VERSE
(Romans 13:11)

Between the porch and the altar the priests the Lord's ministers shall weep, and shall say: Spare, O Lord, spare Thy people: and give not Thy inheritance to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them.
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 SUNDAY
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 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: Unless you do penance * you shall likewise perish.

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 show 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: 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.