Devotion to Our Lady |
|
FOR ALL THE TUESDAYS 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 TUESDAY usually prayed in the middle of the night, or else right before dawn (modern day suggestion: very last thing at night, or immediately after waking) Religious would rise from sleep after midnight in the very early hours of the morning, well before dawn, to pray Matins Usually Matins would consist of (1) an invitation to prayer called the "Invitatory"; (2) a hymn; (3) followed by nine psalms; (4) then three spiritual readings; and (5) after this the Te Deum a hymn of thanksgiving is said; (6) which is followed by the prayer or collect of the day or feast. Below you have an abbreviated version that you can easily pray. The following extracts from the Divine Office of Matins is only around one-third of the actual length of Matins.
Versicle: O Lord, ✠︎ open thou my lips. (make the Sign of the Cross over the lips with your right thumb) Response: And my mouth shall declare thy praise. Versicle: O God, ☩ come to my assistance; (make the normal Sign of the Cross) Response: O Lord, make haste to help me. Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost. Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 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: Rebuke me not * O Lord, in Thy indignation; nor chastise me in Thy wrath (Psalm 37:2). [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] He shall be like a tree which is planted near the running waters, which shall bring forth its fruit, in due season. 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. 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 2 Antiphon: My iniquities * are gone over my head: and as a heavy burden are become heavy upon me (Psalm 37:5). [[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. [2:9] Thou shalt rule them with a rod of iron, and shalt break them in pieces like a potter’s vessel. [2:10] 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. 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 3, 5, 6 & 9 Antiphon: Lord * all my desire is before Thee, and my groaning is not hidden from Thee. (Psalm 37:10). [3:3] Many say to my soul: There is no salvation for him in his God. [3:5] I have cried to the Lord with my voice: and He hath heard me from His holy hill. [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. [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. [6:2] O 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. [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. [9:14] Have mercy on me, O Lord: see my humiliation which I suffer from my enemies. 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 #39 by Pope St. Gregory the Great, preached at the beginning of the Lenten season In former days, when the people of the Hebrews and all the tribes of Israel were oppressed for their scandalous sins by the grievous tyranny of the Philistines, in order that they might be able to overcome their enemies, as the sacred story declares, they restored their powers of mind and body by the injunction of a fast. For they understood that they had deserved that hard and wretched subjection for their neglect of God's commands, and evil ways, and that it was in vain for them to strive with arms unless they had first withstood their sin. Therefore abstaining from food and drink, they applied the discipline of strict correction to themselves, and in order to conquer their foes, first conquered the allurements of the palate in themselves. And thus it came about that their fierce enemies and cruel taskmasters yielded to them when fasting, whom they had held in subjection when full. And so we too, dearly beloved, who are set in the midst of many oppositions and conflicts, may be cured by a little carefulness, if only we will use the same means. For our case is almost the same as theirs, seeing that, as they were attacked by foes in the flesh, so are we chiefly attacked by spiritual enemies. And if we can conquer them by God's grace enabling us to correct our ways, the strength of our bodily enemies also will give way before us, and, by our self-amendment, we shall weaken those who were rendered formidable to us, not by their own merits but by our shortcomings. 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 (#39) by Pope St. Gregory the Great Accordingly, dearly-beloved, that we may be able to overcome all our enemies, let us seek Divine aid by the observance of the heavenly bidding, knowing that we cannot otherwise prevail against our adversaries, unless we prevail against our own selves. For we have many encounters with our own selves: the flesh desires one thing against the spirit, and the spirit another thing against the flesh. And in this disagreement, if the desires of the body be stronger, the mind will disgracefully lose its proper dignity, and it will be most disastrous for that to serve which ought to have ruled. But if the mind, being subject to its Ruler [God], and delighting in gifts from above, shall have trampled underfoot the allurements of earthly pleasure, and shall not have allowed sin to reign in its mortal body, reason will maintain a well-ordered supremacy, and its strongholds no strategy of spiritual wickedness will cast down: because man has then only true peace and true freedom when the flesh is ruled by the judgment of the mind, and the mind is directed by the will of God. And although this state of preparedness, dearly-beloved, should always be maintained that our ever-watchful foes may be overcome by unceasing diligence, yet now it must be the more anxiously sought for and the more zealously cultivated when the designs of our subtle foes themselves are conducted with keener craft than ever. For knowing that the most hallowed days of Lent are now at hand, in the keeping of which all past slothfulness are chastised, all negligence alerted for, they direct all the force of their spite on this one thing, that they who intend to celebrate the Lord's holy Passover may be found unclean in some matter, and that cause of offense may arise where propitiation ought to have been obtained. 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. Gregory the Great As we approach then, dearly-beloved, the beginning of Lent, which is a time for the more careful serving of the Lord, because we are, as it were, entering on a kind of contest in good works, let us prepare our souls for fighting with temptations, and understand that the more zealous we are for our salvation, the more determined must be the assaults of our opponents. But stronger is He that is in us than He that is against us 1 John 4:4, and through Him are we powerful in whose strength we rely: because it was for this that the Lord allowed Himself to be tempted by the tempter, that we might be taught by His example as well as fortified by His aid. For He conquered the adversary, as you have heard, by quotations from the law, not by actual strength, that by this very thing He might do greater honor to man, and inflict a greater punishment on the adversary by conquering the enemy of the human race not now as God but as Man. He fought then, therefore, that we too might fight thereafter: He conquered that we too might likewise conquer. For there are no works of power, dearly-beloved, without the trials of temptations, there is no Faith without proof, no contest without a foe, no victory without conflict. This life of ours is in the midst of snares, in the midst of battles; if we do not wish to be deceived, we must watch: if we want to overcome, we must fight. And therefore the most wise Solomon says, My son in approaching the service of God prepare your soul for temptation Ecclessiasticus 2:1 . For He being a man full of the wisdom of God, and knowing that the pursuit of religion involves laborious struggles, foreseeing too the danger of the fight, forewarned the intending combatant; lest haply, if the tempter came upon him in his ignorance, he might find him unready and wound him unawares. 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 TUESDAY usually prayed before dawn (modern day suggestion: after waking in the morning, before breakfast) The Religious would rise from sleep once again before dawn, to pray Lauds. If Matins was not prayed during the middle of the night, then it is prayed now, at dawn, immediately before praying Lauds. Usually Lauds consists of (1) five psalms with their appropriate seasonal antiphons (2) followed by what is called a "Chapter Verse" which is a short paragraphed reading; (3) this is followed by a hymn that suits the liturgical season; (4) then follows the Canticle of St. Zachary, the "Benedictus" with its appropriate seasonal antiphon; (5) finally there is said the prayer or collect for the day or feast. Below you have an abbreviated version that you can easily pray. OPENING INVOCATIONS
Versicle: O God, ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross) come to my assistance! Response: O Lord, make haste to help me! Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 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 42 Antiphon: If the wicked do penance for all his sins, living he shall live, and shall not die [42:2] Judge me, O God, and distinguish my cause from the nation that is not holy: deliver me from the unjust and deceitful man. [42:2] For thou art God my strength: why hast thou cast me off? And why do I go sorrowful whilst the enemy afflicts me? [42:3] Send forth thy light and thy truth: they have conducted me, and brought me unto thy holy hill, and into thy tabernacles. [42:4] And I will go in to the altar of God: to God who giveth joy to my youth. [42:5] To thee, O God my God, I will give praise upon the harp: why art thou sad, O my soul? and why dost thou disquiet me? [42:6] Hope in God, for I will still give praise to him: the salvation of my countenance, and my 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. Antiphon: If the wicked do penance for all his sins, living he shall live, and shall not die The third of five psalms PSALM 39 Antiphon: God hath given him place for penance, and he abuseth it unto pride [39:2] With expectation I have waited for the Lord, and He was attentive to me. [39:3] And He heard my prayers, and brought me out of the pit of misery and the mire of dregs. And He set my feet upon a rock, and directed my steps. [39:4] And He put a new canticle into my mouth, a song to our God. Many shall see, and shall fear: and they shall hope in the Lord. [39:5] Blessed is the man whose trust is in the name of the Lord; and who hath not had regard to vanities, and lying follies. [39:6] Thou hast multiplied Thy wonderful works, O Lord my God: and in Thy thoughts there is no one like to Thee. I have declared and I have spoken; they are multiplied above number. [39:7] Sacrifice and oblation Thou didst not desire; but Thou hast pierced ears for me. Burnt offering and sin offering Thou didst not require: [39:8] Then I said: "Behold I come. In the head of the book it is written of Me!" [39:9] "That I should do Thy will: O my God, I have desired it, and Thy law in the midst of My 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: God hath given him place for penance, and he abuseth it unto pride The fourth of five psalms CANTICLE OF EZECHIEL (Canticle of Ezechias * Isaias 38:10-23) Antiphon: Thou shalt correct me, O Lord, * and make me to live. 38:10 I said: In the midst of my days * I shall go to the gates of Hell: 38:11 I sought for the residue of my years. * I said: I shall not see the Lord God in the land of the living. 38:12 I shall behold man no more, * nor the inhabitant of rest. 38:13 My generation is at an end, and it is rolled away from me, * as a shepherd’s tent. 38:14 My life is cut off, as by a weaver: whilst I was yet but beginning, He cut me off: * from morning even to night Thou wilt make an end of me. 38:15 I hoped till morning, * as a lion so hath he broken all my bones: 38:16 From morning even to night Thou wilt make an end of me. * I will cry like a young swallow, I will meditate like a dove: 38:17 My eyes are weakened * looking upward: 38:18 Lord, I suffer violence, answer Thou for me. * What shall I say, or what shall he answer for me, whereas He Himself hath done it? 38:19 I will recount to Thee all my years * in the bitterness of my soul. 38:20 O Lord, if man’s life be such, and the life of my spirit be in such things as these, Thou shalt correct me, and make me to live. * Behold in peace is my bitterness most bitter: 38:21 But Thou hast delivered my soul that it should not perish, * Thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back. 38:22 For Hell shall not confess to Thee, neither shall death praise Thee: * nor shall they that go down into the pit, look for Thy truth. 38:23 The living, the living, he shall give praise to Thee, as I do this day: * the father shall make Thy truth known to the children. 38:24 O Lord, save me, and we will sing our psalms all the days of our life * in the house of the Lord. Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Antiphon: God hath given him place for penance, and he abuseth it unto pride The fifth of five psalms PSALM 43 Antiphon: From that time Jesus * began to preach, and to say: Do penance, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!. [43:2] We have heard, O God, with our ears: our fathers have declared to us, The work, thou hast wrought in their days, and in the days of old. [43:3] Thy hand destroyed the Gentiles, and thou plantedst them: thou didst afflict the people and cast them out. [43:4] For they got not the possession of the land by their own sword: neither did their own arm save them. But thy right hand and thy arm, and the light of thy countenance: because thou wast pleased with them. [43:5] Thou art thyself my king and my God, who commandest the saving of Jacob. [43:6] Through thee we will push down our enemies with the horn: and through thy name we will despise them that rise up against us. [43:7] For I will not trust in my bow: neither shall my sword save me. [43:8] But thou hast saved us from them that afflict us: and hast put them to shame that hate us. [43:9] In God shall we glory all the day long: and in thy name we will give praise 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 TUESDAY usually prayed after breakfast and before starting work for the day (modern day suggestion: after breakfast and before work, before 9 a.m.) The word "Prime" refers to the first hour of daylight. It is the most recent addition to the Divine Office originating around the 4th century. It was the prayer said before starting work for the day. Usually Prime consists of (1) an opening hymn which is always the same regardless of season or feast (2) followed by three psalms with their appropriate seasonal antiphons (3) then comes what is called a "Chapter Verse" which is a short paragraphed reading; (4) this is followed by a prayer or collect which is always the same one, regardless of season or feast; (4) then the Martyrology for the day in read; (5) this is followed by another "Chapter Verse" and versicles; (6) then come the concluding prayers, which include the Our Father; (7) after which there is a seasonal "Chapter Verse" that is the same throughout the season; (8) finally there is said the short concluding prayer, which is always the same throughout the year. Below you have an abbreviated version that you can easily pray. 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. HYMN Now in the sun’s new dawning ray, Lowly of heart, our God we pray That He from harm may keep us free In all the deeds this day shall see. May fear of Him our tongues restrain, Lest strife unguarded speech should stain: His favoring care our guardian be, Lest our eyes feed on vanity. May every heart be pure from sin And folly find no place therein: Scant need of food, excess denied, Wear down in us the body’s pride. That when the light of day is gone, And night in course shall follow on. We, free from cares the world affords, May chant the praise that is our Lord’s. All laud to God the Father be, All praise, Eternal Son, to Thee: All glory, as is ever meet, To God the Holy Paraclete. Amen. The first of three psalms PSALM 62 For Prime, the antiphon is only said once before the three psalms are said, and once after the three psalms have been said. Antiphon: If the wicked do penance for all his sins, living he shall live, and shall not die [62:2] O God, my God, to thee do I watch at break of day. 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: [62:8] Because thou hast been my helper. And I will rejoice under the covert of thy wings: [62:9] 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: [62:11] 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. The second of three psalms PSALM 61 [61:2] Shall not my soul be subject to God? For from Him is my salvation. [61:3] For He is my God and my Savior: He is my protector, I shall be moved no more. [61:4] How long do you rush in upon a man? You all kill, as if you were thrusting down a leaning wall, and a tottering fence. [61:5] But they have thought to cast away my price; I ran in thirst: they blessed with their mouth, but cursed with their heart. [61:6] But be thou, O my soul, subject to God: for from him is my patience. [61:7] For he is my God and my Saviour: He is my helper, I shall not be moved. [61:8] In God is my salvation and my glory: He is the God of my help, and my hope is in God. [61:9] Trust in him, all ye congregations of people: pour out your hearts before Him. God is our helper for ever. [61:10] But vain are the sons of men, the sons of men are liars in the balances: that by vanity they may together deceive. [61:11] Trust not in iniquity, and cover not robberies: if riches abound, set not your heart upon them. [61:12] God hath spoken once, these two things have I heard, that power belongeth to God, [61:13] And mercy to Thee, O Lord; for Thou wilt render to every man according to his works. Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. The third of three psalms PSALM 46 [46:2] O clap your hands, all ye nations: shout unto God with the voice of Joy. [46:3] For the Lord is high, terrible: a great king over all the Earth. [46:4] He will subdue the people under us; and the nations under our feet. [46:5] He hath chosen for us His inheritance the beauty of Jacob which He hath loved. [46:7] Sing praises to our God, sing ye: sing praises to our king, sing ye. [46:8] For God is the king of all the Earth, sing ye wisely. [46:9] God shall reign over the nations: God sitteth on His holy throne. [46:10] The princes of the people are gathered together, with the God of Abraham: for the strong gods of the earth are exceedingly exalted. 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 CHAPTER VERSE (1 Timothy 1:17) Now to the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever! Amen. Response: Thanks be to God! RESPONSORIES Versicle: Christ, Son of the living God, * have mercy on us! Response: Christ, Son of the living God, * have mercy on us! Versicle: Thou, who sittest at the right hand of the Father. Response: Have mercy on us! Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost. Response: Christ, Son of the living God, * have mercy on us! Versicle: Arise, O Christ, and help us! Response: And deliver us for Thy Name’s sake! PRAYERS Versicle: O Lord, hear my prayer! Response: And let my cry come unto Thee! Let us pray. O Lord, our heavenly Father, Almighty and everlasting God, Who has safely brought us to the beginning of this day: defend us by Thy mighty power; and grant that this day we fall into no sin, but that all our doings may be ordered by Thy governance, to do always that is righteous in Thy sight. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Response: Amen. Versicle: O Lord, hear my prayer! Response: And let my cry come unto Thee! Versicle: Let us bless the Lord! Response: Thanks be to God! Versicle: Precious in the sight of the Lord. Response: Is the death of His saints. May Holy Mary and all the Saints, intercede for us with the Lord, our God, so that we may merit His help and salvation, Who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Response: Amen. Versicle: O God come to my assistance! Response: O Lord, make haste to help me! Versicle: O God come to my assistance! Response: O Lord, make haste to help me! Versicle: O God come to my assistance! Response: O Lord, make haste to help me! Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Versicle: Lord have mercy on us! Response: Christ have mercy on us! Lord have mercy on us! Our Father, Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Versicle: And lead us not into temptation: Response: But deliver us from evil. Versicle: Look upon Thy servants and upon Thy works: and direct their children. Response: And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us. Direct Thou the works of our hands; yes, the work of our hands do Thou direct. Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Let us pray. O Lord, Almighty God, King of Heaven and Earth, Savior of the world, bless, lead, rule and govern our hearts and bodies, our senses, words and deeds today, following Thy law and commandments, that here and for eternity, with Thy help, we shall be saved in freedom. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Response: Amen. Versicle: Grant, Lord, a blessing! Response: May Almighty God arrange our deeds and our day in His peace. Amen. SHORT READING (Isaias 33:2) O Lord, have mercy on us: for we have waited for Thee! Be Thou our arm in the morning and our salvation in the time of trouble! Versicle: But Thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us! Response: Thanks be to God! CONCLUSION Versicle: Our help ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross) is in the Name of the Lord. Response: Who made Heaven and Earth. Versicle: Let us bless. Response: God! Versicle: May the Lord bless us, ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross) protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Response: Amen. The Fourth Liturgical Hour
THE MID-MORNING PRAYER (TERCE) FOR TUESDAY work is temporarily halted for this short middle of the morning prayer (modern day suggestion: anytime between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.) The word "Terce" refers to the third hour of daylight. The Religious would stop work and would again congregate in the church or chapel for prayer. In some Religious communities, the "Conventual" or "Community" Mass would be offered after Terce, even though private Masses had been offered by other priests earlier in the morning. Usually Terce consists of (1) an opening hymn which is always the same regardless of season or feast; (2) followed by three psalms with their appropriate seasonal antiphons; (3) then comes what is called a "Chapter Verse" which is a short paragraphed reading; (4) this is followed by a prayer or collect which is always the same one, regardless of season or feast. Below you have an abbreviated version that you can easily pray. 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. HYMN Come Holy Ghost, Who ever One Art with the Father and the Son, It is the hour, our souls possess With Thy full flood of holiness. Let flesh and heart and lips and mind Sound forth our witness to mankind; And love light up our mortal frame, Till others catch the living flame. Almighty Father, hear our cry, Through Jesus Christ, our Lord most High, Who, with the Holy Ghost and Thee, Doth live and reign eternally. Amen. The first of three psalms PSALM 65 For Terce, the antiphon is only said once before the three psalms are said, and once after the three psalms have been said. Antiphon: God hath given him place for penance, and he abuseth it unto pride [65:1] Shout with joy to God, all the earth, [65:2] Sing ye a psalm to his name; give glory to his praise. [65:3] Say unto God, How terrible are thy works, O Lord! in the multitude of thy strength thy enemies shall lie to thee. [65:4] Let all the earth adore thee, and sing to thee: let it sing a psalm to thy name. [65:5] Come and see the works of God; who is terrible in his counsels over the sons of men. [65:6] Who turneth the sea into dry land, in the river they shall pass on foot: there shall we rejoice in him. [65:7] Who by his power ruleth for ever: his eyes behold the nations; let not them that provoke him be exalted in themselves. Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. The second of three psalms PSALM 65 (continued) [65:8] O bless our God, ye Gentiles: and make the voice of his praise to be heard. [65:9] Who hath set my soul to live: and hath not suffered my feet to be moved: [65:10] For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us by fire, as silver is tried. [65:11] Thou hast brought us into a net, thou hast laid afflictions on our back: [65:12] Thou hast set men over our heads. We have passed through fire and water, and thou hast brought us out into a refreshment. [65:13] I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows, [65:14] Which my lips have uttered, And my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble. [65:15] I will offer up to thee holocausts full of marrow, with burnt offerings of rams: I will offer to thee bullocks with goats. [65:16] Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will tell you what great things he hath done for my soul. [65:17] I cried to him with my mouth: and I extolled him with my tongue. [65:18] If I have looked at iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. [65:19] Therefore hath God heard me, and hath attended to the voice of my supplication. [65:20] Blessed be God, who hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me. Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. The third of three psalms PSALM 81 [81:1] God hath stood in the congregation of gods: and being in the midst of them he judgeth gods. [81:2] How long will you judge unjustly: and accept the persons of the wicked? [81:3] Judge for the needy and fatherless: do justice to the humble and the poor. [81:4] Rescue the poor; and deliver the needy out of the hand of the sinner. [81:5] They have not known nor understood: they walk on in darkness; all the foundations of the earth shall be moved. [81:6] I have said: “You are gods and all of you the sons of the most High.” [81:7] But you like men shall die: and shall fall like one of the princes. [81:8] Arise, O God, judge thou the earth: for Thou shalt inherit among all the nations. 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 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! RESPONSORIES Versicle: Come to my rescue * O God, Lord of hosts! Response: Come to my rescue * O God, Lord of hosts! Versicle: Show us Thy face, and we shall be saved! Response: O God, Lord of hosts! Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost. Response: Come to my rescue * O God, Lord of hosts. Versicle: And the Gentiles shall fear Thy name, O Lord. Response: And all the kings of the earth Thy glory. 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 Fifth Liturgical Hour
THE MIDDAY PRAYER (SEXT) FOR TUESDAY this midday prayer is usually said before eating lunch (modern day suggestion: anytime between 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m.) The word "Sext" refers to the sixth hour of daylight. The Religious would stop work and would again congregate in the church or chapel for prayer. Usually Sext consists of (1) an opening hymn which is always the same regardless of season or feast (2) followed by three psalms with their appropriate seasonal antiphons (3) then comes what is called a "Chapter Verse" which is a short paragraphed reading; (4) this is followed by a prayer or collect which is always the same one, regardless of season or feast, Below you have an abbreviated version that you can easily pray. 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. HYMN O God of truth, O Lord of might, Who orderest time and change aright, Who send’st the early morning ray, And light’st the glow of perfect day! Extinguish Thou each sinful fire, And banish every ill desire; And while Thou keep’st the body whole, Shed forth Thy peace upon the soul. Almighty Father, hear our cry, Through Jesus Christ, our Lord most High, Who, with the Holy Ghost and Thee, Doth live and reign eternally. Amen. The first of three psalms PSALM 6 For Sext, the antiphon is only said once before the three psalms are said, and once after the three psalms have been said. Antiphon: Thou shalt correct me, O Lord, * and make me to live. [6:2] O 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 83 [83:2] How lovely are Thy tabernacles, O Lord of host! [83:3] My soul longeth and fainteth for the courts of the Lord. My heart and my flesh have rejoiced in the living God. [83:4] For the sparrow hath found herself a house, and the turtle a nest for herself where she may lay her young ones: Thy altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. [83:5] Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house, O Lord: they shall praise Thee for ever and ever. [83:6] Blessed is the man whose help is from Thee: in his heart he hath disposed to ascend by steps, [83:7] In the vale of tears, in the place which he hath set. [83:8] For the lawgiver shall give a blessing, they shall go from virtue to virtue: the God of gods shall be seen in Sion. [83:9] O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. [83:10] Behold, O God our protector: and look on the face of thy Christ. [83:11] For better is one day in Thy courts above thousands. I have chosen to be an abject in the house of my God, rather than to dwell in the tabernacles of sinners. [83:12] For God loveth mercy and truth: the Lord will give grace and glory. [83:13] He will not deprive of good things them that walk in innocence: O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in 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. The third of three psalms PSALM 84 [84:2] Lord, Thou hast blessed Thy land: Thou hast turned away the captivity of Jacob. [84:3] Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of Thy people: Thou hast covered all their sins. [84:4] Thou hast mitigated all Thy anger: Thou hast turned away from the wrath of Thy indignation. [84:5] Convert us, O God our Savior: and turn away Thy anger from us. [84:6] Wilt Thou be angry with us for ever: and wilt Thou extend Thy wrath from generation to generation? [84:7] Thou wilt turn to us, O God, and bring us to life: and Thy people shall rejoice in Thee. [84:8] Show us, O Lord, Thy mercy; and grant us Thy salvation. [84:9] I will hear what the Lord God will speak in me: for He will speak peace unto His people: And unto His saints: and unto them that are converted in the heart. [10] Surely His salvation is near to them that fear Him: that glory may dwell in our land. [84:11] Mercy and truth have met each other: justice and peace have kissed. [84:12] Truth is sprung out of the earth: and justice hath looked down from heaven. [84:13] For the Lord will give goodness: and our earth shall yield her fruit. [84:14] Justice shall walk before Him: and shall set His steps in the way. Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Antiphon: Thou shalt correct me, O Lord, * and make me to live. CHAPTER VERSE (Romans 13:12-13) The night is passed, and the day is at hand. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day! Response: Thanks be to God. RESPONSORIES Versicle: Show us, O Lord, * Thy mercy. Response: Show us, O Lord, * Thy mercy. Versicle: And grant us Thy salvation. Response: Thy mercy. Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost. Response: Show us, O Lord, * Thy mercy. Versicle: Remember us, O Lord, in the favor of Thy people. Response: Visit us with Thy salvation. 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 Sixth Liturgical Hour
THE MID-AFTERNOON PRAYER (NONE) FOR TUESDAY work is temporarily halted for this short middle of the afternoon prayer (modern day suggestion: anytime between 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.) The word "None" refers to the ninth hour of daylight. The Religious would stop work and would again congregate in the church or chapel for prayer. Usually None consists of (1) an opening hymn which is always the same regardless of season or feast (2) followed by three psalms with their appropriate seasonal antiphons (3) then comes what is called a "Chapter Verse" which is a short paragraphed reading; (4) this is followed by a prayer or collect which is always the same one, regardless of season or feast, Below you have an abbreviated version that you can easily pray. 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. HYMN O strength and stay upholding all creation, Who ever dost thyself unmoved abide, Yet day by day the light in due gradation From hour to hour through all its changes guide: Grant to life’s day a calm unclouded ending, An eve untouched by shadows of decay, The brightness of a holy death-bed blending With dawning glories of th’ eternal day. Hear us, O Father, gracious and forgiving, And thou, O Christ, the co-eternal Word, Who, with the Holy Ghost, by all things living Now and to endless ages art adored. Amen. The first of three psalms PSALM 85 For None, the antiphon is only said once before the three psalms are said, and once after the three psalms have been said. Antiphon: From that time Jesus * began to preach, and to say: Do penance, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!. [85:1] Incline thy ear, O Lord, and hear me: for I am needy and poor. [85:2] Preserve my soul, for I am holy: save Thy servant, O my God, that trusteth in Thee. [85:3] Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I have cried to Thee all the day. [85:4] Give joy to the soul of Thy servant, for to thee, O Lord, I have lifted up my soul. [85:5] For Thou, O Lord, art sweet and mild: and plenteous in mercy to all that call upon Thee. [85:6] Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer: and attend to the voice of my petition. [85:7] I have called upon Thee in the day of my trouble: because Thou hast heard me. [85:8] There is none among the gods like unto Thee, O Lord: and there is none according to Thy works. Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. The second of three psalms PSALM 85 (cont.) [85:9] All the nations thou hast made shall come and adore before Thee, O Lord: and they shall glorify Thy Name. [85:10] For Thou art great and dost wonderful things: Thou art God alone. [85:11] Conduct me, O Lord, in Thy way, and I will walk in Thy truth: let my heart rejoice that it may fear Thy Name. [85:12] I will praise thee, O Lord my God: with my whole heart, and I will glorify Thy Name for ever: [85:13] For Thy mercy is great towards me: and Thou hast delivered my soul out of the lower Hell. [85:14] O God, the wicked are risen up against me, and the assembly of the mighty have sought my soul: and they have not set Thee before their eyes. [85:15] And Thou, O Lord, art a God of compassion, and merciful, patient, and of much mercy, and true. [85:16] O look upon me, and have mercy on me: give Thy command to Thy servant, and save the son of Thy handmaid. [85:17] Show me a token for good: that they who hate me may see, and be confounded, because Thou, O Lord, hast helped me and hast comforted 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. The third of three psalms PSALM 89 [89:1] Lord, Thou hast been our refuge from generation to generation. [89:2] Before the mountains were made, or the earth and the world was formed; from eternity and to eternity Thou art God. [89:3] Turn not man away to be brought low: and Thou hast said: Be converted, “O ye sons of men!” [89:4] For a thousand years in Thy sight are as yesterday, which is past. And as a watch in the night, [89:5] Things that are counted nothing, shall their years be. [89:6] In the morning man shall grow up like grass; in the morning he shall flourish and pass away: in the evening he shall fall, grow dry, and wither. [89:7] For in Thy wrath we have fainted away: and are troubled in Thy indignation. [89:8] Thou hast set our iniquities before Thy eyes: our life in the light of Thy countenance. [89:9] For all our days are spent; and in Thy wrath we have fainted away. Our years shall be considered as a spider: [89:10] The days of our years in them are seventy years. But if in the strong they be eighty years: most of them are full of labor and sorrow. For mildness is come upon us: and we shall be corrected. [89:11] Who knoweth the power of Thy anger, and for Thy fear [89:12] Can anyone number Thy wrath? So make Thy right hand known: and men learned in heart, in wisdom. [89:13] Return, O Lord, how long? And be entreated in favor of Thy servants. [89:14] We are filled in the morning with Thy mercy: and we have rejoiced, and are delighted all our days. [89:15] We have rejoiced for the days in which Thou hast humbled us: for the years in which we have seen evils. [89:16] Look upon Thy servants and upon their works: and direct their children. [89:17] And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us: and direct Thou the works of our hands over us; yea, the work of our hands do Thou direct. Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Antiphon: From that time Jesus * began to preach, and to say: Do penance, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!. CHAPTER VERSE (Romans 13:13-14) Let us walk honestly, as in the day: not in partying and drunkenness, not in chambering and impurities, not in contention and envy: But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ! Response: Thanks be to God! RESPONSORIES Versicle: The Lord shall arise * upon thee, Jerusalem. Response: The Lord shall arise * upon thee, Jerusalem. Versicle: And His glory shall be seen upon thee. Response: Upon thee, Jerusalem. Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost. Response: The Lord shall arise * upon thee, Jerusalem. Versicle: Come, O Lord, do not be late! Response: Forgive the misdeeds of your people! 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 Seventh Liturgical Hour
THE EVENING PRAYER (VESPERS) FOR TUESDAY usually prayed as the sun begins to set (modern day suggestion: anytime between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The Religious would finish work at sunset to pray Vespers before the evening meal. Usually Vespers consists of (1) five psalms with their appropriate seasonal antiphons (2) followed by what is called a "Chapter Verse" which is a short paragraphed reading; (3) this is followed by a hymn that suits the liturgical season; (4) then follows the Canticle of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the "Magnificat" with its appropriate seasonal antiphon; (5) finally there is said the prayer or collect for the day or feast. Below you have an abbreviated version that you can easily pray. OPENING INVOCATIONS
Versicle: O God, ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross) come to my assistance! Response: O Lord, make haste to help me! Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Praise be to Thee, O Lord, King of eternal glory. The first of five psalms PSALM 94 Antiphon: According to the multitude of thy tender mercies * blot out my iniquity. [94:1] Come let us praise the Lord with joy: let us joyfully sing to God our Savior. [94:2] Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; and make a joyful sound to Him with psalms. [94:3] For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. [94:4] For in His hand are all the ends of the earth: and the heights of the mountains are His. [94:5] For the sea is His, and He made it: and His hands formed the dry land. [94:6] Come let us adore and fall down: and weep before the Lord that made us. [94:7] For He is the Lord our God: and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand. [94:8] Today if you shall hear His voice, harden not your hearts: [94:9] As in the provocation, according to the day of temptation in the desert wilderness: where your fathers tempted Me, they tested Me, and saw My works. [94:10] Forty years long was I offended with that generation, and I said: “These always err in heart. [94:11] “And these men have not known My ways: so I swore in My wrath that they shall not enter into My rest!” 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 95 Antiphon: If the wicked do penance for all his sins, living he shall live, and shall not die [95:1] Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: sing to the Lord, all the earth. [95:2] Sing ye to the Lord and bless His Name: show forth His salvation from day to day. [95:3] Declare His glory among the Gentiles: His wonders among all people. [95:4] For the Lord is great, and exceedingly to be praised: He is to be feared above all gods. [95:5] For all the gods of the Gentiles are devils: but the Lord made the heavens. [95:6] Praise and beauty are before Him: holiness and majesty in His sanctuary. [95:7] Bring ye to the Lord, O ye kindreds of the Gentiles, bring ye to the Lord glory and honor: [95:8] Bring to the Lord glory unto His Name. Bring up sacrifices, and come into His courts: [95:9] Adore ye the Lord in His holy court. Let all the earth be moved at His presence. [95:10] Say ye among the Gentiles, the Lord hath reigned. For He hath corrected the world, which shall not be moved: He will judge the people with justice. [95:11] Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad, let the sea be moved, and the fullness thereof: [95:12] The fields and all things that are in them shall be joyful. Then shall all the trees of the woods rejoice [95:13] Before the face of the Lord, because He cometh: because He cometh to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with justice, and the people with His truth. 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 96 Antiphon: God hath given him place for penance, and he abuseth it unto pride [96:1] The Lord hath reigned, let the earth rejoice: let many islands be glad. [96:2] Clouds and darkness are round about Him: justice and judgment are the establishment of His throne. [96:3] A fire shall go before Him, and shall burn His enemies round about. [96:4] His lightnings have shone forth to the world: the earth saw and trembled. [96:5] The mountains melted like wax, at the presence of the Lord: at the presence of the Lord of all the earth. [96:6] The heavens declared His justice: and all people saw His glory. [96:7] Let them be all confounded that adore graven things, and that glory in their idols. Adore Him, all you his angels: [96:8] Sion heard, and was glad. And the daughters of Juda rejoiced, because of Thy judgments, O Lord. [96:9] For Thou art the most high Lord over all the earth: Thou art exalted exceedingly above all gods. [96:10] You that love the Lord, hate evil: the Lord preserveth the souls of His saints, He will deliver them out of the hand of the sinner. [96:11] Light is risen to the just, and joy to the right of heart. [96:12] Rejoice, ye just, in the Lord: and give praise to the remembrance of His holiness. 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 97 Antiphon: Thou shalt correct me, O Lord, * and make me to live. [97:1] Sing ye to the Lord anew canticle: because He hath done wonderful things. His right hand hath wrought for him salvation, and His arm is holy. [97:2] The Lord hath made known His salvation: He hath revealed His justice in the sight of the Gentiles. [97:3] He hath remembered His mercy: His truth toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. [97:4] Sing joyfully to God, all the earth; make melody, rejoice and sing. [97:5] Sing praise to the Lord on the harp, on the harp, and with the voice of a psalm: [97:6] With long trumpets, and sound of comet. Make a joyful noise before the Lord our king: [97:7] Let the sea be moved and the fullness thereof: the world and they that dwell therein. [97:8] The rivers shall clap their hands, the mountains shall rejoice together [97:9] At the presence of the Lord: because He cometh to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with justice, and the people with equity. 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 98 Antiphon: From that time Jesus * began to preach, and to say: Do penance, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!. [98:1] The Lord hath reigned, even though the people be angry. [98:2] The Lord is great in Sion, and high above all people. [98:3] Let them give praise to Thy great Name: for it is terrible and holy: [98:4] And the king's honor loveth judgment. Thou hast prepared directions: Thou hast done judgment and justice in Jacob. [98:5] Exalt ye the Lord our God, and adore His footstool, for it is holy. [98:6] Moses and Aaron among His priests: and Samuel among them that call upon His Name. They called upon the Lord, and He heard them: [98:7] He spoke to them in the pillar of the cloud. They kept His testimonies, and the commandment which He gave them. [98:8] Thou didst hear them, O Lord our God: Thou wast a merciful God to them, and taking vengeance on all their inventions. [98:9] Exalt ye the Lord our God, and adore at His holy mountain: for the Lord our God is holy. 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 TUESDAY usually prayed before retiring to sleep for the night (modern day suggestion: anytime between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.) The English word Compline is derived from the Latin completorium, as Compline is the completion of the working day. The word was first used in this sense about the beginning of the 6th century by St. Benedict in his monastic Rule. Usually Compline consists of (1) an opening plea for God's blessing for the night to come; (2) followed by the Lord's Prayer (Our Father), an examination of conscience, and the recitation of the Act of Contrition, the Confiteor, with the two prayers of absolution that follow; (3) after which three psalms with their appropriate seasonal antiphons are prayed; (4) these are followed by a hymn which is always the same throughout the year; (5) then follows a "Chapter Verse"; (6) this is followed by the Canticle of St. Simeon; (7) after which comes the concluding prayer or collect, which is always the same; (8) finally, the seasonal antiphon or hymn to Our Lady is sung. Below you have an abbreviated version that you can easily pray. OPENING INVOCATION
Please grant us, O Lord, a blessing! May almighty God grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen. SHORT READING (1 Peter 5:8-9) Brothers: Be sober and watch: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about seeking whom he may devour. Whom resist ye, strong in Faith! Versicle: But Thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us! Response: Thanks be to God! Versicle: Our help is ☩ (make the Sign of the Cross) in the Name of the Lord! Response: Who made Heaven and Earth. There follows an examination of conscience, or the Our Father said silently. Our Father, Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation: But deliver us from evil. Amen. Then all say the 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 11 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. 11:2 Save me, O Lord, for there is now no saint: * truths are decayed from among the children of men. 11:3 They have spoken vain things every one to his neighbour: * with deceitful lips, and with a double heart have they spoken. 11:4 May the Lord destroy all deceitful lips, * and the tongue that speaketh proud things. 11:5 Who have said: We will magnify our tongue; our lips are our own; * who is Lord over us? 11:6 By reason of the misery of the needy, and the groans of the poor, * now will I arise, saith the Lord. 11:6 I will set him in safety; * I will deal confidently in his regard. 11:7 The words of the Lord are pure words: * as silver tried by the fire, purged from the earth, refined seven times. 11:8 Thou, O Lord, wilt preserve us: and keep us * from this generation for ever. 11:9 The wicked walk round about: * according to thy highness, thou hast multiplied the children of men.[100:8] In the morning I put to death all the wicked of the land: that I might cut off all the workers of iniquity from the city of the Lord. Versicle: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. The second of three psalms PSALM 12 12:1 How long, O Lord, wilt thou forget me unto the end? * how long dost thou turn away thy face from me? 12:2 How long shall I take counsels in my soul, * sorrow in my heart all the day? 12:3 How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? * Consider, and hear me, O Lord my God. 12:4 Enlighten my eyes that I never sleep in death: * lest at any time my enemy say: I have prevailed against him. 12:5 They that trouble me will rejoice when I am moved: * but I have trusted in thy mercy. 12:6 My heart shall rejoice in thy salvation: I will sing to the Lord, who giveth me good things: * yea, I 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. The third of three psalms PSALM 15 15:1 Preserve me, O Lord, for I have put my trust in thee. * I have said to the Lord, thou art my God, for thou hast no need of my goods. 15:3 To the saints, who are in his land, * he hath made wonderful all my desires in them. 15:4 Their infirmities were multiplied: * afterwards they made haste. 15:4 I will not gather together their meetings for blood offerings: * nor will I be mindful of their names by my lips. 15:5 The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and of my cup: * it is thou that wilt restore my inheritance to me. 15:6 The lines are fallen unto me in goodly places: * for my inheritance is goodly to me. 15:7 I will bless the Lord, who hath given me understanding: * moreover my reins also have corrected me even till night. 15:8 I set the Lord always in my sight: * for he is at my right hand, that I be not moved. 15:9 Therefore my heart hath been glad, and my tongue hath rejoiced: * moreover my flesh also shall rest in hope. 15:10 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; * nor wilt thou give thy holy one to see corruption. 15:10 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life, thou shalt fill me with joy with thy countenance: * at thy right hand are delights even 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: 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. |