Divine Office – Liturgy of the Hours of the Roman Catholic Church (Breviary)

Divine Office (DivineOffice.org)
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Daily scripture readings, psalms, and prayers that follow in the ancient traditions of the Church. Follow along using the session outlines at DivineOffice.org or by using the Divine Office iPhone, iPod, iPad app or Android app. From ancient times the Church has had the custom of celebrating each day the liturgy of the hours. In this way the Church fulfills the Lord’s precept to pray without ceasing, at once offering praise to God the Father and interceding for the salvation of the world. For this expressed purpose, the recordings of the Hours presented here are intended to expand awareness of this Liturgy, introduce and practice the structure of this prayer, and to assist in the recitation of the Liturgy in small groups, domestic prayer and where common celebration is not possible.

  1. 2D AGO

    May 15th, 2026 – Morning Prayer – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours

    For those of you who have celebrated Ascension of our Lord on Thursday, use this link to the Morning Prayer for Friday in Week 6 of Easter after Ascension Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. II: Ordinary: 1049 Proper of Seasons: 939 Psalter: Friday, Week II, 1324 Christian Prayer: Ordinary: 689 Proper of Seasons: 574 Psalter: Friday, Week II, 835 Morning Prayer for Friday in Week 6 of Easter before Ascension God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. HYMN Per crucem et passionem tuam Libera nos domine, domine (repeated 4X) English translation Through Thy Cross and Passion, Good Lord, deliver us 𝄞"Per Crucem" by Melinda Kirigin-Voss • Title: Per Crucem (By Your Cross); Artist: Melinda Kirigin-Voss; Used with permission from Melinda Kirigin-Voss • Albums that contain this Hymn: Yesterday, Today, and Forever PSALMODY Ant. 1 Have courage my son; your sins are forgiven, alleluia. Psalm 51 O God, have mercy on me Your inmost being must be renewed, and you must put on the new man. (Ephesians 4:23-24) Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness. In your compassion blot out my offense. O wash me more and more from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. My offenses truly I know them; my sin is always before me Against you, you alone, have I sinned; what is evil in your sight I have done. That you may be justified when you give sentence and be without reproach when you judge, O see, in guilt I was born, a sinner was I conceived. Indeed you love truth in the heart; then in the secret of my heart teach me wisdom. O purify me, then I shall be clean; O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear rejoicing and gladness, that the bones you have crushed may revive. From my sins turn away your face and blot out all my guilt. A pure heart create for me, O God, put a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, nor deprive me of your holy spirit. Give me again the joy of your help; with a spirit of fervor sustain me, that I may teach transgressors your ways and sinners may return to you. O rescue me, God, my helper, and my tongue shall ring out your goodness. O Lord, open my lips and my mouth shall declare your praise. For in sacrifice you take no delight, burnt offering from me you would refuse, my sacrifice, a contrite spirit, a humbled, contrite heart you will not spurn. In your goodness, show favor to Zion: rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will be pleased with lawful sacrifice, holocausts offered on your altar. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Psalm-prayer Father, he who knew no sin was made sin for us, to save us and restore us to your friendship. Look upon our contrite heart and afflicted spirit and heal our troubled conscience, so that in the joy and strength of the Holy Spirit we may proclaim your praise and glory before all the nations. Ant. Have courage my son; your sins are forgiven, alleluia. Ant.2 You go forth to save your people, to save your anointed one, alleluia. Canticle – Habakkuk 3:2-4, 13a, 15-19 God comes to judge Lift up your heads, for your redemption is at hand. (Luke 21:28) O Lord, I have heard your renown, and feared, O Lord, your work. In the course of the years revive it, in the course of the years make it known; in your wrath remember compassion! God comes from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran. Covered are the heavens with his glory, and with his praise the earth is filled. His splendor spreads like the light; rays shine forth from beside him, where his power is concealed. You come forth to save your people, to save your anointed one You tread the sea with your steeds amid the churning of the deep waters. I hear, and my body trembles; at the sound, my lips quiver. Decay invades my bones, my legs tremble beneath me. I await the day of distress that will come upon the people who attack us. For though the fig tree blossom not nor fruit be on the vines, Though the yield of the olive fail and the terraces produce no nourishment, Though the flocks disappear from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, Yet I will rejoice in the Lord and exult in my saving God. God, my Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet swift as those of hinds and enables me to go upon the heights. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. You go forth to save your people, to save your anointed one, alleluia. Ant. 3 Zion, give praise to your God; he has brought peace to your borders, alleluia. Psalm 147:12-20 The restoration of Jerusalem Come, I will show you the bride of the Lamb (Revelation 21:9) O praise the Lord, Jerusalem! Zion praise your God! He has strengthened the bars of your gates he has blessed the children within you. He established peace on your borders, he feeds you with finest wheat. He sends out his word to the earth and swiftly runs his command. He showers down snow white as wool, he scatters hoar-frost like ashes. He hurls down hailstones like crumbs. The waters are frozen at his touch; he sends forth his word and it melts them: at the breath of his mouth the waters flow. He makes his word known to Jacob, to Israel his laws and decrees. He has not dealt thus with other nations; he has not taught them his decrees. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Psalm-prayer Lord, you established peace within the borders of Jerusalem. Give the fullness of peace now to your faithful people. May peace rule us in this life and possess us in eternal life. You are about to fill us with the best of wheat: grant that what we see dimly now as in a mirror, we may come to perceive clearly in the brightness of your truth. Ant. Zion, give praise to your God; he has brought peace to your borders, alleluia. READING Acts 5:30-32 The God of our fathers has raised up Jesus whom you put to death, hanging him on a tree. He whom God has exalted at his right hand as ruler and savior is to bring repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. We testify to this. So too does the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those that obey him. Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) – a moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church. RESPONSORY The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia. — The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia. He hung upon the cross for us, — alleluia, alleluia. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, — The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia. CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH Ant. Because he suffered death, we see Jesus crowned with glory and honor, alleluia. Luke 1:68 – 79 The Messiah and his forerunner Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty savior, born of the house of his servant David. Through his holy prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. Because he suffered death, we see Jesus crowned with glory and honor, alleluia. INTERCESSIONS God the Father raised up Christ through the Spirit, and will also raise up our mortal bodies. Let us cry out to him: Lord, raise us to life through your Holy Spirit. All-holy Father, you accepted the holocaust of your Son in raising him from the dead, — accept the offering we make today, and lead us to eternal life. Lord, raise us to life through your Holy Spirit. Look with favor on all we do today, — that it may be for your glory and the sanctification of the world. Lord, raise us to life through your Holy Spirit. May our work today not be in vain but for the good of the whole world, — and through it lead us to your kingdom. Lord, raise us to life through your Holy Spirit. Open our eyes today to recognize our brothers and sisters, and our hearts to love them, — so that we may love and serve each other. Lord, raise us to life through your Holy Spirit. 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. Concluding Prayer Hear our prayers, O Lord, so that what was promised by the sanctifying power of your Word may everywhere be accomplished through the working of the Gospel and that all your adopted children may attain what the testimony of truth has foretold. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and

    19 min

  2. 1D AGO

    May 25th, 2026 – Night Prayer – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours

    Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours: Vol I, 1175 Vol II, 1632 Vol III, 1275 Vol IV, 1239 Christian Prayer: 1041 General instruction: Please pray with us actively, especially by joining with us in saying antiphons and responses, most of which are indicated in this highlight. Consider an examination of your own conscience before beginning to best make use of our time together in prayer. Night Prayer for Monday God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. Examination of conscience: We are called to have a clear conscience toward God and toward men, in our hearts and in our minds, in our actions and inactions. To do so, it is vital that we examine our conscience daily and to ask for God’s mercy as we fall short and to ask for His strength to do better. Lord Jesus, you came to reconcile us to one another and to the Father: Lord, have mercy. — Lord, have mercy. Lord Jesus, you heal the wounds of sin and division: Christ, have mercy. — Christ, have mercy. Lord Jesus, you intercede for us with your Father: Lord, have mercy. — Lord, have mercy. HYMN 1 The day you gave us, Lord, is ended, the darkness falls at your request. To you our morning hymns ascended; your praise shall sanctify our rest. 2 We thank you that your church, unsleeping while earth rolls onward into light, through all the world her watch is keeping, and rests not now by day or night. 3 As o'er each continent and island each dawn leads on another day, the voice of prayer is never silent, nor dies the strain of praise away. 4. The sun that bids us rest is waking your people 'neath the western sky, and hour by hour new lips are making the wondrous doings heard on high. 5 So be it, Lord: your throne shall never, like earth's proud empires, pass away. Your kingdom stands and grows forever, till all your creatures own your sway. 𝄞"The Day You Gave Us Lord is Ended" by Eva Zlatkovic Ristic • Musical Score • Text: John Ellerton, 1826-1893, A Liturgy for Missionary Meetings, 1879, and Church Hymns, 1871, alt.; Tune: St. Clement, 9898; Clement Cotterill Scholefield, 1839-1904, SPCK Church Hymns with Tunes, 1874; Recording copyright 2016 Surgeworks PSALMODY Ant. 1 O Lord, our God, unwearied is your love for us. Psalm 86 Poor man’s prayer in trouble Blessed be God who comforts us in all our trials (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). Turn your ear, O Lord, and give answer for I am poor and needy. Preserve my life, for I am faithful; save the servant who trusts in you. You are my God, have mercy on me, Lord, for I cry to you all day long. Give joy to your servant, O Lord, for to you I lift up my soul. O Lord, you are good and forgiving, full of love to all who call. Give heed, O Lord, to my prayer and attend to the sound of my voice. In the day of distress I will call and surely you will reply. Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord; nor work to compare with yours. All the nations shall come to adore you and glorify your name, O Lord: for you are great and do marvelous deeds, you who alone are God. Show me, Lord, your way so that I may walk in your truth. Guide my heart to fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart and glorify your name for ever; for your love to me has been great: you have saved me from the depths of the grave. The proud have risen against me; ruthless men seek my life; to you they pay no heed. But you, God of mercy and compassion, slow to anger, O Lord, abounding in love and truth, turn and take pity on me. O give your strength to your servant and save your handmaid’s son. Show me the sign of your favor that my foes may see to their shame that you console me and give me your help. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. O Lord, our God, unwearied is your love for us. READING 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 God has destined us for acquiring salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us, that all of us, whether awake or asleep, together might live with him. RESPONSORY Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. — Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth. — I commend my spirit. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, — Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. CANTICLE OF SIMEON Ant. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace. Luke 2:29-32 Christ is the light of the nations and the glory of Israel Lord, now you let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people: a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace. Concluding Prayer Lord, give our bodies restful sleep and let the work we have done today bear fruit in eternal life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. — Amen. BLESSING May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful death. — Amen. Antiphon or song in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, Our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve, to you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley, of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet virgin Mary.

    10 min

  3. 1D AGO

    May 25th, 2026 – Evening Prayer – Memorial – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours

    Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III: Ordinary: 668 Psalter: Monday, Week IV, 1159 Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary: 1634 Concluding prayer, see UCCCB.org/motherofthechurch Christian Prayer: Ordinary: 694 Psalter: Monday, Week IV, 942 Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary: 1378 Evening Prayer for the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. HYMN Hail, O Star of ocean, God's own Mother bearest, Ever sinless Virgin, Heaven's portal fairest. Taking that sweet Ave Which by Gabriel spoken, Eva's own name reversing, Be of peace the token. Break the sinner's fetters, Light to blind restoring, All our ills dispelling, Every grace imploring. Show thyself a mother In thy supplication, He will hear who chose thee At His Incarnation. Virgin all excelling, Passing meek and lowly, Win for sinners pardon, Make us chaste and holy. As we journey onward Aid our weak endeavor, Till we gaze on Jesus And rejoice forever. Father, Son, and Spirit, Three in One confessing, Give we equal glory Equal praise and blessing. Amen. 𝄞"Hail, O Star of Ocean" by Kathleen Lundquist • Title: Hail, O Star of Ocean; Text: Ave maris stella, 8th c.; Origin: unknown; Translation: Athelstan Riley, alt.; Tune: Chant, Mode I; Lumen Christi Hymnal; Artist: Kathleen Lundquist; Recording copyright 2016 by Surgeworks, Inc. PSALMODY Ant. 1 Give thanks to the Lord, for his great love is without end. Psalm 136 Easter Hymn We praise God by recalling his marvelous deeds (Cassiodorus). I O give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love endures for ever. Give thanks to the God of gods for his love endures for ever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his love endures for ever; who alone has wrought marvelous works, for his love endures for ever; whose wisdom it was made the skies, for his love endures for ever; who fixed the earth firmly on the seas, for his love endures for ever. It was he who made the great lights, for his love endures for ever; the sun to rule in the day, for his love endures for ever; the moon and the stars in the night, for his love endures for ever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. Give thanks to the Lord, for his great love is without end. Ant. 2 Great and wonderful are your deeds, Lord God the Almighty. II The first-born of the Egyptians he smote, for his love endures for ever. He brought Israel out from their midst, for his love endures for ever; arm outstretched, with power in his hand, for his love endures for ever. He divided the Red Sea in two, for his love endures for ever; he made Israel pass through the midst, for his love endures for ever; he flung Pharaoh and his force in the sea, for his love endures for ever. Through the desert his people he led, for his love endures for ever. Nations in their greatness he struck, for his love endures for ever. Kings in their splendor he slew, for his love endures for ever. Sihon, king of the Amorites, for his love endures for ever; and Og, the king of Bashan, for his love endures for ever. He let Israel inherit their land, for his love endures for ever. On his servant their land he bestowed, for his love endures for ever. He remembered us in our distress, for his love endures for ever. And he snatched us away from our foes, for his love endures for ever. He gives food to all living things, for his love endures for ever. To the God of heaven give thanks, for his love endures for ever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Psalm-prayer Almighty God, remember our lowliness and have mercy. Once you gave our fathers a foreign land to inherit. Free us today from sin and give us a share in your inheritance. Ant. Great and wonderful are your deeds, Lord God the Almighty. Ant. 3 God planned in the fullness of time to restore all things in Christ. Canticle – Ephesians 1:3-10 God our Savior Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has bestowed on us in Christ every spiritual blessing in the heavens. God chose us in him before the world began to be holy and blameless in his sight. He predestined us to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ, such was his will and pleasure, that all might praise the glorious favor he has bestowed on us in his beloved. In him and through his blood, we have been redeemed, and our sins forgiven, so immeasurably generous is God’s favor to us. God has given us the wisdom to understand fully the mystery, the plan he was pleased to decree in Christ. A plan to be carried out in Christ, in the fullness of time, to bring all things into one in him, in the heavens and on earth. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. God planned in the fullness of time to restore all things in Christ. READING Galatians 4:4-5 When the designated time had come, God sent forth his Son born of a woman, born under the law, to deliver from the law those who were subjected to it, so that we might receive our status as adopted sons. Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) A moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church. RESPONSORY Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. — Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. — The Lord is with you. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, — Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. CANTICLE OF MARY Ant. Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary, for your great faith; all that the Lord promised you will come to pass through you. Luke 1:46-55 The soul rejoices in the Lord My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary, for your great faith; all that the Lord promised you will come to pass through you. INTERCESSIONS Let us praise God our almighty Father, who wished that Mary, his Son’s mother, be celebrated by each generation. Now in need we ask: Mary, full of grace, intercede for us. O God, worker of miracles, you made the immaculate Virgin Mary share, body and soul, in your Son’s glory in heaven, — direct the hearts of your children to that same glory. Mary, full of grace, intercede for us. You made Mary our mother. Through her intercession grant strength to the weak, comfort to the sorrowing, pardon to sinners, — salvation and peace to all. Mary, full of grace, intercede for us. You made Mary full of grace, — grant all men the joyful abundance of your grace. Mary, full of grace, intercede for us. Make your Church of one mind and one heart in love, — and help all those who believe to be one in prayer with Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary, full of grace, intercede for us. You crowned Mary queen of heaven, — may all the dead rejoice in your kingdom with the saints for ever. Mary, full of grace, intercede for 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, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Concluding Prayer O God, Father of mercies, whose Only Begotten Son, as he hung upon the Cross, chose the Blessed Virgin Mary, his Mother, to be our Mother also, grant, we pray, that with her loving help your Church may be more fruitful day by day and, exulting in the holiness of her children, may draw to her embrace all the families of the peoples. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. — Amen. DISMISSAL May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. — Amen.

    16 min

  4. 1D AGO

    May 25th, 2026 – Midafternoon Prayer – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours

    Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III: Ordinary: 659 Complementary Psalter: 1295 (Series III, Midafternoon) Psalter: Monday, Week IV, 1158 (Midafternoon) Midafternoon Prayer for Monday in Ordinary Time using Complementary Psalmody God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. HYMN O God, creation’s secret force, Thyself unmoved, all motion’s source, Who from the morn till evening's ray Through all its changes guid’st the day: Grant us, when this short life is past, The glorious evening that shall last; That, by a holy death attained, Eternal glory may be gained. O Father, that we ask be done, Through Jesus Christ, Thine only Son; With the Holy Spirit and Thee, Shall live and reign eternally. 𝄞"O God, Creation's Secret Force" by Johanna Montealto • Musical Score • Title: O God, Creation's Secret Force; Words: At­trib­ut­ed to St. Am­brose of Mi­lan, 4th Cen­tu­ry; Trans­lat­ion from La­tin to Eng­lish by John M. Neale, 1852; Recording copyright 2016 Surgeworks • Albums that contain this Hymn: Divine Office PSALMODY Ant. 1 The Lord has done great things for us; he is the source of all our joy. Psalm 126 Joyful hope in God Companions with him in suffering, you will share his over-flowing happiness (2 Corinthians 1:7) When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage, it seemed like a dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, on our lips there were songs. The heathens themselves said: “What marvels the Lord worked for them!” What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad. Deliver us, O Lord, from our bondage as streams in dry land. Those who are sowing in tears will sing when they reap. They go out, they go out, full of tears, carrying seed for the sowing: they come back, they come back, full of song, carrying their sheaves Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. The Lord has done great things for us; he is the source of all our joy. Ant. 2 May the Lord build our house and watch over our city. Psalm 127 Apart from God our labors are worthless You are God’s building (1 Corinthians 3:9) If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do its builders labor; if the Lord does not watch over the city, in vain does the watchman keep vigil. In vain is your earlier rising, your going later to rest, you who toil for the bread you eat, when he pours gifts on his beloved while they slumber. Truly sons are a gift from the Lord, a blessing, the fruit of the womb. Indeed the sons of youth are like arrows in the hand of a warrior. O the happiness of the man who has filled his quiver with these arrows! He will have no cause for shame when he disputes with his foes in the gateways. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. May the Lord build our house and watch over our city. Ant. 3 Blessed are those who fear the Lord. Psalm 128 Happiness of family life rooted in God “May the Lord bless you from Zion,” that is, from the Church (Arnobius) O blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways! By the labor of your hands you shall eat. You will be happy and prosper; your wife like a fruitful vine in the heart of your house; Your children like shoots of the olive, around your table. Indeed thus shall be blessed the man who fears the Lord. May the Lord bless you from Zion all the days of your life! May you see your children’s children in a happy Jerusalem! On Israel, peace! Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. Blessed are those who fear the Lord. READING Baruch 4:21b-22 My children, call upon God, who will deliver you from oppression at enemy hands. I have trusted in the Eternal God for your welfare, and joy has come to me from the Holy One because of the mercy that will swiftly reach you from your eternal savior. Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) A moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church. Remember your tender mercies, Lord. — And the love you have shown us from of old. CONCLUDING PRAYER Lord, you call us to worship you at the hour when the apostles went to pray in the temple. We offer our prayer in the name of Jesus: may his saving power come to all who call upon his name. Grant this through Christ our Lord. — Amen. ACCLAMATION (only added when praying in community) Let us praise the Lord. — And give him thanks.

    8 min

  5. 1D AGO

    May 25th, 2026 – Midday Prayer – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours

    Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III: Ordinary: 659 All from the Psalter: Monday, Week IV, 1154 (Midday) Liturgy of the Hours Vol. IV: Ordinary: 623 All from the Psalter: Monday, Week IV, 1118 (Midday) Midday Prayer for Monday in Ordinary Time using the Current Psalmody God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. HYMN Per crucem et passionem tuam Libera nos domine, domine (repeated 4X) English translation Through Thy Cross and Passion, Good Lord, deliver us 𝄞"Per Crucem" by Melinda Kirigin-Voss • Title: Per Crucem (By Your Cross); Artist: Melinda Kirigin-Voss; Used with permission from Melinda Kirigin-Voss • Albums that contain this Hymn: Yesterday, Today, and Forever PSALMODY Ant. 1 Lord, guide my steps according to your promise. Psalm 119:129-136 XVII (Pe) A meditation on God’s law The whole law is summed up in love (Romans 13:10). Your will is wonderful indeed; therefore I obey it. The unfolding of your word gives light and teaches the simple. I open my mouth and I sigh as I yearn for your commands. Turn and show me your mercy; show justice to your friends. Let my steps be guided by your promise; let no evil rule me. Redeem me from man’s oppression and I will keep your precepts. Let your face shine on your servant and teach me your decrees. Tears stream from my eyes because your law is disobeyed. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Psalm-prayer You are just, Lord God, and righteous are your judgments. Deliver those who cry to you in their affliction; give them peace and calm to reflect on your commands. Ant. Lord, guide my steps according to your promise. Ant. 2 There is but one lawgiver and judge; who are you to judge your neighbor? Psalm 82 Denunciation of evil judges Do not attempt to judge another now; the Lord’s coming will reveal all (1 Corinthians 4:5). God stands in the divine assembly. In the midst of the gods he gives judgment. “How long will you judge unjustly and favor the cause of the wicked? Do justice for the weak and the orphan, defend the afflicted and the needy. Rescue the weak and the poor; set them free from the hand of the wicked. Unperceiving, they grope in the darkness and the order of the world is shaken. I have said to you: ‘You are gods, and all of you, sons of the Most High.’ And yet, you shall die like men, you shall fall like any of the princes.” Arise, O God, judge the earth, for you rule all the nations. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Psalm-prayer You are always true to your word, Father. Look down from heaven and put an end to our foolishness. Save us from groundless fears and help us to please you with undivided heart. Ant. There is but one lawgiver and judge; who are you to judge your neighbor? Ant. 3 I cried out to the Lord, and he heard me. Psalm 120 Longing for peace Be patient in suffering; persevere in prayer (Romans 12:12). To the Lord in the hour of my distress I call and he answers me. “O Lord, save my soul from lying lips, from the tongue of the deceitful.” What shall he pay you in return, O treacherous tongue? The warrior’s arrows sharpened and coals, red-hot, blazing. Alas, that I abide a stranger in Meshech, dwell among the tents of Kedar! Long enough have I been dwelling with those who hate peace. I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for fighting. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Psalm-prayer You declared peacemakers happy, Lord Jesus, since they will be called sons of God. Give us that peace which the world cannot give so that your Church may be freed from the schemes of arrogant men, and, devoted to works of peace, go forward joyfully to meet you, the King of Peace. Ant. I cried out to the Lord, and he heard me. READING Wisdom 15:1, 3 You, our God, are good and true, slow to anger, and governing all with mercy. To know you well is complete justice, and to know your might is the root of immortality. Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) A moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church. Lord our God, you are tender and compassionate. — You are patient, most merciful, and true to your word. CONCLUDING PRAYER Father, yours is the harvest and yours is the vineyard: you assign the task and pay a wage that is just. Help us to meet this day’s responsibilities, and let nothing separate us from your love. Grant this through Christ our Lord. — Amen. ACCLAMATION (only added when praying in community) Let us praise the Lord. — And give him thanks.

    11 min

  6. 1D AGO

    May 25th, 2026 – Midmorning Prayer – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours

    Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III: Ordinary: 659 Complementary Psalmody: 1291 (Midmorning) Psalter: Monday, Week IV, 1157 (Midmorning) Midmorning Prayer for Monday in Ordinary Time using the Complementary Psalmody God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. HYMN 1. Holy God, we praise Thy Name; Lord of all, we bow before Thee! All on earth Thy scepter claim, All in Heaven above adore Thee; Infinite Thy vast domain, Everlasting is Thy reign. 2. Hark! the loud celestial hymn Angel choirs above are raising, Cherubim and seraphim, In unceasing chorus praising; Fill the heavens with sweet accord: Holy, holy, holy, Lord. [3. Lo! the apostolic train Join the sacred Name to hallow; Prophets swell the loud refrain, And the white robed martyrs follow; And from morn to set of sun, Through the Church the song goes on.] 4. Holy Father, Holy Son, Holy Spirit, Three we name Thee; While in essence only One, Undivided God we claim Thee; And adoring bend the knee, While we own the mystery. [5. Thou art King of glory, Christ: Son of God, yet born of Mary; For us sinners sacrificed, And to death a tributary: First to break the bars of death, Thou hast opened Heaven to faith.] [6. From Thy high celestial home, Judge of all, again returning, We believe that Thou shalt come In the dreaded doomsday morning; When Thy voice shall shake the earth, And the startled dead come forth.] 𝄞"Holy God, We Praise Thy Name" by Rebecca Hincke • Available for Purchase • Musical Score • Title: Holy God, We Praise Thy Name; Text: Ignaz Franz, 1774; Translator: Clarence Augustus Walworth, 1858; Tune: GROSSER GOTT; Artist: Rebecca Hincke; Recording copyright 2016 Surgeworks • Albums that contain this Hymn: Hymns and Chants of Divine Office, Vol. 4 PSALMODY Ant. 1 I cried out, and the Lord heard me. Psalm 120 Longing for peace To the Lord in the hour of my distress I call and he answers me. “O Lord, save my soul from lying lips, from the tongue of the deceitful.” What shall he pay you in return, O treacherous tongue? The warrior’s arrows sharpened and coals, red-hot, blazing. Alas, that I abide a stranger in Meshech, dwell among the tents of Kedar! Long enough have I been dwelling with those who hate peace. I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for fighting. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. I cried out, and the Lord heard me. Ant. 2 May the Lord watch over you as you come and as you go. Psalm 121 Guardian of his people Never again will they hunger and thirst, never again know scorching heat (Revelation 7:16) I lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall come my help? My help shall come from the Lord who made heaven and earth. May he never allow you to stumble! Let him sleep not, your guard. No, he sleeps not nor slumbers, Israel’s guard. The Lord is your guard and your shade; at your right side he stands. By day the sun shall not smite you nor the moon in the night. The Lord will guard you from evil, he will guard your soul. The Lord will guard your going and coming both now and for ever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. May the Lord watch over you as you come and as you go. Ant. 3 I rejoiced in the good news they told me. Psalm 122 The holy city, Jerusalem You have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22) I rejoiced when I heard them say: Let us go to God’s house. And now our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem is built as a city strongly compact. It is there that the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord. For Israel’s law it is, there to praise the Lord’s name. There were set the thrones of judgment of the house of David. For the peace of Jerusalem pray: “Peace be to your homes! May peace reign in your walls, in your palaces, peace!” For love of my brethren and friends I say: Peace upon you. For love of the house of the Lord I will ask for your good. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. I rejoiced in the good news they told me. READING Leviticus 20:26 To me you shall be sacred; for I, the Lord, am sacred, I, who have set you apart from the other nations to be my own. Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) A moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church. How happy are we who have the Lord for our God. — We are the people he chose as his inheritance. CONCLUDING PRAYER God our Father, work is your gift to us, a call to reach new heights by using our talents for the good of all. Guide us as we work and teach us to live in the spirit that has made us your sons and daughters, in the love that has made us brothers and sisters. Grant this through Christ our Lord. — Amen. ACCLAMATION (only added when praying in community) Let us praise the Lord. — And give him thanks.

    8 min

  7. 1D AGO

    May 25th, 2026 – Morning Prayer – Memorial – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours

    Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III: Ordinary: 654 Psalter: Monday, Week IV, 1147 Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary: 1626 Concluding prayer, see UCCCB.org/motherofthechurch Christian Prayer: Ordinary: 689 Psalter: Monday, Week IV, 937 Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary: 1372 Morning Prayer for the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. HYMN O glorious Lady, throned in rest, Amidst the starry host above, Who offered nurture from your breast To God, with pure maternal love. What we had lost through sinful Eve The blossom sprung from you restores, And granting bliss to souls that grieve, Unbars the everlasting doors. O Gate, through which hath passed the King, O Hall, whence Light shone through the gloom; The ransomed nations praise and sing Life given from the Virgin womb. All laud and honor be addressed, O Jesus, Virgin-born, to you; To Father and the Spirit blest Be praised forever as is due. Amen. 𝄞"O Glorious Lady Throned in Rest" by Kathleen Lundquist, Sara Faux • Available for Purchase • Title: O Glorious Lady Throned in Rest; Text: John Mason Neale; Artist: Kathleen Lundquist; Accompaniment: Sara Faux; Recording copyright 2017 by Surgeworks, Inc. • Albums that contain this Hymn: Hymns and Chants of Divine Office, Vol. 1 PSALMODY Ant. 1 Each morning, Lord, you fill us with your kindness. Psalm 90 May we live in the radiance of God There is no time with God: a thousand years, a single day, it is all one (2 Peter 3:8). O Lord, you have been our refuge from one generation to the next. Before the mountains were born or the earth or the world brought forth, you are God, without beginning or end. You turn men back to dust and say: “Go back, sons of men.” To your eyes a thousand years are like yesterday, come and gone, no more than a watch in the night. You sweep men away like a dream, like grass which springs up in the morning. In the morning it springs up and flowers: by evening it withers and fades. So we are destroyed in your anger, struck with terror in your fury. Our guilt lies open before you; our secrets in the light of your face. All our days pass away in your anger. Our life is over like a sigh. Our span is seventy years or eighty for those who are strong. And most of these are emptiness and pain. They pass swiftly and we are gone. Who understands the power of your anger and fears the strength of your fury? Make us know the shortness of our life that we may gain wisdom of heart. Lord, relent! Is your anger for ever? Show pity to your servants. In the morning, fill us with your love; we shall exult and rejoice all our days. Give us joy to balance our affliction for the years when we knew misfortune. Show forth your work to your servants; let your glory shine on their children. Let the favor of the Lord be upon us: give success to the work of our hands, give success to the work of our hands. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Psalm-prayer Lord, send your mercy and your truth to rescue us from the snares of the devil, and, happy to be known as companions of your Son, we will praise you among the peoples and proclaim you to the nations. Ant. Each morning, Lord, you fill us with your kindness. Ant. 2 From the farthest bounds of earth, may God be praised! Canticle – Isaiah 42:10-16 God victor and savior They were singing a new hymn before the throne of God (Revelation 14:3). Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the end of the earth: Let the sea and what fills it resound, the coastlands, and those who dwell in them. Let the steppe and its cities cry out, the villages where Kedar dwells; Let the inhabitants of Sela exult, and shout from the top of the mountains. Let them give glory to the Lord, and utter his praise in the coastlands. The Lord goes forth like a hero, like a warrior he stirs up his ardor; he shouts out his battle cry, against his enemies he shows his might: I have looked away, and kept silence, I have said nothing, holding myself in; but now, I cry out as a woman in labor, gasping and panting. I will lay waste mountains and hills, all their herbage I will dry up; I will turn the rivers into marshes, and the marshes I will dry up. I will lead the blind on their journey; by paths unknown I will guide them. I will turn darkness into light before them, and make crooked ways straight. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. From the farthest bounds of earth, may God be praised! Ant. 3 You who stand in his sanctuary, praise the name of the Lord. Psalm 135 Praise for the wonderful things God does for us He has won you for himself… and you must proclaim what he has done for you: he has called you out of darkness into his own wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9). Praise the name of the Lord, praise him, servants of the Lord, who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. Praise the Lord for the Lord is good. Sing a psalm to his name for he is loving. For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself and Israel for his own possession. For I know the Lord is great, that our Lord is high above all gods. The Lord does whatever he wills, in heaven, on earth, in the seas. He summons clouds from the ends of the earth; makes lightning produce the rain; from his treasuries he sends forth the wind. The first-born of the Egyptians he smote, of man and beast alike. Signs and wonders he worked in the midst of your land, O Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants. Nations in their greatness he struck and kings in their splendor he slew. Sihon, king of the Amorites, Og, the king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan. He let Israel inherit their land; on his people their land he bestowed. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Psalm-prayer Where two or three gather in your name, Lord, you promised to be with them and share their fellowship. Look down upon your family gathered here in your name, and graciously pour out your blessing upon us. Ant. You who stand in his sanctuary, praise the name of the Lord. READING Isaiah 61:10 I rejoice heartily in the Lord, in my God is the joy of my soul; For he has clothed me with a robe of salvation, and wrapped me in a mantle of justice, like a bride bedecked with her jewels. Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) – a moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church. RESPONSORY The Lord has chosen her, his loved one from the beginning. — The Lord has chosen her, his loved one from the beginning. He has taken her to live with him, — his loved one from the beginning. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, — The Lord has chosen her, his loved one from the beginning. CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH Ant. Eve shut all her children out of Paradise; the Virgin Mary opened wide its gates. Luke 1:68-79 The Messiah and his forerunner Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty savior, born of the house of his servant David. Through his holy prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. Eve shut all her children out of Paradise; the Virgin Mary opened wide its gates. INTERCESSIONS Let us glorify our Savior, who chose the Virgin Mary for his mother. Let us ask him: May your mother intercede for us, Lord. Son of Justice, the immaculate Virgin was the white dawn announcing your rising, — grant that we may always live in the light of your coming. May your mother intercede for us, Lord. Eternal Word, you chose Mary as the uncorrupted ark of your dwelling place, — free us from the corruption of sin. May your mother intercede for us, Lord. Savior of Mankind, your mother stood at the foot of your cross, — grant through her intercession, that we may rejoice to share in your passion. May your mother intercede for us, Lord. With ultimate generosity and love, you gave Mary as a mother to your beloved disciple, — help us to live as worthy sons of so noble a mother. May your mother intercede for us, Lord. 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. Concluding Prayer O God, Father of mercies, whose Only Begotten Son, as he hung upon the

    18 min

  8. 1D AGO

    May 25th, 2026 – Office of Readings – Memorial – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours

    Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III: Ordinary: 651 Psalter: Monday, Week IV, 1143 Proper of Seasons: 263 Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary: 1614 Concluding prayer, see UCCCB.org/motherofthechurch Office of Readings for the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. HYMN Ave Maria, gratia plena Maria, gratia plena Maria, gratia plena Ave, ave dominus Dominus tecum Benedicta tu in mulieribus Et benedictus Et benedictus fructus ventris Ventris tui, Jesus Ave Maria! Ave Maria Mater Dei Ora pro nobis peccatoribus Ora, ora pro nobis Ora ora pro nobis peccatoribus Nunc et in hora mortis In hora mortis, nostrae In hora mortis mortis nostrae In hora mortis, nostrae Ave Maria! English Translation Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. 𝄞"Ave Maria" by Melinda Kirigin-Voss • Title: Ave Maria; Composer: Franz Schubert; Artist: Melinda Kirigin-Voss; Used with permission PSALMODY Ant. 1 How good is the God of Israel to the pure of heart! Psalm 73 Why is it that the good have many troubles? Blessed is the man who does not lose faith in me (Matthew 11:6). I How good God is to Israel, to those who are pure of heart. Yet my feet came close to stumbling, my steps had almost slipped for I was filled with envy of the proud when I saw how the wicked prosper. For them there are no pains; their bodies are sound and sleek. They have no share in men’s sorrows; they are not stricken like others. So they wear their pride like a necklace, they clothe themselves with violence. Their hearts overflow with malice, their minds seethe with plots. They scoff; they speak with malice; from on high they plan oppression. They have set their mouths in the heavens and their tongues dictate to the earth. So the people turn to follow them and drink in all their words. They say: “How can God know? Does the Most High take any notice?” Look at them, such are the wicked, but untroubled, they grow in wealth. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. How good is the God of Israel to the pure of heart! Ant. 2 Their laughter will turn to weeping, their merriment to grief. II How useless to keep my heart pure and wash my hands in innocence, when I was stricken all day long, suffered punishment day after day. Then I said: “If I should speak like that, I should abandon the faith of your people.” I strove to fathom this problem, too hard for my mind to understand, until I pierced the mysteries of God and understood what becomes of the wicked. How slippery the paths on which you set them; you make them slide to destruction. How suddenly they come to their ruin, wiped out, destroyed by terrors. Like a dream one wakes from, O Lord, when you wake you dismiss them as phantoms. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. Their laughter will turn to weeping, their merriment to grief. Ant. 3 Those who depart from you will perish; my joy is to remain with you, my God. III And so when my heart grew embittered and when I was cut to the quick, I was stupid and did not understand, no better than a beast in your sight. Yet I was always in your presence; you were holding me by my right hand. You will guide me by your counsel and so you will lead me to glory. What else have I in heaven but you? Apart from you I want nothing on earth. My body and my heart faint for joy; God is my possession for ever. All those who abandon you shall perish; you will destroy all those who are faithless. To be near God is my happiness. I have made the Lord God my refuge. I will tell of all your works at the gates of the city of Zion. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Psalm-prayer It is good to be with you, Father; in you is fullness of life for your faithful people; in you all hope resides. May you lead us to everlasting happiness. Ant. Those who depart from you will perish; my joy is to remain with you, my God. Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) A moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church. Blessed are those who hear the word of God. — And cherish it in their hearts. READINGS First reading From the book of Job 2:1-13 Job in his affliction is visited by friends Once again the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them. And the Lord said to Satan, “Whence do you come?” And Satan answered the Lord and said, “From roaming the earth and patrolling it.” And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job, and that there is no one on earth like him, faultless and upright, fearing God and avoiding evil? He still holds fast to his innocence although you incited me against him to ruin him without cause.” And Satan answered the Lord and said, “Skin for skin! All that a man has will he give for his life. But now put forth your hand and touch his bone and his flesh, and surely he will blaspheme you to your face.” And the Lord said to Satan, “He is in your power; only spare his life.” So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord and smote Job with severe boils from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head. And he took a potsherd to scrape himself, as he sat among the ashes. Then his wife said to him, “Are you still holding to your innocence? Curse God and die.” But he said to her, “Are even you going to speak as senseless women do? We accept good things from God; and should we not accept evil?” Through all this, Job said nothing sinful. Now when three of Job’s friends heard of all the misfortune that had come upon him, they set out each one from his own place: Eliphaz from Teman, Bildad from Shuh, and Zophar from Naamath. They met and journeyed together to give him sympathy and comfort. But when, at a distance, they lifted up their eyes and did not recognize him, they began to weep aloud; they tore their cloaks and threw dust upon their heads. Then they sat down upon the ground with him seven days and seven nights, but none of them spoke a word to him; for they saw how great was his suffering. RESPONSORY Psalm 38:2, 3, 4, 12 O God, do not chastise me in your anger, for your arrows have pierced me through. — My body is sick because of your indignation. My friends and neighbors avoid me in my sickness. — My body is sick because of your indignation. Second reading From a sermon by Saint Sophronius, bishop Through Mary the Father’s blessing has shone forth on mankind Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you. What joy could surpass this, O Virgin Mother? What grace can excel that which God has granted to you alone? What could be imagined more dazzling or more delightful? Before the miracle we witness in you, all else pales; all else is inferior when compared with the grace you have been given. All else, even what is most desirable, must take second place and enjoy a lesser importance. The Lord is with you. Who would dare challenge you? You are God’s mother; who would not immediately defer to you and be glad to accord you a greater primacy and honor? for this reason, when I look upon the privilege you have above all creatures, I extol you with the highest praise: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you. On your account joy has not only graced men, but is also granted to the powers of heaven. Truly, you are blessed among women. For you have changed Eve’s curse into a blessing; and Adam, who hitherto lay under a curse, has been blessed because of you. Truly, you are blessed among women. Through you the Father’s blessing has shone forth on mankind, setting them free of their ancient curse. Truly, you are blessed among women, because through you your forbears have found salvation. For you were to give birth to the Savior who was to win them salvation. Truly, you are blessed among women, for without seed you have borne, as your fruit, him who bestows blessings on the whole world and redeems it from that curse that made it sprout thorns. Truly, you are blessed among women, because, though a woman by nature, you will become, in reality, God’s mother. If he whom you are to bear is truly God made flesh, then rightly do we call you God’s mother. For you have truly given birth to God. Enclosed within your womb is God himself. He makes his abode in you and comes forth from you like a bridegroom, winning joy for all and bestowing God’s light on all. You, O Virgin, are like a clear and shining sky, in which God has set his tent. From you he comes forth like a bridegroom leaving his chamber. Like a giant running his course, he will run the course of his life which will bring salvation for all who will ever live, and extending from the highest heavens to the end of them, it will fill all things with divine warmth and with life-giving brightness. RESPONSORY Truly you are the most favored of women; where Eve brought a curse, you brought a blessing. — Through you the Father’s Gift has been bestowed on us. Through you, your ancestors have found salvation. — Through you the Father’s Gift has been bestowed on us. CONCLUDING PRAYER O God, Father of mercies, whose Only Begotten Son, as he hung upon the Cross, chose the Blessed Virgin

    19 min
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Daily scripture readings, psalms, and prayers that follow in the ancient traditions of the Church. Follow along using the session outlines at DivineOffice.org or by using the Divine Office iPhone, iPod, iPad app or Android app. From ancient times the Church has had the custom of celebrating each day the liturgy of the hours. In this way the Church fulfills the Lord’s precept to pray without ceasing, at once offering praise to God the Father and interceding for the salvation of the world. For this expressed purpose, the recordings of the Hours presented here are intended to expand awareness of this Liturgy, introduce and practice the structure of this prayer, and to assist in the recitation of the Liturgy in small groups, domestic prayer and where common celebration is not possible.

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