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

Lord, open my lips.

— And my mouth will proclaim your praise.

Ant. Come, let us worship Christ, chief shepherd of the flock, alleluia.

Psalm 95

Come, let us sing to the Lord

and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us.

Let us approach him with praise and thanksgiving

and sing joyful songs to the Lord.

Ant. Come, let us worship Christ, chief shepherd of the flock, alleluia.

The Lord is God, the mighty God,

the great king over all the gods.

He holds in his hands the depths of the earth

and the highest mountains as well

He made the sea; it belongs to him,

the dry land, too, for it was formed by his hands.

Ant. Come, let us worship Christ, chief shepherd of the flock, alleluia.

Come, then, let us bow down and worship,

bending the knee before the Lord, our maker,

For he is our God and we are his people,

the flock he shepherds.

Ant. Come, let us worship Christ, chief shepherd of the flock, alleluia.

Today, listen to the voice of the Lord:

Do not grow stubborn, as your fathers did

in the wilderness,

when at Meriba and Massah

they challenged me and provoked me,

Although they had seen all of my works.

Ant. Come, let us worship Christ, chief shepherd of the flock, alleluia.

Forty years I endured that generation.

I said, “They are a people whose hearts go astray

and they do not know my ways.”

So I swore in my anger,

“They shall not enter into my rest.”

Ant. Come, let us worship Christ, chief shepherd of the flock, alleluia.

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. Come, let us worship Christ, chief shepherd of the flock, alleluia.

Ribbon Placement:

Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III:

Ordinary: 651

Psalter: Friday, Week I, 786

Proper of Saints: 1565

Proper of Seasons: 562

Common of Pastors: 1737

Christian Prayer:

Does not contain Office of Readings.

Office of Readings for Friday in Ordinary Time, the Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest

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
The King of love my shepherd is,

Whose goodness fails me never.

I nothing lack if I am His,

and He is mine forever.

Where streams of living water flow,

my ransomed soul He's leading;

and where the verdant pastures grow,

with food celestial feeding.

Perverse and foolish, oft I strayed,

but yet in love He sought me;

and on His shoulder gently laid,

and home, rejoicing, brought me.

In death's dark vale I fear no ill,

with You, dear Lord, beside me;

Your rod and staff my comfort still,

Your cross before to guide me.

You spread a table in my sight;

Your unction grace bestowing;

and oh, what transport of delight

from Your pure chalice flowing!

And so through all the length of days,

Your goodness fails me never;

Good Shepherd, may I sing Your praise

within Your house forever.

𝄞"The King of Love My Shepherd Is" by Johanna Montealto • Musical Score • Title: The King of love my Shepherd is Author: H. W. Baker (1868) Tune: ST. COLUMBA, Ancient Irish melody; Recording copyright 2016 Surgeworks

PSALMODY

Ant. 1 Rise up Lord, and come to my aid.

Psalm 35:1-2,3c,9-19,22-23,27-28

The Lord as Savior in time of persecution

They came together… and laid their plans to capture Jesus by treachery and put him to death (Matthew 26:3-4).

I

O Lord, plead my cause against my foes;

fight those who fight me.

Take up your buckler and shield;

arise to help me.

O Lord, say to my soul:

“I am your salvation.”

But my soul shall be joyful in the Lord

and rejoice in his salvation.

My whole being will say:

“Lord, who is like you?

who rescue the weak from the strong

and the poor from the oppressor?”

Lying witnesses arise

and accuse me unjustly.

They repay me evil for good;

my soul is forlorn.

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. Rise up Lord, and come to my aid.

Ant. 2 All powerful Lord, stand by me and defend me.

II

When they were sick I went into mourning,

afflicted with fasting.

My prayer was ever on my lips,

as for a brother, a friend.

I went as though mourning a mother,

bowed down with grief.

Now that I am in trouble they gather,

they gather and mock me.

They take me by surprise and strike me

and tear me to pieces.

They provoke me with mockery on mockery

and gnash their teeth.

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. All powerful Lord, stand by me and defend me.

Ant. 3 My tongue will speak of your goodness all the day long.

III

O Lord, how long will you look on?

Come to my rescue!

Save my life from these raging beasts,

my soul from these lions.

I will thank you in the great assembly,

amid the throng I will praise you.

Do not let my lying foes

rejoice over me.

Do not let those who hate me unjustly

wink eyes at each other.

O Lord, you have seen, do not be silent,

do not stand afar off!

Awake, stir to my defense,

to my cause, O God!

Let there be joy for those who love my cause.

Let them say without end:

“Great is the Lord who delights

in the peace of his servant.”

Then my tongue shall speak of your justice,

and all day long of your praise.

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 rescue the poor from their oppressors, and you rose to the aid of your beloved Son against those who unjustly sought his life. Look on your Church as we journey to you, that the poor and weak may recognize the help you provide and proclaim your saving acts.

Ant. My tongue will speak of your goodness all the day long.

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.

You will hear the word from my mouth.

— You will tell others what I have said.

READINGS

First reading

From the second letter of the apostle Paul to the Corinthians

11:30-12:13

Paul boasts of his weakness

If I must boast, I will make a point of my weaknesses. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus knows—blessed be he forever—that I do not lie. In Damascus the ethnarch of King Aretas was keeping a close watch on the city in order to arrest me, but I was lowered in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands.

I must go on boasting, however useless it may be, and speak of visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ who, fourteen years ago, whether he was in or outside his body I cannot say, only God can say—a man who was snatched up to the third heaven. I know that this man—whether in or outside his body I do not know, God knows—was snatched up to Paradise to hear words which cannot be uttered, words which no man may speak. About this man I will boast; but I will do no boasting about myself unless it be about my weaknesses. And even if I were to boast it would not be folly in me because I would only be telling the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone think more of me than what he sees in me or hears from my lips.

As to the extraordinary revelations, in order that I might not become conceited I was given a thorn in the flesh, an angel of Satan to beat me and keep me from getting proud. Three times I begged the Lord that this might leave me. He said to me, “My grace is enough for you, for in weakness power reaches perfection.” And so I willingly boast of my weaknesses instead, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Therefore I am content with weakness, with mistreatment, with distress, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ; for when I am powerless, it is then that I am strong.

What a fool I have become! You have driven me to it. You are the ones who should have been commending me. Even though I am nothing, I am in no way inferior to the “super-apostles.” Indeed, I have performed among you with great patience the signs that show the apostle, signs and wonders and deeds of power. In what way are you inferior to the other churches except in this, that I was no burden to you? Forgive me this injustice!

RESPONSORY 2 Corinthians 12:9; 4:7

Willingly I boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me,

— for my power is made perfect in weakness.

We possess this treasure in earthen vessels to show that this surpassing power comes from God.

— For my power is made perfect in weakness.

Second reading

From the life of Saint Ignatius from his own words by Luis Gonzalez

Put inward experiences to the test to see if they come from God

Ignatius was passionately fond of reading worldly books of fiction and tales of knight-errantry. When he felt he was getting better, he asked for some of these books to pass the time. But no book of that sort could be found in the house; instead they gave him a life of Christ and a collection of the lives of saints written in Spanish.

By constantly reading these books he began to be attracted to what he found narrated there. Sometimes in the midst of his reading he would reflect on what he had read. Yet at other times he would dwell on many of the things which he had been accustomed to dwell on previously. But at this point our Lord came to his assistance, insuring that these thoughts were followed by others which arose from his current reading.

While reading the life of Christ our Lord or the lives of the saints, he would reflect and reason with himself: “What if I should do what Saint Francis or Saint Dominic did?” In this way he let his mind dwell on many thoughts; they lasted a while until other things took their place. Then those vain and worldly images would come into his mind and remain a long time. This sequence of thoughts persisted with him for a long time.

But there was a difference. When Ignatius reflected on worldly thoughts, he felt intense pleasure; but when he gave them up out of weariness, he felt dry and depressed. Yet when he thought of living the rigorous sort of life he knew the saints had lived, he not only experienced pleasure when he actually thought about it, but even after he dismissed these thoughts, he still experienced great joy. Yet he did not pay attention to this, nor did he appreciate it until one day, in a moment of insight, he began to marvel at the difference. Then he understood his experience: thoughts of one kind left him sad, the others full of joy. And this was the first time he applied a process of reasoning to his religious experience. Later on, when he began to formulate his spiritual exercises, he used this experience as an illustration to explain the doctrine he taught his disciples on the discernment of spirits.

RESPONSORY 1 Peter 4:11, 8

Whoever speaks should proclaim God’s message;

whoever ministers should serve by the power that God gives,

— so that in all of you God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.

Before all else be constant in your love for one another.

— So that in all of you God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

O God,

who raised up Saint Ignatius of Loyola

in your Church to further the greater glory of your name,

grant that by his help we may imitate him in fighting

the good fight on earth and merit to receive with him a crown in heaven.

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.

ACCLAMATION (at least in the communal celebration)

Let us praise the Lord.

— And give him thanks.

Ribbon Placement:

Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III:

Ordinary: 654

Psalter: Friday, Week I, 789

Proper of Saints: 1567

Common of Pastors: 1751

Christian Prayer:

Ordinary: 689

Psalter: Friday, Week I, 759

Proper of Saints: 1205

Common of Pastors: 1426

Morning Prayer for Friday in Ordinary Time, the Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest

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
This prudent leader, father to his people,

Whose final triumph we rejoice to honor

Rich in true merits, endless joy attaining

Now reigns in heaven.

Generous leader and a zealous master

His holy teaching showed the path of virtue

Seeking to please God with a pure intention

At every moment.

Now let us ask him for his intercession

That his compassion may win us forgiveness

Leading us sinners, penitent and contrite

Home to the Father.

Glory and honor be to God almighty,

Praise in the highest, power and dominion

Who in his wisdom rules and governs all things

His love created. Amen.

𝄞"This Prudent Leader, Father to His People - for a Priest" by Kathleen Lundquist, Sara Faux • Title: This Prudent Leader, Father to His People; Text: from Latin; Tr. St. Cecilia’s Abbey, Ryde, UK; Tune: Chant, Mode VIII; Liber Hymnarius; Artist: Kathleen Lundquist; Accompaniment: Sara Faux; Recording copyright 2017 by Surgeworks, Inc.

PSALMODY

Ant. 1 Lord, you will accept the true sacrifice offered on your altar.

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. Lord, you will accept the true sacrifice offered on your altar.

Ant. 2 All the descendants of Israel will glory in the Lord’s gift of victory.

Canticle — Isaiah 45:15-25

People of all nations will become disciples of the Lord

Every knee shall bend at the name of Jesus (Philippians 2:10).

Truly with you God is hidden,

the God of Israel, the savior!

Those are put to shame and disgrace

who vent their anger against him.

Those go in disgrace

who carve images.

Israel, you are saved by the Lord, saved forever!

You shall never be put to shame or disgrace

in future ages.

For thus says the Lord,

the creator of the heavens,

who is God,

the designer and maker of the earth

who established it,

not creating it to be a waste,

but designing it to be lived in:

I am the Lord, and there is no other.

I have not spoken from hiding

nor from some dark place of the earth.

And I have not said to the descendants of Jacob,

“Look for me in an empty waste.”

I, the Lord, promise justice,

I foretell what is right.

Come and assemble, gather together,

you fugitives from among the Gentiles!

They are without knowledge who bear wooden idols

and pray to gods that cannot save.

Come here and declare

in counsel together:

Who announced this from the beginning

and foretold it from of old?

Was it not I, the Lord,

besides whom there is no other God?

There is no just and saving God but me.

Turn to me and be safe,

all you ends of the earth,

for I am God; there is no other!

By myself I swear,

uttering my just decree

and my unalterable word:

To me every knee shall bend;

by me every tongue shall swear,

saying, “Only in the Lord

are just deeds and power.

“Before him in shame shall come

all who vent their anger against him.

In the Lord shall be the vindication and the glory

of all the descendants of 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. All the descendants of Israel will glory in the Lord’s gift of victory.

Ant. 3 Let us go into God’s presence singing for joy.

Psalm 100

The joyful song of those entering God’s temple

The Lord calls his ransomed people to sing songs of victory (Saint Athanasius).

Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth.

Serve the Lord with gladness.

Come before him, singing for joy.

Know that he, the Lord, is God.

He made us, we belong to him,

we are his people, the sheep of his flock.

Go within his gates, giving thanks.

Enter his courts with songs of praise.

Give thanks to him and bless his name.

Indeed, how good is the Lord,

eternal his merciful love.

He is faithful from age to age.

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

With joy and gladness we cry out to you, Lord, and ask you: open our hearts to sing your praises and announce your goodness and truth.

Ant. Let us go into God’s presence singing for joy.

READING Hebrews 13:7-9a

Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you; consider how their lives ended, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teaching.

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

On your walls, Jerusalem, I have set my watchmen to guard you.

— On your walls, Jerusalem, I have set my watchmen to guard you.

Day or night, they will not cease to proclaim the name of the Lord.

— I have set my watchmen to guard you.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,

— On your walls, Jerusalem, I have set my watchmen to guard you.

CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH

Ant. Would that I might know Christ and the power of his resurrection and that I might share in his sufferings.

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. Would that I might know Christ and the power of his resurrection and that I might share in his sufferings.

INTERCESSIONS

Christ is the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for his sheep. Let us praise and thank him as we pray:

Nourish your people, Lord.

Christ, you decided to show your merciful love through your holy shepherds,

— let your mercy always reach us through them.

Nourish your people, Lord.

Through your vicars you continue to perform the ministry of shepherd of souls,

— direct us always through our leaders.

Nourish your people, Lord.

Through your holy ones, the leaders of your people, you served as physician of our bodies and our spirits,

— continue to fulfill your ministry of life and holiness in us.

Nourish your people, Lord.

You taught your flock through the prudence and love of your saints,

— grant us continual growth in holiness under the direction of our pastors.

Nourish your people, 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,

who raised up Saint Ignatius of Loyola

in your Church to further the greater glory of your name,

grant that by his help we may imitate him in fighting

the good fight on earth and merit to receive with him a crown in heaven.

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.

Ribbon Placement:

Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III:

Ordinary: 659

Complementary Psalmody: 1291 (Midmorning)

Psalter: Friday, Week I, 799 (Midmorning)

Midmorning Prayer for Friday 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
We walk by faith, and not by sight;

no gracious words we hear

from Him who spoke as none e'er spoke;

but we believe Him near.

We may not touch His hands and side,

nor follow where He trod;

but in His promise we rejoice;

and cry, "My Lord and God!"

Help then, O Lord, our unbelief;

and may our faith abound,

to call on You when You are near,

and seek where You are found:

that, when our life of faith is done

in realms of clearer light,

we may behold You as You are

with full and endless sight.

𝄞"We Walk By Faith" by Johanna Montealto • Title: We Walk By Faith; Text: Henry Alford (1810-1871), alt.; Music: St. Botolph; Artist: Johanna Montealto; Recording copyright 2016 Surgeworks • Albums that contain this Hymn: Divine Office

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 Philippians 2:2b-4

Maintain your unanimity, possessing the one love, united in spirit and ideals. Never act out of rivalry or conceit; rather, let all parties think humbly of others as superior to themselves, each of you looking to others’ interests rather than his 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.

All God’s ways are faithful and compassionate.

— For those who keep his covenant and do his will.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Lord Jesus Christ,

at this hour you were led out

to die on the cross

for the salvation of the world.

We ask your forgiveness for the sins of our past

and your protection from all future evil.

Bring us to the peace and joy of that kingdom

where you live and reign for ever and ever.

— Amen.

ACCLAMATION (only added when praying in community)

Let us praise the Lord.

— And give him thanks.

Ribbon Placement:

Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III:

Ordinary: 659

All from the Psalter: Friday, Week I, 796 (Midday)

Liturgy of the Hours Vol. IV:

Ordinary: 623

All from the Psalter: Friday, Week I, 760 (Midday)

Christian Prayer:

All from the Psalter: Friday, Week I, 1017 (Midday)

Midday Prayer for Friday in Ordinary Time using 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
Almighty Ruler, God of Truth,

Who guide and master all,

The rays with which you gild the dawn

With noonday heat now fall.

O quench the fires of hatred, Lord,

Of anger and of strife,

Bring health to every mind and heart

That peace may enter life.

Most holy Father, grant our prayer

Through Christ your only Son

That in your Spirit we may live

And praise you ever one.

𝄞"Almighty Ruler, God of Truth" by Rebecca Hincke • Available for Purchase • Ralph Wright, 1808; Melody: St. Anne; Artist: Rebecca Hincke; Copyright 2016 Surgeworks • Albums that contain this Hymn: The Hymns and Chants of Divine Office, Vol. 1

PSALMODY

Ant. 1 Lightly I run in the way you have shown, for you have opened my heart to receive your law.

Psalm 119

IV (Daleth)

My soul lies in the dust;

by your word revive me.

I declared my ways and you answered:

teach me your statutes.

Make me grasp the way of your precepts

and I will muse on your wonders.

My soul pines away with grief;

by your word raise me up.

Keep me from the way of error

and teach me your law.

I have chosen the way of truth

with your decrees before me.

I bind myself to do your will;

Lord, do not disappoint me.

I will run the way of your commands;

you give freedom to my heart.

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, we are citizens of this earth and ask to be made citizens of heaven by your free gift. Help us to run in the way of your commandments and to set our hearts on you alone.

Ant. Lightly I run in the way you have shown, for you have opened my heart to receive your law.

Ant. 2 I trust in the Lord and will not be shaken.

Psalm 26

Trusting prayer of an innocent man

God chose us in Christ to be holy and sinless (Ephesians 1:4).

Give judgment for me, O Lord:

for I walk the path of perfection.

I trust in the Lord; I have not wavered.

Examine me, Lord, and try me;

O test my heart and my mind,

for your love is before my eyes

and I walk according to your truth.

I never take my place with liars

and with hypocrites I shall not go.

I hate the evil-doer’s company:

I will not take my place with the wicked.

To prove my innocence I wash my hands

and take my place around your altar,

singing a song of thanksgiving,

proclaiming all your wonders.

O Lord, I love the house where you dwell,

the place where your glory abides.

Do not sweep me away with sinners,

nor my life with bloodthirsty men

in whose hands are evil plots,

whose right hands are filled with gold.

As for me, I walk the path of perfection.

Redeem me and show me your mercy.

My foot stands on level ground:

I will bless the Lord in the assembly.

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

Send the fire of your Holy Spirit deep within us, Lord, so that we can serve you with chaste bodies and please you with pure minds.

Ant. I trust in the Lord and will not be shaken.

Ant. 3 I put all my trust in the Lord, and he has not failed me.

Psalm 28

Entreaty and thanksgiving

Father, I thank you, for you have heard my prayer (John 11:41).

To you, O Lord, I call,

my rock, hear me.

If you do not heed I shall become

like those in the grave.

Hear the voice of my pleading

as I call for help,

as I lift up my hands in prayer

to your holy place.

Do not drag me away with the wicked,

with the evil-doers,

who speak words of peace to their neighbors

but with evil in their hearts.

Blessed be the Lord for he has heard

my cry, my appeal.

The Lord is my strength and my shield;

in him my heart trusts.

I was helped, my heart rejoices

and I praise him with my song.

The Lord is the strength of his people,

a fortress where his anointed find salvation.

Save your people; bless Israel your heritage.

Be their shepherd and carry them 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

You are the strength of the people, Father. Save us from the pit of death and unite us as one in your holy temple, so that we may attain in our hearts the peace our tongues proclaim.

Ant. I put all my trust in the Lord, and he has not failed me.

READING 2 Corinthians 13:4

It is true he was crucified out of weakness, but he lives by the power of God. We too are weak in him, but we live with him by God’s power in us.

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.

I am broken, crushed to the earth.

— Speak, Lord, your word of life.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Lord Jesus Christ,

at noon, when darkness covered all the earth,

you mounted the wood of the cross

as the innocent victim for our redemption.

May your light be always with us

to guide us to eternal life in that kingdom

where you live and reign for ever and ever.

— Amen.

ACCLAMATION (only added when praying in community)

Let us praise the Lord.

— And give him thanks.