Ecclesial
Plan- Office of Readings
- Morning Prayer
- Evening Prayer
OFFICE OF READINGS
WEEK I
FIRST FRIDAY OF ADVENT
The Sign of the Cross on the lips is made as we say:
†Lord, open my lips
—and my mouth will proclaim your praise.Ant. Come, let us worship the Lord, the King who is to come.
Invitatory
(For psalm 95 on may substitute psalm 100 or 67 or 24 (If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, you should precede it with the Invitatory psalm)
Psalm 95
Encourage each other daily while it is still today (Hebrews 3:13)
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 LordThe 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 handsCome, 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.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.Forty year 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”Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
—as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.Ant. Come, let us worship the Lord, the King who is to come.
Office of Readings
(This verse and response are omitted when the hour begins with the invitatory.)
†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 forever. Amen. Alleluia [Alleluia is omitted in Lent.]
HYMN
In ancient times God spoke to man
Through prophets, and in varied ways,
But now he speaks through Christ his Son,
His radiance through eternal days.
To God the Father of the world,
His Son through whom he made all things,
And Holy Spirit, bond of love,
All glad creation glory sings.Melody: Herr Jesu Christ, Music: As Hymnodus Sacer,
mein Lebens Licht L.M. Leipzig, 1625
Text: Stanbrook AbbeyPSALMODY
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).
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 forever. 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 forever. Amen.Ant. All-powerful Lord, stand by me and defend me
Ant 3 My tongue will speak of your goodness all the day long. I
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,
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. AmenPsalm-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.
Let your compassion come upon me, Lord.
―Your salvation, true to your promise.FIRST READING
From the book of the prophet Isaiah 19: 16-25
The future conversion of Egypt and Assyria
On that day the Egyptians shall be like women, trembling with fear, because of the Lord of hosts shaking his fist at them. And the land of Judah shall be a terror to the Egyptians. Every time they remember Judah, they shall stand in dread because of the plan which the Lord of hosts has in mind for them.
On that day there shall be five cities in the land of Egypt speaking the language of Canaan and swearing by the Lord of hosts; one shall be called "City of the Sun."
On that day there shall be an altar to the Lord in the land of Egypt, and a sacred pillar to the Lord near the boundary. It shall be a sign and a witness to the Lord of hosts in the land of Egypt, when they cry out to the Lord against their oppressors, and he sends them a savior to defend and deliver them. The Lord shall make himself known to Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know the Lord in that day; they shall offer sacrifices and oblations, and fulfill the vows they make to the Lord. Although the Lord shall smite Egypt severely, he shall heal them; they shall turn to the Lord and he shall be won over and heal them.
On that day there shall be a highway from Egypt to Assyria; the Assyrians shall enter Egypt, and the Egyptians enter Assyria, and Egypt shall serve Assyria.On that day Israel shall be a third party with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing in the midst of the land, when the Lord of hosts blesses it: "Blessed be my people Egypt, and the work of my hands Assyria, and my inheritance, Israel."
RESPONSORY Isaiah 19:21; Luke 13:29On that day the Egyptians will acknowledge the Lord;
―with offerings and gifts they will worship him.
They will come from east and west, from north and
south, to be seated at the feast in the kingdom of God.
―with offerings and gifts they will worship him.SECOND READING
From the Proslogion by Saint Anselm, bishop(Cap. 1: Opera omnia, Edit. Schmitt, Secovii, 1938, 1,97-100)
Desire for the vision of God
Insignificant man, escape from your everyday business for a short while, hide for a moment from your restless thoughts. Break off from your cares and troubles and be less concerned about your tasks and labors. Make a little time for God and rest a while in him.
Enter into your mind's inner chamber. Shut out everything but God and whatever helps you to seek him; and when you have shut the door, look for him. Speak now to God and say with your whole heart: I seek your face; your face, Lord, I desire.
Lord, my God, teach my heart where and how to seek you, where and how to find you. Lord, if you are not here where shall I look for you in your absence? Yet if you are everywhere, why do I not see you when you are present? But surely you dwell in "light inaccessible." And where is light inaccessible? How shall I approach light inaccessible? Or who will lead me and bring me into it that I may see you there? And then, by what signs and under what forms shall I seek you? I have never seen you, Lord my God; I do not know your face.
Lord most high, what shall this exile do, so far from you? What shall your servant do, tormented by love of you and cast s? far from your face? He yearns to see you, and your face IS too far from him. He desires to approach you, and your dwelling is unapproachable. He longs to fin? you, and does not know your dwelling place. He strives to look for you, and does not know your face.
Lord, you are my God and you are my Lord, and I have never seen you. You have made me and remade me and you have given me all the good things I possess, and sill I do not know you. I was made in order to see you, and I have not yet done that for which I was made.
Lord, how long will it be? How long, Lord, will you forget us? How long will you turn your face away from us? When will you look upon us and hear us? When will you enlighten our eyes and show us your face? When will you give yourself back to us?
Look upon us, Lord, hear us and enlighten us, show us you.r very self. Restore yourself to us that it may go well With us whose life is so evil without you. Take pity on our efforts and our striving toward you, for we have no strength apart from you.Teach me to seek you, and when I seek you show yourself to me, for I cannot seek you unless you teach me, nor can I find you unless you show yourself to me. Let me seek y?u in ?esiring you and desire you in seeking you, find you m loving you and love you in finding you.
RESPONSORY Psalm 80: 19,20; 106:4
Never will we leave you, Lord; you will fill us with life,
and we will call on your name.
―Show us your face and we shall be saved
Remember us, Lord, because of the love you have for your people.
Come and bring us your salvation.
―Show us your face and we shall be savedPrayer
Jesus, our Lord,
Save us from our sins
Come, protect us from all dangers
And lead us to salvation,
For you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
MORNING PRAYER
WEEK I
FIRST FRIDAY OF ADVENT
(The Sign of the Cross is made as we say)
†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
(This verse and response are omitted when the hour begins with the invitatory).
HYMN
Lord, whose love in humble service
Bore the weight of human need,
Who did on the Cross, forsaken,
Show us mercy's perfect deed:
We, your servants, bring the worship
Not of voice alone, but heart;
Consecrating to your purpose
Every gift which you impart.
As we worship, grant us vision,
Till your love's revealing light,
Till the height and depth and greatness
Dawns upon our human sight;
Making known the needs and burdens
Your compassion bids us bear,
Stirring us to faithful service
Your abundant life to share.Called from worship into service
Forth in your great name we go,
To the child, the youth, the aged,
Love in living deeds to show.
Hope and health, goodwill and comfort,
Counsel, aid, and peace we give,That your children, Lord, in freedom,
May your mercy know, and live.Melody: In Babilone 87.87.0 Music: Traditional Dutch Melody:
Text: Albert Bayly, 1901—PSALMODY
Ant. 1 Lord, you will accept the true sacrifice offered on your altar.
Psalm 51
O God, have mercy on meYour 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. AmenPsalm-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 at 1esus (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. AmenAnt. 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.
(When psalm 100 is the invitatorypsalm, psalm 95, 613, is used as the third psalm at Morning Prayer).
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. AmenPsalm-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 Jermiah 30:21,22
Thus says the Lord:
His leader shall be from Jacob
And his ruler shall come from his kin.
When I summon him,
He shall approach me.
You shall be my people,
And I will be your GodRESPONSORY
Your light will come, Jerusalem;
The Lord will dawn on you in radiant beauty
―Your light will come, Jerusalem;
the Lord will dawn on you in radiant beauty.
You will see his glory within you;
―the Lord will dawn on you in radiant beauty
Glory to the Father…
―Your light will come, Jerusalem;
the Lord will dawn on you in radiant beauty.CANTICLE OF ZACHARIAH
Ant. Our God comes, born as man of David’s line, enthroned as king for ever, alleluia.
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 forever. Amen.Ant. Our God comes, born as man of David’s line, enthroned as king for ever, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
Through his Son, God the Father revealed his glory to men and women. Therefore, let our joyful cry resound:
Lord, may your name be glorified.
Teach us, Lord, to love each other,
―As Christ loved us for God’s glory.
Fill us with all joy and peace in faith,
―that we may walk in the hope and strength of the Holy Spirit.
Help all mankind, Lord, in your loving mercy,
―be near to those who seek you without knowing it
You call and sanctify the elect,
―though we are sinners, crown us with eternal happinessOur Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen..Prayer
Jesus, our Lord,
Save us from our sins
Come, protect us from all dangers
And lead us to salvation,
For you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
EVENING PRAYER II
WEEK I
FIRST FRIDAY OF ADVENT
†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 forever. Amen. Alleluia [omitted in Lent.]HYMN
When, in his own image
God created man,
He included freedom
In creation's plan.
For he loved us even
From before our birth;
By his grace he made us
Freemen of this earth.God to man entrusted
Life as gift and aim.
Sin became our prison,
Turning hope to shame.
Man against his brother
Lifted hand and sword,
And the Father's pleading
Went unseen, unheard.Then in time, our maker
Chose to intervene,
Set his love in person
In the human scene.
Jesus broke the circle
Of repeated sin,
So that man's devotion
Newly might begin.Choose we now in freedom
Where we should belong.
Let us turn to Jesus,
Let our choice be strong.
May the great obedience
Which in Christ we see
Perfect all our service
Then we shall be free!
Melody: King's Weston 65.65.D Music: R. Vaughan Williams,
1872—1958 Text: Fred Kaan, 1929—
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 Lord, lay your healing hand upon me, for I have sinned.
Psalm 41
Prayer of a sick personOne of you will betray me, yes, one who eats with me (Mark 14: 18).
Happy the man who considers the poor and the weak.
The Lord will save him in the day of evil,
will guard him, give him life, make him happy in the land
and will not give him up to the will of his foes.
The Lord will help him on his bed of pain,
he will bring him back from sickness to health.As for me, I said: "Lord, have mercy on me,
heal my soul for I have sinned against you."
My foes are speaking evil against me.
"How long before he dies and his name be forgotten?"
They come to visit me and speak empty words,
their hearts full of malice, they spread it abroad.My enemies whisper together against me.
They all weigh up the evil which is on me:
"Some deadly thing has fastened upon him,
he will not rise again from where he lies."
Thus even my friend, in whom I trusted,
who ate my bread, has turned against me.But you, O Lord, have mercy on me.
Let me rise once more and I will repay them.
By this I shall know that you are my friend,
if my foes do not shout in triumph over me.
If you uphold me I shall be unharmed
and set in your presence for evermore.Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel
from age to age. Amen. Amen.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. AmenPsalm-prayer
Lord Jesus, healer of soul and body, you said: Blessed are the merciful, they will obtain mercy. Teach us to come to the aid of the needy in a spirit of brotherly love, that we in turn may be received and strengthened by you.
Ant. Lord, lay your healing hand upon me, for I have sinned.
Ant. 2 The mighty Lord is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Psalm 46
God our refuge and strengthHe shall be called Emmanuel, which means: God—withus (Matthew 1: 23).
God is for us a refuge and strength,
a helper close at hand, in time of distress:
so we shall not fear though the earth should rock,
though the mountains fall into the depths of the sea,
even though its waters rage and foam,
even though the mountains be shaken by its waves.The Lord of hosts is with us:
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.The waters of a river give joy to God's city,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within, it cannot be shaken;
God will help it at the dawning of the day.
Nations are in tumult, kingdoms are shaken:
he lifts his voice, the earth shrinks away.The Lord of hosts is with us:
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.Come, consider the works of the Lord,
the redoubtable deeds he has done on the earth.
He puts an end to wars over all the earth;
the bow he breaks, the spear he snaps.
He burns the shields with fire.
"Be still and know that I am God,
supreme among the nations, supreme on the earth!"The Lord of hosts is with us:
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.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. AmenPsalm-prayer
All-powerful Father, the refuge and strength of your people, you protect in adversity and defend in prosperity those who put their trust in you. May they persevere in seeking your will and find their way to you through obedience.
Ant. The mighty Lord is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Ant. 3 All nations will come and worship before you, O Lord.
Canticle Revelation 15: 3-4
Hymn of adorationMighty and wonderful are your works,
Lord God Almighty!
Righteous and true are your ways,
O King of the nations!
Who would dare refuse you honor,
or the glory due your name, 0 Lord?Since you alone are holy,
all nations shall come
and worship in your presence.
Your mighty deeds are clearly seen.Ant. All nations will come and worship before you, O Lord.
READING 2 Peter 3:8b-9
In the Lord's eyes, one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years are as a day. The Lord does not delay in keeping his promise—though some consider it "delay." Rather, he shows you generous patience, since he wants none to perish but all to come to repentance.
RESPONSORY
Come and set us free, Lord God of power and might.
—Come and set us free, Lord God of power and might.
Let your face shine upon us and we shall be saved,
—Lord God of power and might.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
—Come and set us free, Lord God of power and might.CANTICLE OF MARY
( antiphon as in the Proper of Seasons.)Ant. Out of Egypt I have called my Son; he will come to save his people.
† My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, (Sign of Cross as the Canticle begins)
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 forever. Amen.Ant. Out of Egypt I have called my Son; he will come to save his people.
INTERCESSIONS
With confidence let us call upon Christ, the shepherd and guardian of our souls:
Lord, have mercy on us.
Good shepherd of God's flock,
—gather all into your Church.
Lord Jesus, help the shepherds of your pilgrim people,
—until you come again may they zealously feed your flock.
Choose from among us heralds of your word,
—to proclaim your Gospel to the ends of the earth.Take pity on all who struggle and fall along the way,
—may they find a friend to help them.
Show your glory in heaven,
—to those who listen to your voice on earth.Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.Jesus, our Lord,
save us from our sins.
Come, protect us from all dangers and lead us to salvation,
for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.