August 11th, 2026 – Midmorning Prayer – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours

August 11th, 2026 – About Today – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours

About Today Image [https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3a/Francisco_Domingo_Marques_Santa_Clara.jpg/500px-Francisco_Domingo_Marques_Santa_Clara.jpg] August 11 SAINT CLARE, VIRGIN Memorial Saint Clare was born in the 12th century in Assisi, Italy. The eldest daughter of the Count of Sasso-Rosso, her upbringing was sophisticated yet pious. In her late teens, Saint Clare heard Saint Francis of Assisi preach and it ignited in her a desire to follow Christ in a similar way. Shortly after, she left her family home in the night and consecrated her life to Christ. Her rich garments were laid down, her hair cut off, and vows taken. Saint Francis took Saint Clare to San Paolo and placed her in the care of Benedictine nuns. When her father found out, he was furious. Saint Clare transferred to another monastery, with the help of Saint Francis, and her sister joined her in holy vows within a month. Saint Francis established a community for them, and other women, at San Damiano and the Second Order of Saint Francis was born; later called the Poor Clares. Initially, a Benedictine rule was established for these daughters but to Saint Clare, it lacked an essential element prominent within the Franciscan charism, absolute poverty. Throughout her life, Saint Clare championed for ‘Lady Poverty’ and in 1253, Pope Innocent IV granted her unique community rule approval. As abbess, Saint Clare nurtured women in Christ and sent daughters planting convents all throughout Europe. Saint Clare was canonized two years after her death by Pope Alexander IV and the Church of Santa Chiara was built in her honor. [1] Written by Sarah Ciotti [1] Catholicpedia: The Original Catholic Encyclopedia (1917) for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. s.v. “St. Clare of Assisi” [http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/catholic-encyclopedia-catholicpedia/id483529815?mt=8]

August 11th, 2026 – Invitatory – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours

Lord, open my lips. — And my mouth will proclaim your praise. Ant. The holy virgins praise their Lord and King; come, let us join in their worship, 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. The holy virgins praise their Lord and King; come, let us join in their worship, 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. The holy virgins praise their Lord and King; come, let us join in their worship, 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. The holy virgins praise their Lord and King; come, let us join in their worship, 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. The holy virgins praise their Lord and King; come, let us join in their worship, 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. The holy virgins praise their Lord and King; come, let us join in their worship, 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. The holy virgins praise their Lord and King; come, let us join in their worship, alleluia.

August 11th, 2026 – Office of Readings – Memorial – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. IV: Ordinary: 615 Psalter: Tuesday, Week III, 982 Common of Virgins: 1791 Proper of Seasons: 96 Proper of Saints: 1310 Office of Readings for Tuesday in Ordinary Time, the Memorial of Saint Clare, Virgin 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 [https://divineoffice.org/wp-content/uploads/King-of-Love-My-Shepherd-Is-The.pdf] • 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 Let God arise, let his enemies flee before him. Psalm 68 The Lord’s triumphant entrance into his sanctuary Ascending on high he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men (Ephesians 4:10). I Let God arise, let his foes be scattered. Let those who hate him flee before him. As smoke is blown away so will they be blown away; like wax that melts before the fire, so the wicked shall perish at the presence of God. But the just shall rejoice at the presence of God, they shall exult and dance for joy. O sing to the Lord, make music to his name; make a highway for him who rides on the clouds. Rejoice in the Lord, exult at his presence. Father of the orphan, defender of the widow, such is God in his holy place. God gives the lonely a home to live in; he leads the prisoners forth into freedom: but rebels must dwell in a parched land. When you went forth, O God, at the head of your people, when you marched across the desert, the earth trembled: the heavens melted at the presence of God, at the presence of God, Israel’s God. You poured down, O God, a generous rain: when your people were starved you gave them new life. It was there that your people found a home, prepared in your goodness, O God, for the poor. 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. Let God arise, let his enemies flee before him. Ant. 2 Our God is a saving God; he, the Lord, holds the keys of death. II The Lord gives the word to the bearers of good tidings: “The Almighty has defeated a numberless army and kings and armies are in flight, in flight while you were at rest among the sheepfolds.” At home the women already share the spoil. They are covered with silver as the wings of a dove, its feathers brilliant with shining gold and jewels flashing like snow on Mount Zalmon. The mountains of Bashan are mighty mountains; high-ridged mountains are the mountains of Bashan. Why look with envy, you high-ridged mountains, at the mountain where God has chosen to dwell? It is there that the Lord shall dwell for ever. The chariots of God are thousands upon thousands. The Lord has come from Sinai to the holy place. You have gone up on high; you have taken captives, receiving men in tribute, O God, even those who rebel, into your dwelling, O Lord. May the Lord be blessed day after day. He bears our burdens, God our savior. This God of ours is a God who saves. The Lord our God holds the keys of death. And God will smite the head of his foes, the crown of those who persist in their sins. The Lord said: “I will bring them back from Bashan; I will bring them back from the depth of the sea. Then your feet will tread in their blood and the tongues of your dogs take their share of the foe.” 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. Our God is a saving God; he, the Lord, holds the keys of death. Ant. 3 Kingdoms of earth, sing praise to God, make music in honor of the Lord. III They see your solemn procession, O God, the procession of my God, of my king, to the sanctuary: the singers in the forefront, the musicians coming last, between them, maidens sounding their timbrels. “In festive gatherings, bless the Lord; bless God, O you who are Israel’s sons.” There is Benjamin, least of the tribes, at the head, Judah’s princes, a mighty throng, Zebulun’s princes, Naphtali’s princes. Show forth, O God, show forth your might, your might, O God, which you have shown for us. For the sake of your temple high in Jerusalem may kings come to you bringing their tribute. Threaten the wild beast that dwells in the reeds, the bands of the mighty and lords of the peoples. Let them bow down offering silver. Scatter the peoples who delight in war. Princes will make their way from Egypt: Ethiopia will stretch out her hands to God. Kingdoms of the earth, sing to God, praise the Lord who rides on the heavens, the ancient heavens. He thunders his voice, his mighty voice. Come, acknowledge the power of God. His glory is on Israel; his might is in the skies. God is to be feared in his holy place. He is the Lord, Israel’s God. He gives strength and power to his people. Blessed be God! 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 Jesus Christ, King of the universe, you have given us joy in your holy meal. Help us to understand the significance of your death and to acknowledge you as the conqueror of death seated at the right hand of the Father. Ant. Kingdoms of earth, sing praise to God, make music in honor of the Lord. 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 have shown me how to live. — You will fill me with joy in your presence. READINGS First reading From the book of the prophet Micah 3:1-12 Jerusalem will be destroyed because of its leaders’ sins Hear, you leaders of Jacob, rulers of the house of Israel! Is it not your duty to know what is right, you who hate what is good, and love evil? You who tear their skin from them, and their flesh from their bones! They eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from them, and break their bones. They chop them in pieces like flesh in a kettle, and like meat in a caldron. When they cry to the Lord, he shall not answer them; Rather shall he hide his face from them at that time, because of the evil they have done. Thus says the Lord regarding the prophets who lead my people astray; Who, when their teeth have something to bite, announce peace, But when one fails to put something in their mouth, proclaim war against him. Therefore you shall have night, not vision, darkness, not divination; The sun shall go down upon the prophets, and the day shall be dark for them. Then shall the seers be put to shame, and the diviners confounded; They shall cover their lips, all of them, because there is no answer from God. But as for me, I am filled with power, with the spirit of the Lord, with authority and with might; To declare to Jacob his crimes and to Israel his sins. Hear this, you leaders of the house of Jacob, you rulers of the house of Israel! You who abhor what is just, and pervert all that is right; Who build up Zion with bloodshed, and Jerusalem with wickedness! Her leaders render judgment for a bribe, her priests give decisions for a salary, her prophets divine for money, While they rely on the Lord, saying, “Is not the Lord in the midst of us? No evil can come upon us!” Therefore, because of you, Zion shall be plowed like a field, and Jerusalem reduced to rubble, And the mount of the temple to a forest ridge. RESPONSORY Psalm 79:1; Daniel 3:42, 29 O God, the pagans have invaded your domain; they have desecrated your holy temple and left Jerusalem in ruins. — Do not disappoint us, but in your great mercy, deal with us gently. We have sinned and trangressed by deserting you. — Do not disappoint us, but in your great mercy, deal with us gently. Second reading From a letter to Blessed Agnes of Prague by Saint Clare, virgin Behold the poverty, humility and love of Christ Happy indeed is she who is granted a place at the divine banquet, for she may cling with her inmost heart to him whose beauty eternally awes the blessed hosts of heaven; to him whose love inspires love, whose contemplation refreshes, whose generosity satisfies, whose gentleness delights, whose memory shines sweetly as the dawn; to him whose fragrance revives the dead, and whose glorious vision will bless all the citizens of that heavenly Jerusalem. For he is the splendor of eternal glory, the brightness of eternal light, and the mirror without cloud. Queen and bride of Jesus Christ, look into the mirror daily and study well your reflection, that you may adorn yourself, mind and body, with an enveloping garment of every virtue, and thus find yourself attired in flowers and gowns befitting the daughter and most chaste bride of the king on high. In this mirror blessed poverty, holy humility and ineffable love are also reflected. With the grace of God the whole mirror will be your source of contemplation. Behold, I say, the birth of this mirror. Behold his poverty even as he was laid in the manger and wrapped in swaddling clothes. What wondrous humility, what marvelous poverty! The King of angels, the Lord of heaven and earth resting in a manger! Look more deeply into the mirror and meditate on his humility, or simply on his poverty. Behold the many labors and sufferings he endured to redeem the human race. Then, in the depths of this very mirror, ponder his unspeakable love which caused him to suffer on the wood of the cross and to endure the most shameful kind of death. The mirror himself, from his position on the cross, warned passersby to weigh carefully this act, as he said: All of you who pass by this way, behold and see if there is any sorrow like mine. Let us answer his cries and lamentations with one voice and one spirit: I will be mindful and remember, and my soul will be consumed within me. In this way, queen of the king of heaven, your love will burn with an ever brighter flame. Consider also his indescribable delights, his unending riches and honors, and sigh for what is beyond your love and heart’s content as you cry out: Draw me on! We will run after you in the perfume of your ointment, heavenly spouse. Let me run and not faint until you lead me into your wine cellar; your left hand rests under my head, your right arm joyfully embraces me, and you kiss me with the sweet kiss of your lips. As you rest in this state of contemplation, remember your poor mother and know that I have indelibly written your happy memory into my heart, for you are dearer to me than all the others. RESPONSORY Psalm 73:26; Philippians 3:8, 9 Though my flesh and my heart may fail, — God is my strength and my portion for ever. I count all that this world offers as worthless, that I may gain Christ and be found in him. — God is my strength and my portion for ever. CONCLUDING PRAYER O God, who in your mercy led Saint Clare to a love of poverty, grant, through her intercession, that, following Christ in poverty of spirit, we may merit to contemplate you one day in the heavenly Kingdom. 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.

August 11th, 2026 – Morning Prayer – Memorial – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. IV: Ordinary: 618 Psalter: Tuesday, Week III, 987 Common of Virgins: 1800 Proper of Saints: 1312 Christian Prayer: Ordinary: 689 Psalter: Tuesday, Week III, 877 Common of Virgins: 1441 Proper of Saints: 1224 Morning Prayer for Tuesday in Ordinary Time, the Memorial of Saint Clare, Virgin 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 Your lamp of virtue, work and prayer, O virgin, pleasing to the King, Has won you favor in his sight, Whose glory all the angels sing. As chosen bride of Spouse divine, The saints rejoice your face to see, His love has kept you for his own, By treasured grace of chastity. Teach us to live true Christian lives And help us with your fervent prayers That we may val’antly resist The wicked tempter’s evil snares. True model of a virgin’s life, May holy Mary beg her Son To help us exiles here below Until our course on earth is run. All glory be to God on high, Beyond the realms of time and space, Who added to the bliss above This virgin’s triumph won by grace. Amen. 𝄞"Your Lamp of Virtue, Work and Prayer" by Kathleen Lundquist [http://www.mystagogia.net], Sara Faux • Title: Your Lamp of Virtue, Work and Prayer; Text: Aptata, virgo, lampade 14th c.; 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 have blessed your land; you have forgiven the sins of your people. Psalm 85 Our salvation is near God blessed the land when our Savior came to earth. (Origen) O Lord, you once favored your land and revived the fortunes of Jacob, you forgave the guilt of your people and covered all their sins. You averted all your rage, you calmed the heat of your anger. Revive us now, God, our helper! Put an end to your grievance against us. Will you be angry with us for ever, will your anger never cease? Will you not restore again our life that your people may rejoice in you? Let us see, O Lord, your mercy and give us your saving help. I will hear what the Lord God has to say, a voice that speaks of peace, peace for his people and his friends and those who turn to him in their hearts. His help is near for those who fear him and his glory will dwell in our land. Mercy and faithfulness have met; justice and peace have embraced. Faithfulness shall spring from the earth and justice look down from heaven. The Lord will make us prosper and our earth shall yield its fruit. Justice shall march before him and peace shall follow his steps. 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 Show us your mercy, Lord; our misery is known to us. May no evil desires prevail over us, for your glory and love dwell in our hearts. Ant. Lord, you have blessed your land; you have forgiven the sins of your people. Ant.2 My soul has yearned for you in the night, and as morning breaks I watch for your coming. Canticle – Isaiah 26:1-4, 7-9, 12 Hymn after the defeat of the enemy The city wall had twelve foundation stones (see Revelation 21:14). A strong city have we; he sets up walls and ramparts to protect us. Open up the gates to let in a nation that is just, one that keeps faith. A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace; in peace, for its trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever! For the Lord is an eternal Rock. The way of the just is smooth; the path of the just you make level. Yes, for your way and your judgments, O Lord, we look to you; your name and your title are the desire of our souls. My soul yearns for you in the night, yes, my spirit within me keeps vigil for you; when your judgment dawns upon the earth, the world’s inhabitants learn justice. O Lord, you mete out peace to us, for it is you who have accomplished all we have done. 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. My soul has yearned for you in the night, and as morning breaks I watch for your coming. Ant. 3 Lord, let the light of your face shine upon us. Psalm 67 People of all nations will worship the Lord You must know that God is offering his salvation to all the world (Acts 28:28). O God, be gracious and bless us and let your face shed its light upon us. So will your ways be known upon earth and all nations learn your saving help. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. Let the nations be glad and exult for you rule the world with justice. With fairness you rule the peoples, you guide the nations on earth. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. The earth has yielded its fruit for God, our God, has blessed us. May God still give us his blessing till the ends of the earth revere him. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. 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 Be gracious and bless us, Lord, and let your face shed its light on us, so that we can make you known with reverence and bring forth a harvest of justice. Ant. Lord, let the light of your face shine upon us. READING Song of Songs 8:7 Deep waters cannot quench love, nor floods sweep it away. Were one to offer all he owns to purchase love, he would be roundly mocked. 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 My heart is ever pleading, show me your face. — My heart is ever pleading, show me your face. I long to gaze upon you, Lord. — Show me your face. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, — My heart is ever pleading, show me your face. CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH Ant. Now this wise virgin has gone to Christ. Among the choirs of virgins she is radiant as the sun in the heavens. 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. Now this wise virgin has gone to Christ. Among the choirs of virgins she is radiant as the sun in the heavens. INTERCESSIONS Christ is the spouse and crowning glory of virgins: let us praise him with joy in our voices and pray to him with sincerity in our hearts. Jesus, crown of virgins, hear us. Christ, the holy virgins loved you as their one true spouse: — grant that nothing may separate us from your love. Jesus, crown of virgins, hear us. You crowned Mary, your mother, queen of virgins: — through her intercession, let us continually serve you with pure hearts. Jesus, crown of virgins, hear us. Your handmaidens were always careful to love you with whole and undivided attention, that they might be holy in body and spirit: — through their intercession grant that the lure of this passing world may not distract our attention from you. Jesus, crown of virgins, hear us. Lord Jesus, you are the spouse whose coming was anticipated by the wise virgins: — grant that we may wait for you in hope and expectation. Jesus, crown of virgins, hear 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, who in your mercy led Saint Clare to a love of poverty, grant, through her intercession, that, following Christ in poverty of spirit, we may merit to contemplate you one day in the heavenly Kingdom. 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.

August 11th, 2026 – Midmorning Prayer – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III: Ordinary: 659 Complementary Psalmody: 1291 (Midmorning) Psalter: Tuesday, Week III, 1032 (Midmorning) Midmorning Prayer for Tuesday 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 Come, Holy Ghost, with God the Son, And God the Father, ever one! Shed forth Thy grace within our breast, And dwell with us, a ready Guest. 2 By every power, by heart and tongue, By act and deed, Thy praise be song; Inflame with perfect love each sense, That others' souls may kindle thence. 3 O Father, that we ask be done, Through Jesus Christ, Thine only Son; Who, with the Holy ghost and Thee, Shall live and reign eternally. 4 Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him o' creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 𝄞"Come, Holy Ghost, with God the Son" by Johanna Montealto • Text: St. Ambrose (c 340 - 4 April 397); Translator: J. M. Neale (1818-1866); based on tune OLD HUNDREDTH; Artist: Johanna Montealto; 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 Jeremiah 22:3 Do what is right and just. Rescue the victim from the hand of his oppressor. Do not wrong or oppress the resident alien, the orphan, or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood. 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. The Lord will judge the whole world with justice. — He will render to all peoples their just reward. CONCLUDING PRAYER All-powerful and ever-living God, in midmorning you poured out the Holy Spirit as a constant Friend and Guide for your apostles. Send that same Spirit of love to us to make us faithful witnesses to you in the sight of all mankind. Grant this through Christ our Lord. — Amen. ACCLAMATION (only added when praying in community) Let us praise the Lord. — And give him thanks.