Divine Office Morning Prayer (Lauds)

Jan 14, Morning Prayer for Wednesday of the 1st week of Ordinary Time

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III: Ordinary: 654 All from Psalter: Wednesday, Week I, 748 Liturgy of the Hours Vol. IV: Ordinary: 618 All from Psalter: Wednesday, Week I, 712 Christian Prayer: Ordinary: 689 All from Psalter: Wednesday, Week I, 738 Morning Prayer for Wednesday in Ordinary Time 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 When breaks the day, and dawn grows bright, Christ nearer seems, the Light of Light: From us, like shades that nighttime brings, Drive forth, O Lord, all darksome things. Earth’s dusky veil is torn away, Pierced by the sparkling beams of day; Our life resumes its hues apace, Soon as the Daystar shows his face. So thee, O Christ, alone we seek, With conscience pure and temper meek: With tears and chants we humbly pray That thou wouldst guide us through each day. For many’a shade obscures each sense Which needs thy beams to purge it thence; Light of the Morning Star, thy grace Shed on us from thy cloudless face. All laud to God the Father be, All praise, eternal Son, to thee; All glory, as is ever meet, To God the Holy Paraclete. Amen. 𝄞"When Breaks the Day" by Rebecca Hincke • Musical Score [https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/divineoffice/When_Breaks_the_Day.pdf] • Title: When Breaks the Day; Text: Nox et tenebrae et nubila, Prudentius; Tr Anon; Tune: Chant, Mode I; Lumen Christi Hymnal; Artist: Rebecca Hincke; Recording copyright 2016 by Surgeworks, Inc. PSALMODY Ant. 1 O Lord, in your light we see light itself. Psalm 36 The malice of sinners and God’s goodness No follower of mine wanders in the dark; he shall have the light of life (John 8:12). Sin speaks to the sinner in the depths of his heart. There is no fear of God before his eyes. He so flatters himself in his mind that he knows not his guilt. In his mouth are mischief and deceit. All wisdom is gone. He plots the defeat of goodness as he lies on his bed. He has set his foot on evil ways, he clings to what is evil. Your love, Lord, reaches to heaven; your truth to the skies. Your justice is like God’s mountain, your judgments like the deep. To both man and beast you give protection. O Lord, how precious is your love. My God, the sons of men find refuge in the shelter of your wings. They feast on the riches of your house; they drink from the stream of your delight. In you is the source of life and in your light we see light. Keep on loving those who know you, doing justice for upright hearts. Let the foot of the proud not crush me nor the hand of the wicked cast me out. See how the evil-doers fall! Flung down, they shall never rise. 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 are the source of unfailing light. Give us true knowledge of your mercy so that we may renounce our pride and be filled with the riches of your house. Ant. O Lord, in your light we see light itself. Ant. 2 O God, you are great and glorious; we marvel at your power. Canticle — Judith 16:2-3a, 13-15 God who created the world takes care of his people They were singing a new song (Revelation 5:9). Strike up the instruments, a song to my God with timbrels, chant to the Lord with cymbals. Sing to him a new song, exalt and acclaim his name. A new hymn I will sing to my God. O Lord, great are you and glorious, wonderful in power and unsurpassable. Let your every creature serve you; for you spoke, and they were made, you sent forth your spirit, and they were created; no one can resist your word. The mountains to their bases, and the seas are shaken; the rocks, like wax, melt before your glance. But to those who fear you, you are very merciful. 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 God, you are great and glorious; we marvel at your power. Ant. 3 Exult in God’s presence with hymns of praise. Psalm 47 The Lord Jesus is King of all He is seated at the right hand of the Father, and his kingdom will have no end. All peoples, clap your hands, cry to God with shouts of joy! For the Lord, the Most High, we must fear, great king over all the earth. He subdues peoples under us and nations under our feet. Our inheritance, our glory, is from him, given to Jacob out of love. God goes up with shouts of joy; the Lord goes up with trumpet blast. Sing praise for God, sing praise, sing praise to our king, sing praise. God is king of all the earth. Sing praise with all your skill. God is king over the nations; God reigns on his holy throne. The princes of the peoples are assembled with the people of Abraham’s God. The rulers of the earth belong to God, to God who reigns over all. 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 God, King of all peoples and all ages, it is your victory we celebrate as we sing with all the skill at our command. Help us always to overcome evil by good, that we may rejoice in your triumph for ever. Ant. Exult in God’s presence with hymns of praise. READING Tobit 4:15a. 16a. 18a. 19 Do to no one what you yourself dislike. Give to the hungry some of your bread, and to the naked some of your clothing. Seek counsel from every wise man. At all times bless the Lord God, and ask him to make all your paths straight and to grant success to all your endeavors and plans. 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 Incline my heart according to your will, O God. — Incline my heart according to your will, O God. Speed my steps along your path, — according to your will, O God. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, — Incline my heart according to your will, O God. CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH Ant. Show us your mercy, Lord; remember your holy covenant. 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. Show us your mercy, Lord; remember your holy covenant. INTERCESSIONS Let us give thanks to Christ and offer him continual praise, for he sanctifies us and calls us his brothers and sisters: Lord, help your brothers to grow in holiness. With single-minded devotion we dedicate the beginnings of this day to the honor of your resurrection, — may we make the whole day pleasing to you by our works of holiness. Lord, help your brothers to grow in holiness. As a sign of your love, you renew each day for the sake of our well-being and happiness, — renew us daily for the sake of your glory. Lord, help your brothers to grow in holiness. Teach us today to recognize your presence in all men, — especially in the poor and in those who mourn. Lord, help your brothers to grow in holiness. Grant that we may live today in peace with all men, — never rendering evil for evil. Lord, help your brothers to grow in holiness. 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 God our Savior, hear our morning prayer: help us to follow the light and live the truth. In you we have been born again as sons and daughters of light: may we be your witnesses before all the world. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and 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.

Jan 15, Morning Prayer for Thursday of the 1st week of Ordinary Time

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III: Ordinary: 654 All from the Psalter: Thursday, Week I, 768 Liturgy of the Hours Vol. IV: Ordinary: 618 All from the Psalter: Thursday, Week I, 732 Christian Prayer (single volume) Ordinary: 689 All from the Psalter: Thursday, Week I, 748 Morning Prayer for Thursday in Ordinary Time 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 Behold the golden Dawn arise; The paling night forsakes the skies: Those shades that hid the world from view, And us to dang'rous error drew. May this new day be calmly passed, May we keep pure while it shall last: Nor let our lips from truth depart, Nor dark designs engage the heart. So may the day speed on; the tongue No falsehood know, the hands no wrong: Our eyes from wanton gaze refrain, No guilt our guarded bodies stain. For God all-seeing from on high Surveys us with a watchful eye: Each day our every act he knows From early dawn to evening’s close. All laud to God the Father be; All praise, eternal Son, to thee; All glory, as is ever meet, To God the Holy Paraclete. Amen. 𝄞"Behold the Golden Dawn Arise" by Rebecca Hincke • Available for Purchase [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NQ5M16F/ref=dm_ws_tlw_trk11] • Musical Score [http://traffic.libsyn.com/divineoffice/Behold_the_Golden_Dawn_Arise.pdf] • Title: Behold the Golden Dawn Arise; Text: Sol ecce surgit igneus, Prudentius; Tr. John M. Neale; Tune: Chant, Mode I; Lumen Christi Hymnal; Artist: Rebecca Hincke; Recording copyright 2016 by Surgeworks, Inc. • Albums that contain this Hymn: The Hymns and Chants of Divine Office, Vol. 1 PSALMODY Ant. 1 Awake, lyre and harp, with praise let us awake the dawn. Psalm 57 Morning prayer in affliction This psalm tells of our Lord’s passion (St. Augustine). Have mercy on me, God, have mercy for in you my soul has taken refuge. In the shadow of your wings I take refuge till the storms of destruction pass by. I call to God the Most High, to God who has always been my help. May he send from heaven and save me and shame those who assail me. May God send his truth and his love. My soul lies down among lions, who would devour the sons of men. Their teeth are spears and arrows, their tongue a sharpened sword. O God, arise above the heavens; may your glory shine on earth! They laid a snare for my steps, my soul was bowed down. They dug a pit in my path but fell in it themselves. My heart is ready, O God, my heart is ready. I will sing, I will sing your praise. Awake, my soul, awake, lyre and harp, I will awake the dawn. I will thank you, Lord, among the peoples, among the nations I will praise you, for your love reaches to the heavens and your truth to the skies. O God, arise above the heavens; may your glory shine 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. Psalm-prayer Lord, send your mercy and your truth to rescue us from the snares of the devil, and we will praise you among the peoples and proclaim you to the nations, happy to be known as companions of your Son. Ant. Awake, lyre and harp, with praise let us awake the dawn. Ant. 2 My people, says the Lord, will be filled with my blessings. Canticle – Jeremiah 31:10-14 The happiness of a people who have been redeemed Jesus was to die… to gather God’s scattered children into one fold (John 11:51, 52). Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, proclaim it on distant coasts and say: He who scattered Israel, now gathers them together, he guards them as a shepherd his flock. The Lord shall ransom Jacob, he shall redeem him from the hand of his conqueror. Shouting, they shall mount the heights of Zion, they shall come streaming to the Lord’s blessings: the grain, the wine, and the oil, the sheep and the oxen; they themselves shall be like watered gardens, never again shall they languish. Then the virgins shall make merry and dance, and young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, I will console and gladden them after their sorrows. I will lavish choice portions upon the priests, and my people shall be filled with my blessings, says the Lord. 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 people, says the Lord, will be filled with my blessings. Ant. 3 The Lord is great and worthy to be praised in the city of our God. Psalm 48 Thanksgiving for the people’s deliverance He took me up a high mountain and showed me Jerusalem, God’s holy city (Revelation 21:10). The Lord is great and worthy to be praised in the city of our God. His holy mountain rises in beauty, the joy of all the earth. Mount Zion, true pole of the earth, the Great King’s city! God, in the midst of its citadels, has shown himself its stronghold. For the kings assembled together, together they advanced. They saw; at once they were astounded; dismayed, they fled in fear. A trembling seized them there, like the pangs of birth. By the east wind you have destroyed the ships of Tarshish. As we have heard, so we have seen in the city of our God, in the city of the Lord of hosts which God upholds for ever. O God, we ponder your love within your temple. Your praise, O God, like your name reaches the ends of the earth. With justice your right hand is filled. Mount Zion rejoices; the people of Judah rejoice at the sight of your judgments. Walk through Zion, walk all round it; count the number of its towers. Review all its ramparts, examine its castles, that you may tell the next generation that such is our God, our God for ever and always. It is he who leads us. 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, the body of your risen Son is the temple not made by human hands and the defending wall of the new Jerusalem. May this holy city, built of living stones, shine with spiritual radiance and witness to your greatness in the sight of all nations. Ant. The Lord is great and worthy to be praised in the city of our God. READING Isaiah 66:1-2 Thus says the Lord: The heavens are my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house can you build for me; what is to be my resting place? My hand made all these things when all of them came to be, says the Lord. This is the one whom I approve: the lowly and afflicted man who trembles at my word. 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 From the depths of my heart I cry to you; hear me, O Lord. — From the depths of my heart I cry to you; hear me, O Lord. I will do what you desire; — hear me, O Lord. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, — From the depths of my heart I cry to you; hear me, O Lord. CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH Ant. Let us serve the Lord in holiness, and he will save us from our enemies. 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. Let us serve the Lord in holiness, and he will save us from our enemies. INTERCESSIONS The Lord Jesus Christ has given us the light of another day. In return we thank him as we cry out: Lord, bless us and bring us close to you. You offered yourself in sacrifice for our sins, — accept our intentions and our work today. Lord, bless us and bring us close to you. You bring us joy by the light of another day, — let the morning star rise in our hearts. Lord, bless us and bring us close to you. Give us strength to be patient with those we meet today, — and so imitate you. Lord, bless us and bring us close to you. Make us aware of your mercy this morning, Lord, — and let your strength be our delight. Lord, bless us and bring us close to you. 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 All-powerful and ever-living God, at morning, noon, and evening we pray: cast out from our hearts the darkness of sin and bring us to the light of your truth, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and 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.

Jan 13, Invitatory for Tuesday of the 1st week of Ordinary Time

Lord, open my lips. — And my mouth will proclaim your praise. Ant. Come, let us worship our mighty King and Lord. Psalm 100 Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing for joy. Ant. Come, let us worship our mighty King and Lord. Know that he, the Lord, is God. He made us, we belong to him, we are his people, the sheep of his flock. Ant. Come, let us worship our mighty King and Lord. Go within his gates, giving thanks. Enter his courts with songs of praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name. Ant. Come, let us worship our mighty King and Lord. Indeed, how good is the Lord, eternal his merciful love. He is faithful from age to age. Ant. Come, let us worship our mighty King and Lord. 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 our mighty King and Lord.

Jan 13, Morning Prayer for Tuesday of the 1st week of Ordinary Time

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III: Ordinary: 654 All from the Psalter: Tuesday, Week I, 726 Liturgy of the Hours Vol. IV: Ordinary: 618 All from the Psalter: Tuesday, Week I, 690 Christian Prayer (single volume) Ordinary: 689 All from the Psalter: Tuesday, Week I, 728 Morning Prayer for Tuesday in Ordinary Time 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 beauty of the rising sun Begins to tint the world with light, Awakened nature glows with life As form and color reappear. Lord Jesus Christ, you far surpass The sun that shines since time began; We turn to you with joyous song That you may bless us with your smile. You are God's knowledge infinite, His Word, through whom all things were made; Their wondrous order speaks to us And draws our hearts and minds to you. Give us your light that like true sons Intrepid we may tread life's path. May all our ways and actions show The gift of God the Father's grace. Let every word our lips may say Prove our sincerity and truth, That our serenity of soul May radiate our inward joy. To you, O Christ, most kindly King, And to the Father, glory be; Praise to the Spirit Paraclete, In every age, eternally. Amen. 𝄞"The Beauty of the Rising Sun" by Rebecca Hincke • Available for Purchase [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NQ4DSXN/ref=dm_ws_tlw_trk14] • Musical Score [https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/divineoffice/The_Beauty_of_the_Rising_Sun.pdf] • Title: The Beauty of the Rising Sun; Text: Pergrata mundo nuntiat; Translation: St. Cecilia's Abbey, Ryde, Isle of Wight, UK; Tune: Chant, Mode I; Lumen Christi Hymnal; Artist: Rebecca Hincke; Recording copyright 2016 by Surgeworks, Inc. • Albums that contain this Hymn: The Hymns and Chants of Divine Office, Vol. 1 PSALMODY Ant. 1 The man whose deeds are blameless and whose heart is pure will climb the mountain of the Lord. Psalm 24 The Lord’s entry into his temple Christ opened heaven for us in the manhood he assumed (Saint Irenaeus). The Lord’s is the earth and its fullness, the world and all its peoples. It is he who set it on the seas; on the waters he made it firm. Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord? Who shall stand in his holy place? The man with clean hands and pure heart, who desires not worthless things, who has not sworn so as to deceive his neighbor. He shall receive blessings from the Lord and reward from the God who saves him. Such are the men who seek him, seek the face of the God of Jacob. O gates, lift high your heads; grow higher, ancient doors. Let him enter, the king of glory! Who is the king of glory? The Lord, the mighty, the valiant, the Lord, the valiant in war. O gates, lift high your heads; grow higher, ancient doors. Let him enter, the king of glory! Who is he, the king of glory? He, the Lord of armies, he is the king of glory. 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 King of glory, Lord of power and might, cleanse our hearts from all sin, preserve the innocence of our hands, and keep our minds from vanity, so that we may deserve your blessing in your holy place. Ant. The man whose deeds are blameless and whose heart is pure will climb the mountain of the Lord. Ant. 2 Praise the eternal King in all your deeds. Canticle – Tobit 13:1-8 God afflicts but only to heal Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great love for us has brought us to a new birth (1 Peter 1:3). Blessed be God who lives forever, because his kingdom lasts for all ages. For he scourges and then has mercy; he casts down to the depths of the nether world, and he brings up from the great abyss. No one can escape his hand. Praise him, you Israelites, before the Gentiles, for though he has scattered you among them, he has shown you his greatness even there. Exalt him before every living being, because he is the Lord our God, our Father and God forever. He scourged you for your iniquities, but will again have mercy on you all. He will gather you from all the Gentiles among whom you have been scattered. When you turn back to him with all your heart, to do what is right before him, then he will turn back to you, and no longer hide his face from you. So now consider what he has done for you, and praise him with full voice. Bless the Lord of righteousness, and exalt the King of the ages. In the land of my exile I praise him, and show his power and majesty to a sinful nation. “Turn back, you sinners! do the right before him: perhaps he may look with favor upon you and show you mercy. “As for me, I exalt my God, and my spirit rejoices in the King of heaven. Let all men speak of his majesty, and sing his praises in Jerusalem.” 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. Praise the eternal King in all your deeds. Ant. 3 The loyal heart must praise the Lord. Psalm 33 Song of praise for God’s continual care Through the Word all things were made (John 1:3). Ring out your joy to the Lord, O you just; for praise is fitting for loyal hearts. Give thanks to the Lord upon the harp, with a ten-stringed lute sing him songs. O sing him a song that is new, play loudly, with all your skill. For the word of the Lord is faithful and all his works to be trusted. The Lord loves justice and right and fills the earth with his love. By his word the heavens were made, by the breath of his mouth all the stars. He collects the waves of the ocean; he stores up the depths of the sea. Let all the earth fear the Lord, all who live in the world revere him. He spoke; and it came to be. He commanded; it sprang into being. He frustrates the designs of the nations, he defeats the plans of the peoples. His own designs shall stand for ever, the plans of his heart from age to age. They are happy, whose God is the Lord, the people he has chosen as his own. From the heavens the Lord looks forth, he sees all the children of men. From the place where he dwells he gazes on all the dwellers on the earth, he who shapes the hearts of them all and considers all their deeds. A king is not saved by his army, nor a warrior preserved by his strength. A vain hope for safety is the horse; despite its power it cannot save. The Lord looks on those who revere him, on those who hope in his love, to rescue their souls from death, to keep them alive in famine. Our soul is waiting for the Lord. The Lord is our help and our shield. In him do our hearts find joy. We trust in his holy name. May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in 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 Nourish your people, Lord, for we hunger for your word. Rescue us from the death of sin and fill us with your mercy, that we may share your presence and the joys of all the saints. Ant. The loyal heart must praise the Lord. READING Romans 13:11-14 It is now the hour for you to wake from sleep. The night is far spent; the day draws near. Let us cast off deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us live honorably as in daylight. The audio for this hour uses a longer reading taken from the single volume Christian Prayer, while this abbreviated text is from the 4 volume Liturgy of the Hours. 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 God stands by me, all my trust is in him. — My God stands by me, all my trust is in him. I find refuge in him, and I am truly free; — all my trust is in him. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, — My God stands by me, all my trust is in him. CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH Ant. God has raised up for us a mighty Savior, as he promised through the words of his holy prophets. 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. God has raised up for us a mighty Savior, as he promised through the words of his holy prophets. INTERCESSIONS Beloved brothers and sisters, we share a heavenly calling under Christ, our high priest. Let us praise him with shouts of joy: Lord, our God and our Savior. Almighty King, through baptism you conferred on us a royal priesthood, — inspire us to offer you a continual sacrifice of praise. Lord, our God and our Savior. Help us to keep your commandments, — that through the power of the Holy Spirit we may live in you and you in us. Lord, our God and our Savior. Give us your eternal wisdom, — to be with us today and to guide us. Lord, our God and our Savior. May our companions today be free of sorrow, — and filled with joy. Lord, our God and our Savior. 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 God our Father, hear our morning prayer and let the radiance of your love scatter the gloom of our hearts. The light of heaven’s love has restored us to life: free us from the desires that belong to darkness. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and 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.