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

March 23rd, 2026 – Invitatory – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. II: Antiphon: 1043 Psalm: 1298 Christian Prayer: Antiphon: 687 Psalm: 820 Lord, open my lips. — And my mouth will proclaim your praise. Ant. Today if you hear the voice of the Lord, harden not your hearts. Psalm 67 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. Ant. Today if you hear the voice of the Lord, harden not your hearts. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. Ant. Today if you hear the voice of the Lord, harden not your hearts. 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. Ant. Today if you hear the voice of the Lord, harden not your hearts. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. Ant. Today if you hear the voice of the Lord, harden not your hearts. 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. Ant. Today if you hear the voice of the Lord, harden not your hearts. 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. Today if you hear the voice of the Lord, harden not your hearts.

March 23rd, 2026 – Office of Readings – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. II: Ordinary: 1045 Proper of Seasons: 348 Psalter: Monday, Week I, 1102 Office of Readings for Monday of the 5th week of Lent 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. HYMN You are my Lord and my God and I love you Alone and rejected, His agony begins He accepts the chalice of dying for my sins Oh Jesus, Oh Jesus Will you let me stay Share a sip from your cup Watch with you and pray Betrayed and abandoned Dragged into a hall Though scourged by Roman Soldiers, Our sins hurt you most of all Oh Jesus, Oh Jesus Defended by so few So much blood from your wounds How can I comfort you You are my Lord and my God And I love you The crown of the thorns is forced upon your head I turn to face the guilty I see my sins instead Oh Jesus, Oh Jesus In your suffering In your tears, in your blood You stand as Christ the King Embracing your cross You start towards Calvary Crushed by so much evil You turn to look at me Oh Jesus, Oh Jesus Did I hear you call Asking me to stay by you To help you if you fall You are my Lord and my God And I love you You are my Lord and my God And I love you Raised on the hilltop It seems though all has failed For our salvation, Jesus, For us you were nailed Oh Jesus, Oh Jesus I have come to stay As you die upon your cross Trembling you say Love (me), why don't you love (me) Please love (me) Love me, I call out Why don't you love me I reach out Please love me Oh how I long for your love Love me, I call out Why don't you love me I reach out these hands to you Please love me Oh how I long for your love Love me, I call out Why don't you love me I reach out these hands to you Please love me Oh how I long for your love You are my lord and my God And I love you. You are my lord and my God And I love you. 𝄞"My Lord And My God" by Anthony Carnesi • Musical Score [https://divineoffice.org/wp-content/uploads/My-Lord-and-My-God-CARNESI-LoH-DivOfcOrg-F-orig-stacked-vvs-mel-only-1pg.pdf] • Title: My Lord and My God; Text: Anthony Carnesi (1948-2005); Music: Anthony Carnesi; Artist: Anthony Carnesi; (c) Margaret J Van Nostrand; Used with permission. PSALMODY Ant. 1 Show me your mercy, Lord, and keep me safe. Psalm 6 A suffering man cries to God for mercy I am filled with dismay… Father, save me from this hour (John 12:27). Lord, do not reprove me in your anger: punish me not in your rage. Have mercy on me, Lord, I have no strength; Lord, heal me, my body is racked; my soul is racked with pain. But you, O Lord… how long? Return, Lord, rescue my soul. Save me in your merciful love, for in death no one remembers you; from the grave, who can give you praise? I am exhausted with my groaning; every night I drench my pillow with tears; I bedew my bed with weeping. My eye wastes away with grief; I have grown old surrounded by my foes. Leave me, all who do evil; for the Lord has heard my weeping. The Lord has heard my plea; The Lord will accept my prayer. All my foes will retire in confusion, foiled and suddenly confounded. 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 God, you love mercy and tenderness; you give life and overcome death. Look upon the many wounds of your church; restore it to health by your risen Son, so that it may sing a new song in your praise. Ant. Show me your mercy, Lord, and keep me safe. Ant. 2 The poor are not alone in their distress; God is there to help them. Psalm 9A Thanksgiving for victory You will come again to judge the living and the dead. I I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will recount all your wonders. I will rejoice in you and be glad, and sing psalms to your name, O Most High. See how my enemies turn back, how they stumble and perish before you. You upheld the justice of my cause; you sat enthroned, judging with justice. You have checked the nations, destroyed the wicked; you have wiped out their name for ever and ever. The foe is destroyed, eternally ruined. You uprooted their cities: their memory has perished. But the Lord sits enthroned for ever. He has set up his throne for judgment; he will judge the world with justice, he will judge the people with his truth. For the oppressed let the Lord be a stronghold, a stronghold in times of distress. Those who know your name will trust you: you will never forsake those who seek 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. Ant. The poor are not alone in their distress; God is there to help them. Ant. 3 I will be the herald of your praises, Lord, where the people of Zion gather. II Sing psalms to the Lord who dwells in Zion. Proclaim his mighty works among the peoples; for the Avenger of blood has remembered them, has not forgotten the cry of the poor. Have pity on me, Lord, see my sufferings, you who save me from the gates of death; that I may recount all your praise at the gates of the city of Zion and rejoice in your saving help. The nations have fallen in the pit which they made, their feet caught in the snare they laid. The Lord has revealed himself, and given judgment. The wicked are snared in the works of their own hands. Let the wicked go down among the dead, all the nations forgetful of God. For the needy shall not always be forgotten nor the hopes of the poor be in vain. Arise, Lord, let men not prevail! Let the nations be judged before you. Lord, strike them with terror, let the nations know they are but men. 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 God, when you judge, do not be deaf to the shouts of the poor; bring havoc to the madness of oppressors. Look at our wounds and save us from the gates of death, so that we may always rejoice in your help and speak your praise in the gates of Zion. Ant. I will be the herald of your praises, Lord, where the people of Zion gather. 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. Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel. — The kingdom of God is at hand. READINGS First reading From the letter to the Hebrews 2:5-18 Jesus, the author of salvation, has become like us in every way God did not make the world to come—that world of which we speak—subject to angels. Somewhere this is testified to, in the passage that says: “What is man that you should be mindful of him, or the son of man that you should care for him? You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor, and put all things under his feet.” In subjecting all things to him, God left nothing unsubjected. At present we do not see all things thus subject, but we do see Jesus crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death: Jesus, who was made for a little while lower than the angels, that through God’s gracious will he might taste death for the sake of all men. Indeed, it was fitting that when bringing many sons to glory God, for whom and through whom all things exist, should make their leader in the work of salvation perfect through suffering. He who consecrates and those who are consecrated have one and the same Father. Therefore he is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying, “I will announce your name to my brothers, I will sing your praise in the midst of the assembly”; and, “I will put my trust in him”; and again, “Here am I, and the children God has given me!” Now, since the children are men of blood and flesh, Jesus likewise had a full share in ours, that by his death he might rob the devil, the prince of death, of his power, and free those who through fear of death had been slaves their whole life long. Surely he did not come to help angels, but rather the children of Abraham; therefore he had to become like his brothers in every way, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God on their behalf, to expiate the sins of the people. Since he was himself tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are tempted. RESPONSORY Hebrews 2:11, 17; Baruch 3:38 Christ who sanctifies men, and the men who are sanctified, are of the same stock. He had to become like his brothers in every respect, — in order to be their compassionate and faithful high priest. God was seen on earth, he lived among men. — In order to be their compassionate and faithful high priest. Second reading From the commentary on the psalms by Saint John Fisher, bishop and martyr If anyone has sinned, we have an advocate with the Father Our high priest is Christ Jesus, our sacrifice is his precious body which he immolated on the altar of the cross for the salvation of all men. The blood that was poured out for our redemption was not that of goats and calves (as in the old law) but that of the most innocent lamb, Christ Jesus our Savior. The temple in which our high priest offered sacrifice was not one made by hands but built by the power of God alone. For he shed his blood in the sight of the world, a temple fashioned by the hand of God alone. This temple, however, has two parts. The first is the earth, which we now inhabit. The second is as yet unknown to us mortals. Christ first offered sacrifice here on earth, when he underwent his most bitter death. Then, clothed in the new garment of immortality, with his own blood he entered into the holy of holies, that is, into heaven. There he also displayed before the throne of the heavenly Father that blood of immeasurable price which he had poured out seven times on behalf of all men subject to sin. This sacrifice is so pleasing and acceptable to God that as soon as he has seen it he must immediately have pity on us and extend clemency to all who are truly repentant. Moreover, it is eternal. It is offered not only each year (as with the Jews) but also each day for our consolation, and indeed at every hour and moment as well, so that we may have the strongest reason for comfort. That is why the Apostle adds: He has secured an eternal redemption. All who have embarked on true contrition and penance for the sins they have committed, and are firmly resolved not to commit sins again for the future but to persevere constantly in that pursuit of virtues which they have now begun, all these become sharers in this holy and eternal sacrifice. Saint John sets this before us in these words: My little children, I am writing this to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one. And he is the propitiation for our sins, and not only for our sins but also for those of the whole world. RESPONSORY Romans 5:10, 8, 9 If, when we were his enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, — now that we are his friends we can be even more sure that we shall be saved by the life of his Son. When we were still sinners, Christ died for us. — Now that we are his friends we can be even more sure that we shall be saved by the life of his Son. CONCLUDING PRAYER O God, by whose wondrous grace we are enriched with every blessing, grant us so to pass from former ways to newness of life, that we may be made ready for the glory of 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.

March 23rd, 2026 – Morning Prayer – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. II: Ordinary: 1049 Proper of Seasons: 352 Psalter: Monday, Week I, 1106 Christian Prayer: Ordinary: 689 Proper of Seasons: 368 Psalter: Monday, Week I, 718 Morning Prayer for Monday of the 5th week of Lent 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. HYMN According to Thy gracious word, In meek humility, This will I do, my dying Lord, I will remember Thee. Thy body, broken for my sake, My bread from heaven shall be; Thy testamental cup I take, And thus remember Thee. 𝄞"According to Thy Gracious Word" by Rebecca Hincke • Available for Purchase [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NR5TD21/ref=dm_ws_tlw_trk1] • Title: According to Thy Gracious Word; Text: James Montgomery; Tune: TALLIS' ORDINAL by Thomas Tallis, ca. 1567; Artist: Rebecca Hincke; (c) 2017 Surgeworks, Inc. • Albums that contain this Hymn: The Hymns and Chants of Divine Office, Vol. 1 PSALMODY Ant. 1 I lift up my heart to you, O Lord, and you will hear my morning prayer. Psalm 5:2-10, 12-13 A morning prayer asking for help Those who welcome the Word as the guest of their hearts will have abiding joy. To my words give ear, O Lord, give heed to my groaning. Attend to the sound of my cries, my King and my God. It is you whom I invoke, O Lord. In the morning you hear me; in the morning I offer you my prayer, watching and waiting. You are no God who loves evil; no sinner is your guest. The boastful shall not stand their ground before your face. You hate all who do evil; you destroy all who lie. The deceitful and bloodthirsty man the Lord detests. But I through the greatness of your love have access to your house. I bow down before your holy temple, filled with awe. Lead me, Lord, in your justice, because of those who lie in wait; make clear your way before me. No truth can be found in their mouths, their heart is all mischief, their throat a wide-open grave, all honey their speech. All those you protect shall be glad and ring out their joy. You shelter them; in you they rejoice, those who love your name. It is you who bless the just man, Lord: you surround him with favor as with a shield. 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, all justice and all goodness comes from you; you hate evil and abhor lies. Lead us, your servants, in the path of your justice, so that all who hope in you may rejoice with the Church and in Christ. Ant. I lift up my heart to you, O Lord, and you will hear my morning prayer. Ant. 2 We praise your glorious name, O Lord, our God. Canticle – 1 Chronicles 29:10-13 Glory and honor are due to God alone Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:3). Blessed may you be, O Lord, God of Israel our father, from eternity to eternity. Yours, O Lord, are grandeur and power, majesty, splendor, and glory. For all in heaven and on earth is yours; yours, O Lord, is the sovereignty: you are exalted as head over all. Riches and honor are from you, and you have dominion over all. In your hand are power and might; it is yours to give grandeur and strength to all. Therefore, our God, we give you thanks and we praise the majesty of your name. 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. We praise your glorious name, O Lord, our God. Ant. 3 Adore the Lord in his holy court. Psalm 29 A tribute of praise to the Word of God The Father’s voice proclaimed: “This is my beloved Son” (Matthew 3:17). O give the Lord, you sons of God, give the Lord glory and power; give the Lord the glory of his name. Adore the Lord in his holy court. The Lord’s voice resounding on the waters, the Lord on the immensity of waters; the voice of the Lord, full of power, the voice of the Lord, full of splendor. The Lord’s voice shattering the cedars, the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon; he makes Lebanon leap like a calf and Sirion like a young wild ox. The Lord’s voice flashes flames of fire. The Lord’s voice shaking the wilderness, the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh; the Lord’s voice rending the oak tree and stripping the forest bare. The God of glory thunders. In his temple they all cry: “Glory!” The Lord sat enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits as king for ever. The Lord will give strength to his people, the Lord will bless his people with 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. Psalm-prayer You live for ever, Lord and King. All things of the earth justly sing your glory and honor. Strengthen your people against evil that we may rejoice in your peace and trust in your eternal promise. Ant. Adore the Lord in his holy court. READING Jeremiah 11:19-20 Yet I, like a trusting lamb led to slaughter, had not realized that they were hatching plots against me: “Let us destroy the tree in its vigor; let us cut him off from the land of the living, so that his name will be spoken no more.” But, you, O Lord of hosts, O just Judge, searcher of mind and heart, Let me witness the vengeance you take on them, for to you I have entrusted my cause! 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 God himself will set me free, from the hunter’s snare. — God himself will set me free, from the hunter’s snare. From those who would trap me with lying words — and, from the hunter’s snare. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, — God himself will set me free, from the hunter’s snare. CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH Ant. Whoever follows me does not walk in the dark; he will have the light of life. 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. Whoever follows me does not walk in the dark; he will have the light of life. INTERCESSIONS Praise to Jesus, our Savior; by his death he has opened for us the way of salvation. Let us ask him: Lord, guide your people to walk in your ways. God of mercy, you gave us new life through baptism, — make us grow day by day in your likeness. Lord, guide your people to walk in your ways. May our generosity today bring joy to those in need, — in helping them may we find you. Lord, guide your people to walk in your ways. Help us to do what is good, right and true in your sight, — and to seek you always with undivided hearts. Lord, guide your people to walk in your ways. Forgive our sins against the unity of your family, — make us one in heart and spirit. Lord, guide your people to walk in your ways. 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, by whose wondrous grace we are enriched with every blessing, grant us so to pass from former ways to newness of life, that we may be made ready for the glory of 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.

March 23rd, 2026 – Midmorning Prayer – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. II: Ordinary: 1054 Complementary Psalmody: 1651 (Midmorning) Proper of Seasons: 354 (antiphon, reading, concluding prayer) Midmorning Prayer for Monday of the 5th Week of Lent, 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. HYMN 1. Holy God, we praise Thy Name; Lord of all, we bow before Thee! All on earth Thy scepter claim, All in Heaven above adore Thee; Infinite Thy vast domain, Everlasting is Thy reign. 2. Hark! the loud celestial hymn Angel choirs above are raising, Cherubim and seraphim, In unceasing chorus praising; Fill the heavens with sweet accord: Holy, holy, holy, Lord. [3. Lo! the apostolic train Join the sacred Name to hallow; Prophets swell the loud refrain, And the white robed martyrs follow; And from morn to set of sun, Through the Church the song goes on.] 4. Holy Father, Holy Son, Holy Spirit, Three we name Thee; While in essence only One, Undivided God we claim Thee; And adoring bend the knee, While we own the mystery. [5. Thou art King of glory, Christ: Son of God, yet born of Mary; For us sinners sacrificed, And to death a tributary: First to break the bars of death, Thou hast opened Heaven to faith.] [6. From Thy high celestial home, Judge of all, again returning, We believe that Thou shalt come In the dreaded doomsday morning; When Thy voice shall shake the earth, And the startled dead come forth.] 𝄞"Holy God, We Praise Thy Name" by Rebecca Hincke • Available for Purchase [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NTS2S3W/ref=dm_ws_tlw_trk7] • Musical Score [https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/divineoffice/Holy_God_We_Praise_Thy_Name.pdf] • Title: Holy God, We Praise Thy Name; Text: Ignaz Franz, 1774; Translator: Clarence Augustus Walworth, 1858; Tune: GROSSER GOTT; Artist: Rebecca Hincke; Recording copyright 2016 Surgeworks • Albums that contain this Hymn: Hymns and Chants of Divine Office, Vol. 4 PSALMODY Ant. 1 The time of penance has come, the time to atone for our sins and to seek our salvation. 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. 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. 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. The time of penance has come, the time to atone for our sins and to seek our salvation. READING Ezekiel 33:10b-11a Our crimes and our sins weigh us down; we are rotting away because of them. How can we survive? As I live, says the Lord God, I swear I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, but rather in the wicked man’s conversion, that he may live. 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. Create in me a clean heart, O God. — Renew in me a steadfast spirit. CONCLUDING PRAYER O God, by whose wondrous grace we are enriched with every blessing, grant us so to pass from former ways to newness of life, that we may be made ready for the glory of 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 (only added when praying in community) Let us praise the Lord. — And give him thanks.

March 23rd, 2026 – Midday Prayer – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. II: Ordinary: 1054 Proper of Seasons: 354 (Midday) Psalter: Monday, Week I, 1111 Midday Prayer for Monday of the 5th Week of Lent, using the Current Psalmody God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. HYMN Christ be near at either hand, Christ behind, before me stand, Christ with me where e’er I go, Christ around, above, below. Christ be in my heart and mind, Christ within my soul enshrined, Christ control my wayward heart; Christ abide and ne’er depart. Christ my life and only way, Christ my lantern night and day, Christ be my unchanging friend, Guide and shepherd to the end. 𝄞"Christ Be Near At Either Hand" by Rebecca Hincke • Available for Purchase [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NTSS434/ref=dm_ws_tlw_trk1] • Musical Score [https://media.musicasacra.com/books/hymns/christBeNearHymn-1.pdf] • Title: Christ Be Near At Either Hand; Text: Traditional Irish text (the Lorica of St. Patrick); Artist: Rebecca Hincke; (c) 2017 Surgeworks, Inc. • Albums that contain this Hymn: Hymns and Chants of Divine Office, Vol. 3 PSALMODY Ant. As I live, says the Lord, I do not wish the sinner to die but to turn back to me and live. Psalm 19B Praise of God who gave us the law of love You must be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48). The law of the Lord is perfect, it revives the soul. The rule of the Lord is to be trusted, it gives wisdom to the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, they gladden the heart. The command of the Lord is clear, it gives light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is holy, abiding for ever. The decrees of the Lord are truth and all of them just. They are more to be desired than gold, than the purest of gold, and sweeter are they than honey, than honey from the comb. So in them your servant finds instruction; great reward is in their keeping. But who can detect all his errors? From hidden faults acquit me. From presumption restrain your servant and let it not rule me. Then shall I be blameless, clean from grave sin. May the spoken words of my mouth, the thoughts of my heart, win favor in your sight, O Lord, my rescuer, my rock! 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 May our words in praise of your commandments find favor with you, Lord. May our faith prove we are not slaves, but sons, not so much subjected to your law as sharing your power. Psalm 7 Prayer of a God-fearing man who is being calumniated Here stands the Judge, at our very door (James 5:9). I Lord God, I take refuge in you. From my pursuer save me and rescue me, lest he tear me to pieces like a lion and drag me off with no one to rescue me. Lord God, if my hands have done wrong, if I have paid back evil for good, I who saved my unjust oppressor: then let my foe pursue me and seize me, let him trample my life to the ground and lay my soul in the dust. Lord, rise up in your anger, rise against the fury of my foes; my God, awake! You will give judgment. Let the company of nations gather round you, taking your seat above them on high. The Lord is judge of the peoples. Give judgment for me, Lord; I am just and innocent of heart. Put an end to the evil of the wicked! Make the just stand firm, you who test mind and heart, O just 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 Father, you weigh what is in our hearts. Free us from oppressors, and, as we wait for your day of judgment, set a firm guard on our thoughts, so that while we return good for evil, we may still praise your kind of justice. II God is the shield that protects me, who saves the upright of heart. God is a just judge slow to anger; but he threatens the wicked every day, men who will not repent. God will sharpen his sword; he has braced his bow and taken aim. For them he has prepared deadly weapons; he barbs his arrows with fire. Here is one who is pregnant with malice, conceives evil and brings forth lies. He digs a pitfall, digs it deep; and in the trap he has made he will fall. His malice will recoil on himself; on his own head his violence will fall. I will thank the Lord for his justice: I will sing to the Lord, the Most High. 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 know our hearts, Lord, but you are slow to anger and merciful in judging. Come, examine your Church, wash her clean of sin, and great crowds will surround you with songs of praise. Ant. As I live, says the Lord, I do not wish the sinner to die but to turn back to me and live. READING Jeremiah 18:20b Remember that I stood before you to speak in their behalf, to turn away your wrath from them. 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. Turn your face away from my sins. — Blot out all my guilt. CONCLUDING PRAYER O God, by whose wondrous grace we are enriched with every blessing, grant us so to pass from former ways to newness of life, that we may be made ready for the glory of 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 (only added when praying in community) Let us praise the Lord. — And give him thanks.