Ribbon Placement:

Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I:

Ordinary: 667

Proper of Seasons: 358

Psalter: Tuesday, Week IV, 1094

Christian Prayer:

Ordinary: 694

Proper of Seasons: 129

Psalter: Tuesday, Week IV, 953

Evening Prayer for December 21, Tuesday of the 4th Week of Advent

God, come to my assistance.

— Lord, make haste to help me.

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

— as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.

PSALMODY

Ant. 1 The Lord will come from his holy place to save his people.

Psalm 137:1-6

By the rivers of Babylon

The Babylonian captivity is a type of our spiritual captivity. (Saint Hilary)

By the rivers of Babylon

there we sat and wept,

remembering Zion;

on the poplars that grew there

we hung up our harps.

For it was there that they asked us,

our captors, for songs,

our oppressors, for joy.

“Sing to us”, they said,

“one of Zion’s songs.”

O how could we sing

the song of the Lord

on alien soil?

If I forget you, Jerusalem,

let my right hand wither!

O let my tongue

cleave to my mouth

if I remember you not,

if I prize not Jerusalem

above all my joys!

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, remember your pilgrim Church. We sit weeping at the streams of Babylon. Do not let us be drawn into the current of the passing world, but free us from every evil and raise our thoughts to the heavenly Jerusalem.

Ant. The Lord will come from his holy place to save his people.

Ant. 2 Zion is our mighty citadel, our saving Lord its wall and its defense; throw open the gates, for our God is here among us, alleluia.

Psalm 138

Thanksgiving

The king of the earth will bring his glory and honor into the holy city. (Revelation 21:24)

I thank you, Lord, with all my heart,

you have heard the words of my mouth.

In the presence of the angels I will bless you.

I will adore before your holy temple.

I thank you for your faithfulness and love

which excel all we ever knew of you.

On the day I called, you answered;

you increased the strength of my soul.

All earth’s kings shall thank you

when they hear the words of your mouth.

They shall sing of the Lord’s ways:

“How great is the glory of the Lord!”

The Lord is high yet he looks on the lowly

and the haughty he knows from afar.

Though I walk in the midst of affliction

you give me life and frustrate my foes.

You stretch out your hand and save me,

your hand will do all things for me.

Your love, O Lord, is eternal,

discard not the work of your hands.

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

Listen to the prayers of your Church, Lord God. In the presence of the angels we praise your name. You keep the proud at a distance and look upon the lowly with favor. Stretch out your hand to us in our suffering. Perfect in us the work of your love and bring us to life.

Ant. Zion is our mighty citadel, our saving Lord its wall and its defense; throw open the gates, for our God is here among us, alleluia.

Ant. 3 Lord, make known your will throughout the earth; proclaim your salvation to every nation.

Canticle – Revelation 4:11;5-9, 10, 12

Redemption hymn

O Lord our God, you are worthy

to receive glory and honor and power.

For you have created all things;

by your will they came to be and were made.

Worthy are you,

Ribbon Placement:

Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I:

Ordinary: 667

Proper of Seasons: 349

Psalter: Monday, Week IV, 1077

Christian Prayer:

Ordinary: 694

Proper of Seasons: 126

Psalter: Monday, Week IV, 942

Evening Prayer for Monday, December 20, in the Season of Advent

God, come to my assistance.

— Lord, make haste to help me.

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

— as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.

PSALMODY

Ant. 1 The Lord, the ruler over the kings of the earth, will come; blessed are they who are ready to go and welcome him.

Psalm 136

Easter Hymn

We praise God by recalling his marvelous deeds (Cassiodorus).

I

O give thanks to the Lord for he is good,

for his love endures for ever.

Give thanks to the God of gods,

for his love endures for ever.

Give thanks to the Lord of lords,

for his love endures for ever;

who alone has wrought marvelous works,

for his love endures for ever;

whose wisdom it was made the skies,

for his love endures for ever;

who fixed the earth firmly on the seas,

for his love endures for ever.

It was he who made the great lights,

for his love endures for ever.

the sun to rule the day,

for his love endures for ever.

the moon and stars in the night;

for his love endures 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. The Lord, the ruler over the kings of the earth, will come; blessed are they who are ready to go and welcome him.

Ant. 2 Sing a new song to the Lord, proclaim his praises to the ends of the earth.

II

The first-born of the Egyptians he smote,

for his love endures for ever.

He brought Israel out from their midst,

for his love endures for ever;

arm outstretched, with power in his hand,

for his love endures for ever.

He divided the Red Sea in two,

for his love endures for ever;

he made Israel pass through the midst,

for his love endures for ever;

he flung Pharaoh and his force in the sea,

for his love endures for ever.

Through the desert his people he led,

for his love endures for ever.

Nations in their greatness he struck,

for his love endures for ever.

Kings in their splendor he slew,

for his love endures for ever.

Sihon, king of the Amorites,

for his love endures for ever;

and Og, the king of Bashan,

for his love endures for ever.

He let Israel inherit their land,

for his love endures for ever.

On his servant their land he bestowed,

for his love endures for ever.

He remembered us in our distress,

for his love endures for ever.

And he snatched us away from our foes,

for his love endures for ever;

He gives food to all living things

for his love endures for ever;

To the God of heaven give thanks,

for his love endures for ever.

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

— as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Psalm-prayer

Almighty God, remember our lowliness and have mercy. Once you gave our fathers a foreign land to inherit. Free us today from sin and give us a share in your inheritance.

Ant. Sing a new song to the Lord, proclaim his praises to the ends of the earth.

Ant. 3 When the Son of Man comes to earth, do you think he will find faith in men’s hearts?

Canticle – Ephesians 1:3-10

God our savior

Praised be the God and Father

of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who has bestowed on us in Christ

every spiritual blessing in the heavens.

Ribbon Placement:

Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I:

Ordinary: 667

Proper of Seasons: 315/342

Psalter: Sunday, Week IV, 1060

Christian Prayer:

Ordinary: 694

Proper of Seasons: 114

Psalter: Sunday, Week IV, 932

Evening Prayer II for the Fourth Sunday, December 19, in the Season of Advent

God, come to my assistance.

— Lord, make haste to help me.

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

— as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.

PSALMODY

Ant. 1 See how glorious he is, coming forth as Savior of all peoples!

Psalm 110

The Messiah, king and priest

Christ’s reign will last until all his enemies are made subject to him (1 Corinthians 15:25).

The Lord’s revelation to my Master:

“Sit on my right:

your foes I will put beneath your feet.”

Ant. See how glorious he is, coming forth as Savior of all peoples!

The Lord will wield from Zion

your scepter of power:

rule in the midst of all your foes.

Ant. See how glorious he is, coming forth as Savior of all peoples!

A prince from the day of your birth

on the holy mountains;

from the womb before the dawn I begot you.

Ant. See how glorious he is, coming forth as Savior of all peoples!

The Lord has sworn an oath he will not change.

“You are a priest for ever,

a priest like Melchizedek of old.”

Ant. See how glorious he is, coming forth as Savior of all peoples!

The Master standing at your right hand

will shatter kings in the day of his great wrath.

Ant. See how glorious he is, coming forth as Savior of all peoples!

He shall drink from the stream by the wayside

and therefore he shall lift up his head.

Ant. See how glorious he is, coming forth as Savior of all peoples!

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, we ask you to give us victory and peace. In Jesus Christ, our Lord and King, we are already seated at your right hand. We look forward to praising you in the fellowship of all your saints in our heavenly homeland.

Ant. See how glorious he is, coming forth as Savior of all peoples!

Ant. 2 Crooked paths will be straightened, and rough ways made smooth. Come, O Lord, do not delay, alleluia.

Psalm 112

The happiness of the just man

Live as children born of the light. Light produces every kind of goodness and justice and truth. (Ephesians 5:8-9).

Happy the man who fears the Lord,

who takes delight in all his commands.

His sons shall be powerful on earth;

the children of the upright are blessed.

Ant. Crooked paths will be straightened, and rough ways made smooth. Come, O Lord, do not delay, alleluia.

Riches and wealth are in his house;

his justice stands firm for ever.

He is a light in the darkness for the upright:

he is generous, merciful and just.

Ant. Crooked paths will be straightened, and rough ways made smooth. Come, O Lord, do not delay, alleluia.

The good man takes pity and lends,

he conducts his affairs with honor.

The just man will never waver:

he will be remembered for ever.

Ant. Crooked paths will be straightened, and rough ways made smooth. Come, O Lord, do not delay, alleluia.

He has no fear of evil news;

with a firm heart he trusts in the Lord.

With a steadfast heart he will not fear;

he will see the downfall of his foes.

Ant. Crooked paths will be straightened, and rough ways made smooth. Come, O Lord, do not delay, alleluia.

Open-handed, he gives to the poor;

his justice stands firm for ever.

His head will be raised in glory.

Ant.

Ribbon Placement:

Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I:

Ordinary: 667

Proper of Seasons: 309/333

Psalter: Sunday, Week IV, 1042

Christian Prayer:

Ordinary: 694

Proper of Seasons: 120

Psalter: Sunday, Week IV, 921

Evening Prayer I for the Fourth Sunday, December 18, in the Season of Advent

God, come to my assistance.

— Lord, make haste to help me.

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

— as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.

PSALMODY

Ant. 1 He comes, the desire of all human hearts; his dwelling place shall be resplendent with glory, alleluia.

Psalm 122

Holy city Jerusalem

You have come to Mount Zion, the city of the living God, 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.

Ant. He comes, the desire of all human hearts; his dwelling place shall be resplendent with glory, alleluia.

Jerusalem is built as a city

strongly compact.

It is there that the tribes go up,

the tribes of the Lord.

Ant. He comes, the desire of all human hearts; his dwelling place shall be resplendent with glory, alleluia.

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.

Ant. He comes, the desire of all human hearts; his dwelling place shall be resplendent with glory, alleluia.

For the peace of Jerusalem pray:

“Peace be to your homes!

May peace reign in your walls,

in your palaces, peace!”

Ant. He comes, the desire of all human hearts; his dwelling place shall be resplendent with glory, alleluia.

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.

Ant. He comes, the desire of all human hearts; his dwelling place shall be resplendent with glory, 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.

Psalm-prayer

When you rose from the dead, Lord Jesus, you formed the Church into your new body, and made of it the new Jerusalem, united in your Spirit. Give us peace in our day. Make all nations come to your Church to share in the gifts in fellowship, that they may render you thanks without end and come to your eternal city.

Ant. He comes, the desire of all human hearts; his dwelling place shall be resplendent with glory, alleluia.

Ant. 2 Come, Lord, do not delay; free your people from their sinfulness.

Psalm 130

A cry from the depths

He himself will save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord,

Lord, hear my voice!

O let your ears be attentive

to the voice of my pleading.

Ant. Come, Lord, do not delay; free your people from their sinfulness.

If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt,

Lord, who would survive?

But with you is found forgiveness:

for this we revere you.

Ant. Come, Lord, do not delay; free your people from their sinfulness.

My soul is waiting for the Lord.

I count on his word.

My soul is longing for the Lord

more than watchman for daybreak.

Let the watchman count on daybreak

and Israel on the Lord.

Ant. Come, Lord, do not delay; free your people from their sinfulness.

Because with the Lord there is mercy

and fullness of redemption,

Israel indeed he will redeem

from all its iniquity.

Ant. Come, Lord, do not delay; free your people from their sinfulness.

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

Ribbon Placement:

Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I:

Ordinary: 667

Proper of Seasons: 324

Psalter: Friday, Week III, 1024

Christian Prayer:

Ordinary: 694

Proper of Seasons: 117

Psalter: Friday, Week III, 911

Evening Prayer for December 17, Friday in the 3rd Week of Advent

God, come to my assistance.

— Lord, make haste to help me.

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

— as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.

PSALMODY

Ant. 1 Our King will come from Zion; the Lord, God-is-with-us, is his mighty name.

Psalm 135

Praise for the wonderful things God does for us.

He has won us for himself… and you must proclaim what he has done for you. He has called you out of darkness into his own wonderful light. (see 1 Peter 2:9)

I

Praise the name of the Lord,

praise him, servants of the Lord,

who stand in the house of the Lord

in the courts of the house of our God.

Praise the Lord for the Lord is good.

Sing a psalm to his name for he is loving.

For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself

and Israel for his own possession.

For I know that the Lord is great,

that our Lord is high above all gods.

The Lord does whatever he wills,

in heaven, on earth, in the seas.

He summons clouds from the ends of the earth;

makes lightning produce the rain;

from his treasuries he sends forth the wind.

The first-born of the Egyptians he smote,

of man and beast alike.

Signs and wonders he worked

in the midst of your land, O Egypt,

against Pharaoh and all his servants.

Nations in their greatness he struck

and kings in their splendor he slew.

Sihon, king of the Amorites,

Og, the king of Bashan,

and all the kingdoms of Canaan.

He let Israel inherit their land;

on his people their land he bestowed.

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 King will come from Zion; the Lord, God-is-with-us, is his mighty name.

Ant. 2 Wait for the Lord and he will come to you with his saving power.

II

Lord, your name stands for ever,

unforgotten from age to age,

for the Lord does justice for his people;

the Lord takes pity on his servants.

Pagan idols are silver and gold,

the work of human hands.

They have mouths but they cannot speak;

they have eyes but they cannot see.

They have ears but they cannot hear;

there is never a breath on their lips.

Their makers will come to be like them

and so will all who trust in them!

Sons of Israel, bless the Lord!

Sons of Aaron, bless the Lord!

Sons of Levi, bless the Lord!

You who fear him, bless the Lord!

From Zion may the Lord be blessed,

he who dwells 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.

Psalm-prayer

Father, your name and your memory last forever. We stand to pray and praise you with psalms of joy. We ask you in your kindness to have mercy on us in our lowliness.

Ant. Wait for the Lord and he will come to you with his saving power.

Ant. 3 Eagerly I watch for the Lord; I wait in joyful hope for the coming of God my Savior.

Canticle — Revelation 15:3-4

Hymn of adoration

Mighty and wonderful are your works,

Lord God Almighty!

Righteous and true are your ways,

O King of the nations!

Who would dare refuse you honor,

or the glory due your name, O Lord?

Since you alone are holy,

all nations shall come

and worship in your presence.

Ribbon Placement:

Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I:

Ordinary: 667

Proper of Seasons: 298

Psalter: Thursday, Week III, 1007

Christian Prayer:

Ordinary: 694

Proper of Seasons: 105

Psalter: Thursday, Week III, 901

Evening Prayer for Thursday of the 3rd Week of Advent

God, come to my assistance.

— Lord, make haste to help me.

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

— as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.

PSALMODY

Ant. 1 Let your holy people rejoice, O Lord, as they enter your dwelling place.

Psalm 132

God’s promises to the house of David

The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David (Luke 1:32).

I

O Lord, remember David

and all the many hardships he endured,

the oath he swore to the Lord,

his vow to the Strong One of Jacob.

“I will not enter the house where I live

nor go to the bed where I rest.

I will give no sleep to my eyes,

to my eyelids I will give no slumber

till I find a place for the Lord,

a dwelling for the Strong One of Jacob.”

At Ephrathah we heard of the ark;

we found it in the plains of Yearim.

“Let us go to the place of his dwelling;

let us go to kneel at his footstool.”

Go up, Lord, to the place of your rest,

you and the ark of your strength.

Your priests shall be clothed with holiness:

your faithful shall ring out their joy.

For the sake of David your servant

do not reject your anointed.

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 your holy people rejoice, O Lord, as they enter your dwelling place.

Ant. 2 The Lord has chosen Zion as his sanctuary.

II

The Lord swore an oath to David;

he will not go back on his word;

“A son, the fruit of your body,

will I set upon your throne.

If they keep my covenant in truth

and my laws that I have taught them,

their sons also shall rule

on your throne from age to age.”

For the Lord has chosen Zion;

he has desired it for his dwelling:

“This is my resting-place for ever,

here have I chosen to live.

I will greatly bless her produce,

I will fill her poor with bread.

I will clothe her priests with salvation

and her faithful shall ring out their joy.

There David’s stock will flower:

I will prepare a lamp for my anointed.

I will cover his enemies with shame

but on him my crown shall shine.”

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, you chose to suffer and be overwhelmed by death in order to open the gates of death in triumph. Stay with us to help us on our pilgrimage; free us from all evil by the power of your resurrection. In the company of your saints, and constantly remembering your love for us, may we sing of your wonders in our Father’s house.

Ant. The Lord has chosen Zion as his sanctuary.

Ant. 3 The Father has given Christ all honor, power and kingship; all people will obey him.

Canticle – Revelation 11:17-18; 12:10b-12a

The judgment of God

We praise you, the Lord God Almighty,

who is and who was.

You have assumed your great power,

you have begun your reign.

The nations have raged in anger,

but then came your day of wrath

and the moment to judge the dead:

The time to reward your servants

the prophets and the holy ones who revere you,

the great and the small alike.

Now have salvation and power come,

Ribbon Placement:

Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I:

Ordinary: 667

Proper of Seasons: 989

Psalter: Wednesday, Week III, 989

Christian Prayer:

Ordinary: 694

Proper of Seasons: 102

Psalter: Wednesday, Week III, 892

Evening Prayer for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent

God, come to my assistance.

— Lord, make haste to help me.

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

— as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.

PSALMODY

Ant. 1 Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.

Psalm 126

Joyful hope in God

Just as you share in sufferings so you will share in the divine glory (2 Corinthians 1:7).

When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage,

it seemed like a dream.

Then was our mouth filled with laughter,

on our lips there were songs.

The heathens themselves said: “What marvels

the Lord worked for them!”

What marvels the Lord worked for us!

Indeed we were glad.

Deliver us, O Lord, from our bondage

as streams in dry land.

Those who are sowing in tears

will sing when they reap.

They go out, they go out, full of tears,

carrying seed for the sowing:

they come back, they come back, full of song,

carrying their sheaves.

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 have raised us from the earth; may you let the seeds of justice, which we have sown in tears, grow and increase in your sight. May we reap in joy the harvest we hope for patiently.

Ant. Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.

Ant. 2 May the Lord build our house and guard our city.

Psalm 127

Apart from God our labors are worthless

You are God’s building (1 Corinthians 3:9).

If the Lord does not build the house,

in vain do its builders labor;

if the Lord does not watch over the city,

in vain does the watchman keep vigil.

In vain is your earlier rising,

your going later to rest,

you who toil for the bread you eat:

when he pours gifts on his beloved while they slumber.

Truly sons are a gift from the Lord,

a blessing, the fruit of the womb.

Indeed the sons of youth

are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.

O the happiness of the man

who has filled his quiver with these arrows!

He will have no cause for shame

when he disputes with his foes in the gateways.

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 command the seed to rise, Lord God, though the farmer is unaware. Grant that those who labor for you may trust not in their own work but in your help. Remembering that the land is brought to flower not with human tears but with those of your Son, may the Church rely only upon your gifts.

Ant. May the Lord build our house and guard our city.

Ant. 3 He is the first-born of all creation; in every way the primacy is his.

Canticle — Colossians 1:12-20

Christ the first-born of all creation and the first-born from the dead

Let us give thanks to the Father

for having made you worthy

to share the lot of the saints

in light.

He rescued us

from the power of darkness

and brought us

into the kingdom of his beloved Son.

Through him we have redemption,

the forgiveness of our sins.

He is the image of the invisible God,

the first-born of all creatures.

In him everything in heaven and on earth was created,

things visible and invisible.

All were created through him;

all were created for him.

He is before all else that is.

Ribbon Placement:

Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I:

Ordinary: 667

Psalter: Tuesday, Week III, 970

Common of Pastors: 1453 (intercessions)

Proper of Saints: 1247 (concluding prayer)

Common of Doctors of the Church: 1467 (reading, canticle ant)

Christian Prayer:

Ordinary: 694

Psalter: Tuesday, Week III, 882

Proper of Saints: 1342

Common of Doctors of the Church: 1434

Evening Prayer for Tuesday in Advent, the Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor

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.

PSALMODY

Ant. 1 The Lord surrounds his people with his strength.

Psalm 125

The Lord, guardian of his people

Peace to God’s true Israel (Galatians 6:16).

Those who put their trust in the Lord

are like Mount Zion, that cannot be shaken,

that stands for ever.

Jerusalem! The mountains surround her,

so the Lord surrounds his people

both now and for ever.

For the scepter of the wicked shall not rest

over the land of the just

for fear that the hands of the just

should turn to evil.

Do good, Lord, to those who are good,

to the upright of heart;

but the crooked and those who do evil,

drive them away!

On Israel, 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

Surround your people, Lord, within the safety of your Church, which you preserve on its rock foundation. Do not let us stretch out our hands to evil deeds, nor be destroyed by the insidious snares of the enemy, but bring us to share the lot of the saints in light.

Ant. The Lord surrounds his people with his strength.

Ant. 2 Unless you acquire the heart of a child, you cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Psalm 131

Childlike trust in God

Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart (Matthew 11:29).

O Lord, my heart is not proud

nor haughty my eyes.

I have not gone after things too great

nor marvels beyond me.

Truly I have set my soul

in silence and peace.

As a child has rest in its mother’s arms,

even so is my soul.

O Israel, hope in the Lord

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-prayer

Lord Jesus, gentle and humble of heart, you declared that whoever receives a little child in your name receives you, and you promised your kingdom to those who are like children. Never let pride reign in our hearts, but may the Father’s compassion reward and embrace all who willingly bear your gentle yoke.

Ant. Unless you acquire the heart of a child, you cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Ant. 3 Lord, you have made us a kingdom and priests for God our Father.

Canticle – Revelation 4:11; 5:9, 10, 12

Redemption hymn

O Lord our God, you are worthy

to receive glory and honor and power.

For you have created all things;

by your will they came to be and were made.

Worthy are you, O Lord,

to receive the scroll and break open its seals.

For you were slain;

with your blood you purchased for God

men of every race and tongue,

of every people and nation.

You made of them a kingdom,

and priests to serve our God,

and they shall reign on the earth.

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain

to receive power and riches,

wisdom and strength,

honor and glory and praise.

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

Ribbon Placement:

Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I:

Ordinary: 667

Psalter: Monday, Week III, 952

Proper of Saints: 1245 (canticle antiphon)

Common of Martyrs: 1419 (reading, responsory, intercessions)

Christian Prayer:

Ordinary: 694

Psalter: Monday, Week III, 872

Proper of Saints: 1341

Common of Martyrs: 1420

Evening Prayer for Monday in Advent, the Memorial of Saint Lucy, Virgin and Martyr

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.

PSALMODY

Ant. 1 Our eyes are fixed intently on the Lord, waiting for his merciful help.

Psalm 123

The Lord, unfailing hope of his people

Two blind men cried out: “Have pity on us, Lord, Son of David” (Matthew 20:30).

To you have I lifted up my eyes,

you who dwell in the heavens:

my eyes, like the eyes of slaves

on the hand of their lords.

Like the eyes of a servant

on the hand of her mistress,

so our eyes are on the Lord our God

till he show us his mercy.

Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.

We are filled with contempt.

Indeed all too full is our soul

with the scorn of the rich,

with the proud man’s disdain.

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 in heaven, we lift our eyes to you and pray: confound the scorn of the proud and graciously show us your mercy.

Ant. Our eyes are fixed intently on the Lord, waiting for his merciful help.

Ant. 2 Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 124

Our help is in the name of the Lord

The Lord said to Paul: “Fear not… I am with you” (Acts 18).

“If the Lord had not been on our side,”

this is Israel’s song.

“If the Lord had not been on our side

when men rose against us,

then would they have swallowed us alive

when their anger was kindled.

Then would the waters have engulfed us,

the torrent gone over us;

over our head would have swept the raging waters.”

Blessed be the Lord who did not give us

as prey to their teeth!

Our life, like a bird, has escaped

from the snare of the fowler.

Indeed the snare has been broken

and we have escaped.

Our help is in the name of the Lord,

who made heaven and 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 Jesus, you foretold that your disciples would be despised on account of your name, but that not a hair of their heads is ever forgotten. In times of persecution, defend and revive us by the power and comfort of the Holy Spirit, so that we can be freed from our enemies and praise your saving help.

Ant. Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.

Ant. 3 God chose us in his Son to be his adopted children.

Canticle – Ephesians 1:3-10

God our Savior

Praised be the God and Father

of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who has bestowed on us in Christ

every spiritual blessing in the heavens.

God chose us in him

before the world began

to be holy

and blameless in his sight.

He predestined us

to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ,

such was his will and pleasure,

that all might praise the glorious favor

he has bestowed on us in his beloved.

In him and through his blood, we have been redeemed,

and our sins forgiven,

so immeasurably generous

December 8

The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Patronal Feastday of the United States of America

Solemnity

Today is the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Many early Fathers, including Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, and John of Damascus commented on Mary as the “new Eve” who was free from sin. The feast came to Rome in the ninth century. Church dogma, formally proclaimed in 1854, teaches that “from the first moment of her conception the Blessed Virgin Mary was, by the singular grace and privilege of Almighty God, and in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of mankind, kept free from all stain of original sin.” [1][2][3]

Written by Sarah Ciotti

Reviewed by Fr. Hugh Feiss, OSB, STD

[1] Pius IX, Ineffabilis Deus, December 8, 1854.

[2] F.L. Cross and E.A. Livingstone, The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (London: Oxford University Press, 1974), 42-43.

[3] Fr. Hugh Feiss, OSB, The Martyrology of the Monastery of the Ascension, 2008.

The English translation of The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) ©1974,

International Commission on English in the Liturgy

Corporation. Readings and Old and New Testament Canticles (except the Gospel Canticles) are from the New American Bible

© 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C.. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

The DivineOffice.org website, podcast, apps and all related media follows the liturgical calendar for the United States.

The 1970 edition of the New American Bible as published in the Liturgy of the Hours is approved for use

only in the United States. DivineOffice.org website, podcast, apps and all related media is © 2006-2021

Surgeworks, Inc. All rights reserved.