Divine Office Evening Prayer

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Divine Office Evening Prayer episodes

August 18 August 18th, 2026 – Invitatory – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours
Lord, open my lips.
— And my mouth will proclaim your praise.
Ant. Come, let us worship the Lord, our mighty God.
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 the Lord, our mighty God.
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 the Lord, our mighty God.
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 the Lord, our mighty God.
Indeed, how good is the Lord,
eternal his merciful love.
He is faithful from age to age.
Ant. Come, let us worship the Lord, our mighty 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.
Ant. Come, let us worship the Lord, our mighty God.
3 min
August 18 August 18th, 2026 – Office of Readings – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours
Ribbon Placement:
Liturgy of the Hours Vol. IV:
Ordinary: 615
Proper of Seasons: 128
Psalter: Tuesday, Week IV, 1129
Christian Prayer:
Does not contain Office of Readings
Office of Readings 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
O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.
Beneath the shadow of Your throne
Your saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is your arm alone,
And our defense is sure.
Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting you are God,
To endless years the same.
A thousand ages in your sight
Are like an evening gone;
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun.
Time, like an ever rolling stream,
Bears all our lives away;
They fly, forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the opening day.
O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be now our guard while troubles last,
And our eternal home.
𝄞"O God, Our Help in Ages Past" by Melinda Kirigin-Voss, Vince Clark • Musical Score • Title: O God, Our Help in Ages Past; Text: Based on Psalm 90; Isaac Watts, 1674-1748, Psalms of David..., 1719, alt.; Tune: ST. ANNE, CM; later form of melody (rhythm adapted), attr. to William Croft, 1678-1727, A Supplement to the New Version of Psalms, 1708; Artist: Melinda Kirigin-Voss, Vince Clark; Copyright 2016 Surgeworks Inc. • Albums that contain this Hymn: Divine Office
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 Lord, let my cry come to you; do not hide your face from me.
Psalm 102
The longings and prayers of an exile
God comforts us in all our troubles (2 Corinthians 1:4).
I
O Lord, listen to my prayer
and let my cry for help reach you.
Do not hide your face from me
in the day of my distress.
Turn your ear towards me
and answer me quickly when I call.
For my days are vanishing like smoke,
my bones burn away like a fire.
My heart is withered like the grass.
I forget to eat my bread.
I cry with all my strength
and my skin clings to my bones.
I have become like a pelican in the wilderness,
like an owl in desolate places.
I lie awake and I moan
like some lonely bird on a roof.
All day long my foes revile me;
those who hate me use my name as a curse.
The bread I eat is ashes;
my drink is mingled with tears.
In your anger, Lord, and your fury
you have lifted me up and thrown me down.
My days are like a passing shadow
and I wither away like the grass.
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. Lord, let my cry come to you; do not hide your face from me.
Ant. 2 Be attentive, Lord, to the prayer of the helpless.
II
But you, O Lord, will endure for ever
and your name from age to age.
You will arise and have mercy on Zion:
for this is the time to have mercy;
yes, the time appointed has come
for your servants love her very stones,
are moved with pity even for her dust.
The nations shall fear the name of the Lord
and all the earth’s kings your glory,
when the Lord shall build up Zion again
and appear in all his glory.
Then he will turn to the prayers of the helpless;
he will not despise their prayers.
Let this be written for ages to come
that a people yet unborn may praise the Lord;
for the Lord leaned down from his sanctuary on high.
He looked down from heaven to the earth
that he might hear the groans of the prisoners
and free those condemned to die.
The sons of your servants shall dwell untroubled
and their race shall endure before you
that the name of the Lord may be proclaimed in Zion
and his praise in the heart of Jerusalem,
when peoples and kingdoms are gathered together
to pay their homage to 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. Be attentive, Lord, to the prayer of the helpless.
Ant. 3 You, O Lord, established the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.
III
He has broken my strength in mid-course;
he has shortened the days of my life.
I say to God: “Do not take me away
before my days are complete,
you, whose days last from age to age.
Long ago you founded the earth
and the heavens are the work of your hands.
They will perish but you will remain.
They will all wear out like a garment.
You will change them like clothes that are changed.
But you neither change, nor have an end.”
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 live in the hearts of your saints, and so have built up Zion. May you always show your greatness through their good works.
Ant. You, O Lord, established the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.
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.
Listen, my people, to my teaching.
— Give ear to the words I speak.
READINGS
First reading
From the book of the prophet Isaiah
7:1-17
In the face of the threat of war a sign is given–Immanuel
In the days of Ahaz, king of Judah, son of Jotham, son of Uzziah, Rezin, king of Aram, and Pekah, king of Israel, son of Remaliah, went up to attack Jerusalem, but they were not able to conquer it.
When word came to the house of David that Aram was encamped in Ephraim, the heart of the king and heart of the people trembled, as the trees of the forest tremble in the wind. Then the Lord said to Isaiah: Go out to meet Ahaz, you and your son Shearjashub, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool, on the highway of the fuller’s field, and say to him:
Take care you remain tranquil and do not fear; let not your courage fail before these two stumps of smoldering brands [the blazing anger of Rezin and the Arameans, and of the son of Remaliah], because of the mischief that Aram [Ephraim and the son of Remaliah] plots against you, saying, “Let us go up and tear Judah asunder, make it our own by force, and appoint the son of Tabeel king there.”
Thus says the Lord:
This shall not stand, it shall not be!
Damascus is the capital of Aram,
and Rezin the head of Damascus;
Samaria is the capital of Ephraim,
and Remaliah’s son the head of Samaria.
But within sixty years and five,
Ephraim shall be crushed, no longer a nation.
Unless your faith is firm
you shall not be firm!
Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz: Ask for a sign from the Lord, your God; let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky! But Ahaz answered, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the Lord!”
Then he said: Listen, O house of David! Is it not enough for you to weary men, must you also weary my God? Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. He shall be living on curds and honey by the time he learns to reject the bad and choose the good. For before the child learns to reject the bad and choose the good, the land of those two kings whom you dread shall be deserted.
The Lord shall bring upon you and your people and your father’s house days worse than any since Ephraim seceded from Judah. [This means the king of Assyria.]
RESPONSORY Isaiah 7:14; 8:10; Luke 1:30, 31
A virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
— and shall name him Immanuel,
for God is with us.
Do not be afraid, Mary;
behold, you shall conceive and bear a son.
— And shall name him Immanuel,
for God is with us.
Second reading
From a homily in praise of the Virgin Mother by Saint Bernard, abbot
Prepared by the Most High, prefigured by the patriarchs
It was fitting that the Virgin should give birth only to God; and it was also fitting that God should be born only of the Virgin. Accordingly, the Creator of mankind, in order that he might become a man by being born a human being, had to seek out from among all mankind and designate as his mother a woman he knew would be worthy of him and pleasing to him. And so he chose a sinless virgin, that he might be born sinless and free of all stain. He chose a humble virgin, from whom he might come forth meek and humble of heart, to display a most necessary and salutary model of these virtues for all mankind. Thus he allowed a virgin to conceive, in whom he had earlier inspired a vow of virginity, and required of her the merit of humility.
Otherwise how could the angel afterward pronounce her full of grace, if she had the slightest good quality which did not come from grace? Thus she, who was to conceive and bring forth the holy of holies, must be sanctified physically and so she received the gift of virginity; that she might be sanctified spiritually, she received the gift of humility.
The Virgin then, adorned like a queen with the jewels of virtue, shone with the glory of body and soul; and seen on high as radiantly beautiful, she so attracted the inhabitants of heaven that she moved the heart of the King with desire for her and brought down from above the heavenly message. Scripture says: The angel was sent to a virgin. For she was truly virgin in body, virgin in mind, a virgin by her special calling, sanctified, as the Apostle reminds us, in both mind and body. This came about by no unforeseen or accidental occurrence; she was chosen from eternity, foreknown and prepared by the Most High for himself, guarded by the angels, prefigured by the patriarchs, and promised by the prophets.
RESPONSORY Luke 1:35; Psalm 45:11, 12
The Holy Spirit will come down upon you, Mary,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
— This holy child, to be born of you, will be called the Son of God.
Hear, my daughter, listen and consider this:
the King will desire your beauty.
— This holy child, to be born of you, will be called the Son of God.
CONCLUDING PRAYER
O God,
who have prepared for those who love you
good things which no eye can see,
fill our hearts, we pray,
with the warmth of your love, so that,
loving you in all things and above all things,
we may attain your promises,
which surpass every human desire.
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.
17 min
August 18 August 18th, 2026 – Morning Prayer – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours
Ribbon Placement:
Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III:
Ordinary: 654
All from the Psalter: Tuesday, Week IV, 1168
Liturgy of the Hours Vol. IV:
Ordinary: 618
All from the Psalter: Tuesday, Week IV, 1132
Christian Prayer (single volume)
Ordinary: 689
All from the Psalter: Tuesday, Week IV, 947
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
Eternal Maker of the light,
True Light itself, surpassing day,
No gloom or darkness can you know,
In your own light which has no end.
Pale shades of night are yielding fast,
Before the bold advance of day;
Resplendent shines the morning star
While other constellations fade.
We gladly rise to sing your praise,
And thank you with renewed delight,
That rising sun brings back the day,
To conquer night's obscurity.
Most Holy One, we beg of you
Let not our souls be led astray,
By nature's pleasures and desires
Or by the world's deceiving glare.
Let no contention raise disputes,
Nor greed disgrace a Christian's name,
Nor greed for riches be a snare,
Nor evil thoughts corrupt our minds.
But let us show well-governed souls,
Within a body chaste and pure,
To spend this day in work and prayer,
For Christ our Leader and our Lord.
O Father, this we ask be done
Through Jesus Christ your only Son,
Whom with the Spirit we adore:
One God who reigns for evermore. Amen.
𝄞"Eternal Maker of the Light" by Kathleen Lundquist • Available for Purchase • Title: Eternal Maker of the Light; Text: Aeterne lucis conditor, 5th-6th c.; Translation: St. Cecilia's Abbey, Ryde, Isle of Wight, UK; Tune: Chant, Mode IV; Lumen Christi Hymnal; Artist: Kathleen Lundquist; Recording copyright 2016 by Surgeworks, Inc. • Albums that contain this Hymn: Hymns and Chants of Divine Office, Vol. 1
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 I will sing to you, O Lord; I will learn from you the way of perfection.
Psalm 101
Avowal of a good ruler
If you love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15).
My song is of mercy and justice;
I sing to you, O Lord.
I will walk in the way of perfection.
O when, Lord, will you come?
I will walk with blameless heart
within my house;
I will not set before my eyes
whatever is base.
I will hate the ways of the crooked;
they shall not be my friends.
The false-hearted must keep far away;
the wicked I disown.
The man who slanders his neighbor in secret
I will bring to silence.
The man of proud looks and haughty heart
I will never endure.
I look to the faithful in the land
that they may dwell with me.
He who walks in the way of perfection
shall be my friend.
No man who practices deceit
shall live within my house.
No man who utters lies shall stand
before my eyes.
Morning by morning I will silence
all the wicked in the land,
uprooting from the city of the Lord
all who do evil.
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
So that your people may walk in innocence, you came to us, Lord Jesus, and told us to be holy as your Father is holy. Help your children to love what is truly perfect, so that we may neither speak what is evil nor do what is wrong. Let us stand in your sight and celebrate with you the Father’s love and justice.
Ant. I will sing to you, O Lord; I will learn from you the way of perfection.
Ant. 2 Lord, do not withhold your compassion from us.
Canticle: Daniel 3:26, 27, 29, 34-41
Azariah’s prayer in the furnace.
With your whole hearts turn to God and he will blot out all your sins (Acts 3:19).
Blessed are you, and praiseworthy,
O Lord, the God of our fathers,
and glorious forever is your name.
For you are just in all you have done;
all your deeds are faultless, all your ways right,
and all your judgments proper.
For we have sinned and transgressed
by departing from you,
and we have done every kind of evil.
For your name’s sake, do not deliver us up forever,
or make void your covenant.
Do not take away your mercy from us,
for the sake of Abraham, your beloved,
Isaac your servant, and Israel your holy one,
to whom you promised to multiply their offspring
like the stars of heaven,
or the sand on the shore of the sea.
For we are reduced, O Lord, beyond any other nation,
brought low everywhere in the world this day
because of our sins.
We have in our day no prince, prophet, or leader,
no holocaust, sacrifice, oblation, or incense,
no place to offer first fruits, to find favor with you.
But with contrite heart and humble spirit
let us be received;
as though it were holocausts of rams and bullocks,
or thousands of fat lambs,
so let our sacrifice be in your presence today
as we follow you unreservedly;
for those who trust in you cannot be put to shame.
And now we follow you with our whole heart,
we fear you and we pray to 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. Lord, do not withhold your compassion from us.
Ant. 3 O God, I will sing to you a new song.
Psalm 144
Prayer for victory and peace
I can do all things in him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).
Blessed be the Lord, my rock,
who trains my arms for battle,
who prepares my hands for war.
He is my love, my fortress;
he is my stronghold, my savior
my shield, my place of refuge.
He brings peoples under my rule.
Lord, what is man that you care for him,
mortal man, that you keep him in mind;
man, who is merely a breath
whose life fades like a passing shadow?
Lower your heavens and come down;
touch the mountains; wreathe them in smoke.
Flash your lightnings; rout the foe,
shoot your arrows and put them to flight.
Reach down from heaven and save me;
draw me out from the mighty waters,
from the hands of alien foes
whose mouths are filled with lies,
whose hands are raised in perjury.
To you, O God, will I sing a new song;
I will play on the ten-stringed harp
to you who give kings their victory,
who set David your servant free.
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 of strength, you gave your Son victory over death. Direct your Church’s fight against evil in the world. Clothe us with the weapons of light and unite us under the one banner of love, that we may receive our eternal reward after the battle of earthly life.
Ant. O God, I will sing to you a new song.
READING Isaiah 55:1-3
All you who are thirsty,
come to the water!
You who have no money,
come, receive grain and eat;
Come, without paying and without cost,
drink wine and milk!
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
Lord, listen to my cry; all my trust is in your promise.
— Lord, listen to my cry; all my trust is in your promise.
Dawn finds me watching, crying out for you,
— all my trust is in your promise.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— Lord, listen to my cry; all my trust is in your promise.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. Lord, save us from the hands of all who hate us.
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. Lord, save us from the hands of all who hate us.
INTERCESSIONS
To the God who gives us the joy of praising him this morning, and who strengthens our hope, let us pray:
Hear us, O Lord, for the glory of your name.
We thank you, God and Father of Jesus our Savior,
— for the knowledge and immortality you have given us through him.
Hear us, O Lord, for the glory of your name.
Make us humble of heart,
— help us to serve one another out of reverence for Christ.
Hear us, O Lord, for the glory of your name.
Pour out your Spirit on us, your servants,
— make us sincere in our love for each other.
Hear us, O Lord, for the glory of your name.
You instructed man to labor and to exercise dominion over the earth,
— may our work honor you and sanctify our brothers and sisters.
Hear us, O Lord, for the glory of your name.
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
Increase in us, Lord,
the faith you have given us,
and bring to a harvest worthy of heaven
the praise we offer you at the beginning of this new day.
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.
18 min
August 18 August 18th, 2026 – Midmorning Prayer – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours
Ribbon Placement:
Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III:
Ordinary: 659
Complementary Psalmody: 1291
Psalter: Tuesday, Week IV, 1178 (Midmorning)
Midmorning Prayer for Tuesday in Ordinary Time using the Complementary Psalmody
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
— as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.
HYMN
1 Come, Holy Ghost, with God the Son,
And God the Father, ever one!
Shed forth Thy grace within our breast,
And dwell with us, a ready Guest.
2 By every power, by heart and tongue,
By act and deed, Thy praise be song;
Inflame with perfect love each sense,
That others' souls may kindle thence.
3 O Father, that we ask be done,
Through Jesus Christ, Thine only Son;
Who, with the Holy ghost and Thee,
Shall live and reign eternally.
4 Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise Him o' creatures here below.
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts.
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
𝄞"Come, Holy Ghost, with God the Son" by Johanna Montealto • Text: St. Ambrose (c 340 - 4 April 397); Translator: J. M. Neale (1818-1866); based on tune OLD HUNDREDTH; Artist: Johanna Montealto; Copyright 2016 Surgeworks • Albums that contain this Hymn: Divine Office
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 I cried out, and the Lord heard me.
Psalm 120
Longing for peace
To the Lord in the hour of my distress
I call and he answers me.
“O Lord, save my soul from lying lips,
from the tongue of the deceitful.”
What shall he pay you in return,
O treacherous tongue?
The warrior’s arrows sharpened
and coals, red-hot, blazing.
Alas, that I abide a stranger in Meshech,
dwell among the tents of Kedar!
Long enough have I been dwelling
with those who hate peace.
I am for peace, but when I speak,
they are for fighting.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
— as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. I cried out, and the Lord heard me.
Ant. 2 May the Lord watch over you as you come and as you go.
Psalm 121
Guardian of his people
Never again will they hunger and thirst, never again know scorching heat (Revelation 7:16)
I lift up my eyes to the mountains;
from where shall come my help?
My help shall come from the Lord
who made heaven and earth.
May he never allow you to stumble!
Let him sleep not, your guard.
No, he sleeps not nor slumbers,
Israel’s guard.
The Lord is your guard and your shade;
at your right side he stands.
By day the sun shall not smite you
nor the moon in the night.
The Lord will guard you from evil,
he will guard your soul.
The Lord will guard your going and coming
both now and for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
— as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. May the Lord watch over you as you come and as you go.
Ant. 3 I rejoiced in the good news they told me.
Psalm 122
The holy city, Jerusalem
You have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22)
I rejoiced when I heard them say:
Let us go to God’s house.
And now our feet are standing
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is built as a city
strongly compact.
It is there that the tribes go up,
the tribes of the Lord.
For Israel’s law it is,
there to praise the Lord’s name.
There were set the thrones of judgment
of the house of David.
For the peace of Jerusalem pray:
“Peace be to your homes!
May peace reign in your walls,
in your palaces, peace!”
For love of my brethren and friends
I say: Peace upon you.
For love of the house of the Lord
I will ask for your good.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
— as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. I rejoiced in the good news they told me.
READING 1 John 3:17-18
I ask you, how can God’s love survive in a man who has enough of this world’s goods yet close his heart to his brother when he sees him in need? Little children, let us love in deed and in truth and not merely talk about it.
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.
Happy the man who is compassionate and thoughtful
— His memory will be cherished for ever.
CONCLUDING PRAYER
All-powerful and ever-living God,
in midmorning you poured out the Holy Spirit
as a constant Friend and Guide for your apostles.
Send that same Spirit of love to us
to make us faithful witnesses to you
in the sight of all mankind.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
— Amen.
ACCLAMATION (only added when praying in community)
Let us praise the Lord.
— And give him thanks.
9 min
August 18 August 18th, 2026 – Midday Prayer – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours
Ribbon Placement:
Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III:
Ordinary: 659
All from the Psalter: Tuesday, Week IV, 1176 (Midday)
Liturgy of the Hours Vol. IV:
Ordinary: 623
All from the Psalter: Tuesday, Week IV, 1140 (Midday)
Midday Prayer for Tuesday in Ordinary Time using 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. Alleluia.
HYMN
Jesus, only begotten Son and Lamb of God the Father
Thou didst give Thy body and blood to buy me from the grave
Chorus:
My Christ, my Christ, my shield, my encircler,
Each day and night, each dark and light.
My Christ, my Christ, my shield, my encircler,
Each day and night, my Christ.
Jesus, Son of Mary, be near me and uphold me
in my standing, in my lying and in my sleeping.
Chorus:
My Christ, my Christ, my shield, my encircler,
Each day and night, each dark and light.
My Christ, my Christ, my shield, my encircler,
Each day and night, my Christ.
My helper, my encircler,
My strength everlasting.
My Christ, my Christ, my shield, my encircler,
Each day and night, my Christ.
𝄞"Prayer for Protection" by Briege O'Hare And Marie Cox • Available on iTunes • Available for Purchase • Title: Prayer for Protection ; Text: Briege O'Hare, OSC, inspired by The Carmina Gadelica; Album: The Peace of God. Songs from a Celtic Monastery; Composed and arranged by: Briege O'Hare, OSC; Sung by: Marie Cox,RSM; (c) 2006 Hermitage Production; Used by permission • Albums that contain this Hymn: The Peace of God
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 Do the things you have learned, and you will be blessed.
Psalm 119
XVIII (Sade)
Lord, you are just indeed;
your decrees are right.
You have imposed your will with justice
and with absolute truth.
I am carried away by anger
for my foes forget your word.
Your promise is tried in fire,
the delight of your servant.
Although I am weak and despised
I remember your precepts.
Your justice is eternal justice
and your law is truth.
Though anguish and distress have seized me,
I delight in your commands.
The justice of your will is eternal:
if you teach me, I shall live.
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 are just indeed, Lord, and your commandments are eternal. Teach us to love you with all our hearts and to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Ant. Do the things you have learned, and you will be blessed.
Ant. 2 Let my prayer rise up before you, O Lord.
Psalm 88
Prayer of a person who is gravely ill
This is your moment — when darkness reigns (Luke 22:53).
I
Lord my God, I call for help by day;
I cry at night before you.
Let my prayer come into your presence.
O turn your ear to my cry.
For my soul is filled with evils;
my life is on the brink of the grave.
I am reckoned as one in the tomb:
I have reached the end of my strength,
like one alone among the dead;
like the slain lying in their graves;
like those you remember no more,
cut off, as they are, from your hand.
You have laid me in the depths of the tomb,
in places that are dark, in the depths.
Your anger weighs down upon me:
I am drowned beneath your waves.
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 my prayer rise up before you, O Lord.
Ant. 3 I cry to you, O Lord; do not hide your face from me.
II
You have taken away my friends
and made me hateful in their sight.
Imprisoned, I cannot escape;
my eyes are sunken with grief.
I call to you, Lord, all the day long;
to you I stretch out my hands.
Will you work your wonders for the dead?
Will the shades stand and praise you?
Will your love be told in the grave
or your faithfulness among the dead?
Will your wonders be known in the dark
or your justice in the land of oblivion?
As for me, Lord, I call to you for help:
in the morning my prayer comes before you.
Lord, why do you reject me?
Why do you hide your face?
Wretched, close to death from my youth,
I have borne your trials; I am numb.
Your fury has swept down upon me;
your terrors have utterly destroyed me.
They surround me all the day like a flood,
they assail me all together.
Friend and neighbor you have taken away:
my one companion is darkness.
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, redeemer of all and author of our salvation, for us you went down to the realm of death and became free of death. Hear the prayers of your family and lift us from our slavery to evil, that we may be redeemed by you and see your Father’s glory.
Ant. I cry to you, O Lord; do not hide your face from me.
READING Deuteronomy 30:11, 14
This command which I enjoin on you today is not too mysterious and remote for you. No, it is something very near to you, already in your mouths and in your hearts; you have only to carry it out.
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.
Your word, O Lord, as a lantern guides my steps.
— And lights up my pathway before me.
CONCLUDING PRAYER
Lord God,
you made known to Peter
your desire to bring all nations to salvation.
Let all our work give you praise
and carry out your loving plan.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
— Amen.
ACCLAMATION (only added when praying in community)
Let us praise the Lord.
— And give him thanks.
11 min
August 18 August 18th, 2026 – Midafternoon Prayer – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours
Ribbon Placement:
Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III:
Ordinary: 659
Complementary Psalmody: 1295 (Midafternoon)
Psalter: Tuesday, Week IV, 1180 (Midafternoon)
Midafternoon Prayer for Tuesday in Ordinary Time using the Complementary Psalmody
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
— as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.
HYMN
I am bending my knee
In the eye of the Father who made me;
In the eye of the Son who redeemed me;
In the eye of the Spirit who cleansed me;
And I'm asking the Three
That my living shall be
In the likeness of Jesus, my Lord.
Chorus:
In His love towards God, the affection of God
And the smile of God in His face.
In the Wisdom of God and the will of God
To make this earth a holy place.
O Christ be with me in my sleeping
And in my awaking
And Christ be with me in my rising
And may Christ be with me in my going.
And I'm asking the Three
That my living shall be
In the likeness of Jesus, my Lord.
Chorus:
In His love towards God, the affection of God
And the smile of God in His face.
In the Wisdom of God and the will of God
To make this earth a holy place.
And I am bending my knee
In the eye of the Father who made me;
In the eye of the Son who redeemed me;
In the eye of the Spirit who cleansed me;
And I'm asking the Three
That my living shall be
In the likeness of Jesus, my Lord.
𝄞"In the Likeness of Jesus" by Briege O'Hare And Marie Cox • Available on iTunes • Available for Purchase • Title: In The Likeness of Jesus; Text: Briege O'Hare, OSC, inspired by The Carmina Gadelica; Album: The Peace of God. Songs from a Celtic Monastery; Composed and arranged by: Briege O'Hare, OSC; Sung by: Marie Cox,RSM; (c) 2006 Hermitage Production; Used by permission • Albums that contain this Hymn: The Peace of God
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 The Lord has done great things for us; he is the source of all our joy.
Psalm 126
Joyful hope in God
Companions with him in suffering, you will share his over-flowing happiness (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.
Ant. The Lord has done great things for us; he is the source of all our joy.
Ant. 2 May the Lord build our house and watch over 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.
Ant. May the Lord build our house and watch over our city.
Ant. 3 Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
Psalm 128
Happiness of family life rooted in God
“May the Lord bless you from Zion,” that is, from the Church (Arnobius)
O blessed are those who fear the Lord
and walk in his ways!
By the labor of your hands you shall eat.
You will be happy and prosper;
your wife like a fruitful vine
in the heart of your house;
Your children like shoots of the olive,
around your table.
Indeed thus shall be blessed
the man who fears the Lord.
May the Lord bless you from Zion
all the days of your life!
May you see your children’s children
in a happy Jerusalem!
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.
Ant. Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
READING Isaiah 55:10-11
Just as from the heavens
the rain and snow come down
And do not return there
till they have watered the earth,
making it fertile and fruitful,
Giving seed to him who sows
and bread to him who eats,
So shall my word be
that goes forth from my mouth;
It shall not return to me void,
but shall do my will,
achieving the end for which I sent it.
Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell)
A moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church.
The Lord has sent his word to the earth.
— Swiftly runs his decree.
CONCLUDING PRAYER
Father,
you sent your angel to Cornelius
to show him the way to salvation
Help us to work generously for the salvation of the world
so that your Church may bring us and all mankind
into your presence.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
— Amen.
ACCLAMATION (only added when praying in community)
Let us praise the Lord.
— And give him thanks.
11 min
August 18 August 18th, 2026 – Evening Prayer – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours
Ribbon Placement:
Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III:
Ordinary: 668
All from the Psalter: Tuesday, Week IV, 1180
Liturgy of the Hours Vol. IV:
Ordinary: 632
All from the Psalter: Tuesday, Week IV, 1144
Christian Prayer:
Ordinary: 694
All from the Psalter: Tuesday, Week IV, 953
Evening 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
Great Ruler of all space and time,
You give us daylight to employ
In work for you, that with the night
Refreshing sleep we may enjoy.
While silence and darkness reign
Preserve our souls from sin and harm,
Let nothing evil venture near
To cause us panic or alarm.
And while we thus renew our strength,
Untouched by taint of sinful fire
Let hearts and minds find rest in you,
The Source of every good desire.
O Father, this we ask be done
Through Jesus Christ your only Son,
Whom with the Spirit we adore
One God who reigns for evermore. Amen.
𝄞"Great Ruler of All Space and Time" by Kathleen Lundquist • Title: Great Ruler of All Space and Time; Text: Sator princepsque temporum, 7th-8th c.; Translation: St. Cecilia's Abbey, Ryde, Isle of Wight, UK; Tune: Chant, Mode I; Lumen Christi Hymnal; Artist: Kathleen Lundquist; Recording copyright 2016 by Surgeworks, Inc.
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand wither.
Psalm 137
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. If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand wither.
Ant. 2 In the presence of the angels I will sing to you, my God.
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. In the presence of the angels I will sing to you, my God.
Ant. 3 Adoration and glory belong by right to the Lamb who was slain.
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:
— as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. Adoration and glory belong by right to the Lamb who was slain.
READING Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ, rich as it is, dwell in you. In wisdom made perfect, instruct and admonish one another. Sing gratefully to God from your hearts in psalms, hymns, and inspired songs. Whatever you do, whether in speech or in action, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus. Give thanks to God the Father through him.
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
I shall know the fullness of joy, when I see your face, O Lord.
— I shall know the fullness of joy, when I see your face, O Lord.
Fulfilment and endless peace in your presence,
— when I see your face, O Lord.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— I shall know the fullness of joy, when I see your face, O Lord.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant. Do great things for us, O Lord, for you are mighty, and holy is your name.
Luke 1:46-55
The soul rejoices in the Lord
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. Do great things for us, O Lord, for you are mighty, and holy is your name.
INTERCESSIONS
Let us praise Christ who gives power and strength to his people, and let us entreat him with sincere hearts:
Hear us, O Lord, and we shall praise you for ever.
Christ, our strength, you called your faithful ones to your truth,
— mercifully grant them faith and perseverance.
Hear us, O Lord, and we shall praise you for ever.
Direct our leaders according to your will,
— and help them to keep us in peace.
Hear us, O Lord, and we shall praise you for ever.
You provided bread for the hungry crowd,
— teach us to share our resources with the needy.
Hear us, O Lord, and we shall praise you for ever.
Do not direct world leaders to give attention only to the needs of their own nations,
— but give them, above all, a respect and a deep concern for all peoples.
Hear us, O Lord, and we shall praise you for ever.
Grant blessed life and resurrection to our brothers who have fallen asleep,
— and may all those who have believed in you share in your glory.
Hear us, O Lord, and we shall praise you for ever.
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
Lord,
may our evening prayer come before you
and let the faith our lips profess
live in the prayerful thoughts of our hearts.
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.
15 min
August 18 August 18th, 2026 – Night Prayer – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours
Ribbon Placement:
Liturgy of the Hours:
Vol I, Page 1178
Vol II, Page 1635
Vol III, Page 1278
Vol IV, Page 1242
Christian Prayer:
Page 1044
Night Prayer for Tuesday
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.
Examination of conscience:
We are called to have a clear conscience toward God and toward men, in our hearts and in our minds, in our actions and inactions. To do so, it is vital that we examine our conscience daily and to ask for God’s mercy as we fall short and to ask for His strength to do better.
Lord Jesus,
you have shown us the way to the Father:
Lord, have mercy.
— Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus,
you have given us the consolation of the truth:
Christ, have mercy.
— Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus,
you are the good shepherd,
leading us into everlasting life:
Lord, have mercy.
— Lord, have mercy.
HYMN
All Your glory God Almighty
To the Son and Spirit given
Here upon the World’s Creation
Dawn the newborn Light of Hev'n.
Holy, Holy we adore You
One in power and nature One,
God the Father, God the Spirit,
God the Co-Eternal Son.
By Your Son the wide Creation
Rules where chaos held its sway.
By the Spirit God Almighty
Swept eternal night away.
Son the Father’s Love revealing
Son through Whom the Spirit came,
Blessed Godhead: Endless glory
Be to Your exalted Name.
𝄞"All Your Glory, God Almighty" by Rebecca Hincke • Musical Score • Text: Hymn from the Russian Church; Translated: John Brownie, 1857-1925, alt.; Tune: OMNIE DIE, 87 87; David Gregor Corner's Gesangbuch, Nuremberg, 1631; arr. William Smith Rockstro, 1823-1895; Recording copyright 2016 Surgeworks • Albums that contain this Hymn: Divine Office
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 Do not hide your face from me; in you I put my trust.
Psalm 143
Prayer in distress
Only by faith in Jesus Christ is a man made holy in God’s sight. No observance of the law can achieve this (Galatians 2:16).
Lord, listen to my prayer:
turn your ear to my appeal.
You are faithful, you are just; give answer.
Do not call your servant to judgment
for no one is just in your sight.
The enemy pursues my soul;
he has crushed my life to the ground;
he has made me dwell in darkness
like the dead, long forgotten.
Therefore my spirit fails;
my heart is numb within me.
I remember the days that are past:
I ponder all your works.
I muse on what your hand has wrought
and to you I stretch out my hands.
Like a parched land my soul thirsts for you.
Lord, make haste and answer;
for my spirit fails within me.
Do not hide your face
lest I become like those in the grave.
In the morning let me know your love
for I put my trust in you.
Make me know the way I should walk:
to you I lift up my soul.
Rescue me, Lord, from my enemies;
I have fled to you for refuge.
Teach me to do your will
for you, O Lord, are my God.
Let your good spirit guide me
in ways that are level and smooth.
For your name’s sake, Lord, save my life;
in your justice save my soul from distress.
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. Do not hide your face from me; in you I put my trust.
READING 1 Peter 5:8-9a
Stay sober and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, solid in your faith.
RESPONSORY
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.
— Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.
You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth.
— I commend my spirit.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.
CANTICLE OF SIMEON
Ant. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace.
Luke 2:29-32
Christ is the light of the nations and the glory of Israel
Lord, now you let your servant go in peace;
your word has been fulfilled:
my own eyes have seen the salvation
which you have prepared in the sight of every people:
a light to reveal you to the nations
and the glory of your people Israel.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
— as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace.
Concluding Prayer
Lord,
fill this night with your radiance.
May we sleep in peace and rise with joy
to welcome the light of a new day in your name.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
— Amen.
BLESSING
May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful death.
— Amen.
Antiphon or song in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary
HYMN
Mary 'mid the roses sits and rocks her holy child;
While through the fragrant trees sweetly blows the gentle breeze.
And by the cradle small comes a bird's song from the bough;
Lulla, Lullay, sweetly sleep.
Innocent thy laughter, holy is thy lullaby;
Lay thy head in slumber sweet safely on thy mother's breast;
Lula, Lullay, sweetly sleep.
𝄞"The Virgin’s Slumber Song" by Choir of The Cathedral of the Madeleine • Title: The Virgin’s Slumber Song; Artist: Choir of The Cathedral of the Madeleine, Salt Lake City, Utah; Used with permission.
10 min
August 17 August 17th, 2026 – Invitatory – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours
Lord, open my lips.
— And my mouth will proclaim your praise.
Ant. Come, let us sing joyful songs to the Lord.
Psalm 24
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.
Ant. Come, let us sing joyful songs to the Lord.
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.
Ant. Come, let us sing joyful songs to the Lord.
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.
Ant. Come, let us sing joyful songs to the Lord.
O gates, lift high your heads;
grow higher, ancient doors.
Let him enter, the king of glory!
Ant. Come, let us sing joyful songs to the Lord.
Who is the king of glory?
The Lord, the mighty, the valiant,
the Lord, the valiant in war.
Ant. Come, let us sing joyful songs to the Lord.
O gates, lift high your heads;
grow higher, ancient doors.
Let him enter, the king of glory!
Ant. Come, let us sing joyful songs to the Lord.
Who is he, the king of glory?
He, the Lord of armies,
he is the king of glory.
Ant. Come, let us sing joyful songs to 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. Come, let us sing joyful songs to the Lord.
4 min
August 17 August 17th, 2026 – Office of Readings – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours
Ribbon Placement:
Liturgy of the Hours Vol. IV:
Ordinary: 615
Proper of Seasons: 123
Psalter: Monday, Week IV, 1107
Christian Prayer:
Does not contain Office of Readings.
Office of Readings for Monday 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
Most ancient of all mysteries,
before your throne we lie;
have mercy now, most merciful,
most Holy Trinity.
When heaven and earth were still unmade,
when time was yet unknown,
you in your radiant majesty
did live and love alone.
You were not born; there was no source
from which your being flowed;
there is no end which you can reach:
for you are simply God.
How wonderful creation is,
the work which you did bless!
what then must you be like dear God,
eternal Loveliness!
Most ancient of all mysteries,
before your throne we lie;
have mercy now and ever more,
most Holy Trinity.
𝄞"Most Ancient of all Mysteries" by Rebecca Hincke • Musical Score • Words: Frederick William Faber, 1849; Music: St. Flavian; Artist: Rebecca Hincke; Copyright 2016 Surgeworks • Albums that contain this Hymn: Divine Office
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 How good is the God of Israel to the pure of heart!
Psalm 73
Why is it that the good have many troubles?
Blessed is the man who does not lose faith in me (Matthew 11:6).
I
How good God is to Israel,
to those who are pure of heart.
Yet my feet came close to stumbling,
my steps had almost slipped
for I was filled with envy of the proud
when I saw how the wicked prosper.
For them there are no pains;
their bodies are sound and sleek.
They have no share in men’s sorrows;
they are not stricken like others.
So they wear their pride like a necklace,
they clothe themselves with violence.
Their hearts overflow with malice,
their minds seethe with plots.
They scoff; they speak with malice;
from on high they plan oppression.
They have set their mouths in the heavens
and their tongues dictate to the earth.
So the people turn to follow them
and drink in all their words.
They say: “How can God know?
Does the Most High take any notice?”
Look at them, such are the wicked,
but untroubled, they grow in wealth.
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. How good is the God of Israel to the pure of heart!
Ant. 2 Their laughter will turn to weeping, their merriment to grief.
II
How useless to keep my heart pure
and wash my hands in innocence,
when I was stricken all day long,
suffered punishment day after day.
Then I said: “If I should speak like that,
I should abandon the faith of your people.”
I strove to fathom this problem,
too hard for my mind to understand,
until I pierced the mysteries of God
and understood what becomes of the wicked.
How slippery the paths on which you set them;
you make them slide to destruction.
How suddenly they come to their ruin,
wiped out, destroyed by terrors.
Like a dream one wakes from, O Lord,
when you wake you dismiss them as phantoms.
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. Their laughter will turn to weeping, their merriment to grief.
Ant. 3 Those who depart from you will perish; my joy is to remain with you, my God.
III
And so when my heart grew embittered
and when I was cut to the quick,
I was stupid and did not understand,
no better than a beast in your sight.
Yet I was always in your presence;
you were holding me by my right hand.
You will guide me by your counsel
and so you will lead me to glory.
What else have I in heaven but you?
Apart from you I want nothing on earth.
My body and my heart faint for joy;
God is my possession for ever.
All those who abandon you shall perish;
you will destroy all those who are faithless.
To be near God is my happiness.
I have made the Lord God my refuge.
I will tell of all your works
at the gates of the city of Zion.
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
It is good to be with you, Father; in you is fullness of life for your faithful people; in you all hope resides. May you lead us to everlasting happiness.
Ant. Those who depart from you will perish; my joy is to remain with you, my God.
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.
To savor your words is my delight, O Lord,
— Honey itself is not sweeter.
READINGS
First reading
From the book of the prophet Isaiah
3:1-15
The prophet rebukes Jerusalem
The Lord, the Lord of hosts,
shall take away from Jerusalem and from Judah
support and prop (all supplies of bread and water):
Hero and warrior,
judge and prophet, fortune-teller and elder,
The captain of fifty and the nobleman,
counselor, skilled magician, and expert charmer.
I will make striplings their princes;
the fickle shall govern them,
And the people shall oppress one another,
yes, every man his neighbor.
The child shall be bold toward the elder,
and the base toward the honorable.
When a man seizes his brother
in his father’s house, saying,
“You have clothes! Be our ruler,
and take in hand this ruin!”–
Then shall he answer in that day:
“I will not undertake to cure this,
when in my own house there is no bread or clothing!
You shall not make me ruler of the people.”
Jerusalem is crumbling, Judah is falling;
for their speech and their deeds are before the Lord,
a provocation in the sight of his majesty.
Their very look bears witness against them;
their sin like Sodom they vaunt,
They hide it not. Woe to them!
they deal out evil to themselves.
Happy the just, for it will be well with them,
the fruit of their works they will eat.
Woe to the wicked man! All goes ill,
with the work of his hands he will be repaid.
My people–a babe in arms will be their tyrant,
and women will rule them!
O my people, your leaders mislead,
they destroy the paths you should follow.
The Lord rises to accuse,
standing to try his people.
The Lord enters into judgment
with his people’s elders and princes:
It is you who have devoured the vineyard;
the loot wrested from the poor is in your houses.
What do you mean by crushing my people,
and grinding down the poor when they look to you?
says the Lord, the God of hosts.
RESPONSORY Isaiah 3:10, 11, 13
Happy is the just man; all goes well with him,
for he shall enjoy the fruit of his works.
— Woe to the wicked man; all goes ill with him;
he shall be repaid for the evil he has done.
The Lord rises from his judgment seat
and stands to judge his people.
— Woe to the wicked man; all goes ill with him;
he shall be repaid for the evil he has done.
Second reading
From the Moral Reflections on Job by Saint Gregory the Great, pope
Struggles without, fears within
Holy men beset by tribulation must endure the assaults of those who use violence and verbal attacks. The former they resist with the shield of patience, but against the latter they launch the sharp arrows of true doctrine. In both types of fighting they win the day through the wonderful arts that virtue bestows, for with wisdom they teach the wayward while showing a courageous contempt for outward hostility; the straying sheep they set on the right path by their teaching; the attacker they suffer and overcome. For they have nothing but patient scorn for the enemy who moves against them, but they sympathize with their weaker fellows and bring them back to the safe way, opposing the former lest they lead others astray and fearing for the latter lest they completely lose sight of the truly upright life.
Let us see how a soldier in God’s camp fights against both types of enemy. Paul says: Struggles without, fears within. He lists the attacks he must endure from without: Dangers from floods, dangers from robbers, dangers from my own people, dangers from the pagans, dangers in the city, dangers in the desert, dangers on the seas, dangers from false brothers. He also tells us what weapons he uses against his enemies in this war: Toil and hardship, many sleepless nights, hunger and thirst, frequent fasts, cold and nakedness.
When beset by so many struggles, he guards the camp, he tells us, with great watchfulness. Immediately he adds: Besides these outward difficulties there is that daily weight upon me: my anxiety for all the churches. Thus he himself fights courageously and devotes himself compassionately to protecting his neighbors. He tells us of the evils he endures but also of the blessings he brings to others.
Let us reflect, then, on how difficult it is simultaneously to endure attacks from without and to protect the weak from within. He endures the attacks without, inasmuch as he suffers flogging and chains; inwardly he experiences fear, since he is afraid that his sufferings may be a stumbling-block not to himself but to his disciples. For this reason he writes them: Let no one be shaken by these trials, for you know that they are our lot. Amid his own sufferings it was the fall of others he feared, lest the disciples, seeing him flogged for the faith, might refuse to acknowledge their own faith.
What an immensely loving heart! He thinks nothing of what he himself suffers and is concerned only that the disciples may be led astray interiorly. He scorns his own bodily wounds and brings healing to the inner wounds of others. It is characteristic of holy men that their own painful trials do not make them lose their concern for the well-being of others. They are grieved by the adversity they must endure, yet they look out for others and teach them needed lessons; they are like gifted physicians who are themselves stricken and lie ill. They suffer wounds themselves but bring others the medicine that restores health.
RESPONSORY See Job 13:20-21; Jeremiah 10:24
O Lord, do not hide your face from me;
lift away from me the weight of your hand,
— and let not my fear of you terrify me.
O God, rebuke me with gentleness and not in anger,
for your anger will reduce me to nothing.
— And let not my fear of you terrify me.
CONCLUDING PRAYER
O God,
who have prepared for those who love you
good things which no eye can see,
fill our hearts, we pray,
with the warmth of your love, so that,
loving you in all things and above all things,
we may attain your promises,
which surpass every human desire.
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.
17 min