A form of prayer at specified times to be used
by individuals or groups. The Divine Hours includes morning,
midday, vespers (evening) and compline (before retiring) offices,
having roots in the biblical tradition. By default the Divine
Hours below is displayed based on Eastern Standard Time, U.S. |
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The Vespers Office |
To Be Observed on the Hour or Half Hour
Between 5 and 8 p.m. |
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The Call to Prayer
Bless God in the congregation;* bless the LORD, you that are of the fountain of
Israel.
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| Psalm 68:26 |
The Request for Presence
O LORD, watch over us* and save us from this generation for ever.
The wicked prowl on every side,* and that which is worthless is highly prized by
everyone.
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| Psalm 12:718 |
The Greeting
One generation shall praise your works to another* and shall declare your power.
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| Psalm 145:4 |
| The Hymn |
More Love to Thee
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| More love to Thee, O Christ, Then shall my latest breath
More love to Thee! Whisper Thy praise;
Hear Thou the prayer I make This be the parting cry
On bended knee; My heart shall raise;
This is my earnest plea, This still its prayer shall be,
More love, O Christ, to Thee, More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee, More love to Thee,
More love to Thee! More love to Thee!
Once earthly joy I craved,
Sought peace and rest;
Now Thee alone I seek;
Give what is best:
This all my prayer shall be,
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee,
More love to Thee! |
| Elizabeth P. Prentiss |
The Refrain for the Vespers Lessons
The heaven of heavens is the LORD's,* but he entrusted the earth to its peoples.
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| Psalm 115:16 |
| The Vespers Psalm |
The Righteous Will Be Kept in Everlasting Remembrance
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| Light shines in the darkness for the upright;* the righteous are merciful and full of
compassion.
It is good for them to be generous in lending* and to manage their affairs with
justice.
For they will never be shaken;* the righteous will be kept in everlasting remembrance.
They will not be afraid of any evil rumors;* their heart is right; they put their trust
in the Lord.
Their heart is established and will not shrink,* until they see their desire upon
their enemies.
They have given freely to the poor,* and their righteousness stands fast for ever;
they will hold up their head with honor.
The wicked will see it and be angry; they will gnash their teeth and pine away;*
the desires of the wicked will perish. |
| Psalm 112:4110 |
The Refrain
The heaven of heavens is the LORD's,* but he entrusted the earth to its peoples.
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The Cry of the Church
Even so come, Lord Jesus!
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The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your Name.
May your kingdom come, and your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil;
for yours are the kingdom and the power and the glory
forever and ever. Amen.
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The Prayer Appointed for the Week
Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in my
heart the love of your Name; increase in me true religion; nourish me with all
goodness; and bring forth in me the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ
our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever
and ever. Amen.
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The Concluding Prayer of the Church
Grant me, I beseech thee, O merciful God, prudently to study, rightly to understand
and perfectly to fulfill that which is pleasing to thee, to the praise and
glory of thy name. Amen.
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| St. Thomas Aquinas |
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The Divine Hours © Copyright 2003 Phyllis Tickle
www.phyllistickle.com
The Divine Hours are reprinted here with permission of Doubleday
and Phyllis Tickle. Not for distribution without permission from
the author. |
