THE DIVINE HOURS

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. You can use these links to view in another U.S. timezone: CST | MST | PST

Other time zones will be added as requested.

You may find it helpful to read the introduction by the author, Phyllis Tickle.

The Vespers Office

To Be Observed on the Hour or Half Hour Between 5 and 8 p.m

The Call to Prayer

Taste and see that the LORD is good;* happy are those who trust in him!

Psalm 34:8

The Request for Presence

O Lamb of God, that takes away the sins of the world, have mercy upon me. O Lamb of God, that takes away the sins of the world, have mercy upon me. O Lamb of God, that takes away the sins of the world, grant me your peace.

The Greeting

Happy are those whom you choose and draw to your courts to dwell there!* they will be satisfied by the beauty of your house, by the holiness of your temple.

Psalm 65:4

The Hymn

Let There Be Light

Let there be light, Lord God of hosts, Let there be wisdom on the earth! Let broad humanity have birth; Let there be deeds, instead of boasts. Within our impassioned hearts instill The calm that ends our strain and strife; Make us your ministers of life; Purge us from lusts that curse and kill. Give us the peace of vision clear. To see in a brother's good our own, To joy and suffer not alone— The love that casts out all our fear! Let woe and waste of warfare cease, That useful labor yet may build Its homes with love and laughter filled: God, give your wayward children peace!

William Vories

The Refrain for the Vespers Lessons

Light shines in the darkness for the upright;* the righteous are merciful and full of compassion.

Psalm 112:4

The Vespers Psalm

He Gives His Beloved Sleep

Unless the LORD builds the house,* their labor is in vain who build it. Unless the LORD watches over the city,* in vain the watchman keeps his vigil. It is in vain that you rise so early and go to bed so late;* vain, too, to eat the bread of toil, for he gives to his beloved sleep.

Psalm 127:1-3

The Refrain

Light shines in the darkness for the upright;* the righteous are merciful and full of compassion.

The Cry of the Church

In the evening, in the morning, and at noonday, I will complain and lament,* and he will hear my voice.

Psalm 55:18

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.

The Prayer Appointed for the Week

Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.†

The Concluding Prayer of the Church

Almighty Father, you have given me the strength to work throughout this day. Receive my evening sacrifice of praise in thanksgiving for your countless gifts. I ask this through my Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

THE LITURGY OF THE HOURS, VOL. I I I

The Divine Hours are reprinted here with permission of Doubleday and Phyllis Tickle. Not for distribution without permission from the author.
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