THE DIVINE HOURS

The Call to Prayer

I will sing of mercy and justice;* to you, O LORD, will I sing praises.

Psalm 101:1

The Request for Presence

But as for me, O LORD, I cry to you for help;* in the morning my prayer comes before you.

Psalm 88:14

The Greeting

Your testimonies are very sure,* and holiness adorns your house, O LORD, for ever and for evermore.

Psalm 93:6

The Refrain for the Morning Lessons

This is the LORD's doing,* and it is marvelous in our eyes.

Psalm 118:23

A Reading

During Advent, the Church remembers with thanksgiving the life and ministry of John the Baptizer, cousin of Our Lord and the promised messenger of His first coming.

Jesus began to talk to the people about John: "What did you go into the desert to see? Areed swaying in the breeze? No! Then what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who go in magnificent clothes and live luxuriously are to be found at royal courts! Then what did you go to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet: he is the one of whom scripture says: Look I am going to send my messenger in front of you to prepare your way before you. I tell you, of all the children born to women, there is no one greater than John; yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."

Luke 7:25-28

The Refrain

This is the LORD's doing,* and it is marvelous in our eyes.

Psalm 118:23

The Morning Psalm

Sing to the LORD a New Song

Hallelujah! Sing to the LORD a new song;* sing his praise in the congregation of the faithful. Let Israel rejoice in his Maker;* let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his Name in the dance;* let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp. For the LORD takes pleasure in his people* and adorns the poor with victory. Let the faithful rejoice in triumph;* let them be joyful on their beds. Let the praises of God be in their throat* and a two-edged sword in their hand; To wreak vengeance on the nations* and punishment on the peoples; To bind their kings in chains* and their nobles with links of iron; To inflict on them the judgment decreed;* this is glory for all his faithful people. Hallelujah!

Psalm 149

The Refrain

This is the LORD's doing,* and it is marvelous in our eyes.

Psalm 118:23

The Cry of the Church

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

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

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Grant us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Concluding Prayer of the Church

Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

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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