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

The LORD is in his holy temple.* Let all the earth keep silence before him.

based on Psalms 11:4

The Request for Presence

O LORD, I call to you; come to me quickly* hear my voice when I cry to you. Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense,* the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

Psalm 141:1-2

The Greeting

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

Psalm 71:19

The Hymn

King of the martyrs' noble band, Crown of the true of every land, Strength of the pilgrim on the way, Beacon by night and cloud by day: Hear us as now we celebrate Faith undeterred by cruel hate; Hear and forgive us, sinners who Are burdened by the wrong we do. Dying, through you they overcame; Living, were faithful to your Name. Turn our rebellious hearts, and thus Win a like victory in us. Glory to God the Father be; Glory to Christ, who set us free; And to the Spirit, Living flame, Glory unceasing we proclaim. Traditional

The Refrain for the Vespers Lessons

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High,* abides under the shadow of the Almighty. He shall say to the LORD, "You are my refuge and my stronghold,* my God in whom I put my trust."

Psalm 91:1-2

The Vespers Psalm

Holiness Adorns Your House, O LORD

The LORD is King; he has put on splendid apparel;* the LORD has put on his apparel and girded himself with strength. He has made the whole world so sure* that it cannot be moved; Ever since the world began, your throne has been established;* you are from everlasting. The waters have lifted up, O LORD, the waters have lifted up their voice;* the waters have lifted up their pounding waves. Mightier than the sound of many waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea,* mightier is the LORD who dwells on high. Your testimonies are very sure,* and holiness adorns your house, O LORD, for ever and for evermore.

Psalm 93

The Refrain

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High,* abides under the shadow of the Almighty. He shall say to the LORD, "You are my refuge and my stronghold,* my God in whom I put my trust."

The Gloria

Glory be to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, so it is now and so it shall ever be, world without end. Alleluia. Amen.

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 and everlasting God, who kindled the flame of your love in the heart of your holy martyr James: Grant me, your humble servant, a like faith and power of love, that I who rejoice in his triumph may profit by his example; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.† Father, as you made springs to form streams between mountains, so you made living streams of grace to flow from the apostles that their teaching may bring salvation to all nations. May I have practical knowledge of their doctrine, be obedient to their commands, obtain remission of sins through their prayers, and finally receive the reward of eternal happiness. Amen.

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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