THE DIVINE HOURS

The Call to Prayer

Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving;* make music to our God upon the harp.

Psalm 147:7

The Request for Presence

Hear the voice of my prayer when I cry out to you,* when I lift up my hands to your holy of holies.

Psalm 28:2

The Greeting

You are the LORD, most high over all the earth;* you are exalted far above all gods.

Psalm 97:9

The Refrain for the Midday Lessons

Tell it out among all the nations: "The LORD is King!* he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved; he will judge all the peoples with equity."

Psalm 96:10

A Reading

With you is Wisdom, she who knows your works, she who was present when you made the world; she understands what is pleasing in your eyes and what agrees with your commandments. Dispatch her from the holy heavens, send her forth from your throne of glory to help me and to toil with me and teach me what is pleasing to you; since she knows and understands everything, she will guide me prudently in my actions and will protect me with her glory. Then all I do will be acceptable . . .

Wisdom 9:9-12

The Refrain

Tell it out among all the nations: "The LORD is King!* he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved; he will judge all the peoples with equity."

The Midday Psalm

Righteousness and Justice Are the Foundations of His Throne

The LORD is King; let the earth rejoice;* let the multitude of the isles be glad. Clouds and darkness are round about him,* righteousness and justice are the foundations of his throne. Afire goes before him* and burns up his enemies on every side. His lightnings light up the world;* the earth sees it and is afraid. The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD,* at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. The heavens declare his righteousness,* and all the peoples see his glory.

Psalm 97:1-6

The Refrain

Tell it out among all the nations: "The LORD is King!* he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved; he will judge all the peoples with equity."

The Small Verse

Happy are the people whose strength is in you!* whose hearts are set on the pilgrims' way, For one day in your courts is better than a thousand in my own room,* and to stand at the threshold of the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of the wicked.

Psalm 84:4, 9

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

Most loving Father, whose will it is for us to give thanks for all things, to fear nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on you who cares for us: Preserve me from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from me the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested to us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Concluding Prayer of the Church

Let us bless the Lord God living and true! Let us always render him praise, glory, honor, blessing, and all good things! Amen. Amen. So be it! So be it!

St. Francis of Assisi

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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