THE DIVINE HOURS

The Call to Prayer

Come now and look upon the works of the LORD,* what awesome things he has done on earth.

Psalm 46:9

The Request for Presence

O LORD, I call to you; come to me quickly;* hear my voice when I cry to you.

Psalm 141:1

The Greeting

When I was in trouble, I called to the LORD;* I called to the LORD, and he answered me.

The Refrain for the Midday Lessons

Let them be put to shame and thrown back,* all those who are enemies of Zion.

Psalm 129:5

A Reading

You must keep to what you have been taught and know to be true; remember who your teachers were, and how, ever since you were a child, you have known the holy scriptures—from these you can learn the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and useful for refuting error, for guiding people's lives and teaching them to be upright. This is how someone who is dedicated to God becomes fully equipped and ready for any good work.

2 Timothy 3:14-17

The Refrain

Let them be put to shame and thrown back,* all those who are enemies of Zion.

The Midday Psalm

Your Word Is a Light Upon My Path

Your word is a lantern to my feet* and a light upon my path. I have sworn and am determined* to keep your righteous judgments. I am deeply troubled;* preserve my life, O LORD, according to your word. Accept, O LORD, the willing tribute of my lips,* and teach me your judgments. My life is always in my hand,* yet I do not forget your law. The wicked have set a trap for me,* but I have not strayed from your commandments. Your decrees are my inheritance for ever;* truly, they are the joy of my heart. I have applied my heart to fulfill your statutes* for ever and to the end.

Psalm 119:105-112

The Refrain

Let them be put to shame and thrown back,* all those who are enemies of Zion.

The Small Verse

From my secret sins cleanse me, Lord. And from all strange evils deliver me.

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

Lord Jesus Christ, by your death you took away the sting of death: Grant me to so follow in faith where you have led the way, that I may at length fall asleep peacefully in you and wake in your likeness; for your tender mercies' sake. 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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