THE DIVINE HOURS

The Call to Prayer

Love the LORD, all you who worship him;* the LORD protects the faithful, but repays to the full those who act haughtily. Be strong and let your heart take courage,* all you who wait for the LORD.

Psalm 31:23-24

The Request for Presence

Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe, for you are my crag and my stronghold;* for the sake of your Name, lead me and guide me.

Psalm 31:3

The Greeting

How great is your goodness, O LORD!* which you have laid up for those who fear you; which you have done in the sight of all.

Psalm 31:19

The Refrain for the Morning Lessons

Blessed be the LORD!* for he has shown me the wonders of his love in a besieged city.

Psalm 31:21

A Reading

Jesus taught us, saying: "It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for one little stroke to drop out of the Law."

Luke 16:17

The Refrain

Blessed be the LORD!* for he has shown me the wonders of his love in a besieged city.

Psalm 31:21

The Morning Psalm

He Asked You for Life, and You Gave It to Him

The king rejoices in your strength, O LORD;* how greatly he exults in your victory! You have given him his heart's desire;* you have not denied him the request of his lips. For you meet him with blessings of prosperity,* and set a crown of fine gold upon his head. He asked you for life, and you gave it to him:* length of days, for ever and ever. His honor is great, because of your victory;* splendor and majesty have you bestowed upon him. For you will give him everlasting felicity* and will make him glad with the joy of your presence. For the king puts his trust in the LORD;* because of the loving-kindness of the Most High, he will not fall.

Psalm 21:1-7

The Refrain

Blessed be the LORD!* for he has shown me the wonders of his love in a besieged city.

Psalm 31:21

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

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant me so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that I may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and 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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