Divine Office – Liturgy of the Hours of the Roman Catholic Church (Breviary)

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  September 21st, 2026 – This Week: Ankle-Deep, Knee-Deep, Waist-Deep – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours 21.09.2026

  25th Week in Ordinary Time • Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist • Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina • Oprional Memorial of Saints Cosmas and Damian, Martyr • Liturgical Colours: Green/Red/White While we move through this week, the prophet Ezekiel keeps us company, but the distance he travels is extraordinary. Let’s try to follow. It opens with the prophet burying his wife and being forbidden to weep for her. It ends with water pouring out of the temple, rising past his ankles, his knees, his waist, until it becomes a river he cannot cross — and everything it touches lives. Between those two points, the week unfolds: a heart of stone exchanged for a heart of flesh, a plain of dry bones raised, and the glory of God returning through the east gate. This Week in the Liturgy – Highlights Sunday 20 September — 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The week opens with a blow, the Lord says to the prophet: “I am taking away from you the delight of your eyes” — his wife — and forbids him to grieve publicly: “do not mourn or weep or shed any tears. Groan in silence.” His silence is itself the prophecy, Jerusalem will lose the temple the same way and their mourning rituals will be taken away from them. The Second Reading of the day continues Saint Augustine’s sermons On Pastors which will end on Friday. Particularly beautiful and inspiring today is his metaphor of the paralytic for which the “paralysis is interior”. Monday 21 September — Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist. The First reading comes from Ephesians 4:1–16, the different graces in the one body. While the Second reading from Saint Bede the Venerable — “Jesus saw him through the eyes of mercy and chose him.” Each year on his feast day we remember his radical, miraculous transformation. Matthew was a tax collector, a wealthy man who profited from the occupation. Saint Bede argues precisely this: Jesus saw him accurately and chose him anyway. “By an invisible, interior impulse flooding his mind with the light of grace, he instructed him to walk in his footsteps.” Tuesday 22 September In Ezekiel 36, we see how God’s people are restored in body, heart and spirit: “I will take away the heart of stone from their bodies and give them a heart of flesh, so that they may walk in my ways.” That interior change is a gift from God.  Second Reading of the day continues Saint Augustine’s series On Pastors — the Church, like a vine, spreads everywhere in her growth. Wednesday 23 September — Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina. This year, the First reading on Padre Pio’s feast day comes from Ezekiel 37 – The vision of the dry bones. It paints a powerful picture of absolute despair transformed by God’s promise of new life. Padre Pio’s proper reading comes from the Second Vatican Council on “the priestly vocation to perfection,” and it is perfectly suited. He was deeply loved and revered for his self-sacrificial exercise of Christian virtues, which transformed him into a spiritual father to many. Thursday 24 September On Thursday the two sticks are joined into one —  a sign of Israel and Judah made a single nation again: “there shall be one flock and one shepherd.” It was paired with Saint Augustine’s “In good pastures I shall feed my sheep”. Friday 25 September First Reading, Ezekiel 40, the vision of the restored temple, with the glory of God returning through the eastern gate. In the Second Reading, Saint Augustine closes On Pastors: “Christ is your shepherd and judge… I find that all good shepherds are one in the one shepherd.” We are reminded of Saint Matthew’s transformation when we read: “My sheep, he says, hear my voice and follow me.” Saturday 26 September The week ends with Ezekiel 47:1–12, water flowing from beneath the temple threshold — ankle-deep, then knee-deep, then waist-deep, then a river too deep to cross. Perfectly paired with Saint Hilary’s “discourse on the psalms”, “the river whose streams gladden the city of God”. We who have been “reborn through the sacrament of baptism… we feel within us the first stirrings of the Holy Spirit”; these gifts enter us “like a gentle rain.” They start small right after baptism, but as one grows in faith, it will “bring forth fruit in abundance,” completely transforming one’s life just like the river from Ezekiel’s vision transformed the dead and barren into thriving life. This week in focus: Ankle-Deep, Knee-Deep, Waist-Deep From Saturday, September 26th, Office of Readings, First Reading: From the book of the prophet Ezekiel 47:1–12 (The vision of water flowing from the temple) This week ends with a man being taken into a river by stages. “Then when he had walked off to the east with a measuring cord in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and had me wade through the water, which was ankle-deep. He measured off another thousand and once more had me wade through the water, which was now knee-deep. Again he measured off a thousand and had me wade; the water was up to my waist. Once more he measured off a thousand, but there was now a river through which I could not wade.” Four measurements. The first three, Ezekiel manages. He is wading, which means his feet are on the bottom and he is in charge of where he goes. Then comes the fourth thousand cubits, and the floor drops away. Anyone who has prayed the Hours for a while will understand this progression. You begin with something you can manage. Morning Prayer three times a week. One Hour a day, most days, when the schedule allows it. You are wading: you decide when to go in, how far, and when to come out. Everyone begins that way, in the vision his angelic guide starts Ezekiel wading through ankle-deep water. And because the prophet keeps moving the water keeps deepening. When you keep walking east, toward the Rising Sun, the river will always be bigger than your ability to stand in it. At some point, prayer will become not spiritual action but spiritual being, something you are inside of. If you’ll follow Ezekiel this week, you’ll see his story move from dry eyes forbidden to weep, to dry bones scattered in the dust, to being entirely submerged in a river of living water. It’s God’s promise to drown death in an ocean of life everlasting. “I saw water flowing eastward from beneath the threshold of the temple.— Wherever this water flows, everything shall live.The water I shall give you will become in you a spring welling up to eternal life.— Wherever this water flows, everything shall live.” Responsory after the First Reading (Ezekiel 47:1, 9; John 4:14) Those first words are sung across the whole Church at Easter, when the congregation is sprinkled with water at the beginning of Mass: “Vidi aquam”. I saw water. It comes from this vision. Whatever measure you are standing in this week, walk one more thousand cubits. Pray one Hour more than you have been praying, and let the water come up a little higher. If the Hours have taken you deeper than you thought you could go, please consider supporting our work, including our ongoing Spanish Liturgy of the Hours project. divineoffice.org/contribute With gratitude,The Divine Office Team
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  September 21st, 2026 – About Today – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours 21.09.2026

  September 21 Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist Feast “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts,” (Is. 55:8-9). [1][2] When Jesus called St. Matthew he left everything, rose and followed Him. The Son of Man’s selection of St. Matthew, as a publican and tax-collector, emphasizes an important point in the plan of Redemption. Jesus invites all men to the Supper of the Lamb; regardless of culture, circumstance, or sinful past. St. Matthew was the son of Alpheus, a Galilean, and is one of the four Evangelists. His name means ‘gift of God’ in Hebrew and his emblem is a winged-man. [3][4] Written by Sarah Ciotti Reviewed by Fr. Hugh Feiss, OSB, STD [1] Revised Standard Version, s.v., “Isaiah, The Book of.” [2] Benedict XVI, Angelus, September 21, 2008. [3] Benedict XVI, General Audience, August 30, 2006. [4] Catholicpedia: The Original Catholic Encyclopedia (1917) for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. s.v. “St. Matthew.”
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  September 21st, 2026 – Invitatory – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours 21.09.2026 2min

  Lord, open my lips. — And my mouth will proclaim your praise. Ant. Come, let us worship the Lord who speaks to us through the gospel. Psalm 67 O God, be gracious and bless us and let your face shed its light upon us. So will your ways be known upon earth and all nations learn your saving help. Ant. Come, let us worship the Lord who speaks to us through the gospel. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. Ant. Come, let us worship the Lord who speaks to us through the gospel. Let the nations be glad and exult for you rule the world with justice. With fairness you rule the peoples, you guide the nations on earth. Ant. Come, let us worship the Lord who speaks to us through the gospel. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. Ant. Come, let us worship the Lord who speaks to us through the gospel. The earth has yielded its fruit for God, our God, has blessed us. May God still give us his blessing till the ends of the earth revere him. Ant. Come, let us worship the Lord who speaks to us through the gospel. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. Come, let us worship the Lord who speaks to us through the gospel.
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  September 21st, 2026 – Office of Readings – Feast – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours 21.09.2026 21min

  Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. IV: Ordinary: 615 Proper of Saints: 1416 Common of Apostles: 1673 Office of Readings for the Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. HYMNFaith of our Fathers! faith and prayer Shall win all nations unto thee; And through the truth that comes from God, Mankind shall then indeed be free. Faith of our fathers, holy faith! We will be true to thee till death. Faith of our Fathers! we will love Both friend and foe in all our strife: And preach thee too as love knows how, By kindly deeds and virtuous life. Faith of our fathers, holy faith! We will be true to thee till death. Faith of our Fathers! faith and prayer Shall win all nations unto thee; And through the truth that comes from God, Mankind shall then indeed be free. Faith of our fathers, holy faith! We will be true to thee till death. 𝄞"Faith of Our Fathers" by Rebecca Hincke • Available for Purchase • Musical Score • Text: Frederick William Faber, 1814-1863; Music: Henry F. Hemy, 1818-1888, and James G. Walton, 1821-1905; Melody: Saint Catherine L.M.; Artist: Rebecca Hincke; Copyright 2016 Surgeworks, Inc. • Albums that contain this Hymn: Hymns and Chants of Divine Office, Vol. 3 PSALMODY Ant. 1 Their voice has gone out to the limits of the earth, their words to the ends of the world. Psalm 19A The heavens proclaim the glory of God, and the firmament shows forth the work of his hands. Day unto day takes up the story and night unto night makes known the message. No speech, no word, no voice is heard yet their span extends through all the earth, their words to the utmost bounds of the world. There he has placed a tent for the sun; it comes forth like a bridegroom coming from his tent, rejoices like a champion to run its course. At the end of the sky is the rising of the sun; to the furthest end of the sky is its course. There is nothing concealed from its burning heat. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. Their voice has gone out to the limits of the earth, their words to the ends of the world. Ant. 2 They proclaimed what God has done for us; they grasped the meaning of his deeds. Psalm 64 Hear my voice, O God, as I complain, guard my life from dread of the foe. Hide me from the band of the wicked, from the throng of those who do evil. They sharpen their tongues like swords; they aim bitter words like arrows to shoot at the innocent from ambush, shooting suddenly and recklessly. They scheme their evil course; they conspire to lay secret snares. They say: “Who will see us? Who can search out our crimes?” He will search who searches the mind and knows the depths of the heart. God has shot them with his arrow and dealt them sudden wounds. Their own tongue has brought them to ruin and all who see them mock. Then will all men fear; they will tell what God has done. They will understand God’s deeds. The just will rejoice in the Lord and fly to him for refuge. All the upright hearts will glory. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. They proclaimed what God has done for us; they grasped the meaning of his deeds. Ant. 3 God’s holiness was revealed by them; all nations saw God’s glory. Psalm 97 The Lord is king, let earth rejoice, let all the coastlands be glad. Cloud and darkness are his raiment; his throne, justice and right. A fire prepares his path; it burns up his foes on every side. His lightnings light up the world, the earth trembles at the sight. The mountains melt like wax before the Lord of all the earth. The skies proclaim his justice; all peoples see his glory. Let those who serve idols be ashamed, those who boast of their worthless gods. All you spirits, worship him. Zion hears and is glad; the people of Judah rejoice because of your judgments, O Lord. For you indeed are the Lord most high above all the earth, exalted far above all spirits. The Lord loves those who hate evil; he guards the souls of his saints; he sets them free from the wicked. Light shines forth for the just and joy for the upright of heart. Rejoice, you just, in the Lord; give glory to his holy name. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. God’s holiness was revealed by them; all nations saw God’s glory. Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) A moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church. They proclaimed the Lord’s praises, told of his power to save. — And of the wonders he had worked. READINGS First Reading From the letter of the apostle Paul to the Ephesians 4:1-16 The different graces in the one body I plead with you, as a prisoner for the Lord, to live a life worthy of the calling you have received, with perfect humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another lovingly. Make every effort to preserve the unity which has the Spirit as its origin and peace as its binding force. There is but one body and one Spirit, just as there is but one hope given all of you by your call. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all, and works through all, and is in all. Each of us has received God’s favor in the measure in which Christ bestows it. Thus you find Scripture saying: “When he ascended on high, he took a host of captives and gave gifts to men.” “He ascended”—what does this mean but that he had first descended into the lower regions of the earth? He who descended is the very one who ascended high above the heavens, that he might fill all men with his gifts. It is he who gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers in roles of service for the faithful to build up the body of Christ, till we become one in faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, and form that perfect man who is Christ come to full stature. Let us, then, be children no longer, tossed here and there, carried about by every wind of doctrine that originates in human trickery and skill in proposing error. Rather, let us profess the truth in love and grow to the full maturity of Christ the head. Through him the whole body grows, and with the proper functioning of the members joined firmly together by each supporting ligament, builds itself up in love. RESPONSORY 2 Peter 1:21; Proverbs 2:6 No prophecy ever came from man. — The men who spoke the word of God were inspired by the Holy Spirit. The Lord gives wisdom; knowledge and understanding flow from his mouth. — The men who spoke the word of God were inspired by the Holy Spirit. Second reading From a homily by Saint Bede the Venerable, priest Jesus saw him through the eyes of mercy and chose him Jesus saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office, and he said to him: Follow me. Jesus saw Matthew, not merely in the usual sense, but more significantly with his merciful understanding of men. He saw the tax collector and, because he saw him through the eyes of mercy and chose him, he said to him: Follow me. This following meant imitating the pattern of his life—not just walking after him. Saint John tells us: Whoever says he abides in Christ ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. And he rose and followed him. There is no reason for surprise that the tax collector abandoned earthly wealth as soon as the Lord commanded him. Nor should one be amazed that neglecting his wealth, he joined a band of men whose leader had, on Matthew’s assessment, no riches at all. Our Lord summoned Matthew by speaking to him in words. By an invisible, interior impulse flooding his mind with the light of grace, he instructed him to walk in his footsteps. In this way Matthew could understand that Christ, who was summoning him away from earthly possessions, had incorruptible treasures of heaven in his gift. As he sat at table in the house, behold many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. This conversion of one tax collector gave many men, those from his own profession and other sinners, an example of repentance and pardon. Notice also the happy and true anticipation of his future status as apostle and teacher of the nations. No sooner was he converted than Matthew drew after him a whole crowd of sinners along the same road to salvation. He took up his appointed duties while still taking his first steps in the faith, and from that hour he fulfilled his obligation and thus grew in merit. To see a deeper understanding of the great celebration Matthew held at his house, we must realize that he not only gave a banquet for the Lord at his earthly residence, but far more pleasing was the banquet set in his own heart which he provided through faith and love. Our Savior attests to this: Behold I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. On hearing Christ’s voice, we open the door to receive him, as it were, when we freely assent to his promptings and when we give ourselves over to doing what must be done. Christ, since he dwells in the hearts of his chosen ones through the grace of his love, enters so that he might eat with us and we with him. He ever refreshes us by the light of his presence insofar as we progress in our devotion to and longing for the things of heaven. He himself is delighted by such a pleasing banquet. RESPONSORY Matthew was a talented scribe and deeply versed in the law of the Lord. — He dedicated all his efforts to the study of God’s law so that with the Lord’s guidance he might observe his precepts and teach them to others. The gospel of God’s glory is credited to him. — He dedicated all his efforts to the study of God’s law so that with the Lord’s guidance he might observe his precepts and teach them to others. TE DEUM You are God: we praise you; You are the Lord: we acclaim you; You are the eternal Father: All creation worships you. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise: Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. The glorious company of apostles praise you. The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you: Father, of majesty unbounded, your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide. You, Christ, are the King of glory, the eternal Son of the Father. When you became man to set us free you did not spurn the Virgin’s womb. You overcame the sting of death, and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God’s right hand in glory. We believe that you will come, and be our judge. Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting. Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance. — Govern and uphold them now and always. Day by day we bless you. — We praise your name for ever. Keep us today, Lord, from all sin. — Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy. Lord, show us your love and mercy, — for we have put our trust in you. In you, Lord, is our hope: — And we shall never hope in vain. CONCLUDING PRAYER O God, who with untold mercy were pleased to choose as an Apostle Saint Matthew, the tax collector, grant that, sustained by his example and intercession, we may merit to hold firm in following you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. — Amen. ACCLAMATION (at least in the communal celebration) Let us praise the Lord. — And give him thanks.
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  September 21st, 2026 – Morning Prayer – Feast – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours 21.09.2026 17min

  Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. IV: Ordinary: 618 Proper of Saints: 1420 Common of Apostles: 1680 Psalms and canticle from Sunday, Week I, 652 Christian Prayer: Ordinary: 689 Proper of Saints: 1266 Psalms and canticle from Sunday, Week I, 707 Morning Prayer for the Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. HYMNChrist Jesus, Lord, true Light of Light Begotten Son of God most high, You sent the Twelve afar to teach And spread the faith throughout the world. You gave them special gifts and grace, And sent them out the world to win To bring the gospel's truth to all, Its seed to scatter far and wide. Appeased by your apostles' prayer, Be gracious to us Lord, we pray, Smile down on us as we rejoice To celebrate their feast today. By their great merits keep us safe From every snare of sin and death, Since we preserve in faithful hearts The holy teaching they proclaimed. With face serene look down on us, Correct us with your loving gaze, That we may conquer by your grace The evils that beset our way. All glory be to you, O Lord, Beyond the limits of all time, Who by your true apostles' words, Lead us, your children, safely home. Amen. 𝄞"Christ Jesus, Lord, True Light of Light" by Kathleen Lundquist • Available for Purchase • Title: Christ Jesus, Lord, True Light of Light; Text: Claro paschali gaudio, 11th c.; Tr. the Benedictines of Saint Cecilia’s Abbey, Ryde, UK; Tune: Chant, Mode III; Liber Hymnarius; Artist: Kathleen Lundquist; Recording copyright 2016 by Surgeworks, Inc. • Albums that contain this Hymn: Hymns and Chants of Divine Office, Vol. 1 PSALMODY Ant. 1 My commandment is this: love one another as I have loved you. Psalm 63 A soul thirsting for God Whoever has left the darkness of sin yearns for God. O God, you are my God, for you I long; for you my soul is thirsting. My body pines for you like a dry, weary land without water. So I gaze on you in the sanctuary to see your strength and your glory. For your love is better than life, my lips will speak your praise. So I will bless you all my life, in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul shall be filled as with a banquet, my mouth shall praise you with joy. On my bed I remember you. On you I muse through the night for you have been my help; in the shadow of your wings I rejoice. My soul clings to you; your right hand holds me fast. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. My commandment is this: love one another as I have loved you. Ant. 2 There is no greater love than to lay down your life for your friends. Canticle – Daniel 3:57-88, 56 Let all creatures praise the Lord All you servants of the Lord, sing praise to him (Revelation 19:5). Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord. Praise and exalt him above all forever. Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord. You heavens, bless the Lord, All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord. All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord. Sun and moon, bless the Lord. Stars of heaven, bless the Lord. Every shower and dew, bless the Lord. All you winds, bless the Lord. Fire and heat, bless the Lord. Cold and chill, bless the Lord. Dew and rain, bless the Lord. Frost and chill, bless the Lord. Ice and snow, bless the Lord. Nights and days, bless the Lord. Light and darkness, bless the Lord. Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord. Let the earth bless the Lord. Praise and exalt him above all forever. Mountains and hills, bless the Lord. Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord. You springs, bless the Lord. Seas and rivers, bless the Lord. You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord. All you birds of the air, bless the Lord. All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord. You sons of men, bless the Lord. O Israel, bless the Lord. Praise and exalt him above all forever. Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord. Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord. Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord. Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord. Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord. Praise and exalt him above all forever. Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Let us praise and exalt him above all for ever. Blessed are you, Lord, in the firmament of heaven. Praiseworthy and glorious and exalted above all for ever. Ant. There is no greater love than to lay down your life for your friends. Ant. 3 You are my friends, says the Lord, if you do what I command you. Psalm 149 The joy of God’s holy people Let the sons of the Church, the children of the new people, rejoice in Christ, their King (Hesychius). Sing a new song to the Lord, his praise in the assembly of the faithful. Let Israel rejoice in its maker, let Zion’s sons exult in their king. Let them praise his name with dancing and make music with timbrel and harp. For the Lord takes delight in his people. He crowns the poor with salvation. Let the faithful rejoice in their glory, shout for joy and take their rest. Let the praise of God be on their lips and a two-edged sword in their hand, to deal out vengeance to the nations and punishment on all the peoples; to bind their kings in chains and their nobles in fetters of iron; to carry out the sentence pre-ordained; this honor is for all his faithful. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. You are my friends, says the Lord, if you do what I command you. READING Ephesians 2:19-22 You are strangers and aliens no longer. No, you are fellow citizens of the saints and members of the household of God. You form a building which rises on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is fitted together and takes shape as a holy temple in the Lord; in him you are being built into this temple, to become a dwelling place for God in the Spirit. Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) – a moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church. RESPONSORY You have made them rulers over all the earth. — You have made them rulers over all the earth. They will always remember your name, O Lord, — over all the earth. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, — You have made them rulers over all the earth. CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH Ant. The Lord saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s office and said to him: Follow me. Matthew got up and followed him. Luke 1:68-79 The Messiah and his forerunner Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty savior, born of the house of his servant David. Through his holy prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. The Lord saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s office and said to him: Follow me. Matthew got up and followed him. INTERCESSIONS Beloved friends, we have inherited heaven along with the apostles. Let us give thanks to the Father for all his gifts: The company of apostles praises you, O Lord. Praise be to you, Lord, for the banquet of Christ’s body and blood given us through the apostles, — which refreshes us and gives us life. The company of apostles praises you, O Lord. Praise be to you, Lord, for the feast of your word prepared for us by the apostles, — giving us light and joy. The company of apostles praises you, O Lord. Praise be to you, Lord, for your holy Church, founded on the apostles, — where we are gathered together into your community. The company of apostles praises you, O Lord. Praise be to you, Lord, for the cleansing power of baptism and penance that you have entrusted to your apostles, — through which we are cleansed of our sins. The company of apostles praises you, O Lord. Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Concluding Prayer O God, who with untold mercy were pleased to choose as an Apostle Saint Matthew, the tax collector, grant that, sustained by his example and intercession, we may merit to hold firm in following you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. — Amen. DISMISSAL May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. — Amen.
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  September 21st, 2026 – Midmorning Prayer – Feast – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours 21.09.2026 8min

  Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. IV: Ordinary: 623 Complementary Psalmody: 1257 (Series I Midmorning) Proper of Saints: 1420 (concluding prayer) Common of Apostles: 1682 (reading) Midmorning Prayer for the Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, using the Complementary Psalmody God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. HYMN1 I sing the mighty power of God, that made the mountains rise, that spread the flowing seas abroad and built the lofty skies. I sing the wisdom that ordained the sun to rule the day; the moon shines full at his command, and all the stars obey. 2 I sing the goodness of the Lord, that filled the earth with food; He formed the creatures with his word, and then pronounced them good. Lord, how your wonders are displayed, where'er I turn my eyes, if I survey the ground I tread or gaze upon the skies. 3 There's not a plant or flower below but makes your glories known; And clouds arise and tempests blow by order from your throne; while all that borrows life from you is ever in your care, and everywhere that man can be, you, God, are present there. 𝄞"I Sing the Mighty Power of God" by Rebecca Hincke • Available for Purchase • Musical Score • Title: I Sing the Might Power of God; Text: Isaac Watts, 1715; Music: Wurtemburg Gesangbuch, 1784; Melody: Ellacombe C.M.D.; Artist: Rebecca Hincke; Copyright 2016 Surgeworks • Albums that contain this Hymn: Hymns and Chants of Divine Office, Vol. 4 PSALMODY Ant. 1 I cried out, and the Lord heard me. Psalm 120 Longing for peace To the Lord in the hour of my distress I call and he answers me. “O Lord, save my soul from lying lips, from the tongue of the deceitful.” What shall he pay you in return, O treacherous tongue? The warrior’s arrows sharpened and coals, red-hot, blazing. Alas, that I abide a stranger in Meshech, dwell among the tents of Kedar! Long enough have I been dwelling with those who hate peace. I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for fighting. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. I cried out, and the Lord heard me. Ant. 2 May the Lord watch over you as you come and as you go. Psalm 121 Guardian of his people Never again will they hunger and thirst, never again know scorching heat (Revelation 7:16) I lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall come my help? My help shall come from the Lord who made heaven and earth. May he never allow you to stumble! Let him sleep not, your guard. No, he sleeps not nor slumbers, Israel’s guard. The Lord is your guard and your shade; at your right side he stands. By day the sun shall not smite you nor the moon in the night. The Lord will guard you from evil, he will guard your soul. The Lord will guard your going and coming both now and for ever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. May the Lord watch over you as you come and as you go. Ant. 3 I rejoiced in the good news they told me. Psalm 122 The holy city, Jerusalem You have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22) I rejoiced when I heard them say: Let us go to God’s house. And now our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem is built as a city strongly compact. It is there that the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord. For Israel’s law it is, there to praise the Lord’s name. There were set the thrones of judgment of the house of David. For the peace of Jerusalem pray: “Peace be to your homes! May peace reign in your walls, in your palaces, peace!” For love of my brethren and friends I say: Peace upon you. For love of the house of the Lord I will ask for your good. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. I rejoiced in the good news they told me. READING 2 Corinthians 5:19b-20 God has entrusted the message of reconciliation to us. This makes us ambassadors of Christ, God as it were appealing through us. We implore you, in Christ’s name: be reconciled to God! Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) A moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church. Their voice has gone out to the limits of the earth. — Their words to the ends of the world. CONCLUDING PRAYER O God, who with untold mercy were pleased to choose as an Apostle Saint Matthew, the tax collector, grant that, sustained by his example and intercession, we may merit to hold firm in following you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. — Amen. ACCLAMATION (only added when praying in community) Let us praise the Lord. — And give him thanks.
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  September 21st, 2026 – Midday Prayer – Feast – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours 21.09.2026 11min

  Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. IV: Ordinary: 623 Psalter: Monday, Week I, 675 (Midday) Proper of Saints: 1420 (Concluding prayer) Common of Apostles: 1683 (Reading) Midday Prayer for the Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, using Current Psalmody God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. HYMNHoly, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee. Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty, God in three persons, blessed Trinity! Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee, casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee, which wert, and art, and evermore shalt be. Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee, though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see, only thou art holy; there is none beside thee, perfect in power, in love and purity. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! All thy works shall praise thy name, in earth and sky and sea. Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty, God in three persons, blessed Trinity. 𝄞"Holy, holy, holy Lord God Almighty" by Rebecca Hincke • Available for Purchase • Musical Score • Title: Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty; Text: Reginald Heber Music: John B. Dykes Tune: NICAEA; Recording copyright 2016 Surgeworks, Inc. • Albums that contain this Hymn: Hymns and Chants of Divine Office, Vol. 4 PSALMODY Ant. 1 The will of God gives joy to the heart; we see all things in its light. Psalm 19B Praise of God who gave us the law of love You must be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48). The law of the Lord is perfect, it revives the soul. The rule of the Lord is to be trusted, it gives wisdom to the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, they gladden the heart. The command of the Lord is clear, it gives light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is holy, abiding for ever. The decrees of the Lord are truth and all of them just. They are more to be desired than gold, than the purest of gold, and sweeter are they than honey, than honey from the comb. So in them your servant finds instruction; great reward is in their keeping. But who can detect all his errors? From hidden faults acquit me. From presumption restrain your servant and let it not rule me. Then shall I be blameless, clean from grave sin. May the spoken words of my mouth, the thoughts of my heart, win favor in your sight, O Lord, my rescuer, my rock! Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Psalm-prayer May our words in praise of your commandments find favor with you, Lord. May our faith prove we are not slaves, but sons, not so much subjected to your law as sharing your power. Ant. The will of God gives joy to the heart; we see all things in its light. Ant. 2 God comes in power to give his people justice. Psalm 7 Prayer of a God-fearing man who is being calumniated Here stands the Judge, at our very door ( James 5:9). I Lord God, I take refuge in you. From my pursuer save me and rescue me, lest he tear me to pieces like a lion and drag me off with no one to rescue me. Lord God, if my hands have done wrong, if I have paid back evil for good, I who saved my unjust oppressor: then let my foe pursue me and seize me, let him trample my life to the ground and lay my soul in the dust. Lord, rise up in your anger, rise against the fury of my foes; my God, awake! You will give judgment. Let the company of nations gather round you, taking your seat above them on high. The Lord is judge of the peoples. Give judgment for me, Lord; I am just and innocent of heart. Put an end to the evil of the wicked! Make the just stand firm, you who test mind and heart, O just God! Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Psalm-prayer Father, you weigh what is in our hearts. Free us from oppressors, and, as we wait for your day of judgment, set a firm guard on our thoughts, so that while we return good for evil, we may still praise your kind of justice. Ant. God comes in power to give his people justice. Ant. 3 God is our judge, strong and just; he saves the upright of heart. II God is the shield that protects me, who saves the upright of heart. God is a just judge slow to anger; but he threatens the wicked every day, men who will not repent. God will sharpen his sword; he has braced his bow and taken aim. For them he has prepared deadly weapons; he barbs his arrows with fire. Here is one who is pregnant with malice, conceives evil and brings forth lies. He digs a pitfall, digs it deep; and in the trap he has made he will fall. His malice will recoil on himself; on his own head his violence will fall. I will thank the Lord for his justice: I will sing to the Lord, the Most High. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Psalm-prayer You know our hearts, Lord, but you are slow to anger and merciful in judging. Come, examine your Church, wash her clean of sin and great crowds will surround you with songs of praise. Ant. God is our judge, strong and just; he saves the upright of heart. READING Acts 5:12a, 14 Through the hands of the apostles, many signs and wonders occurred among the people. Nevertheless more and more believers, men and women in great numbers, were continually added to the Lord. Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) – a moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church. The apostles held fast to Christ’s message. — They kept the precepts he gave them. CONCLUDING PRAYER O God, who with untold mercy were pleased to choose as an Apostle Saint Matthew, the tax collector, grant that, sustained by his example and intercession, we may merit to hold firm in following you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. — Amen. ACCLAMATION (only added when praying in community) Let us praise the Lord. — And give him thanks.
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  September 21st, 2026 – Midafternoon Prayer – Feast – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours 21.09.2026 8min

  Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. IV: Ordinary: 623 Proper of Saints: 1420 Common of Apostles: 1682 Complementary Psalmody: 1258 (Series III Midafternoon) Midafternoon Prayer for the Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, using the Complementary Psalmody God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. HYMNPraise to the Lord, the almighty, the king of creation! O my soul, praise him, for he is your health and salvation! Let all who hear, now to his temple draw near; Joining in glad adoration. Praise to the Lord, who over all things is wondrously reigning; And, as on wings of an eagle, uplifting, sustaining. Have you not seen all that is needful has been Sent by his gracious ordaining? Praise to the Lord, who will prosper your work and defend you; Surely his goodness and mercy shall daily attend you. Ponder anew what the Almighty can do As with his love he befriends you. Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore him! All that has life and breath, come now with praises before him. Let the Amen sound from his people again, Gladly forever adore Him. 𝄞"Praise to the Lord, the Almighty" by Rebecca Hincke • Musical Score • Title: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty; Text: Lobe den Herren, den machtigen Konig der Ehren, Joachim Neunter; Translation: Catherine Winkworth; Tune: 17th c. German; Artist: Rebecca Hincke; Copyright 2016 Surgeworks • Albums that contain this Hymn: Divine Office PSALMODY Ant. 1 The Lord has done great things for us; he is the source of all our joy. Psalm 126 Joyful hope in God Companions with him in suffering, you will share his over-flowing happiness (2 Corinthians 1:7) When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage, it seemed like a dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, on our lips there were songs. The heathens themselves said: “What marvels the Lord worked for them!” What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad. Deliver us, O Lord, from our bondage as streams in dry land. Those who are sowing in tears will sing when they reap. They go out, they go out, full of tears, carrying seed for the sowing: they come back, they come back, full of song, carrying their sheaves Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. The Lord has done great things for us; he is the source of all our joy. Ant. 2 May the Lord build our house and watch over our city. Psalm 127 Apart from God our labors are worthless You are God’s building (1 Corinthians 3:9) If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do its builders labor; if the Lord does not watch over the city, in vain does the watchman keep vigil. In vain is your earlier rising, your going later to rest, you who toil for the bread you eat, when he pours gifts on his beloved while they slumber. Truly sons are a gift from the Lord, a blessing, the fruit of the womb. Indeed the sons of youth are like arrows in the hand of a warrior. O the happiness of the man who has filled his quiver with these arrows! He will have no cause for shame when he disputes with his foes in the gateways. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. May the Lord build our house and watch over our city. Ant. 3 Blessed are those who fear the Lord. Psalm 128 Happiness of family life rooted in God “May the Lord bless you from Zion,” that is, from the Church (Arnobius) O blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways! By the labor of your hands you shall eat. You will be happy and prosper; your wife like a fruitful vine in the heart of your house; Your children like shoots of the olive, around your table. Indeed thus shall be blessed the man who fears the Lord. May the Lord bless you from Zion all the days of your life! May you see your children’s children in a happy Jerusalem! On Israel, peace! Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. Blessed are those who fear the Lord. READING Acts 5:41-42 The apostles left the Sanhedrin full of joy that they had been judged worthy of ill-treatment for the sake of the Name. Day after day, both in the temple and at home, they never stopped preaching and proclaiming the good new of Jesus the Messiah. Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) A moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church. Rejoice and be glad, says the Lord. — For your names are written in heaven. CONCLUDING PRAYER O God, who with untold mercy were pleased to choose as an Apostle Saint Matthew, the tax collector, grant that, sustained by his example and intercession, we may merit to hold firm in following you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. — Amen. ACCLAMATION (only added when praying in community) Let us praise the Lord. — And give him thanks.
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  September 21st, 2026 – Evening Prayer – Feast – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours 21.09.2026 14min

  Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. IV: Ordinary: 632 Proper of the Season: 1344 Common of the Apostles: 1673 Christian Prayer: Ordinary: 694 Proper of Saints: 1266 Common of the Apostles: 1392 Evening Prayer for the Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. HYMNLet heaven now resound with praise, And earth reecho with its joy, To celebrate with melody The triumph of the chosen Twelve. O holy judges of the world, Its truest light and trusted guides, Incline your ears to our poor prayer Arising from our grateful hearts. To you entrusted was the pow’r Of binding and of loosing sin, With but a word, we humbly pray, From bonds of trespass set us free. All maladies and evil harm At your command were soon dispelled, Restore our health of soul anew Enrich us with all virtue’s grace. So that when Christ our Judge shall come And time and space shall be no more, He may bestow on us a share Of heaven’s bliss that has no end. All glory to the Father be, All glory to his only Son, And to the Holy Spirit blest, Both now and in eternity. Amen. 𝄞"Let Heaven Now Resound With Praise" by Kathleen Lundquist • Title: Let Heaven Now Resound With Praise; Text: Exsultet caelum laudibus, ca. 10th c.; Tr. the Benedictines of Saint Cecilia’s Abbey, Ryde, UK; Tune: Chant, Mode III; Liber Hymnarius; Artist: Kathleen Lundquist; Recording copyright 2016 by Surgeworks, Inc. PSALMODY Ant. 1 You are the men who have stood by me in my time of trial. Psalm 116 Thanksgiving in the Temple Through Christ let us offer God a continual sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15). I trusted, even when I said: I am sorely afflicted, and when I said in my alarm: No man can be trusted. How can I repay the Lord for his goodness to me? The cup of salvation I will raise; I will call on the Lord’s name. My vows to the Lord I will fulfill before all his people. O precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his faithful. Your servant, Lord, your servant am I; you have loosened my bonds. A thanksgiving sacrifice I make; I will call on the Lord’s name. My vows to the Lord I will fulfill before all his people, in the courts of the house of the Lord, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. You are the men who have stood by me in my time of trial. Ant. 2 I have lived among you as one who ministers to others. Psalm 126 Joyful hope in God Just as you share in sufferings so you will share in the divine glory (2 Corinthians 1:7). When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage, it seemed like a dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, on our lips there were songs. The heathens themselves said: “What marvels the Lord worked for them!” What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad. Deliver us, O Lord, from our bondage as streams in dry land. Those who are sowing in tears will sing when they reap. They go out, they go out, full of tears, carrying seed for the sowing: they come back, they come back, full of song, carrying their sheaves. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. I have lived among you as one who ministers to others. Ant. 3 I no longer call you servants, but my friends, for I have shared with you everything I have heard from my Father. Canticle – Ephesians 1:3-10 God our Savior Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has bestowed on us in Christ every spiritual blessing in the heavens. God chose us in him before the world began to be holy and blameless in his sight. He predestined us to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ, such was his will and pleasure, that all might praise the glorious favor he has bestowed on us in his beloved. In him and through his blood, we have been redeemed, and our sins forgiven, so immeasurably generous is God’s favor to us. God has given us the wisdom to understand fully the mystery, the plan he was pleased to decree in Christ. A plan to be carried out in Christ, in the fulness of time, to bring all things into one in him, in the heavens and on earth. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. I no longer call you servants, but my friends, for I have shared with you everything I have heard from my Father. READING Ephesians 4:11-13 Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers in roles of service for the faithful to build up the body of Christ, till we become one in faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, and form that perfect man who is Christ come to full stature. Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) – a moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church. RESPONSORY Tell all the nations how glorious God is. — Tell all the nations how glorious God is. Make known his wonders to every people. — How glorious God is. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, — Tell all the nations how glorious God is. CANTICLE OF MARY Ant. I desire mercy and not sacrifice. I did not come to call the virtuous but sinners. Luke 1:46-55 The soul rejoices in the Lord My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. I desire mercy and not sacrifice. I did not come to call the virtuous but sinners. INTERCESSIONS My brothers, we build on the foundation of the apostles. Let us pray to our almighty Father for his holy people and say: Be mindful of your Church, O Lord. Father, you wanted your Son to be seen first by the apostles after the resurrection from the dead, — we ask you to make us his witnesses to the farthest corners of the world. Be mindful of your Church, O Lord. You sent your Son to preach the good news to the poor, — help us to preach this Gospel to every creature. Be mindful of your Church, O Lord. You sent your Son to sow the seed of unending life, — grant that we who work at sowing the seed may share the joy of the harvest. Be mindful of your Church, O Lord. You sent your Son to reconcile all men to you through his blood, — help us all to work toward achieving this reconciliation. Be mindful of your Church, O Lord. Your Son sits at your right hand in heaven, — let the dead enter your kingdom of joy. Be mindful of your Church, O Lord. Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Concluding Prayer God of mercy, you chose a tax collector, Saint Matthew, to share the dignity of the apostles. By his example and prayers help us to follow Christ and remain faithful in your service. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. — Amen. DISMISSAL May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. — Amen.
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  September 21st, 2026 – Night Prayer – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours 21.09.2026 10min

  Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours: Vol I, 1175 Vol II, 1632 Vol III, 1275 Vol IV, 1239 Christian Prayer: 1041 General instruction: Please pray with us actively, especially by joining with us in saying antiphons and responses, most of which are indicated in this highlight. Consider an examination of your own conscience before beginning to best make use of our time together in prayer. Night Prayer for Monday God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. Examination of conscience: We are called to have a clear conscience toward God and toward men, in our hearts and in our minds, in our actions and inactions. To do so, it is vital that we examine our conscience daily and to ask for God’s mercy as we fall short and to ask for His strength to do better. Lord Jesus, you came to reconcile us to one another and to the Father: Lord, have mercy. — Lord, have mercy. Lord Jesus, you heal the wounds of sin and division: Christ, have mercy. — Christ, have mercy. Lord Jesus, you intercede for us with your Father: Lord, have mercy. — Lord, have mercy. HYMNChrist is our life (2x); Christ the beloved Son of God, dwelling in us, making us holy. Jesus, Jesus, dwelling in us, making us holy. 𝄞"Christ Is Our Life" by Briege O'Hare And Marie Cox • Available on iTunes • Available for Purchase • Title: Christ Is Our Life; Composed and arranged by: Briege O'Hare, OSC; Sung by: Marie Cox,RSM; (c) 1966 Briege O'Hare; Used by permission • Albums that contain this Hymn: Lord, Teach Us To Pray PSALMODY Ant. 1 O Lord, our God, unwearied is your love for us. Psalm 86 Poor man’s prayer in trouble Blessed be God who comforts us in all our trials (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). Turn your ear, O Lord, and give answer for I am poor and needy. Preserve my life, for I am faithful; save the servant who trusts in you. You are my God, have mercy on me, Lord, for I cry to you all day long. Give joy to your servant, O Lord, for to you I lift up my soul. O Lord, you are good and forgiving, full of love to all who call. Give heed, O Lord, to my prayer and attend to the sound of my voice. In the day of distress I will call and surely you will reply. Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord; nor work to compare with yours. All the nations shall come to adore you and glorify your name, O Lord: for you are great and do marvelous deeds, you who alone are God. Show me, Lord, your way so that I may walk in your truth. Guide my heart to fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart and glorify your name for ever; for your love to me has been great: you have saved me from the depths of the grave. The proud have risen against me; ruthless men seek my life; to you they pay no heed. But you, God of mercy and compassion, slow to anger, O Lord, abounding in love and truth, turn and take pity on me. O give your strength to your servant and save your handmaid’s son. Show me the sign of your favor that my foes may see to their shame that you console me and give me your help. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. O Lord, our God, unwearied is your love for us. READING 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 God has destined us for acquiring salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us, that all of us, whether awake or asleep, together might live with him. RESPONSORY Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. — Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth. — I commend my spirit. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, — Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. CANTICLE OF SIMEON Ant. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace. Luke 2:29-32 Christ is the light of the nations and the glory of Israel Lord, now you let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people: a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace. Concluding Prayer Lord, give our bodies restful sleep and let the work we have done today bear fruit in eternal life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. — Amen. BLESSING May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful death. — Amen. Antiphon or song in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy! Our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve, to you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley, of tears. Turn, then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us; and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus; O clement, O loving, O sweet virgin Mary.
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  September 21st, 2026 – The Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition: What We Know So Far – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours 21.09.2026

  Brothers and Sisters in Christ, For many years now, we have shared updates with you about the long-awaited Second Edition of the Liturgy of the Hours — the first major revision of the Church’s official daily prayer in the United States in more than fifty years. This year, that long journey has reached a major milestone and is now approaching its end. Where Things Stand In October 2025, the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments confirmed the new English translation for liturgical use in the United States. Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, President of the USCCB, then signed a decree of promulgation establishing two important dates: Ash Wednesday, February 10, 2027, will be the first-use date — the day the Second Edition becomes lawful for use. The First Sunday of Advent, December 3, 2028, will be the mandatory-use date — the day the current translation is retired. Between these two dates lies a period of transition, sometimes called a vacatio legis, during which the faithful and clergy alike may continue praying with their current volumes while the new edition becomes available. Can I Keep Praying With My Current Books? This is a question we hear often, the answer is Yes, for most of you, nothing changes right away. Between Ash Wednesday, February 10, 2027 (the first-use date) and the First Sunday of Advent, December 3, 2028 (the mandatory-use date), your current four-volume set remains entirely valid for prayer. You are not required to buy the new edition the moment it becomes available. The distinction that matters is between obligation and devotion: If you are a priest, deacon, or religious bound by canon law to pray the Liturgy of the Hours, the current translation continues to fulfill that obligation right up until the mandatory-use date. Starting December 3, 2028, the Second Edition will be required for you. If you are a layperson praying the Hours as an act of personal devotion, you are not bound by that same canonical obligation, so nothing forces you to purchase the new set on any particular date. You are free to continue praying with the volumes you already have. That said, we do encourage everyone — clergy, religious, and laity alike — to plan on transitioning to the Second Edition by the mandatory-use date, the First Sunday of Advent, December 3, 2028. Praying the same texts as the rest of the Church, in the same words at the same hours, is part of what makes the Liturgy of the Hours a shared, public prayer of the whole Body of Christ rather than a private devotion. We are not in a position to encourage an earlier move: as of this writing, the USCCB has not yet established a licensing model for digital editions of the Second Edition, so we do not yet have the rights to publish the new text on DivineOffice.org. We are hopeful that a digital licensing path will be in place well before the 2028 deadline, at which point we intend to make the new text available and begin the work of recording new audio for the Second Edition. Two Publishers, Four Volumes The USCCB has selected Ascension Press and Word on Fire Publishing as the exclusive publishers of the new four-volume breviary. Both have opened pre-orders since July 1, 2026, beginning with Volume II, covering Lent and Easter — fittingly, the first volume needed for the Ash Wednesday first-use date. The remaining three volumes are expected to follow throughout the year, with the complete four-volume set anticipated by the end of 2027. Bundles for preordering the Full 4-Volume are also available. Four additional publishers have also been selected to produce single-volume “major extracts” — editions containing Lauds, Vespers, and Compline — for those who do not need the full four-volume breviary for daily prayer. What About Digital and Audio Formats? This is a question many of you have asked us directly, since so much of what we do here at DivineOffice.org depends on digital text and recorded audio. The answer is that the USCCB has not yet announced a timeline for digital or alternative formats. The Bishops’ Conference has stated only that availability will be determined and shared at a later date. We hope and pray that these details will be resolved in a way that lets us continue the mission many of you have come to depend on and that we have carried for nearly twenty years now, bringing the Liturgy of the Hours to everyone in the United States and the world. Especially our visually, hearing impaired, homebound brothers and sisters who pray with us through our audio or the accessible versions. A word about the Spanish version Some of you have also asked whether this new translation affects our own Spanish Liturgy of the Hours project. It does not. The USCCB’s Second Edition is an English-language undertaking, and the USCCB has not confirmed a Spanish edition of its own. Existing Spanish translations approved by other bishops’ conferences remain entirely valid for prayer, and our work on recording the Liturgy of the Hours in Spanish continues on its own path, independent of this transition. Continuing to Walk Together We know many of you have waited a long time for this new edition, and we share your anticipation. As always, we will continue to follow the USCCB’s official announcements closely and share verified updates with you as they come. Many of you know the many obstacles this work has overcome in 20 years of existence. God willing, we will do so for many more. The current translation will be maintained and updated as until now through website, podcasts and apps and every effort will be made to sustain and expand our mission in the world. Thank you for praying with us, today and always. The Divine Office Team
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  September 22nd, 2026 – This Week: Ankle-Deep, Knee-Deep, Waist-Deep – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours 21.09.2026

  25th Week in Ordinary Time • Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist • Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina • Oprional Memorial of Saints Cosmas and Damian, Martyr • Liturgical Colours: Green/Red/White While we move through this week, the prophet Ezekiel keeps us company, but the distance he travels is extraordinary. Let’s try to follow. It opens with the prophet burying his wife and being forbidden to weep for her. It ends with water pouring out of the temple, rising past his ankles, his knees, his waist, until it becomes a river he cannot cross — and everything it touches lives. Between those two points, the week unfolds: a heart of stone exchanged for a heart of flesh, a plain of dry bones raised, and the glory of God returning through the east gate. This Week in the Liturgy – Highlights Sunday 20 September — 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The week opens with a blow, the Lord says to the prophet: “I am taking away from you the delight of your eyes” — his wife — and forbids him to grieve publicly: “do not mourn or weep or shed any tears. Groan in silence.” His silence is itself the prophecy, Jerusalem will lose the temple the same way and their mourning rituals will be taken away from them. The Second Reading of the day continues Saint Augustine’s sermons On Pastors which will end on Friday. Particularly beautiful and inspiring today is his metaphor of the paralytic for which the “paralysis is interior”. Monday 21 September — Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist. The First reading comes from Ephesians 4:1–16, the different graces in the one body. While the Second reading from Saint Bede the Venerable — “Jesus saw him through the eyes of mercy and chose him.” Each year on his feast day we remember his radical, miraculous transformation. Matthew was a tax collector, a wealthy man who profited from the occupation. Saint Bede argues precisely this: Jesus saw him accurately and chose him anyway. “By an invisible, interior impulse flooding his mind with the light of grace, he instructed him to walk in his footsteps.” Tuesday 22 September In Ezekiel 36, we see how God’s people are restored in body, heart and spirit: “I will take away the heart of stone from their bodies and give them a heart of flesh, so that they may walk in my ways.” That interior change is a gift from God.  Second Reading of the day continues Saint Augustine’s series On Pastors — the Church, like a vine, spreads everywhere in her growth. Wednesday 23 September — Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina. This year, the First reading on Padre Pio’s feast day comes from Ezekiel 37 – The vision of the dry bones. It paints a powerful picture of absolute despair transformed by God’s promise of new life. Padre Pio’s proper reading comes from the Second Vatican Council on “the priestly vocation to perfection,” and it is perfectly suited. He was deeply loved and revered for his self-sacrificial exercise of Christian virtues, which transformed him into a spiritual father to many. Thursday 24 September On Thursday the two sticks are joined into one —  a sign of Israel and Judah made a single nation again: “there shall be one flock and one shepherd.” It was paired with Saint Augustine’s “In good pastures I shall feed my sheep”. Friday 25 September First Reading, Ezekiel 40, the vision of the restored temple, with the glory of God returning through the eastern gate. In the Second Reading, Saint Augustine closes On Pastors: “Christ is your shepherd and judge… I find that all good shepherds are one in the one shepherd.” We are reminded of Saint Matthew’s transformation when we read: “My sheep, he says, hear my voice and follow me.” Saturday 26 September The week ends with Ezekiel 47:1–12, water flowing from beneath the temple threshold — ankle-deep, then knee-deep, then waist-deep, then a river too deep to cross. Perfectly paired with Saint Hilary’s “discourse on the psalms”, “the river whose streams gladden the city of God”. We who have been “reborn through the sacrament of baptism… we feel within us the first stirrings of the Holy Spirit”; these gifts enter us “like a gentle rain.” They start small right after baptism, but as one grows in faith, it will “bring forth fruit in abundance,” completely transforming one’s life just like the river from Ezekiel’s vision transformed the dead and barren into thriving life. This week in focus: Ankle-Deep, Knee-Deep, Waist-Deep From Saturday, September 26th, Office of Readings, First Reading: From the book of the prophet Ezekiel 47:1–12 (The vision of water flowing from the temple) This week ends with a man being taken into a river by stages. “Then when he had walked off to the east with a measuring cord in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and had me wade through the water, which was ankle-deep. He measured off another thousand and once more had me wade through the water, which was now knee-deep. Again he measured off a thousand and had me wade; the water was up to my waist. Once more he measured off a thousand, but there was now a river through which I could not wade.” Four measurements. The first three, Ezekiel manages. He is wading, which means his feet are on the bottom and he is in charge of where he goes. Then comes the fourth thousand cubits, and the floor drops away. Anyone who has prayed the Hours for a while will understand this progression. You begin with something you can manage. Morning Prayer three times a week. One Hour a day, most days, when the schedule allows it. You are wading: you decide when to go in, how far, and when to come out. Everyone begins that way, in the vision his angelic guide starts Ezekiel wading through ankle-deep water. And because the prophet keeps moving the water keeps deepening. When you keep walking east, toward the Rising Sun, the river will always be bigger than your ability to stand in it. At some point, prayer will become not spiritual action but spiritual being, something you are inside of. If you’ll follow Ezekiel this week, you’ll see his story move from dry eyes forbidden to weep, to dry bones scattered in the dust, to being entirely submerged in a river of living water. It’s God’s promise to drown death in an ocean of life everlasting. “I saw water flowing eastward from beneath the threshold of the temple.— Wherever this water flows, everything shall live.The water I shall give you will become in you a spring welling up to eternal life.— Wherever this water flows, everything shall live.” Responsory after the First Reading (Ezekiel 47:1, 9; John 4:14) Those first words are sung across the whole Church at Easter, when the congregation is sprinkled with water at the beginning of Mass: “Vidi aquam”. I saw water. It comes from this vision. Whatever measure you are standing in this week, walk one more thousand cubits. Pray one Hour more than you have been praying, and let the water come up a little higher. If the Hours have taken you deeper than you thought you could go, please consider supporting our work, including our ongoing Spanish Liturgy of the Hours project. divineoffice.org/contribute With gratitude,The Divine Office Team
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  September 22nd, 2026 – Invitatory – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours 21.09.2026 2min

  Lord, open my lips. — And my mouth will proclaim your praise. Ant. Come, let us worship our mighty King and Lord. Psalm 100 Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing for joy. Ant. Come, let us worship our mighty King and Lord. Know that he, the Lord, is God. He made us, we belong to him, we are his people, the sheep of his flock. Ant. Come, let us worship our mighty King and Lord. Go within his gates, giving thanks. Enter his courts with songs of praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name. Ant. Come, let us worship our mighty King and Lord. Indeed, how good is the Lord, eternal his merciful love. He is faithful from age to age. Ant. Come, let us worship our mighty King and Lord. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. Come, let us worship our mighty King and Lord.
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  September 22nd, 2026 – Office of Readings – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours 21.09.2026 19min

  Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. IV: Ordinary: 615 Proper of Seasons: 292 Psalter: Tuesday, Week I, 686 Christian Prayer: Does not contain Office of Readings. Office of Readings for Tuesday in Ordinary Time God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. HYMNO God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home. Beneath the shadow of Your throne Your saints have dwelt secure; Sufficient is your arm alone, And our defense is sure. Before the hills in order stood, Or earth received her frame, From everlasting you are God, To endless years the same. A thousand ages in your sight Are like an evening gone; Short as the watch that ends the night Before the rising sun. Time, like an ever rolling stream, Bears all our lives away; They fly, forgotten, as a dream Dies at the opening day. O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Be now our guard while troubles last, And our eternal home. 𝄞"O God, Our Help in Ages Past" by Melinda Kirigin-Voss, Vince Clark • Musical Score • Title: O God, Our Help in Ages Past; Text: Based on Psalm 90; Isaac Watts, 1674-1748, Psalms of David..., 1719, alt.; Tune: ST. ANNE, CM; later form of melody (rhythm adapted), attr. to William Croft, 1678-1727, A Supplement to the New Version of Psalms, 1708; Artist: Melinda Kirigin-Voss, Vince Clark; Copyright 2016 Surgeworks Inc. • Albums that contain this Hymn: Divine Office PSALMODY Ant. 1 The Lord is just; he will defend the poor. Psalm 10 Prayer of thanksgiving Blessed are the poor; the kingdom of heaven is theirs (Luke 6:20). I Lord, why do you stand afar off and hide yourself in times of distress? The poor man is devoured by the pride of the wicked: he is caught in the schemes that others have made. For the wicked man boasts of his heart’s desires; the covetous blasphemes and spurns the Lord. In his pride the wicked says: “He will not punish. There is no God.” Such are his thoughts. His path is ever untroubled; your judgment is far from his mind. His enemies he regards with contempt. He thinks: “Never shall I falter; misfortune shall never be my lot.” His mouth is full of cursing, guile, oppression, mischief and deceit under his tongue. He lies in wait among the reeds; the innocent he murders in secret. His eyes are on the watch for the helpless man. He lurks in hiding like a lion in his lair; he lurks in hiding to seize the poor; he seizes the poor man and drags him away. He crouches, preparing to spring, and the helpless fall beneath his strength. He thinks in his heart: “God forgets, he hides his face, he does not see.” Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. The Lord is just; he will defend the poor. Ant. 2 Lord, you know the burden of my sorrow. II Arise then, Lord, lift up your hand! O God, do not forget the poor! Why should the wicked spurn the Lord and think in his heart: “He will not punish”? But you have seen the trouble and sorrow, you note it, you take it in hand. The helpless trusts himself to you; for you are the helper of the orphan. Break the power of the wicked and the sinner! Punish his wickedness till nothing remains! The Lord is king for ever and ever. The heathen shall perish from the land he rules. Lord, you hear the prayer of the poor; you strengthen their hearts; you turn your ear to protect the rights of the orphan and oppressed so that mortal man may strike terror no more. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Psalm-prayer Rise up, Lord, in defense of your people; do not hide your face from our troubles. Father of orphans, wealth of the poor, we rejoice in making you known; may we find comfort and security in times of pain and anxiety. Ant. Lord, you know the burden of my sorrow. Ant. 3 The words of the Lord are true, like silver from the furnace. Psalm 12 A cry for God’s help against powerful oppressors The Father sent his Son into the world to defend the poor (Saint Augustine). Help, O Lord, for good men have vanished: truth has gone from the sons of men. Falsehood they speak one to another, with lying lips, with a false heart. May the Lord destroy all lying lips, the tongue that speaks high sounding words, those who say: “Our tongue is our strength; our lips are our own, who is our master?” “For the poor who are oppressed and the needy who groan I myself will arise,” says the Lord. “I will grant them the salvation for which they thirst.” The words of the Lord are words without alloy, silver from the furnace, seven times refined. It is you, O Lord, who will take us in your care and protect us for ever from this generation. See how the wicked prowl on every side, while the worthless are prized highly by the sons of men. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Psalm-prayer Your light is true light, Lord, and your truth shines like the day. Direct us to salvation through your life-giving words. May we be saved by always embracing your word. Ant. The words of the Lord are true, like silver from the furnace. Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) – a moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church. The Lord teaches the humble his way. — He guides the gentle-hearted along the right path. READINGS First reading From the book of the prophet Ezekiel 36:16-36 God’s people will be restored in body, heart and spirit Thus the word of the Lord came to me: Son of man, when the house of Israel lived in their land, they defiled it by their conduct and deeds. In my sight their conduct was like the defilement of a menstruous woman. Therefore I poured out my fury upon them [because of the blood which they poured out on the ground, and because they defiled it with idols]. I scattered them among the nations, dispersing them over foreign lands; according to their conduct and deeds I judged them. But when they came among the nations [wherever they came], they served to profane my holy name, because it was said of them: “These are the people of the Lord, yet they had to leave their land.” So I have relented because of my holy name which the house of Israel profaned among the nations where they came. Therefore say to the house of Israel: Thus says the Lord God: Not for your sakes do I act, house of Israel, but for the sake of my holy name, which you profaned among the nations to which you came. I will prove the holiness of my great name, profaned among the nations, in whose midst you profaned it. Thus the nations shall know that I am the Lord, says the Lord God, when in their sight I prove my holiness through you. For I will take you away from among the nations, gather you from all the foreign lands, and bring you back to you own land. I will sprinkle clean water upon you to cleanse you from all your impurities, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. I will give you a new heart and place a new spirit within you, taking from your bodies your stony hearts and giving you natural hearts. I will put my spirit within you and make you live by my statutes, careful to observe my decrees. You shall live in the land I gave your fathers; you shall be my people, and I will be your God. I will save you from all your impurities; I will order the grain to be abundant, and I will not send famine against you. I will increase the fruit on your trees and the crops in your fields; thus you shall no longer bear among the nations the reproach of famine. Then you shall remember your evil conduct, and that your deeds were not good; you shall loathe yourselves for your sins and your abominations. Not for your sakes do I act, says the Lord God–let this be known to you! Be ashamed and abashed because of your conduct, O house of Israel. Thus says the Lord God: When I purify you from all your crimes, I will repeople the cities, and the ruins shall be rebuilt; the desolate land shall be tilled, which was formerly a wasteland exposed to the gaze of every passer-by. “This desolate land has been made into a garden of Eden,” they shall say. The cities that were in ruins, laid waste, and destroyed are now repeopled and fortified.” Thus the neighboring nations that remain shall know that I, the Lord, have rebuilt what was destroyed and replanted what was desolate. I, the Lord, have promised, and I will do it. RESPONSORY Ezekiel 11:19-20, 19 I will take away the heart of stone from their bodies and give them a heart of flesh, — so that they may walk in my ways; and they shall be my people and I shall be their God. I will give them a new heart and put a new spirit within them. — So that they may walk in my ways; and they shall be my people and I shall be their God. Second reading From a sermon On Pastors by St. Augustine, bishop The Church, like a vine, spreads everywhere in her growth They were scattered on every mountain and on every hill and over the entire face of the earth. What is the meaning of the phrase: They were scattered over the entire face of the earth? Some men continually strive for all the goods of the world, the goods that are so evident on the face of the earth; yes, they love and prize them. They do not want to die, to have their lives buried in Christ. Over the entire face of the earth: such men love earthly things; moreover such straying sheep are to be found over the entire face of the earth. They dwell in different places, but one mother, pride, has given birth to them all, just as one mother, our Catholic Church, has given birth to all faithful Christians scattered over the whole world. Small wonder that pride gives birth to division, and love to unity. But our catholic mother is herself a shepherd; she seeks the straying sheep everywhere, strengthens the weak, heals the sick, and binds up the injured. They may not know one another, but she knows all of them because she reaches out to all her sheep. Thus she is like a vine that is spread out everywhere in its growth. The straying sheep are like useless branches which because of their sterility are deservedly cut off, not to destroy the vine but to prune it. When these branches were cut down, they were left lying there. But the vine grew and flourished, and it knew both the branches that remained upon it and those that had been cut off and left lying beside it. She calls the stray sheep back, however, because the Apostle said in reference to the broken branches: God has the power to graft them on again. Call them sheep straying from the flock or branches cut off from the vine, God is equally capable of calling back the sheep or of grafting the branches on again, for he is equally the chief shepherd and the true farmer. And they were scattered over the entire face of the earth, and there was no one to search for them, no one to call them back, that is to say, no one among those wicked shepherds. There was no one to search for them, that is, no one among men. Therefore, shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: I live, says the Lord God. Notice the beginning of this passage; it is as if God were taking an oath, giving testimony to his own life. I live, says the Lord. The shepherds are dead, but the sheep are safe, for the Lord lives. I live, says the Lord God. Which shepherds are dead? Those who seek what is theirs and not what is Christ’s. But will there be shepherds who seek what is Christ’s and not what is theirs, and will they be found? There will indeed be such shepherds, and they will indeed be found; they are not lacking, nor will they be lacking in the future. RESPONSORY 2 Corinthians 3:4, 6, 5 Through Christ we have full confidence in God, —who has made us suitable ministers of his new covenant, not of a written code but in the Spirit. We know that we cannot of ourselves take credit for anything, for all of our sufficiency comes from God. —Who has made us suitable ministers of his new covenant, not of a written code but in the Spirit. CONCLUDING PRAYER O God, who founded all the commands of your sacred Law upon love of you and of our neighbor, grant that, by keeping your precepts, we may merit to attain eternal life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. — Amen. ACCLAMATION (at least in the communal celebration) Let us praise the Lord. — And give him thanks.
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  September 22nd, 2026 – Morning Prayer – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours 21.09.2026 17min

  Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III: Ordinary: 654 All from the Psalter: Tuesday, Week I, 726 Liturgy of the Hours Vol. IV: Ordinary: 618 All from the Psalter: Tuesday, Week I, 690 Christian Prayer (single volume) Ordinary: 689 All from the Psalter: Tuesday, Week I, 728 Morning Prayer for Tuesday in Ordinary Time God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. HYMNThe beauty of the rising sun Begins to tint the world with light, Awakened nature glows with life As form and color reappear. Lord Jesus Christ, you far surpass The sun that shines since time began; We turn to you with joyous song That you may bless us with your smile. You are God's knowledge infinite, His Word, through whom all things were made; Their wondrous order speaks to us And draws our hearts and minds to you. Give us your light that like true sons Intrepid we may tread life's path. May all our ways and actions show The gift of God the Father's grace. Let every word our lips may say Prove our sincerity and truth, That our serenity of soul May radiate our inward joy. To you, O Christ, most kindly King, And to the Father, glory be; Praise to the Spirit Paraclete, In every age, eternally. Amen. 𝄞"The Beauty of the Rising Sun" by Rebecca Hincke • Available for Purchase • Musical Score • Title: The Beauty of the Rising Sun; Text: Pergrata mundo nuntiat; Translation: St. Cecilia's Abbey, Ryde, Isle of Wight, UK; Tune: Chant, Mode I; Lumen Christi Hymnal; Artist: Rebecca Hincke; Recording copyright 2016 by Surgeworks, Inc. • Albums that contain this Hymn: The Hymns and Chants of Divine Office, Vol. 1 PSALMODY Ant. 1 The man whose deeds are blameless and whose heart is pure will climb the mountain of the Lord. Psalm 24 The Lord’s entry into his temple Christ opened heaven for us in the manhood he assumed (Saint Irenaeus). The Lord’s is the earth and its fullness, the world and all its peoples. It is he who set it on the seas; on the waters he made it firm. Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord? Who shall stand in his holy place? The man with clean hands and pure heart, who desires not worthless things, who has not sworn so as to deceive his neighbor. He shall receive blessings from the Lord and reward from the God who saves him. Such are the men who seek him, seek the face of the God of Jacob. O gates, lift high your heads; grow higher, ancient doors. Let him enter, the king of glory! Who is the king of glory? The Lord, the mighty, the valiant, the Lord, the valiant in war. O gates, lift high your heads; grow higher, ancient doors. Let him enter, the king of glory! Who is he, the king of glory? He, the Lord of armies, he is the king of glory. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Psalm-prayer King of glory, Lord of power and might, cleanse our hearts from all sin, preserve the innocence of our hands, and keep our minds from vanity, so that we may deserve your blessing in your holy place. Ant. The man whose deeds are blameless and whose heart is pure will climb the mountain of the Lord. Ant. 2 Praise the eternal King in all your deeds. Canticle – Tobit 13:1-8 God afflicts but only to heal Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great love for us has brought us to a new birth (1 Peter 1:3). Blessed be God who lives forever, because his kingdom lasts for all ages. For he scourges and then has mercy; he casts down to the depths of the nether world, and he brings up from the great abyss. No one can escape his hand. Praise him, you Israelites, before the Gentiles, for though he has scattered you among them, he has shown you his greatness even there. Exalt him before every living being, because he is the Lord our God, our Father and God forever. He scourged you for your iniquities, but will again have mercy on you all. He will gather you from all the Gentiles among whom you have been scattered. When you turn back to him with all your heart, to do what is right before him, then he will turn back to you, and no longer hide his face from you. So now consider what he has done for you, and praise him with full voice. Bless the Lord of righteousness, and exalt the King of the ages. In the land of my exile I praise him, and show his power and majesty to a sinful nation. “Turn back, you sinners! do the right before him: perhaps he may look with favor upon you and show you mercy. “As for me, I exalt my God, and my spirit rejoices in the King of heaven. Let all men speak of his majesty, and sing his praises in Jerusalem.” Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. Praise the eternal King in all your deeds. Ant. 3 The loyal heart must praise the Lord. Psalm 33 Song of praise for God’s continual care Through the Word all things were made (John 1:3). Ring out your joy to the Lord, O you just; for praise is fitting for loyal hearts. Give thanks to the Lord upon the harp, with a ten-stringed lute sing him songs. O sing him a song that is new, play loudly, with all your skill. For the word of the Lord is faithful and all his works to be trusted. The Lord loves justice and right and fills the earth with his love. By his word the heavens were made, by the breath of his mouth all the stars. He collects the waves of the ocean; he stores up the depths of the sea. Let all the earth fear the Lord, all who live in the world revere him. He spoke; and it came to be. He commanded; it sprang into being. He frustrates the designs of the nations, he defeats the plans of the peoples. His own designs shall stand for ever, the plans of his heart from age to age. They are happy, whose God is the Lord, the people he has chosen as his own. From the heavens the Lord looks forth, he sees all the children of men. From the place where he dwells he gazes on all the dwellers on the earth, he who shapes the hearts of them all and considers all their deeds. A king is not saved by his army, nor a warrior preserved by his strength. A vain hope for safety is the horse; despite its power it cannot save. The Lord looks on those who revere him, on those who hope in his love, to rescue their souls from death, to keep them alive in famine. Our soul is waiting for the Lord. The Lord is our help and our shield. In him do our hearts find joy. We trust in his holy name. May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Psalm-prayer Nourish your people, Lord, for we hunger for your word. Rescue us from the death of sin and fill us with your mercy, that we may share your presence and the joys of all the saints. Ant. The loyal heart must praise the Lord. READING Romans 13:11-14 It is now the hour for you to wake from sleep. The night is far spent; the day draws near. Let us cast off deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us live honorably as in daylight. The audio for this hour uses a longer reading taken from the single volume Christian Prayer, while this abbreviated text is from the 4 volume Liturgy of the Hours. Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) – a moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church. RESPONSORY My God stands by me, all my trust is in him. — My God stands by me, all my trust is in him. I find refuge in him, and I am truly free; — all my trust is in him. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, — My God stands by me, all my trust is in him. CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH Ant. God has raised up for us a mighty Savior, as he promised through the words of his holy prophets. Luke 1:68 – 79 The Messiah and his forerunner Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty savior, born of the house of his servant David. Through his holy prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. God has raised up for us a mighty Savior, as he promised through the words of his holy prophets. INTERCESSIONS Beloved brothers and sisters, we share a heavenly calling under Christ, our high priest. Let us praise him with shouts of joy: Lord, our God and our Savior. Almighty King, through baptism you conferred on us a royal priesthood, — inspire us to offer you a continual sacrifice of praise. Lord, our God and our Savior. Help us to keep your commandments, — that through the power of the Holy Spirit we may live in you and you in us. Lord, our God and our Savior. Give us your eternal wisdom, — to be with us today and to guide us. Lord, our God and our Savior. May our companions today be free of sorrow, — and filled with joy. Lord, our God and our Savior. Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Concluding Prayer God our Father, hear our morning prayer and let the radiance of your love scatter the gloom of our hearts. The light of heaven’s love has restored us to life: free us from the desires that belong to darkness. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. — Amen. DISMISSAL May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. — Amen.
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  September 22nd, 2026 – Midmorning Prayer – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours 21.09.2026 8min

  Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III: Ordinary: 659 Complementary Psalmody, 1291 (Midmorning) Psalter: Tuesday, Week I, 737 (Midmorning) Midmorning Prayer for Tuesday in Ordinary Time using the Complementary Psalmody God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. HYMN1 Come, Holy Ghost, with God the Son, And God the Father, ever one! Shed forth Thy grace within our breast, And dwell with us, a ready Guest. 2 By every power, by heart and tongue, By act and deed, Thy praise be song; Inflame with perfect love each sense, That others' souls may kindle thence. 3 O Father, that we ask be done, Through Jesus Christ, Thine only Son; Who, with the Holy ghost and Thee, Shall live and reign eternally. 4 Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him o' creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 𝄞"Come, Holy Ghost, with God the Son" by Johanna Montealto • Text: St. Ambrose (c 340 - 4 April 397); Translator: J. M. Neale (1818-1866); based on tune OLD HUNDREDTH; Artist: Johanna Montealto; Copyright 2016 Surgeworks • Albums that contain this Hymn: Divine Office PSALMODY Ant. 1 I cried out, and the Lord heard me. Psalm 120 Longing for peace To the Lord in the hour of my distress I call and he answers me. “O Lord, save my soul from lying lips, from the tongue of the deceitful.” What shall he pay you in return, O treacherous tongue? The warrior’s arrows sharpened and coals, red-hot, blazing. Alas, that I abide a stranger in Meshech, dwell among the tents of Kedar! Long enough have I been dwelling with those who hate peace. I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for fighting. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. I cried out, and the Lord heard me. Ant. 2 May the Lord watch over you as you come and as you go. Psalm 121 Guardian of his people Never again will they hunger and thirst, never again know scorching heat (Revelation 7:16) I lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall come my help? My help shall come from the Lord who made heaven and earth. May he never allow you to stumble! Let him sleep not, your guard. No, he sleeps not nor slumbers, Israel’s guard. The Lord is your guard and your shade; at your right side he stands. By day the sun shall not smite you nor the moon in the night. The Lord will guard you from evil, he will guard your soul. The Lord will guard your going and coming both now and for ever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. May the Lord watch over you as you come and as you go. Ant. 3 I rejoiced in the good news they told me. Psalm 122 The holy city, Jerusalem You have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22) I rejoiced when I heard them say: Let us go to God’s house. And now our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem is built as a city strongly compact. It is there that the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord. For Israel’s law it is, there to praise the Lord’s name. There were set the thrones of judgment of the house of David. For the peace of Jerusalem pray: “Peace be to your homes! May peace reign in your walls, in your palaces, peace!” For love of my brethren and friends I say: Peace upon you. For love of the house of the Lord I will ask for your good. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. I rejoiced in the good news they told me. READING Jeremiah 17:7-8 Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is the Lord. He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream: It fears not the heat when it comes, its leaves stay green; In the year of drought it shows no distress, but still bears fruit. Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) A moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church. God cares for all the needs of those who follow him. — Lord, God of hosts, happy is the man who trusts in you. CONCLUDING PRAYER All-powerful and ever-living God, in midmorning you poured out the Holy Spirit as a constant Friend and Guide for your apostles. Send that same Spirit of love to us to make us faithful witnesses to you in the sight of all mankind. Grant this through Christ our Lord. — Amen. ACCLAMATION (only added when praying in community) Let us praise the Lord. — And give him thanks.
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  September 22nd, 2026 – Midday Prayer – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours 21.09.2026 10min

  Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III: Ordinary: 659 (Midday) All from the Psalter: Tuesday, Week I, 733 (Midday) Liturgy of the Hours Vol. IV: Ordinary: 623 (Midday) All from the Psalter: Tuesday, Week I, 697 (Midday) Christian Prayer: All from the Psalter: Tuesday, Week I, 1003 (Midday) Midday Prayer for Tuesday in Ordinary Time using the Current Psalmody God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. HYMNHoly, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee. Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty, God in three persons, blessed Trinity! Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee, casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee, which wert, and art, and evermore shalt be. Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee, though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see, only thou art holy; there is none beside thee, perfect in power, in love and purity. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! All thy works shall praise thy name, in earth and sky and sea. Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty, God in three persons, blessed Trinity. 𝄞"Holy, holy, holy Lord God Almighty" by Rebecca Hincke • Available for Purchase • Musical Score • Title: Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty; Text: Reginald Heber Music: John B. Dykes Tune: NICAEA; Recording copyright 2016 Surgeworks, Inc. • Albums that contain this Hymn: Hymns and Chants of Divine Office, Vol. 4 PSALMODY Ant. 1 They are happy who live by the law of God. Psalm 119 I (Aleph) Meditation on God’s law Loving God means keeping his commandments (1 John 5:3). They are happy whose life is blameless, who follow God’s law! They are happy who do his will, seeking him with all their hearts, who never do anything evil but walk in his ways. You have laid down your precepts to be obeyed with care. May my footsteps be firm to obey your statutes. Then I shall not be put to shame as I heed your commands. I will thank you with an upright heart as I learn your decrees. I will obey your statutes: do not forsake me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Psalm-prayer Lord God, you proclaim victorious those whose lives are blameless and give your law to those who seek it. Make us seek your righteous ways in our hearts. Ant. They are happy who live by the law of God. Ant. 2 You have saved me, Lord, and my heart is filled with joy. Psalm 13 The lament of the just man who does not lose hope in God May the God of hope fill you with every joy (Romans 15:13). How long, O Lord, will you forget me? How long will you hide your face? How long must I bear grief in my soul, this sorrow in my heart day and night? How long shall my enemy prevail? Look at me, answer me, Lord my God! Give light to my eyes lest I fall asleep in death, lest my enemy say: “I have overcome him”; lest my foes rejoice to see my fall. As for me, I trust in your merciful love. Let my heart rejoice in your saving help: Let me sing to the Lord for his goodness to me, singing psalms to the name of the Lord, the Most High. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Psalm-prayer Saving God, by the resurrection of your Son, you have given light to our eyes, and they shall not sleep in death for ever. Look upon the sufferings of your Church so that our hearts may rejoice in your saving help and sing you songs of praise. Ant. You have saved me, Lord, and my heart is filled with joy. Ant. 3 God sees all men as sinners, that he might show them his mercy. Psalm 14 The foolishness of sinners Sin has increased but grace has far surpassed it (Romans 5:20). The fool has said in his heart: “There is no God above.” Their deeds are corrupt, depraved; not a good man is left. From heaven the Lord looks down on the sons of men to see if any are wise, if any seek God. All have left the right path, depraved, every one: there is not a good man left, no, not even one. Will the evil-doers not understand? They eat up my people as though they were eating bread: they never pray to the Lord. See how they tremble with fear without cause for fear: for God is with the just. You may mock the poor man’s hope, but his refuge is the Lord. O that Israel’s salvation might come from Zion! When the Lord delivers his people from bondage, then Jacob will be glad and Israel rejoice. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Psalm-prayer God of wisdom and truth, without you neither truth nor holiness can survive. Safeguard the Church you have gathered into one and make us glad in proclaiming you. Ant. God sees all men as sinners, that he might show them his mercy. READING Proverbs 3:13-15 Happy the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding! For her profit is better than profit in silver and better than gold is her revenue; She is more precious than corals, and none of your choice possessions can compare with her. Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) – a moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church. Lord, all you ask of me is truth. — In the depths of my heart you have taught me wisdom. CONCLUDING PRAYER Lord God, you made known to Peter your desire to bring all nations to salvation. Let all our work give you praise and carry out your loving plan. Grant this through Christ our Lord. — Amen. ACCLAMATION (only added when praying in community) Let us praise the Lord. — And give him thanks.
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  September 22nd, 2026 – Midafternoon Prayer – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours 21.09.2026 10min

  Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III: Ordinary: 659 Complementary Psalmody: 1295 (Midafternoon) Psalter: Tuesday, Week I, 738 (Midafternoon) Midafternoon Prayer for Tuesday in Ordinary Time using the Complementary Psalmody God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. HYMNI am bending my knee In the eye of the Father who made me; In the eye of the Son who redeemed me; In the eye of the Spirit who cleansed me; And I'm asking the Three That my living shall be In the likeness of Jesus, my Lord. Chorus: In His love towards God, the affection of God And the smile of God in His face. In the Wisdom of God and the will of God To make this earth a holy place. O Christ be with me in my sleeping And in my awaking And Christ be with me in my rising And may Christ be with me in my going. And I'm asking the Three That my living shall be In the likeness of Jesus, my Lord. Chorus: In His love towards God, the affection of God And the smile of God in His face. In the Wisdom of God and the will of God To make this earth a holy place. And I am bending my knee In the eye of the Father who made me; In the eye of the Son who redeemed me; In the eye of the Spirit who cleansed me; And I'm asking the Three That my living shall be In the likeness of Jesus, my Lord. 𝄞"In the Likeness of Jesus" by Briege O'Hare And Marie Cox • Available on iTunes • Available for Purchase • Title: In The Likeness of Jesus; Text: Briege O'Hare, OSC, inspired by The Carmina Gadelica; Album: The Peace of God. Songs from a Celtic Monastery; Composed and arranged by: Briege O'Hare, OSC; Sung by: Marie Cox,RSM; (c) 2006 Hermitage Production; Used by permission • Albums that contain this Hymn: The Peace of God PSALMODY Ant. 1 The Lord has done great things for us; he is the source of all our joy. Psalm 126 Joyful hope in God Companions with him in suffering, you will share his over-flowing happiness (2 Corinthians 1:7) When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage, it seemed like a dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, on our lips there were songs. The heathens themselves said: “What marvels the Lord worked for them!” What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad. Deliver us, O Lord, from our bondage as streams in dry land. Those who are sowing in tears will sing when they reap. They go out, they go out, full of tears, carrying seed for the sowing: they come back, they come back, full of song, carrying their sheaves Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. The Lord has done great things for us; he is the source of all our joy. Ant. 2 May the Lord build our house and watch over our city. Psalm 127 Apart from God our labors are worthless You are God’s building (1 Corinthians 3:9) If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do its builders labor; if the Lord does not watch over the city, in vain does the watchman keep vigil. In vain is your earlier rising, your going later to rest, you who toil for the bread you eat, when he pours gifts on his beloved while they slumber. Truly sons are a gift from the Lord, a blessing, the fruit of the womb. Indeed the sons of youth are like arrows in the hand of a warrior. O the happiness of the man who has filled his quiver with these arrows! He will have no cause for shame when he disputes with his foes in the gateways. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. May the Lord build our house and watch over our city. Ant. 3 Blessed are those who fear the Lord. Psalm 128 Happiness of family life rooted in God “May the Lord bless you from Zion,” that is, from the Church (Arnobius) O blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways! By the labor of your hands you shall eat. You will be happy and prosper; your wife like a fruitful vine in the heart of your house; Your children like shoots of the olive, around your table. Indeed thus shall be blessed the man who fears the Lord. May the Lord bless you from Zion all the days of your life! May you see your children’s children in a happy Jerusalem! On Israel, peace! Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. Blessed are those who fear the Lord. READING Job 5:17-18 Happy is the man whom God reproves! The Almighty’s chastening do not reject. For he wounds, but he binds up; he smites, but his hands give healing. Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) A moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church. Deal with your servant in mercy, Lord. — Teach me to do your will. CONCLUDING PRAYER Father, you sent your angel to Cornelius to show him the way to salvation Help us to work generously for the salvation of the world so that your Church may bring us and all mankind into your presence. Grant this through Christ our Lord. — Amen. ACCLAMATION (only added when praying in community) Let us praise the Lord. — And give him thanks.
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  September 22nd, 2026 – Evening Prayer – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours 21.09.2026 13min

  Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III: Ordinary: 668 All from the Psalter: Tuesday, Week I, 738 Liturgy of the Hours Vol. IV: Ordinary: 632 All from the Psalter: Tuesday, Week I, 702 Christian Prayer (single volume) Ordinary: 694 All from the Psalter: Tuesday, Week I, 734 Evening Prayer for Tuesday in Ordinary Time God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. HYMNEarth's mighty Maker, whose command raised from the sea the solid land, and drove each billowy heap away, and bade the earth stand firm for aye. That so, with flowers of golden hue, the seeds of each it might renew; and fruit trees bearing fruit might yield-- and pleasant pasture of the field; Our spirit's rankling wounds efface with dewy freshness of thy grace: that grief may cleanse each deed of ill, and o'er each lust may triumph still. Let every soul thy law obey, and keep from every evil way; rejoice each promised good to win and flee from every mortal sin. O Father, that we ask be done, through Jesus Christ, thine only Son; who, with the Holy Ghost and thee, doth live and reign eternally. Amen. 𝄞"Earth's Mighty Maker, Whose Command" by Rebecca Hincke • Available for Purchase • Musical Score • Title: Earth's Mighty Maker, Whose Command; Text: Telluris ingens Conditor; 5th-6th c; Tr Anon; Tune: Chant, Mode D; Lumen Christi Hymnal; Artist: Rebecca Hincke; Recording copyright 2016 by Surgeworks, Inc. • Albums that contain this Hymn: Hymns and Chants of Divine Office, Vol. 3 PSALMODY Ant. 1 God has crowned his Christ with victory. Psalm 20 A prayer for the king’s victory Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved (Acts 2:21). May the Lord answer in time of trial; may the name of Jacob’s God protect you. May he send you help from his shrine and give you support from Zion. May he remember all your offerings and receive your sacrifice with favor. May he give you your heart’s desire and fulfill every one of your plans. May we ring out our joy at your victory and rejoice in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your prayers. I am sure now that the Lord will give victory to his anointed, will reply from his holy heaven with the mighty victory of his hand. Some trust in chariots or horses, but we in the name of the Lord. They will collapse and fall, but we shall hold and stand firm. Give victory to the king, O Lord, give answer on the day we call. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Psalm-prayer Lord, you accepted the perfect sacrifice of your Son upon the cross. Hear us during times of trouble and protect us by the power of his name, that we who share his struggle on earth may merit a share in his victory. Ant. God has crowned his Christ with victory. Ant. 2 We celebrate your mighty works with songs of praise, O Lord. Psalm 21 Thanksgiving for the king’s victory He accepted life that he might rise and live for ever (Saint Hilary). O Lord, your strength gives joy to the king; how your saving help makes him glad! You have granted him his heart’s desire; you have not refused the prayer of his lips. You came to meet him with the blessings of success, you have set on his head a crown of pure gold. He asked you for life and this you have given, days that will last from age to age. Your saving help has given him glory. You have laid upon him majesty and splendor, you have granted your blessings to him for ever. You have made him rejoice with the joy of your presence. The king has put his trust in the Lord: through the mercy of the Most High he shall stand firm. O Lord, arise in your strength, we shall sing and praise your power. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Psalm-prayer Father, you have given us life on this earth and have met us with the grace of redemption. Bestow your greatest blessing on us, the fullness of eternal life. Ant. We celebrate your mighty works with songs of praise, O Lord. Ant. 3 Lord, you have made us a kingdom and priests for God our Father. Canticle — Revelation 4:11; 5:9, 10, 12 Redemption hymn O Lord our God, you are worthy to receive glory and honor and power. For you have created all things; by your will they came to be and were made. Worthy are you, O Lord, to receive the scroll and break open its seals. For you were slain; with your blood you purchased for God men of every race and tongue, of every people and nation. You made of them a kingdom, and priests to serve our God, and they shall reign on the earth. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches, wisdom and strength, honor and glory and praise. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. Lord, you have made us a kingdom and priests for God our Father. READING 1 John 3:1a, 2 See what love the Father has bestowed on us in letting us be called children of God! Yet that is what we are. Dearly beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall later be has not yet come to light. We know that when it comes to light we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is. Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) – a moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church. RESPONSORY Through all eternity, O Lord, your promise stands unshaken. — Through all eternity, O Lord, your promise stands unshaken. Your faithfulness will never fail; — your promise stands unshaken. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, — Through all eternity, O Lord, your promise stands unshaken. CANTICLE OF MARY Ant. My spirit rejoices in God my Savior. Luke 1:46-55 The soul rejoices in the Lord My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. My spirit rejoices in God my Savior. INTERCESSIONS Let us praise Christ the Lord, who lives among us, the people he redeemed, and let us say: Lord, hear our prayer. Lord, king and ruler of nations, be with all your people and their governments, — inspire them to pursue the good of all according to your law. Lord, hear our prayer. You made captive our captivity, to our brothers who are enduring bodily or spiritual chains, — grant the freedom of the sons of God. Lord, hear our prayer. May our young people be concerned with remaining blameless in your sight, — and may they generously follow your call. Lord, hear our prayer. May our children imitate your example, — and grow in wisdom and grace. Lord, hear our prayer. Accept our dead brothers and sisters into your eternal kingdom, — where we hope to reign with you. Lord, hear our prayer. Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Concluding Prayer Almighty God, we give you thanks for bringing us safely to this evening hour. May this lifting up of our hands in prayer be a sacrifice pleasing in your sight. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. — Amen. DISMISSAL May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. — Amen.
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  September 22nd, 2026 – Night Prayer – Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours 21.09.2026 11min

  Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours: Vol I, Page 1178 Vol II, Page 1635 Vol III, Page 1278 Vol IV, Page 1242 Christian Prayer: Page 1044 Night Prayer for Tuesday God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. Examination of conscience: We are called to have a clear conscience toward God and toward men, in our hearts and in our minds, in our actions and inactions. To do so, it is vital that we examine our conscience daily and to ask for God’s mercy as we fall short and to ask for His strength to do better. Lord Jesus, you have shown us the way to the Father: Lord, have mercy. — Lord, have mercy. Lord Jesus, you have given us the consolation of the truth: Christ, have mercy. — Christ, have mercy. Lord Jesus, you are the good shepherd, leading us into everlasting life: Lord, have mercy. — Lord, have mercy. HYMN1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me by the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table for me in the presence of my enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of my Lord for ever. 𝄞"Psalm 23" by Melinda Kirigin-Voss • Available on iTunes • Text from Psalm 23 King James Version; Used wih permission • Albums that contain this Hymn: Yesterday, Today, and Forever PSALMODY Ant. 1 Do not hide your face from me; in you I put my trust. Psalm 143 Prayer in distress Only by faith in Jesus Christ is a man made holy in God’s sight. No observance of the law can achieve this (Galatians 2:16). Lord, listen to my prayer: turn your ear to my appeal. You are faithful, you are just; give answer. Do not call your servant to judgment for no one is just in your sight. The enemy pursues my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me dwell in darkness like the dead, long forgotten. Therefore my spirit fails; my heart is numb within me. I remember the days that are past: I ponder all your works. I muse on what your hand has wrought and to you I stretch out my hands. Like a parched land my soul thirsts for you. Lord, make haste and answer; for my spirit fails within me. Do not hide your face lest I become like those in the grave. In the morning let me know your love for I put my trust in you. Make me know the way I should walk: to you I lift up my soul. Rescue me, Lord, from my enemies; I have fled to you for refuge. Teach me to do your will for you, O Lord, are my God. Let your good spirit guide me in ways that are level and smooth. For your name’s sake, Lord, save my life; in your justice save my soul from distress. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. Do not hide your face from me; in you I put my trust. READING 1 Peter 5:8-9a Stay sober and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, solid in your faith. RESPONSORY Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. — Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth. — I commend my spirit. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, — Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. CANTICLE OF SIMEON Ant. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace. Luke 2:29-32 Christ is the light of the nations and the glory of Israel Lord, now you let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people: a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace. Concluding Prayer Lord, fill this night with your radiance. May we sleep in peace and rise with joy to welcome the light of a new day in your name. We ask this through Christ our Lord. — Amen. BLESSING May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful death. — Amen. Antiphon or song in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary HYMNMary 'mid the roses sits and rocks her holy child; While through the fragrant trees sweetly blows the gentle breeze. And by the cradle small comes a bird's song from the bough; Lulla, Lullay, sweetly sleep. Innocent thy laughter, holy is thy lullaby; Lay thy head in slumber sweet safely on thy mother's breast; Lula, Lullay, sweetly sleep. 𝄞"The Virgin’s Slumber Song" by Choir of The Cathedral of the Madeleine • Title: The Virgin’s Slumber Song; Artist: Choir of The Cathedral of the Madeleine, Salt Lake City, Utah; Used with permission.