Vespers
INTRODUCTION
God,
+ come to my assistance.
ñ Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
ñ as it was in the beginning, is now, will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.
HYMN
Lord Jesus Christ, abide with us,
Now that the sun has run its course;
Let hope not be obscured by night,
But may faithís darkness be as light.
Lord Jesus Christ, grant us your peace,
And when the trials of earth shall cease,
Grant us the morning light of grace,
The radiant splendor of your face.
Immortal, Holy, Threefold Light,
Yours be the kingdom, powír, and might;
All glory be eternally
To you, life-giving Trinity!
Melody: Old100th L.M.
Music: Louis Bourgeois, 1551
Text: Saint Josephís Abbey, 1967, 1968.
Or:
O boundless Wisdom, God most high,
O Maker of the earth and sky,
Who bidíst the parted waters flow
In heaven above, on earth below.
The streams on earth, the clouds in heaven,
By thee their ordered bounds were given,
Lest íneath the untempered fires of day
The parchËd soil should waste away.
Eíen so on us who seek thy face
Pour forth the waters of thy grace;
Renew the fount of life within,
And quench the wasting fires of sin.
Let faith discern the eternal Light
Beyond the darkness of the night,
And through the mists of falsehood see
The path of truth revealed by thee.
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.
Translation: © the Benedictines of Saint Ceciliaís Abbey, Ryde, UK. Used with permission.
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 Our eyes are fixed intently on the Lord, waiting for his merciful help.
Psalm 123
The Lord, unfailing hope of his people
Two blind men cried out: ìHave pity on us, Lord, Son of Davidî (Matthew 20:30).
To you have I lifted up my eyes, *
you who dwell in the heavens:
my eyes, like the eyes of slaves *
on the hand of their lords.
Like the eyes of a servant *
on the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes are on the Lord our God *
till he show us his mercy.
Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
We are filled with contempt. *
Indeed all too full is our soul Ü
with the scorn of the rich, *
with the proud manís disdain.
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 in heaven, we lift our eyes to you and pray: confound the scorn of the proud and graciously show us your mercy.
Ant. Our eyes are fixed intently on the Lord, waiting for his merciful help.
Ant. 2 Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 124
Our help is in the name of the Lord
The Lord said to Paul: ìFear not . . . I am with youî (Acts 18:9-10).
ìIf the Lord had not been on our side,î *
this is Israelís song.
ìIf the Lord had not been on our side *
when men rose against us,
then would they have swallowed us alive *
when their anger was kindled.
Then would the waters have engulfed us, *
the torrent gone over us;
over our head would have swept *
the raging waters.î
Blessed be the Lord who did not give us *
a prey to their teeth!
Our life, like a bird, has escaped *
from the snare of the fowler.
Indeed the snare has been broken *
and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the Lord, *
who made heaven and 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.
Psalm Prayer
Lord Jesus, you foretold that your disciples would be despised on account of your name, but that not a hair of their heads is ever forgotten. In times of persecution, defend and revive us by the power and comfort of the Holy Spirit, so that we can be freed from our enemies and praise your saving help.
Ant. Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.
Ant. 3 God chose us in his Son to be his adopted children.
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, Ü
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 Godís 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 fullness 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. God chose us in his Son to be his adopted children.
READING
James 4:11-12
Do not, my brothers, speak ill of one another. The one who speaks ill of his brother or judges his brother is speaking against the law. It is the law he judges. If, however, you judge the law you are no observer of the law, you are its judge. There is but one Lawgiver and judge, one who can save and destroy. Who then are you to judge your neighbor?
RESPONSORY
Lord, you alone can heal me, for I have grieved you by my sins.
ñ Lord, you alone can heal me, for I have grieved you by my sins.
Once more I say: O Lord, have mercy on me,
ñ for I have grieved you by my sins.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
ñ Lord, you alone can heal me, for I have grieved you by my sins.
GOSPEL CANTICLE
Ant. My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
Luke 1:46-55The soul rejoices in the Lord
My soul
+ proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
Ümy 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:
Üthe 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 soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
INTERCESSIONS
Christ desires to lead all men to salvation. Let us implore him with all our heart:
Draw all things to yourself, Lord.
Through your precious blood, Lord, you redeemed us from the slavery of sin,
ñ grant us the freedom of the sons of God.
Draw all things to yourself, Lord.
Bestow your grace upon our bishop
N., and upon all bishops,
ñ may they administer your sacraments with fervent joy.
Draw all things to yourself, Lord.
Grant that all who seek the truth may find it,
ñ and in finding it may they desire it all the more.
Draw all things to yourself, Lord.
Be present to comfort widows, orphans and all the abandoned, Lord,
ñ may they feel close to you and cling to you.
Draw all things to yourself, Lord.
Receive our departed brethren into the heavenly kingdom,
ñ where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you will be all in all.
Draw all things to yourself, Lord.
THE LORDíS PRAYER
(Remember us, Lord, when you come to your kingdom and teach us how to pray:
)
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,
at the close of day we come to you,
the light that never fades.
Shine in the darkness of our night
and forgive our sins and failings.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
ñ Amen.
DISMISSAL
May the Lord
+ bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
ñ Amen.
Compline
INTRODUCTION
God,
+ come to my assistance.
ñ Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
ñ as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.
Examination of Conscience
A brief examination of conscience may be made. In the communal celebration of the Office, a Penitential Rite using the formulas of the Mass may be inserted here.
[I confess to almighty God
and to you, my brothers and sisters,
that I have greatly sinned,
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done and in what I have failed to do,
And, striking their breast, they say:
through my fault, through my fault,
through my most grievous fault;
Then they continue:
therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin,
all the Angels and Saints,
and you, my brothers and sisters,
to pray for me to the Lord our God.
The absolution by the Priest follows:
May almighty God have mercy on us,
forgive us our sins,
and bring us to everlasting life.
ñ Amen.
]
HYMN
Now, God be with us, for the night is closing;
The light and darkness are of your disposing;
And ëneath your shadow here to rest we yield us,
For you will shield us.
Let holy thoughts be ours when sleep oíertakes us;
Our earliest thought be yours when morning wakes us;
All day serve you, in all that we are doing
Your praise pursuing.
We have no refuge, none on earth to aid us,
Save you, O Father, who in love has made us;
But your dear presence will not leave them lonely
Who seek you only.
Melody: Lobet den Herren 11.11.11.5Music: Johann Cr¸ger, 1598-1662Text: Bohemian Brethrenís Kirchengesange, 1566Translation: Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878
PSALMODY
Ant. O Lord, our God, unwearied is your love for us.
Psalm 86Poor manís 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
Üso 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;
Üruthless 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 handmaidís son.
Show me the sign of your favor
Üthat 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.
ñ Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.
You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth.
ñ I commend my spirit.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
ñ 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 2:29-32Christ 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
Let us pray.
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.
ñ Amen.
BLESSING
May the all-powerful Lord
grant us a restful night
and a peaceful death.
ñ 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 vale of tears.
Turn then, most gracious advocate,
your eyes of mercy toward us,
and after this exile
show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving,
O sweet Virgin Mary.
Or:
Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with you!
Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Or:
Salve, Regina, mater misericordiae;
vita, dulcedo et spes nostra, salve,
Ad te clamamus, exsules filii Evae.
Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes
in hac lacrimarum valle.
Eia ergo, advocata nostra,
illos tuos misericordes occulos
ad nos converte.
Et Iesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui,
nobis post hoc exilium ostende.
O clemens, o pia, o dulcis Virgo Maria.
Or:
Loving mother of the Redeemer,
gate of heaven, star of the sea,
assist your people who have fallen yet strive to rise again.
To the wonderment of nature you bore your Creator,
yet remained a virgin after as before.
You who received Gabrielís joyful greeting,
have pity on us poor sinners.