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

Feb 24, Night Prayer for Tuesday of the 1st week of Lent

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol II: Page 1635 Christian Prayer: Page 1044 Night Prayer for Tuesday in Lent 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. 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 143:1-11 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

Feb 24, Evening Prayer for Tuesday of the 1st week of Lent

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. II: Ordinary: 1064 Proper of Seasons: 109 Psalter: Tuesday, Week I, 1134 Christian Prayer: Ordinary: 694 Proper of Seasons: 276 Psalter: Tuesday, Week I, 734 Evening Prayer for Tuesday of the First Week of Lent 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. HYMNSoul of my Saviour, sanctify my breast, Body of Christ, be Thou my saving guest, Blood of my Saviour, bathe me in Thy tide, Wash me with water streaming from Thy side. Strength and protection may Thy Passion be, O blessed Jesus, hear and answer me; Deep in Thy wounds, Lord, hide and shelter me, So shall I never, never part from Thee. Guard and defend me from the foe malign, In death's dread moments make me only Thine; Call me and bid me come to Thee on high, Where I may praise Thee with Thy saints for aye. 𝄞"Soul of My Savior" by Rebecca Hincke • Title: Soul of My Savior; Composer: Lorenzo Dobici; Tune: St. Gregory Anima; Artist: Rebecca Hincke; Recording copyright 2025 by Surgeworks, Inc 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 21:2-8, 14 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 forever. 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 James 2:14, 17, 18b My brothers, what good is it to profess faith without practicing it? Such faith has no power to save one, has it? So it is with the faith that does nothing in practice. It is thoroughly lifeless. Show me faith without works, and I will show you the faith that underlies my works! This audio file has a longer reading taken from the single volume Christian Prayer book. 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 To you, O Lord, I make my prayers for mercy. — To you, O Lord, I make my prayers for mercy. Heal my soul for I have sinned against you — I make my prayers for mercy. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, — To you, O Lord, I make my prayers for mercy. CANTICLE OF MARY Ant. When you wish to pray, go to your room, shut the door, and pray to your Father in secret. 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. When you wish to pray, go to your room, shut the door, and pray to your Father in secret. INTERCESSIONS Christ our Lord has warned us to watch and pray to avoid temptation. With our whole heart let us pray to him: Turn to us, Lord, and have mercy. Jesus, our Christ, you promised to be with those who pray in your name, — help us always to pray with you to the Father in the Holy Spirit. Turn to us, Lord, and have mercy. Bridegroom of the Church, cleanse her from every stain, — teach her to walk in hope and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Turn to us, Lord, and have mercy. Friend of the human race, teach us concern for our neighbor as you have commanded, — that all may see you more clearly as the light of the world. Turn to us, Lord, and have mercy. King of peace, give your peace to the world, — that your presence may reveal your saving power in every place. Turn to us, Lord, and have mercy. Open the door of eternal happiness to all the dead, — welcome them into the glory of unending life. Turn to us, Lord, and have mercy. 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 Look upon your family, Lord, that, through the chastening effects of bodily discipline, our minds may be radiant in your presence with the strength of our yearning for 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.

Feb 24, Midafternoon Prayer for Tuesday of the 1st week of Lent

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. II: Ordinary: 1054 Complementary Psalmody: 1655 (Midafternoon) Proper of Seasons: 109 (antiphon, reading, concluding prayer) Midafternoon Prayer for Tuesday of the First Week of Lent, 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. 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 Armed with God’s justice and power, let us prove ourselves through patient endurance. 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. 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. 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; the 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. Armed with God’s justice and power, let us prove ourselves through patient endurance. READING Isaiah 58:1-2 Cry out full-throated and unsparingly, lift up your voice like a trumpet blast; Tell my people their wickedness, and the house of Jacob their sins. They seek me day after day, and desire to know my ways, Like a nation that has done what is just and not abandoned the law of their 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. My sacrifice to God is a contrite spirit. — A humble, contrite heart, O God, you will not spurn. CONCLUDING PRAYER Look upon your family, Lord, that, through the chastening effects of bodily discipline, our minds may be radiant in your presence with the strength of our yearning for 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.

Feb 24, Midday Prayer for Tuesday of the 1st week of Lent

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. II: Ordinary: 1054 Proper of Seasons: 108 (Midday) Psalter: Tuesday, Week I, 1131 Midday Prayer for Tuesday of the First Week of Lent, 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. 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. As I live, says the Lord, I do not wish the sinner to die but to turn back to me and live. Psalm 119:1-8 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. 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. 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. As I live, says the Lord, I do not wish the sinner to die but to turn back to me and live. READING Jeremiah 3:25b We have sinned against the Lord, our God, From our youth to this day, we and our fathers also; we listened not to the voice of the Lord, our 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. Turn your face away from my sins. — Blot out all my guilt. CONCLUDING PRAYER Look upon your family, Lord, that, through the chastening effects of bodily discipline, our minds may be radiant in your presence with the strength of our yearning for 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.

Feb 24, Midmorning Prayer for Tuesday of the 1st week of Lent

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. II: Ordinary: 1054 Complementary Psalmody: 1651 (Midmorning) Proper of Seasons: 108 (antiphon, reading, concluding prayer) Midmorning Prayer for Tuesday of the First Week of Lent, 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. HYMNCome, Holy Ghost, Creator, come From Thy bright heav’nly throne; Come, take possession of our souls, And make them all Thine own. Thou who art called the Paraclete, Best gift of God above, The living spring, the living fire, Sweet unction and true love. Thou who art sevenfold in Thy grace, Finger of God’s right hand; His promise, teaching little ones To speak and understand. O guide our minds with Thy blest light, With love our hearts inflame; And with Thy strength, which ne’er decays, Confirm our mortal frame. Far from us drive our deadly foe; True peace unto us bring; And through all perils lead us safe Beneath Thy sacred wing. Through Thee may we the Father know, Through Thee th’eternal Son, And Thee the Spirit of them both, Thrice-blessèd Three in One. All glory to the Father be, With His co-equal Son: The same to Thee, great Paraclete, While endless ages run. 𝄞"Come, Holy Ghost, Creator, Come" by Jane Chifley And Pat McGrath • Musical Score • Title: Come, Holy Ghost, Creator, Come; Text: Attributed to Rhabanus Maurus, circa 800 (Veni Creator Spiritus, Mentes tuorum visita); Translated from Latin to English by an anonymous author in Hymns for the Year, 1867; Music: Thomas Tallis, circa 1567; Artists: Jane Chifley And Pat McGrath; Used with permission. PSALMODY Ant. 1 The time of penance has come, the time to atone for our sins and to seek our salvation. 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. 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. 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. The time of penance has come, the time to atone for our sins and to seek our salvation. READING Joel 2:17a Between the porch and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep, And say, “Spare, O Lord, your people, and make not your heritage a reproach, with the nations ruling over them!” 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. Create in me a clean heart, O God. — Renew in me a steadfast spirit. CONCLUDING PRAYER Look upon your family, Lord, that, through the chastening effects of bodily discipline, our minds may be radiant in your presence with the strength of our yearning for 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.