Welcome to the ULC Minister's Network

Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

Liturgy of the Hours


  • Thursday 13 May 2021

    Thursday before Ascension Sunday

    Compline (Night Prayer)
    (today)

    The Compline after First or Second Vespers of a Sunday may be substituted for the Compline of a weekday.


    ________

    INTRODUCTION

    O God, come to our aid.
    O Lord, make haste to help us.
    Glory be to the Father and to the Son
    and to the Holy Spirit,
    as it was in the beginning,
    is now, and ever shall be,
    world without end.
    Amen. Alleluia.


    ________

    Examination of Conscience

    This is an excellent moment for an examination of conscience. In a communal celebration of Compline, one of the penitential acts given in the Missal may be recited.


    ________

    Hymn

    Jesu, the world’s redeeming Lord,
    The Father’s co-eternal Word,
    Of light invisible true Light,
    Thine Israel’s Keeper day and night.

    Our great Creator and our Guide,
    Who times and seasons dost divide,
    Refresh at night with quiet rest,
    Our limbs by daily toil oppressed.

    We pray thee, while we dwell below,
    Preserve us from our ghostly foe;
    Nor let his wiles victorious be
    O’er them that are redeemed by thee.

    That while in this frail house of clay
    A little longer here we stay,
    Our flesh in thee may sweetly sleep,
    Our souls with thee their vigils keep.

    All praise be thine, O risen Lord,
    From death to endless life restored;
    All praise to God the Father be,
    And Holy Ghost eternally.


    ________

    Psalm 15 (16)
    The Lord, my inheritance


    “God raised up Jesus, freeing him from the pains of death” (Acts 2:24).

    Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

    Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you.
    I say to the Lord: ‘You are my God.
    My happiness lies in you alone.’

    He has put into my heart a marvellous love
    for the faithful ones who dwell in his land.
    Those who choose other gods increase their sorrows.
    Never will I offer their offerings of blood.
    Never will I take their name upon my lips.

    O Lord, it is you who are my portion and cup;
    it is you yourself who are my prize.
    The lot marked out for me is my delight:
    welcome indeed the heritage that falls to me!

    I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel,
    who even at night directs my heart.
    I keep the Lord ever in my sight:
    since he is at my right hand, I shall stand firm.

    And so my heart rejoices, my soul is glad;
    even my body shall rest in safety.
    For you will not leave my soul among the dead,
    nor let your beloved know decay.

    You will show me the path of life,
    the fullness of joy in your presence,
    at your right hand happiness for ever.

    Glory be to the Father and to the Son
    and to the Holy Spirit,
    as it was in the beginning,
    is now, and ever shall be,
    world without end.
    Amen.

    Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.


    Psalm-prayer

    Lord Jesus, uphold those who hope in you and give us your counsel, so that we may know the joy of your resurrection and deserve to be among the saints at your right hand.


    Or:

    Father, in the mysterious plan of your love, you offered your Son the bitter cup of death, and yet you would not let your Holy One know decay, but opened to him the way of life. Help us to look for happiness in you alone and to share one day the glory of your Son’s resurrection.


    ________

    Short Reading
    1 Thessalonians 5:23

    May the God who gives us peace make you completely his, and keep your whole being, spirit, soul, and body, free from all fault, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.


    ________

    Short Responsory

    Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit, alleluia, alleluia.
    – Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit, alleluia, alleluia.
    You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth, alleluia, alleluia.
    – Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit, alleluia, alleluia.
    Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
    – Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit, alleluia, alleluia.


    ________

    Canticle
    Nunc Dimittis
    Christ is the light of the nations and the glory of Israel

    Save us, Lord, while we are awake; protect us while we sleep; that we may keep watch with Christ and rest with him in peace. Alleluia.

    At last, all-powerful Master,
    you give leave to your servant
    to go in peace, according to your promise.

    For my eyes have seen your salvation
    which you have prepared for all nations,
    the light to enlighten the Gentiles
    and give glory to Israel, your people.

    Glory be to the Father and to the Son
    and to the Holy Spirit,
    as it was in the beginning,
    is now, and ever shall be,
    world without end.
    Amen.

    Save us, Lord, while we are awake; protect us while we sleep; that we may keep watch with Christ and rest with him in peace. Alleluia.


    ________

    Let us pray.

    Lord our God,
    restore us again by the repose of sleep
    after the fatigue of our daily work,
    so that, continually renewed by your help,
    we may serve you in body and soul.
    Through Christ our Lord,
    Amen.


    ________

    The Lord grant us a quiet night and a perfect end.
    Amen.


    ________


    Regina Caeli

    Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia!
    for he whom you were worthy to bear, alleluia!
    has risen as he said, alleluia!
    Pray for us to God, alleluia!


    Regína cæli, lætare, allelúia,
    quia quem meruísti portáre, allelúia,
    resurréxit sicut dixit, allelúia;
    ora pro nobis Deum, allelúia.


    Copyright © 1996-2021 Universalis Publishing Limited: see www.universalis.com. Scripture readings from the Jerusalem Bible are published and copyright © 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd and Doubleday, a division of Random House, Inc, and used by permission of the publishers. Text of the Psalms: Copyright © 1963, The Grail (England). Used with permission of A.P. Watt Ltd. All rights reserved.