Welcome to the ULC Minister's Network

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

Liturgy of the Hours


  • Tuesday 21 December 2021

    21 December

    Compline (Night Prayer)
    (today)

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


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    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.


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    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.


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    Hymn

    Christ, thou who art the light and day,
    Who chasest nightly shades away,
    Thyself the Light of Light confessed,
    And promiser of radiance blest:

    O holy Lord, we pray to thee,
    Throughout the night our guardian be;
    In thee vouchsafe us to repose,
    All peaceful till the night shall close.

    O let our eyes due slumber take,
    Our hearts to thee forever wake:
    And let thy right hand from above
    Shield us who turn to thee in love.

    O strong defender, hear our prayers,
    Repel our foes and break their snares,
    And govern thou thy servants here,
    Those ransomed with thy life-blood dear.

    Almighty Father, this accord
    Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord,
    Who with the Holy Ghost and thee
    Doth reign through all eternity.


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    Psalm 142 (143)
    A prayer in time of trouble


    “A man is made righteous not by obedience to the Law, but by faith in Jesus Christ” (Gal 2:16).

    Do not hide your face from me, for in you have I put my trust.

    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 judgement
    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 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.

    Do not hide your face from me, for in you have I put my trust.


    Psalm-prayer

    Lord Jesus, early in the morning of your resurrection, you made your love known and brought the first light of dawn to those who dwell in darkness. Your death has opened a path for us. Do not enter into judgement with your servants; let your Holy Spirit guide us together into the land of justice.


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    Short Reading
    1 Peter 5:8-9

    Be calm but vigilant, because your enemy the devil is prowling round like a roaring lion, looking for someone to eat. Stand up to him, strong in faith.


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    Short 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.
    – Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.
    Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
    – Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.


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    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.

    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.


    ________

    Let us pray.

    In your mercy, Lord,
    dispel the darkness of this night.
    Let your household so sleep in peace
    that at the dawn of a new day
    they may, with joy, waken in your name.
    Through Christ our Lord,
    Amen.


    ________

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


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    Marian Anthem


    Alma Redemptoris Mater

    Mother of Christ! Hear thou thy people’s cry,
    Star of the deep, and portal of the sky!
    Mother of him who thee from nothing made,
    Sinking we strive, and call to thee for aid:

    Oh, by that joy which Gabriel brought to thee,
    Thou Virgin first and last, let us thy mercy see.


    Alma Redemptóris Mater,
    quæ pérvia cæli porta manes,
    et stella maris,
    succúrre cadénti,
    súrgere qui curat, pópulo;
    tu quæ genuísti, natúra miránte,
    tuum sanctum Genitórem,

    Virgo prius ac postérius,
    Gabriélis ab ore
    sumens illud Ave,
    peccatórum miserére.


    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.