INVITATORY
The Invitatory is said when this is the first ‘hour’ of the day.
Lord, + open my lips.
— And my mouth will proclaim your praise.
Ant. Come, let us sing joyful songs to the Lord.
The antiphon is repeated. In individual recitation, the antiphon may be said only at the beginning of the psalm; it need not be repeated after each strophe.
Psalm 95
A call to praise God
Encourage each other daily while it is still today (Hebrews 3:13).
Come, let us sing to the Lord *
and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us.
Let us approach him with praise and thanksgiving *
and sing joyful songs to the Lord.
Ant. Come, let us sing joyful songs to the Lord.
The Lord is God, the mighty God, *
the great king over all the gods.
He holds in his hands the depths of the earth *
and the highest mountains as well.
He made the sea; it belongs to him, *
the dry land, too, for it was formed by his hands.
Ant. Come, let us sing joyful songs to the Lord.
Come, then, let us bow down and worship, *
bending the knee before the Lord, our maker.
For he is our God and we are his people, *
the flock he shepherds.
Ant. Come, let us sing joyful songs to the Lord.
Today, listen to the voice of the Lord: †
Do not grow stubborn, as your fathers did
in the wilderness, *
when at Meriba and Massah
they challenged me and provoked me, *
Although they had seen all of my works.
Ant. Come, let us sing joyful songs to the Lord.
Forty years I endured that generation. *
I said, “They are a people whose hearts go astray
and they do not know my ways.”
So I swore in my anger, *
“They shall not enter into my rest.”
Ant. Come, let us sing joyful songs to the 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 sing joyful songs to the Lord.
If the Invitatory is not said, then the following is used:
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.
HYMN
O God of splendor, source of light,
by your serene and shining ray
the day unfolds and floods the sky,
when hours of night have run their course.
For you are earth’s true morning star,
and not that star, so frail and small,
which shines with pale and narrow gleam,
as herald of the coming day;
But you are brighter than the sun,
the light itself, and perfect day,
who bring to light with piercing beam
the inmost regions of our hearts.
May chastity of mind and soul
subdue what flesh with pride desires
and keep the body chaste and pure,
the Spirit’s holy dwelling place.
O Christ, to you, most loving King,
and to the Father glory be,
one with the Spirit Paraclete,
from age to age for evermore. Amen.
Tune: MORNING HYMN, 8 8 8 8
Music: François Barthélémon, 1741-1808
or Mode IV, melody 7o; Liber Hymnarius, Solesmes, 1983*
Text: Lucis largitor splendide, before 6th c., © 2023 ICEL
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 When will I come to the end of my pilgrimage and enter the presence of God?
Psalm 42
Longing for the Lord’s presence in his Temple
Let all who thirst come; let all who desire it, drink from the life-giving water (Revelation 22:17).
Like the deer that yearns *
for running streams,
so my soul is yearning *
for you, my God.
My soul is thirsting for God, *
the God of my life;
when can I enter and see *
the face of God?
My tears have become my bread, *
by night, by day,
as I hear it said all the day long: *
“Where is your God?”
These things will I remember *
as I pour out my soul:
how I would lead the rejoicing crowd *
into the house of God,
amid cries of gladness and thanksgiving, *
the throng wild with joy.
Why are you cast down, my soul, *
why groan within me?
Hope in God; I will praise him still, *
my savior and my God.
My soul is cast down within me *
as I think of you,
from the country of Jordan and Mount Hermon, *
from the Hill of Mizar.
Deep is calling on deep, *
in the roar of waters:
your torrents and all your waves *
swept over me.
By day the Lord will send *
his loving kindness;
by night I will sing to him, *
praise the God of my life.
I will say to God, my rock: *
“Why have you forgotten me?”
Why do I go mourning, *
oppressed by the foe?”
With cries that pierce me to the heart, *
my enemies revile me,
saying to me all the day long: *
“Where is your God?”
Why are you cast down, my soul, *
why groan within me?
Hope in God; I will praise him still, *
my savior and my 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 in heaven, when your strength takes possession of us we no longer say: Why are you cast down, my soul? So now that the surging waves of your indignation have passed over us, let us feel the healing calm of your forgiveness. Inspire us to yearn for you always, like the deer for running streams, until you satisfy every longing in heaven.
Ant. When will I come to the end of my pilgrimage and enter the presence of God?
Ant. 2 Lord, show us the radiance of your mercy.
Canticle: Sirach 36:1-5, 10-13
Prayer of entreaty for the holy city, Jerusalem
This is eternal life: to know you, the one true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent (John 17:3).
Come to our aid, O God of the universe, *
and put all the nations in dread of you!
Raise your hand against the heathen, *
that they may realize your power.
As you have used us to show them your holiness, *
so now use them to show us your glory.
Thus they will know, as we know, *
that there is no God but you.
Give new signs and work new wonders; *
show forth the splendor of your right hand and arm.
Gather all the tribes of Jacob, *
that they may inherit the land as of old.
Show mercy to the people called by your name; *
Israel, whom you named your first-born.
Take pity on your holy city, *
Jerusalem, your dwelling place.
Fill Zion with your majesty, *
your temple with your 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. Lord, show us the radiance of your mercy.
Ant. 3 The vaults of heaven ring with your praise, O Lord.
Psalm 19A
Praise of the Lord, Creator of all
The dawn from on high shall break on us . . . to guide our feet into the way of peace (Luke 1:78, 79).
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.
Psalm Prayer
To enlighten the world, Father, you sent to us your Word as the sun of truth and justice shining upon mankind. Illumine our eyes that we may discern your glory in the many works of your hand.
Ant. The vaults of heaven ring with your praise, O Lord.
READING
Jeremiah 15:16
When I found your words, I devoured them;
they became my joy and the happiness of my heart,
Because I bore your name,
O Lord, God of hosts.
RESPONSORY
Sing for joy, God’s chosen ones, give him the praise that is due.
— Sing for joy, God’s chosen ones, give him the praise that is due.
Sing a new song to the Lord;
— give him the praise that is due.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
— Sing for joy, God’s chosen ones, give him the praise that is due.
GOSPEL CANTICLE
Ant. Blessed be the Lord, for he has come to his people and set them free.
Canticle of Zechariah
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. Blessed be the Lord, for he has come to his people and set them free.
INTERCESSIONS
Our Savior has made us a nation of priests to offer acceptable sacrifice to the Father. Let us call upon him in gratitude:
Preserve us in your ministry, Lord.
Christ, eternal priest, you conferred the holy priesthood on your people,
— grant that we may offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to the Father.
Preserve us in your ministry, Lord.
In your goodness pour out on us the fruits of your Spirit,
— patience, kindness and gentleness.
Preserve us in your ministry, Lord.
May we love you and possess you, for you are love,
— and may every action of our lives praise you.
Preserve us in your ministry, Lord.
May we seek those things which are beneficial to our brothers, without counting the cost,
— to help them on the way to salvation.
Preserve us in your ministry, Lord.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
(And now let us pray as the Lord told us:)
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 Father,
you have brought us to the light of a new day:
keep us safe the whole day through
from every sinful inclination.
May all our thoughts, words and actions
aim at doing what is 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
If a priest or deacon presides, he dismisses the people:
The Lord be with you.
— And with your spirit.
May almighty God bless you,
the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
— Amen.
Another form of the blessing may be used, as at Mass.
Then he adds:
Go in peace.
— Thanks be to God.
In the absence of a priest or deacon and in individual recitation, Morning Prayer concludes:
May the Lord + bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
— Amen.
******
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.
Ant. Come, let us sing joyful songs to the Lord.
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.
Ant. Come, let us sing joyful songs to the Lord.
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.
Ant. Come, let us sing joyful songs to the Lord.
O gates, lift high your heads; †
grow higher, ancient doors. *
Let him enter, the king of glory!
Ant. Come, let us sing joyful songs to the Lord.
Who is the king of glory? †
The Lord, the mighty, the valiant, *
the Lord, the valiant in war.
Ant. Come, let us sing joyful songs to the Lord.
O gates, lift high your heads; †
grow higher, ancient doors. *
Let him enter, the king of glory!
Ant. Come, let us sing joyful songs to the Lord.
Who is he, the king of glory? †
He, the Lord of armies, *
he is the king of glory.
Ant. Come, let us sing joyful songs to the 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 sing joyful songs to the Lord.
Psalm 67
People of all nations will worship the Lord
You must know that God is offering his salvation to all the world (Acts 28:28).
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 sing joyful songs to the Lord.
Let the peoples praise you, O God; *
let all the peoples praise you.
Ant. Come, let us sing joyful songs to the Lord.
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 sing joyful songs to the Lord.
Let the peoples praise you, O God; *
let all the peoples praise you.
Ant. Come, let us sing joyful songs to the Lord.
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 sing joyful songs to the 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 sing joyful songs to the Lord.
Psalm 100
The joyful song of those entering God’s temple
The Lord calls his ransomed people to sing songs of victory (Saint Athanasius).
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 sing joyful songs to the 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 sing joyful songs to the 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 sing joyful songs to the Lord.
Indeed, how good is the Lord, †
eternal his merciful love. *
He is faithful from age to age.
Ant. Come, let us sing joyful songs to the 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 sing joyful songs to the Lord.
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.
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 e’er I turn my eye:
If I survey the ground I tread,
Or gaze upon the sky!
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 thee
Is ever in your care,
And everywhere that we can be,
You, God, are present there.
Tune: Ellacombe C.M.D.
Music: Wurtemberg Gesangbuch, 1784, adapted in the Mainz Gesangbuch, 1833, and further adapted in the St. Gall Gesangbuch, 1863
Text: Isaac Watts, 1715, alt.