Morning Prayer
INVITATORY
The Invitatory is said when this is the first ‘hour’ of the day.
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Go to the Psalmody
Lord, + open my lips.
– And my mouth will proclaim your praise.
Ant. The Lord is risen, alleluia.
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.
Go to Psalm 24
Go to Psalm 67
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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. The Lord is risen, alleluia.
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. The Lord is risen, alleluia.
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. The Lord is risen, alleluia.
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. The Lord is risen, alleluia.
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. The Lord is risen, alleluia.
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 Lord is risen, alleluia.
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
Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say: Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high: Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!
Vain the stone, the watch, the seal; Alleluia!
Christ has burst the gates of hell: Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids his rise; Alleluia!
Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia!
Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once he died, our souls to save; Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!
Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like him, like him we rise; Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!
Hail, the Lord of earth and heaven! Alleluia!
Praise to thee by both be given; Alleluia!
Thee we greet triumphant now; Alleluia!
Hail, the resurrection Thou! Alleluia! Amen.
Tune: Llanfair 77.77 with alleluias
Music: Robert Williams, 1781-1821
Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788, alt.
Go to the Psalmody
Or:
Light’s glittering morn bedecks the sky,
Heaven thunders forth its victor cry,
The glad earth shouts its triumph high,
And groaning hell makes wild reply:
While he, the King of glorious might,
Treads down death’s strength in death’s despite,
And trampling hell by victor’s right,
Brings forth his sleeping Saints to light.
Fast barred beneath the stone of late
In watch and ward where soldiers wait,
Now shining in triumphant state,
He rises Victor from death’s gate.
Hell’s pains are loosed, and tears are fled;
Captivity is captive led;
The Angel, crowned with light, hath said,
“The Lord is risen from the dead.”
O Christ, the King who loves to bless,
Do you our hearts and souls possess;
To you we lift our joyful praise
This day and for all endless days.
Tune: Grenoble L.M.
Music: Grenoble Antiphoner, 1753
Text: Aurora lucis rutilat, verses 1-4, 11, attributed to Saint Ambrose of Milan (340-397)
Translation: John Mason Neale, 1818-1866
Go to the Psalmody
Or:
Aurora lucis rutilat,
Caelum laudibus intonat,
Mundus exultans iubilat,
Gemens infernus ululat,
Cum rex ille fortissimus,
Mortis confractis viribus,
Pede conculcans tartara
Solvit catena miseros!
Ille, qui clausus lapide
Custoditur sub milite,
Triumphans pompa nobile
Victor surgit de funere.
Solutis iam gemitibus
Et inferni doloribus,
“Quia surrexit Dominus!”
Resplendens clamat angelus.
Rex Christe clementissime,
Tu corda nostra posside,
Ut tibi laudes debitas
Reddamus omni tempore!
Tune: Grenoble L.M.
Music: Grenoble Antiphoner, 1753
Text: Aurora lucis rutilat, verses 1-4, 11, attributed to Saint Ambrose of Milan (340-397)
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 The waters saw you, O God; you led your people through the sea, alleluia.
Psalm 77
Recalling God’s works
We suffer all kinds of affliction, and yet are not overcome (2 Corinthians 4:8).
I cry aloud to God, *
cry aloud to God that he may hear me.
In the day of my distress I sought the Lord. *
My hands were raised at night without ceasing;
my soul refused to be consoled. †
I remembered my God and I groaned. *
I pondered and my spirit fainted.
You withheld sleep from my eyes. *
I was troubled, I could not speak.
I thought of the days of long ago *
and remembered the years long past.
At night I mused within my heart. *
I pondered and my spirit questioned.
“Will the Lord reject us for ever? *
Will he show us his favor no more?
Has his love vanished for ever? *
Has his promise come to an end?
Does God forget his mercy *
or in anger withhold his compassion?”
I said: “This is what causes my grief; *
that the way of the Most High has changed.”
I remember the deeds of the Lord, *
I remember your wonders of old,
I muse on all your works *
and ponder your mighty deeds.
Your ways, O God, are holy. *
What god is as great as our God?
You are the God who works wonders. *
You showed your power among the peoples.
Your strong arm redeemed your people, *
the sons of Jacob and Joseph.
The waters saw you, O God, *
the waters saw you and trembled;
the depths were moved with terror. *
The clouds poured down rain,
the skies sent forth their voice; *
your arrows flashed to and fro.
Your thunder rolled round the sky, *
your flashes lighted up the world.
The earth was moved and trembled *
when your way led through the sea,
your path through the mighty waters, *
and no one saw your footprints.
You guided your people like a flock *
by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
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 established your ancient covenant by signs and wonders, but more wondrously you confirmed the new one through the sacrifice of your Son. Guide your Church through the pathways of life, that we may be led to the land of promise and celebrate your name with lasting praise.
Ant. The waters saw you, O God; you led your people through the sea, alleluia.
Ant. 2 The Lord puts to death and raises to life, alleluia.
Canticle: 1 Samuel 2:1-10
The humble find joy in God
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things (Luke 1:52-53).
My heart exults in the Lord, *
my horn is exalted in my God.
I have swallowed up my enemies; *
I rejoice in my victory.
There is no Holy One like the Lord; *
there is no Rock like our God.
Speak boastfully no longer, *
nor let arrogance issue from your mouths.
For an all-knowing God is the Lord, *
a God who judges deeds.
The bows of the mighty are broken, *
while the tottering gird on strength.
The well-fed hire themselves out for bread, *
while the hungry batten on spoil.
The barren wife bears seven sons, *
while the mother of many languishes.
The Lord puts to death and gives life; *
he casts down to the nether world;
he raises up again. †
The Lord makes poor and makes rich, *
he humbles, he also exalts.
He raises the needy from the dust; *
from the ash heap he lifts up the poor,
to seat them with nobles *
and make a glorious throne their heritage.
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s. *
and he has set the world upon them.
He will guard the footsteps of his faithful ones, *
but the wicked shall perish in the darkness.
For not by strength does man prevail; *
the Lord’s foes shall be shattered.
The Most High in heaven thunders; *
the Lord judges the ends of the earth.
Now may he give strength to his king *
and exalt the horn of his anointed!
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 Lord puts to death and raises to life, alleluia.
Ant. 3 A light has dawned for the just; joy has come to the upright of heart, alleluia.
Psalm 97
The glory of the Lord in his decrees for the world.
This psalm foretells a world-wide salvation and that peoples of all nations will believe in Christ (Saint Anthanasius).
The Lord is king, let earth rejoice, *
let all the coastlands be glad.
Cloud and darkness are his raiment; *
his throne, justice and right.
A fire prepares his path; *
it burns up his foes on every side.
His lightnings light up the world, *
the earth trembles at the sight.
The mountains melt like wax *
before the Lord of all the earth.
The skies proclaim his justice; *
all peoples see his glory.
Let those who serve idols be ashamed, †
those who boast of their worthless gods. *
All you spirits, worship him.
Zion hears and is glad; †
the people of Judah rejoice *
because of your judgments, O Lord.
For you indeed are the Lord, †
most high above all the earth, *
exalted far above all spirits.
The Lord loves those who hate evil: †
he guards the souls of his saints; *
he sets them free from the wicked.
Light shines forth for the just *
and joy for the upright of heart.
Rejoice, you just, in the Lord; *
give glory to his holy name.
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 clothe the sky with light and the depths of the ocean with darkness. Among the sons of men you work wonders, and rain terror upon the enemy. Look upon your servants. Do not try us by fire but bring us rejoicing to the shelter of your home.
Ant. A light has dawned for the just; joy has come to the upright of heart, alleluia.
READING
Romans 6:8-11
If we have died with Christ, we believe that we are also to live with him. We know that Christ, once raised from the dead, will never die again; death has no more power over him. His death was death to sin, once for all; his life is life for God. In the same way you must consider yourselves dead to sin but alive for God in Christ Jesus.
RESPONSORY
The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
– The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
He hung upon the cross for us,
– alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
– The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL CANTICLE
Ant. I have many more things to tell you, but they would be too much for you now. When the Spirit of truth comes he will guide you to all truth, alleluia.
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. I have many more things to tell you, but they would be too much for you now. When the Spirit of truth comes he will guide you to all truth, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
By the gift of the Father, the risen Christ was seen by the apostles. Let us pray to the Father, and say:
Give us, Lord, the glory of your Son.
Father of lights, today we offer you our thanks and praise for calling us into your marvelous light,
– to receive your mercy.
Give us, Lord, the glory of your Son.
May the efforts of mankind to make the world more human,
– be purified and strengthened by the power of your Spirit.
Give us, Lord, the glory of your Son.
May we be so dedicated to the service of others,
– that the whole human family may become a pleasing sacrifice in your honor.
Give us, Lord, the glory of your Son.
At the dawn of a new day, fill us with your mercy,
– that the whole day may be a day of joy and praise.
Give us, Lord, the glory of your Son.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
(Gathering our prayer and praises into one, let us offer the prayer Christ himself taught 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
Lord,
as we celebrate your Son’s resurrection,
so may we rejoice with all the saints
when he returns in glory,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.
Or:
Grant, we pray, O Lord,
that, as we celebrate in mystery
the solemnities of your Son’s Resurrection,
so, too, we may be worthy
to rejoice at his coming with all the Saints.
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
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.
******
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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. The Lord is risen, alleluia.
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. The Lord is risen, alleluia.
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. The Lord is risen, alleluia.
O gates, lift high your heads; †
grow higher, ancient doors. *
Let him enter, the king of glory!
Ant. The Lord is risen, alleluia.
Who is the king of glory? †
The Lord, the mighty, the valiant, *
the Lord, the valiant in war.
Ant. The Lord is risen, alleluia.
O gates, lift high your heads; †
grow higher, ancient doors. *
Let him enter, the king of glory!
Ant. The Lord is risen, alleluia.
Who is he, the king of glory? †
He, the Lord of armies, *
he is the king of glory.
Ant. The Lord is risen, alleluia.
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 Lord is risen, alleluia.
Go to the Hymn
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. The Lord is risen, alleluia.
Let the peoples praise you, O God; *
let all the peoples praise you.
Ant. The Lord is risen, alleluia.
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. The Lord is risen, alleluia.
Let the peoples praise you, O God; *
let all the peoples praise you.
Ant. The Lord is risen, alleluia.
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. The Lord is risen, alleluia.
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 Lord is risen, alleluia.
Go to the Hymn
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. The Lord is risen, alleluia.
Know that he, the Lord, is God. †
He made us, we belong to him, *
we are his people, the sheep of his flock.
Ant. The Lord is risen, alleluia.
Go within his gates, giving thanks. †
Enter his courts with songs of praise. *
Give thanks to him and bless his name.
Ant. The Lord is risen, alleluia.
Indeed, how good is the Lord, †
eternal his merciful love. *
He is faithful from age to age.
Ant. The Lord is risen, alleluia.
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 Lord is risen, alleluia.
Go to the Hymn