Thursday, February 5

The Vespers Office To Be Observed on the Hour or Half Hour Between 5 and 8 p.m

The Call to Prayer

Be glad, you righteous, and rejoice in the LORD;* shout for joy, all who are true of heart.

Psalm 32:12

The Request for Presence

Exalt yourself above the heavens, O God,* and your glory over all the earth.

Psalm 57:11

The Greeting

May God give us his blessing,* and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe of him.

Psalm 67:7

The Hymn

Blessed Mother of Christ, the Son, dove of Virgins, holy maid, Starry hosts proclaim your praises, praise the crown to virtue paid, While our joyful hearts and voices join the anthem unafraid. Crash of tempest, roll of thunder, lightning flash from pole to pole, But the storm of love is stronger, brighter flashes in the soul, While the peace of Christ the Bridegroom holds you still and keeps you whole. Glory to the Father we sing, glory to the only Son; To the Paraclete in glory, equal tribute be begun, At whose pleasure made and governed, all the ages’ course is run.

adapted from THE SHORT BREVIARY

The Refrain for the Vespers Lessons

Let your ways be known upon earth,* your saving health among all nations.

Psalm 67:2

The Vespers Psalm

Summon Me by Night

Weigh my heart, summon me by night,* melt me down; you will find no impurity in me. I give no offense with my mouth as others do;* I have heeded the words of your lips. My footsteps hold fast to the ways of your law;* in your paths my feet shall not stumble. I call upon you, O God, for you will answer me;* incline your ear to me and hear my words. Show me your marvelous loving-kindness,* O Savior of those who take refuge at your right hand from those who rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of your eye;* hide me under the shadow of your wings.

Psalm 17:3–8

The Refrain

Let your ways be known upon earth,* your saving health among all nations.

The Cry of the Church

In the evening, in the morning, and at noonday, I will complain and lament,* and he will hear my voice.

Psalm 55:18

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your Name. May your kingdom come, and your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for yours are the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

The Prayer Appointed for the Week

Set me free, O God, from the bondage of my sins, and give me the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to me in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. †

The Concluding Prayer of the Church

Almighty and eternal God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth: Mercifully accept the prayers of your people everywhere, and strengthen each of us to do your will; through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen. †