Divine Office

Compline

Advent
4th Week
Psalter Week 4
Sunday
24
December
2023

Introduction

God, come to my assistance; *
Lord, make haste to help me.

Gloria

Glory to the Father, to the Son,
    and to the Holy Spirit,
As it was in the beginning, is now,
    and will be forever.
Amen
Alleluia

Examination of Conscience

After a short time examining your soul, spirit, and consciousness - pray to the Lord.

    I confess to Almighty God, and to all whose hope is in Christ. I have sinned in thought, word, and deed; in what I have done and left undone; I have sinned, and continue to sin again and again. I have struggled: to treasure and rest in God's presence; to deeply embrace our Father's tender love; to take up my cross and follow Jesus; to sense and let the Holy Spirit guide me. This is why I plead that you pray to the Lord, our God, for me. Pray for me, along with all the saints.

    Almighty Father, have mercy on us. Continue to forgive us our sins, and lead us on the narrow path, with You, to eternal life.

Amen

Psalmody

Psalm 4

The Lord Hears my Cries
·
UMB-EN
Antiphon
Ant.

Have mercy on me Lord, * and hear my prayer.

When I cry to You, answer me, God of my justice, *
    You rescued me when I was oppressed,
be gracious with me now, *
    and hear my prayer.

How long will you people turn my glory into shame, *
    love what is worthless, and pursue lies?
selah
But know that the LORD has set apart the faithful for Himself; *
    the LORD hears when I cry out to Him.

Tremble in your anger but do not sin;
    meditate in your heart *
    while on your bed, and be still.
selah
Offer your righteous sacrifices, *
    and trust in the LORD.

Many are asking, "Who can show us anything good?" *
    LORD, let the light of Your face shine upon us!
You put more gladness in my heart, *
    than when others overflow with grain and new wine.
In peace I will lie down and find sleep, *
    for You alone, LORD, let me dwell in safety.

Gloria

Glory to the Father, to the Son,
    and to the Holy Spirit,
As it was in the beginning, is now,
    and will be forever.
Amen
Alleluia

Antiphon
Ant.

Have mercy on me Lord, * and hear my prayer.

Psalm 134

A Night Prayer in the Sanctuary
·
UMB-EN
Antiphon
Ant.

Throughout the night * bless the Lord.

Oh, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, *
    you who serve throughout the nights in the house of the Lord.
Lift your hands in that sanctuary, *
    and bless the Lord.
May the Lord bless you from Zion, *
    He who made heaven and earth.

Gloria

Glory to the Father, to the Son,
    and to the Holy Spirit,
As it was in the beginning, is now,
    and will be forever.
Amen
Alleluia

Antiphon
Ant.

Throughout the night * bless the Lord.

Reading

The Book of Deuteronomy 6:4-7

    Hear, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is One! And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words, which I am commanding you this day, shall be on your heart, and you should repeat them regularly to your children. Talk of them when you rest in your home, and when you walk on the road; when you lie down, and when you get up.

Brief Response

Into Your hands, LORD; I entrust you with my spirit.
Into Your hands, LORD; * I entrust you with my spirit.
For You have redeemed us, LORD, God of truth.
Into Your hands, LORD; * I entrust you with my spirit.
Glory to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Into Your hands, LORD; * I entrust you with my spirit.

Gospel Canticle

Luke 2:29-32

Now, Go in Peace
·
UMB-EN
Antiphon
Ant.

Save us, Lord, when we take watch.
    Protect us while we sleep.
Awake, may we watch with Christ,
    and in rest, let us have peace.

Lord , now let Your servant go in peace. *
    You have kept Your promise.
For my eyes have seen Your salvation, *
    which You prepared in the sight of all people.
A light of revelation for the nations, *
    and the glory of Your people Israel.

Gloria

Glory to the Father, to the Son,
    and to the Holy Spirit,
As it was in the beginning, is now,
    and will be forever.
Amen
Alleluia

Antiphon
Ant.

Save us, Lord, when we take watch.
    Protect us while we sleep.
Awake, may we watch with Christ,
    and in rest, let us have peace.

Concluding Prayer

Let us pray.
Dwell with us in this place, Lord. Make this home a safe refuge from every snare and scheme of the enemy. Fill this place with Your peace and love. Let the holy power of Your Kingdom protect us. * Place Your blessing upon and within us, now and forever, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.

Blessing

May the Lord Almighty grant us a peaceful night, and a perfect end.
Amen

Concluding Antiphon

Tonight, we strongly encourage you to pray the Marian antiphon in light of today's proper.

You may pray either the Marian or Kingdom antiphon to conclude Compline.

Marian Antiphon

Hail, * holy Queen, mother of mercy,
    one of life, gentleness, and hope.
We cry in our exile as children of Eve.
    Towards you we sigh, mourn, and weep
    in this valley of tears.

Turn, most gracious advocate,
    your eyes of mercy towards us.
As we end our exile, show us Jesus,
    the blessed fruit of your flesh.
    Merciful, loving, and sweet Virgin Mary.

Kingdom Antiphon

Hail, * holy Kingdom, home of mercy,
    one of life, gentleness, and hope.
We cry in our exile as children of Eve.
    Towards You we sigh, mourn, and weep
    in this valley of tears.

Turn, most gracious advocate,
    your eyes of mercy towards us.
As we end our exile, show us Jesus,
    the blessed King on Your throne.
    Merciful, loving, and sweet Lord Christ.