Divine Office

Compline

Solemnity of
Nativity of the Lord

Christmastide
1st Week
Psalter Week 4
Monday
25
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. I have sinned in what I have done and left undone. I have sinned, and continue to sin again and again. I have struggled to rest in God's presence. Help me deeply embrace the tender love of our Father. Help me take up my cross and follow Jesus. Help me 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 91

Protected by the Shelter of the Most High
·
UMB-EN
Antiphon
Ant.

Whoever lives * in the shelter of the Most High, will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Whoever lives in the shelter of the Most High, *
    will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, *
    my God, my trust is in Him."

For it is He who rescues you from the fowler's snare, *
    and from the deadly plague.
He will cover you with His feathers,
    and under His wings you will take refuge, *
    His faithfulness is a shield and wall.
You will not fear the terror by night, or the arrow that flies by day,
    or the plague that stalks in darkness, *
    or the destruction that strikes at noon.

A thousand will fall at your side,
    and ten thousand at your right hand, *
    but you will stay out of reach.
You will only look with your eyes, *
    and watch as the wicked are punished.
For you have made the LORD, my refuge, *
    the most high, your fortress.
No evil will touch you, *
    nor plague approach your tent.

For He will give His angels orders concerning you, *
    to protect you in all your ways.
On their hands they will carry you, *
    so you never strike your foot against a stone.
On the lion and cobra you will tread, *
    and trample the young lion and the cobra.

"Since they have loved Me, I will rescue them. *
    I will protect them, because they have known My name.
They will call to Me, and I will answer them;
    I will be with them in trouble, *
    I will rescue and honor them.
With a long life I will satisfy them, *
    and I will show them My salvation."

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.

Whoever lives * in the shelter of the Most High, will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Reading

The Apocalypse of John on Patmos 22:4-5

His servants will see God's face, and His name will be on their foreheads. There will no longer be any night. No longer will they need the light of a lamp, nor the light of the sun. For the Lord God will be their light. And God and the Lamb will reign forever and ever.

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.