Divine Office

Compline

Feast of
Stephan

Christmastide
1st Week
Psalter Week 4
Tuesday
26
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 143

A Prayer in Anguish
·
UMB-EN
Antiphon
Ant.

Do not place * judgement against Your servant, Lord.

LORD, hear my prayer,
    turn Your ear toward my plea, *
    in Your faithfulness and righteousness, answer me.
And do not place judgment against Your servant, *
    for no one living is righteous before You.

For the enemy pursues my soul,
    they crush my life into the ground, *
    making me dwell in the darkness, with those long dead.
So my spirit is weakening within me, *
    within me, my heart is in desolation.

I remember the days of old,
    meditate on all that You have done, *
    and reflect on the works of Your hands.
I spread out my hands to You, *
    my soul thirsts for You like a parched land.
selah
Quickly, LORD, answer me, *
    for my spirit fails.
Don't hide Your face from me, *
    or I will follow those going down into the pit.

Let the morning bring word of Your faithfulness, *
    for I trust in You.
Show me the way I should go, *
    for I lift my soul to You.

Save me from my enemies, LORD, *
    in You, I take refuge.
Teach me to do Your will, *
    for You are my God.
May Your good spirit lead me on level ground; *
    For Your name's sake, LORD, revive me.
In Your righteousness, *
    deliver my soul from trouble.

[And in Your faithfulness, put an end to my enemies,
    and ruin all who attack my soul, *
    for I am Your servant.]

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.

Do not place * judgement against Your servant, Lord.

Reading

The First Epistle of Peter 5:8-9

Be sober. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, looking to devour someone. Resist him with the strength of faith.

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.
In Your kindness, Lord, shine Your light upon our night. Illuminate Your servants' slumber with the presence of Your peace. * May the brightness of the new day stir us from our rest. Awaken us with joy for Your Name, 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.