Every day, we will post a few brief prayers inspired by the Liturgy of the Hours.
O Lord, open my lips. And my mouth shall declare your praise.
Psalm 72:1-13
O God, give your judgment to the king, to a king's son your justice, that he may judge your people in justice and your poor in right judgment. May the mountains bring forth peace for the people and the hills, justice. May he defend the poor of the people and save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor. He shall endure like the sun and the moon from age to age. He shall descend like rain on the meadow, like raindrops on the earth. In his days justice shall flourish and peace till the moon fails. He shall rule from sea to sea, from the Great River to earth's bounds. Before him his enemies shall fall, his foes lick the dust. The kings of Tarshish and the seacoasts shall pay him tribute. The kings of Sheba and Seba shall bring him gifts. Before him all kings shall fall prostrate, all nations shall serve him. For he shall save the poor when they cry and the needy who are helpless. He will have pity on the weak and save the lives of the poor.
Reading: From a Sermon by St. Leo the Great
This is the day that David prophesied in the psalms, when he said: All the nations that you have brought into being will come and fall down in adoration in your presence, Lord, and glorify your name. Again, the Lord has made known his salvation; in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. This came to be fulfilled, as we know, from the time when the star beckoned the three wise men out of their distant country and led them to recognize and adore the King of heaven and earth. The obedience of the star calls us to imitate its humble service: to be servants, as best we can, of the grace that invites all men to find Christ. Dear friends, you must have the same zeal to be of help to one another; then, in the kingdom of God, to which faith and good works are the way, you will shine as children of the light: through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with God the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.
The Canticle of Mary
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, My spirit rejoices in God, my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.
Intercessions
Sanctify us through prayer and the word of God. Christ, our Light, hear us! Free our lives from the spirit of doubt. Christ, our Light, hear us! Help us to feel the joy of heaven on earth. Christ, our Light, hear us! By the power of the Holy Spirit, open the hearts of all. Christ, our Light, hear us! Renew the faith of all believers. Christ, our Light, hear us! Enkindle in us a longing for your kingdom. Christ, our Light, hear us!
Heavenly Father, Your light is strong, your love is near; draw us beyond the limits which the world imposes to the life where your Spirit makes all life complete. We ask this in the name of Jesus, your Son, who lives with you and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen.
