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 142
With all my voice I cry to the Lord, with all my voice I entreat the Lord. I pour out my trouble before him; I tell him all my distress while my spirit faints within me. But you, O Lord, know my path. On the way where I shall walk they have hidden a snare to entrap me. Look on my right and see: there is no one who takes my part. I have no means of escape, not one who cares for my soul. I cry to you, O Lord. I have said: “You are my refuge all I have in the land of the living.” Listen, then, to my cry for I am in the depths of distress. Rescue me from those who pursue me for they are stronger than I. Bring my soul out of this prison and then I shall praise your name. Around me the just will assemble because of your goodness to me.
Reading: From an Easter letter by St. Athanasius
The Word who became all things for us is close to us, our Lord Jesus Christ who promises to remain with us always. He cries out, saying: See, I am with you all the days of this age. He is himself the shepherd, the high priest, the way and the door, and has become all things at once for us. In the same way, he has come among us as our feast and holy day as well. The blessed Apostle says of him who was awaited: Christ has been sacrificed as our Passover. It was Christ who shed his light on the psalmist as he prayed: You are my joy, deliver me from those surrounding me. True joy, genuine festival, means the casting out of wickedness. To achieve this one must live a life of perfect goodness and, in the serenity of the fear of God, practice contemplation in one’s heart.
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
Fill us with your joy. Renew us, Lord! May we set our hearts on the things of Heaven. Renew us, Lord! Help us when we fall. Renew us, Lord!
Father in Heaven, May we always remember the sacrifice of your Son. Turn our selfishness into love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
