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 93
The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed; the Lord has robed himself with might, he has girded himself with power. The world you made firm, not to be moved; your throne has stood firm from of old. From all eternity, O Lord, you are. The waters have lifted up, O Lord, the waters have lifted up their voice, the waters have lifted up their thunder. Greater than the roar of mighty waters more glorious than the surgings of the sea, the Lord is glorious on high. Truly your decrees are to be trusted. Holiness is fitting to your house, O Lord, until the end of time.
Reading: From a treatise on John by St. Augustine
Jesus answered her and said: If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, “Give me a drink,” perhaps you might have asked him and he would have given you living water. He asks for a drink, and he promises a drink. He is in need, as one hoping to receive, yet he is rich, as one about to satisfy the thirst of others. He says: If you knew the gift of God. The gift of God is the Holy Spirit. But he is still using veiled language as he speaks to the woman and gradually enters into her heart. Or is he already teaching her? What could be more gentle and kind than the encouragement he gives? If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, “Give me a drink,” perhaps you might ask and he would give you living water. What is this water that he will give if not the water spoken of in Scripture: With you is the fountain of life? How can those feel thirst who will drink deeply from the abundance in your house?
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
Touch the hearts of sinners that they may turn back to you. Lord, create a new spirit in us. Inspire us to fulfill your desires in every moment of our lives. Lord, create a new spirit in us. Lead those who have died into the new life of Heaven. Lord, create a new spirit in us.
Dear Father, May we acknowledge that we have sinned and humble ourselves before you that you may look on us with favor. We ask this in the name of Jesus, your Son, who lives with you and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen.
