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 119:129-136
Your will is wonderful indeed; therefore I obey it. The unfolding of your word gives light and teaches the simple. I open my mouth and I sigh as I yearn for your commands. Turn and show me your mercy; show justice to your friends. Let my steps be guided by your promise; let no evil rule me. Redeem me from man’s oppression and I will keep your precepts. Let your face shine on your servant and teach me your decrees. Tears stream from my eyes because your law is disobeyed.
Reading: From a book on the Holy Spirit by St. Basil
Through the Holy Spirit we are restored to paradise, we ascend to the kingdom of heaven, and we are reinstated as adopted sons. Thanks to the Spirit we obtain the right to call God our Father, we become sharers in the grace of Christ, we are called children of light, and we share in everlasting glory. In a word, every blessing is showered upon us, both in this world and in the world to come. As we contemplate them even now, like a reflection in a mirror, it is as though we already possessed the good things our faith tells us that we shall one day enjoy. If this is the pledge, what will the perfection be? If these are the first fruits, what will the full harvest be?
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.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Intercessions
Be with us on our pilgrimage.
Jesus, Good Shepherd, hear our prayer!
Reveal yourself to those who do not know you.
Jesus, Good Shepherd, hear our prayer!
Grant us unity and peace.
Jesus, Good Shepherd, hear our prayer!
Dear Jesus,
By dying you raised us to eternal life. Lead us back to you when we go astray. We ask the Father for this in your name in union with the Holy Spirit. Amen.
