April 25 2023 Daily Prayer

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.
Antiphon: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Psalm 19:2-7

The heavens proclaim the glory of God,
and the firmament shows forth the work of his hands.
Day unto day takes up the story
and night unto night makes known the message.

No speech, no word, no voice is heard
yet their span extends through all the earth,
their words to the utmost bounds of the world.

There he has placed a tent for the sun;
it comes forth like a bridegroom coming from his tent,
rejoices like a champion to run its course.

At the end of the sky is the rising of the sun;
to the furthest end of the sky is its course.
There is nothing concealed from its burning heat.
Antiphon: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Reading: Ephesians 4:1-6, 11-14

I plead with you, then, as a prisoner for the Lord, to live a life worthy of the calling you have received, with perfect humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another lovingly. Make every effort to preserve the unity which has the Spirit as its origin and peace as its binding force. There is but one body and one Spirit, just as there is but one hope given all of you by your call. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all, and works through all, and is in all.

It is he who gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers in roles of service for the faithful to build up the body of Christ, till we become one in faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, and form that perfect man who is Christ come to full stature.

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

Strengthen your Church in faith and love.
Lord, hear our prayer!
Fill our pastors with the Holy Spirit.
Lord, hear our prayer!
May we sow your word and reap a harvest of joy.
Lord, hear our prayer!
Dear Jesus,
You raised up your servant St. Mark to be your faithful witness. Help us to follow his example and spread your Gospel with joyful hearts. We ask the Father for this in your name in union with the Holy Spirit. Amen.