Every day, we will post a few brief prayers inspired by the Liturgy of the Hours.
In dioceses where Ascension is celebrated on Thursday, click here for today’s prayers.
O Lord, open my lips. And my mouth shall declare your praise.
Antiphon: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Psalm 47
All peoples, clap your hands, cry to God with shouts of joy! For the Lord, the Most High, we must fear, great king over all the earth. He subdues peoples under us and nations under our feet. Our inheritance, our glory, is from him, given to Jacob out of love. God goes up with shouts of joy; the Lord goes up with trumpet blast. Sing praise for God, sing praise, sing praise to our king, sing praise. God is king of all the earth. Sing praise with all your skill. God is king over the nations; God reigns on his holy throne. The princes of the peoples are assembled with the people of Abraham’s God. The rulers of the earth belong to God, to God who reigns over all.
Antiphon: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Reading: From a sermon by St. Augustine
Today our Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven; let our hearts ascend with him. Listen to the words of the Apostle: If you have risen with Christ, set your hearts on the things that are above where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God; seek the things that are above, not the things that are on earth. For just as he remained with us even after his ascension, so we too are already in heaven with him, even though what is promised us has not yet been fulfilled in our bodies.
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
May we follow in your path to the Father. Lord Jesus, you were raised up to Heaven, hear our prayer! Draw all things to yourself. Lord Jesus, you were raised up to Heaven, hear our prayer! Strengthen our witness to you through the Holy Spirit. Lord Jesus, you were raised up to Heaven, hear our prayer!
Dear Jesus, When your mission was accomplished you returned to your Father. Send us the Holy Spirit so that we too may return to the Father. We ask the Father for this in your name in union with the Holy Spirit. Amen.