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 119:65-72
Lord, you have been good to your servant according to your word. Teach me discernment and knowledge for I trust in your commands. Before I was afflicted I strayed but now I keep your word. You are good and your deeds are good; teach me your commandments. Though proud men smear me with lies yet I keep your precepts. Their minds are closed to good but your law is my delight. It was good for me to be afflicted, to learn your will. The law from your mouth means more to me than silver and gold.
Reading: From a sermon by St. Augustine
Let us understand, then, how a Christian must follow Christ even though he does not shed his blood for him, and his faith is not called upon to undergo the great test of the martyr’s sufferings. The apostle Paul says of Christ our Lord: Though he was in the form of God he did not consider equality with God a prize to be clung to. How unrivaled his majesty! But he emptied himself, taking on the form of a slave, made in the likeness of men, and presenting himself in human form. How deep his humility! Christ humbled himself. Christian, that is what you must make your own. Christ became obedient. How is it that you are proud? When this humbling experience was completed and death itself lay conquered, Christ ascended into heaven. Let us follow him there, for we hear Paul saying: If you have been raised with Christ, you must lift your thoughts on high, where Christ now sits at the right hand of God.
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
Increase our faith. Lord hear our prayer! Help us to follow you joyfully at all times. Lord hear our prayer! May we treasure those who are vulnerable. Lord hear our prayer!
Dear Jesus, Give us a love of you like your servant Lawrence had. May we bear witness to you at all times. We ask the Father for this in your name in union with the Holy Spirit. Amen.
