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 116:1-9
I love the Lord for he has heard the cry of my appeal; for he turned his ear to me in the day when I called him. They surrounded me, the snares of death, with the anguish of the tomb; they caught me, sorrow and distress. I called on the Lord's name. O Lord my God, deliver me! How gracious is the Lord, and just; our God has compassion. The Lord protects the simple hearts; I was helpless so he saved me. Turn back, my soul, to your rest for the Lord has been good; he has kept my soul from death, my eyes from tears and my feet from stumbling. I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.
Reading: From a homily by St. Bede the Venerable
There is no doubt that blessed John suffered imprisonment and chains as a witness to our Redeemer, whose forerunner he was, and gave his life for him. His persecutor had demanded not that he should deny Christ, but only that he should keep silent about the truth. Nevertheless, he died for Christ. Does Christ not say: I am the truth? Therefore, because John shed his blood for the truth, he surely died for Christ.
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 announce your coming to the world. O Lord, show us your mercy! Help us to be true heralds of your truth. O Lord, show us your mercy! Help us to do your will. O Lord, show us your mercy!
Dear Father, You raised up St. John the Baptist to prepare the way for your Son. May we work to spread the good news of the Gospel throughout the world. We ask this through Jesus, your Son, in union with the Holy Spirit. Amen.
