THE DIVINE HOURS

The Call to Prayer

Search for the LORD and his strength;* continually seek his face.

Psalm 105:4

The Request for Presence

O Lamb of God, that takes away the sins of the world, have mercy upon me. O Lamb of God, that takes away the sins of the world, have mercy upon me. O Lamb of God, that takes away the sins of the world, grant me your peace.

The Greeting

O God, you know my foolishness,* and my faults are not hidden from you.

Psalm 69:6

The Refrain for the Morning Lessons

Our sins are stronger than we are,* but you will blot them out.

Psalm 65:3

A Reading

It was just about this time that some people arrived and told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with that of their sacrifices. At this he said to them, 'Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than any others, that this should happen to them? They were not, I tell you. No; but unless you repent you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen on whom the tower of Siloam fell, killing them all? Do you suppose that they were more guilty than all the other people living in Jerusalem? They were not, I tell you. No; but unless you repent you will all perish as they did.'

Luke 13:1-5

The Refrain

Our sins are stronger than we are,* but you will blot them out.

The Morning Psalm

Teach Us to Number Our Days

Our iniquities you have set before you,* and our secret sins in the light of your countenance. When you are angry, all our days are gone;* we bring our years to an end like a sigh. The span of our life is seventy years, perhaps in strength even eighty;* yet the sum of them is but labor and sorrow, for they pass away quickly and we are gone. Who regards the power of your wrath?* who rightly fears your indignation? So teach us to number our days* that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.

Psalm 90:8-12

The Refrain

Our sins are stronger than we are,* but you will blot them out.

The Cry of the Church

O God, come to my assistance! O Lord, make haste to help me!

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your Name. May your kingdom come, and your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for yours are the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

The Prayer Appointed for the Week

O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that I, who have been raised with him, may abide in his presence and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory; through Jesus Christ my Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be dominion and praise for ever and ever. Amen.

The Concluding Prayer of the Church

Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

The Divine Hours are reprinted here with permission of Doubleday and Phyllis Tickle. Not for distribution without permission from the author.
Buy The Divine Hours from Amazon.com

The Divine Hours © Copyright 2003 Phyllis Tickle www.phyllistickle.com

Try Prayetic – a modern prayer meditation tool based on The Divine Hours

Prayetic: Your daily guide to uncovering joy through divine connection, featuring fixed-hour prayers, mindful meditations, and inspirational images.