Night prayer : [from the Liturgy of the hours] NIGHT PRAYER 1976 Publications Office UNITED STATES CATHOLIC CONFERENCE 1312 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. ^ Washington, D.C. 20005 English translation of Night Prayer from The Liturgy of the Hours; / Confess from the Roman Missal; Prayers from the Rite of Penance. Copyright © 1973, 1974, 1975, Interna- tional Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. The Psalms: A New Translation © The Grail (England) 1963. The texts of all Biblical Readings are reproduced with per- mission from The New American Bible, Copyright © 1970 by the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. All rights reserved. Psalm Commentaries The commentaries, presented in this booklet, have been prepared by Rev. Stephen Hartdegen, O.F.M., Coordinator for Program Development, U.S. Catholic Conference and Director of the U.S. Center for the Catholic Biblical Apostolate. Copyright © 1976 Publications Office United States Catholic Conference CONTENTS INTRODUCTION v SUNDAY 1 MONDAY 9 TUESDAY 17 WEDNESDAY 23 THURSDAY 31 FRIDAY 37 SATURDAY 43 APPENDIX I; PENITENTIAL RITES . . 51 APPENDIX II: MARIAN ANTIPHONS . . 61 APPENDIX III: POETRY SELECTION . . 63 APPENDIX IV: COMMENTARY ON NIGHT PRAYER PSALMS . . 71 ui ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc., is grateful to the following for permission to reproduce copyright material: Hymns Benedictine Nuns of Saint Mary’s Abbey, West Mailing, Sussex, for “We praise you. Father, for your gift.” Geoffrey Chapman Publishers, for James Quinn, SJ., “Day is done but love unfailing,” “Now at the daylight’s ending.” Fides Publishers, Inc., Notre Dame, Indiana, for “All praise to you, O God, this night,” and “O radiant Light, O Sun divine,” from Morning Praise and Evensong © 1973 copyright by Fides Publishers, Inc. Jerome Leamon, for “Lord Jesus Christ, abide with us.” World Library Publications, Inc., 2145 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio, for Rev. M. Quinn, O.P., “O Christ you are the light and day,” © copyright 1965 by World Library Publications. Religious Poetry William Heinemann Ltd., London, for Arthur Symons, “Lines Written in Her Breviary: Let Nothing Disturb Thee,” and “If, Lord, Thy Love for Me Is Strong,” from the Poems of Arthur Symons, Oxford University Press, London, for “O Deus Ego Amo Te” from Poems of Gerard Manley Hopkins (4th edition) edited by W. H. Gardner and N. H. Mackenzie, published by Oxford University Press by arrangement with the Society of Jesus, and for “Thou Art Indeed Just, Lord” by Gerard Manley Hopkins from the Oxford Book of English Mystical Verse, published by Oxford University Press. Psalms Permission has been granted by the Grail (England) for inclusion of psalms from: The Psalms: A New Translation © the Grail (England) 1963. The complete Psalms first published in 1963 by and avail- able throu^ Wm. Collins Sons & Co., Limited. In North America through the Paulist Press Inc. and Collins and World. Art and Layout: Ems Bolle iv INTRODUCTION Night prayer still remains a part of the rhythm of daily prayer among many Catholics. Whereas it has frequently taken on a very personal char- acter, composed of one’s own select prayers, in other cases it has become the common prayer of a particular group, as for example the family, at the end of the day. This booklet offers individuals and groups the opportunity to use Night Prayer as presented in the Liturgy of the Hours restored by the Second Vatican Council. As an excerpt from the Divine Office it offers all of the faithful the possibility of participating in the prayer of the Church, pray- ing in union with Christ to the Father. V INTRODUCTION Night Prayer as found in the Liturgy of the Hours is the last prayer of one’s day, said just before going to bed, even if it is past midnight. It may be prayed with others — a practice which is highly encouraged—or alone. The father or mother of the family could, for example, lead the hmiily in this common night prayer from the Office. STRUCTURE Introduction Like the other hours of the Liturgy of the Hours, Night Prayer begins with the introductory verse God, come to my assistance, and the Glory to the Father to which the Alleluia is added out- side of Lent. Basically, the introduction is a call to prayer and a brief expression of praise. Examination of Conscience Immediately after the introduction there is an examination of conscience—^a review of the day in the presence of God. In communal celebrations a penitential rite, as at Mass, may be used (See Appendix !)• When prayed alone, a brief pause for reflection might be followed by a short peni- tential prayer (See Appendix !)• vi INTRODUCTION Hymn An appropriate hymn follows to set the tone of Night Prayer. Hymns are provided in place within this booklet; others may be substituted, but care should be taken that they fit into the context of Night Prayer. When prayed in common, the hymn is sung. In private it could be recited or replaced by an appropriate poem (See Appendix III)> Psalmody The psalms are the heart of the Liturgy of the Hours and have been carefully chosen to corre* spond to the hour of the day. In Night Prayer psalms have been selected which evoke confidence in God. Although each day has a selected psalm or psalms, one may always substitute the Saturday or Sunday psalms on weekdays; this might be helpful for those who would like to pray Night Prayer from memory. The psalm is concluded with the Glory to the Father giving the prayer of the Old Testament a quality of praise as well as adding a christological and trinitarian dimension. An antiphon is provided for each psalm and serves to briefly state the theme of the psalm. Ulus- vii INTRODUCTION trate the literaiy character of the psahn, and to turn the psahn into a personal prayer, highlighting a certain significant phrase which might easily be missed. On occasion (especially when prayed by a group) the antiphon may be used as a response after each Terse of the psalm, in the manner of the responsorial psalm of the litui^ of the word in the eucharist. Psalm-prayer A psalm-prayer has been provided for die end of each psalm. After the psalm has been prayed, the antiphon repeated, and a brief period of silence observed, the prayer is said. It sums up the thoughts and feelings of those who just prayed and helps one to see the psalm in a Christian light. Reading and Response A short reading from scripture follows the psalm-prayer and should be read and received as a true proclamation of God’s word. The passages chosen for Night Prayer are appropriate for the time of day as they refer to images such as night, sleep, rest, etc. The response to the reading may be twofold: sflent reflection and the responsory Into your vfii INTRODUCTION hands, ... As a type of acclamation the response enables God’s word to penetrate more deeply into the minds and hearts of those who are praying. Gospel Canticle The Canticle of Simeon (Luke 2:29-32) is said at Night Prayer throughout the week. The canticle expresses the faith and confidence of Simeon in God’s wonderful work of salvation: Jesus Christ. Prayer A concluding prayer, which varies with each night, follows immediately. It attempts to sum up the entire intention of Night Prayer in the form of a final petition addressed to God the Father. Conclusion: Blessing, Marian A ntiphon After the final prayer, the blessing May the all- powerful Lord is said, even when Night Prayer is said alone. Finally, one of the antiphons in honor of the Blessed Virgin is said (See Appendix II). ix SUNDAY INTRODUCTION God, come to my assistance. —Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. A brief examination of conscience may be made. At its con- elusion one of the penitential prayers in Appendix I may be said. 1 SUNDAY HYMN O Christ, you are the light and day Which drives away the night, The ever shining Sun of God And pledge of future light. As now the ev’ning shadows fall Please grant us. Lord, we pray, A quiet night to rest in you Until the break of day. Remember ns, poor mortal men. We humbly ask, O Lord, And may your presence in our souls Be now our great reward. Melody: Saint Anne CM. Music: William Croft, 1708 Text: Christe qui Lux es et Dies Translator: Rev. M. Quinn, O.P., et al. PSALMODY 2 Ant. N^t holds no terrors for me sleeping under God’s wings. SUNDAY Psalm 91 Safe in God’s sheltering care / have given you the power to tread upon serpents and scorpions (Luke 10:19). He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High and abides in the shade of the Almighty says to the Lord: "My refuge, my stronghold, my God in whom I trust!” It is he who will free you from the snare of the fowler who seeks to destroy you; he will conceal you with his pinions and under his wings you will find refuge. You will not fear the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the plague that prowls in the darkness nor the scourge that lays waste at noon. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand fall at your right, you, it will never approach; his faithfulness is buckler and shield. Your eyes have only to look i to see how the wicked are repaid, you who have said: "Lord, my refuge!” and have made the Most High your dwelling. 3 SUNDAY Upon you no evil shall fall, no plague approach where you dwell. For you has he commanded his angels, to keep you in all your ways. They shall bear you upon their hands lest you strike your foot against a stone. On the lion and the viper you will tread and trample the young lion and the dragon. Since he clings to me in love, I will free him; protect him for he knows my name. When he calls 1 shall answer: “I am with you.” 1 will save him in distress and give him glory. With length of life I will content him; I shall let him see my saving power. PSALM-PRAYER Lord Jesus Christ, when tempted by the devil, you remained loyal to your Father whose angels watched over you at his command. Guard your Church and keep us safe from the plague of sin so that we may remain loyal to the day we enjoy your salvation and your glory. 4 SUNDAY READING Revelation 22:4-5 They shall see the Lord face to face and bear his name on their foreheads. The night shall be no more. They wOl need no light from lamps or the sun, for the Lord God shall give them light, and they shall reign forever. RESPONSORY Into your hands. Lord, I commendmy spirit. —Into your hands. Lord, I commend my spirit. Yon have redeemed us. Lord God of troth. — ^I commend my spirit. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. —Into your hands. Lord, I commend my spirit. GOSPEL CANTICLE Luke 2:29-n Christ is the light of the nations and the glory of Israel Ant. Protect us. Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace. 5 SUNDAY Lord, now yon let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people: a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel. PRAYER Lord, we have celebrated today the mystery of the rising of Christ to new life. May we now rest in your peace, safe from all that could harm us, and rise again refreshed and joyful, to praise you throughout another day. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Or: on solemnities that do not occur on Sunday: Lord, we beg you to visit this house and banish from it till the deadly power of the enemy. May your holy angels dwell here to keep us in peace. 6 SUNDAY and may yonr blessing be upon us always. We ask this through Christ our Lord. CONCLUSION May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful death. —Amen. Antiphon of the Blessed Virgin Mary (See Appendix II). 7 MONDAY INTRODUCTION God, come to my assistance. —Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. A brief examination of conscience may be made. At its con- clusion one of the penitential prayers in Appendix / may be said. 9 MONDAY HYMN Day is done, but love unfailing Dwells ever h»e; Shadows fall, but hope, prevailing. Calms every fear. Loving Father, none forsaking. Take onr hearts, of Love’s own making. Watch our sleeping, guard our waking. Be always near. Dark descends, but Light unending Shines through our night; You are with us, ever lending New strength to sight; One in love, your truth confessing. One in hope of heaven’s blessing. May we see, in love’s possessing. Love’s endless light! Eyes will close, but you, unsleeping. Watch by our side; Death may come: in Love’s safe keeping Still we abide. God of love, all evil queUing, Sin foi^ving, fear dispelling. Stay with us, our hearts indwelling. This eventide. 10 MONDAY Melody: Ar Hyd Y Nos Music: Welsh Traditional Melody 84.84.88.84 Text: James Quinn, S.J., 1968 PSALMODY Ant. O Lord, our God, unwearied is your love for us. Psalm 86 Poor man’s prayer in trouble Blessed be God who comforts us in all our trials (2 Cor- inthians 1:3, 4). Turn your ear, O Lord, and give answer for I am poor and needy. Preserve my life, for I am faithful: save the servant who trusts in you. You are my God; have mercy on me. Lord, for I cry to you ail day long. Give joy to your servant, O Lord, for to you I lift up my soul. O Lord, you are good and forgiving, full of love to all who call. Give heed, O Lord, to my prayer and attend to the sound of my voice. In the day of distress I will call and surely you will reply. 11 MONDAY Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord; nor work to compare with yours. All the nations shall come to adore you and glorify your name, O Lord: for you are great and do marvellous deeds, you who alone are God. Show me. Lord, your way so that I may walk in your truth. Guide my heart to fear your name. I will praise you. Lord my God, with all my heart and glorify your name for ever; for your love to me has been great: you have saved me from the depths of the grave. The proud have risen against me; ruthless men seek my life: to you they pay no heed. But you, God of mercy and compassion, slow to anger, O Lord, abounding in love and truth, turn and take pity on me. 12 MONDAY O give your strength to your servant and save your handmaid’s son. Show me a sign of your favor that my foes may see to their shame that you console me and give me your help. PSALM-PRAYER God of mercy and goodness, when Christ called out to you in torment, you heard him and gave him victory over death because of his love for you. We already know the affection you have for us; fill us with a greater love of your name and we will proclaim you more boldly before men and happily lead them to celebrate your glory. READING 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 God has destined us for acquiring salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us, that all of us, whether awake or asleep, together might live with him. RESPONSORY Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. —Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. 13 MONDAY You have redeemed u5j Lord God of truth. — commend my spirit. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. —^Into your hands. Lord, I commend my spirit. GOSPEL CANTICLE Luke 2:29-32 Christ is the light of the nations and the glory of Israel Ant. Protect ns. Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace. Lord, now you let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people: a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel. 14 MONDAY PRAYER Lord, give our bodies restful sleep and let the work we have done today bear fruit in eternal life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. CONCLUSION May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful death. •—Amen. Antiphon of the Blessed Virgin Mary (See Appendix II). 15 INTRODUCTION God, come to my assistance. —^Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. A brief examination of conscience may be made. At its con- clusion one of the penitential prayers in Appendix I may be said. 17 TUESDAY HYMN O radiant Light, O sun divine Of God the Father’s deathless face, O image of the light sublime That fills the heav’nly dwelling place. Lord Jesus Christ, as daylight fades. As shine the lights of eventide. We praise the Father with the Son, The Spirit blest and with them one. O Son of God, the source of life, Praise is your due by night and day; Unsullied lips must raise the strain Of your proclaimed and splendid name. Melody: Jesu, dulcis memoria, Music: Traditional Plain Song, L,M, Gregorian Melody Text: Phos Hilaron, Greek 3rd cent. Translator: William G. Storey, 1973. 18 PSALMODY Ant. Do not hide your face from me; in you I put my trust. TUESDAY Psalm 143: 1-11 Prayer in distress Only by faith in Jesus Christ is a man made holy in God*s sight. No observance of the law can achieve this (Gala- tians 2 : 16). Lord, listen to my prayer: turn your ear to my appeal. You are faithful, you are just; give answer. Do not call your servant to judgment for no one is just in your sight. The enemy pursues my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me dwell in daiiaiess like the dead, long forgotten. Therefore my spirit faOs; my heart is numb within me. I remember the days that are past: I ponder all your worits. I muse on what your hand has wrought and to yon I stretch out my hands. Like a parched land my soul thirsts for yon. Lord, make haste and answer; for my spirit fails within me. Do not hide your face lest I become like those in the grave. 19 TUESDAY In the morning let me know your love for I put my trust in you. Make me know the way I should walk: to you I lift up my soul. Rescue me, Lord, ^rom my enemies; I have fled to you for refuge. Teach me to do your wiU for you, O Lord, are my God. Let your good spirit guide me in ways that are level apd smooth. For your name’s sake. Lord, save my life; in your justice save my soul from distress. PSALM-PRAYER Lord Jesus, early in the morning of your resur- rection, you made your love known and brought the first light of dawn to those who dwell in dark- ness. Your death has opened a path for us. Do not enter into judgment with your servants; let your good Spirit guide us together into the land of justice. READING 1 Peter 5:8-9a Stay sober and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for some- one to devour. Resist him, solid in your faith. 20 TUESDAY RESPONSORY Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. —^Into your hands. Lord, I commend my spirit. You have redeemed us. Lord God of truth. — commend my spirit. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. —^Into your hands. Lord, I commend my spirit. GOSPEL CANTICLE Luke 2:29.32 Christ is the light of the nations and the glory of Israel Ant. Protect us. Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, aud asleep, rest in his peace. Lord, now you let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people: a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel. 21 TUESDAY I! PRAYER I Lord, fill this night with your radiance. | May we sleep in peace and rise with joy | tQ welcome the light of a new day in your name. | We ask this through Christ our Lord. CONCLUSION May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful death. I —^Amen. Antiphon of the Blessed Virgin Mary (See Appendix II). 22 WEDNESDAY INTRODUCTION God, come to my assistance. —^Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. A brief examination of conscience may be made. At its con- clusion one of the penitential prayers in Appendix / may be said. 23 WEDNESDAY HYMN All praise to yoo, O God, this night For all the blessings of the light; Keep us, we pray, O King of kings. Beneath your own almighty wings. Forgive us. Lord, through Christ your Son, Whatever wrong this day we’ve done; Your peace give to the world, O Lord, That man might live in one accord. Enlighten us, O blessed Light, And give us rest throughout this night. O strengthen us, that for your sake, We all may serve you when we wake. Melody; Illsley L.M. Music: J. Bishop. 1665-1737 Text: Thomas Ken, 1709, alt. PSALMODY Ant. Lord God, be my refuge and my strength. 24 WEDNESDAY Psalm 31:1-6 Trustful prayer in adversity Father, into your hands I commend my spirit (Luke 23:46). In you, O Lord, I take refuge. Let me never be put to shame. In your justice, set me free, hear me and speedily rescue me. Be a rock of refuge for me, a mighty stronghold to save me, for you are my rock, my stronghold. For your name’s sake, lead me and guide me. Release me from the snares they have hidden for you are my refuge. Lord. Into your hands I commend my spirit. It is you who will redeem me. Lord. PSALM-PRAYER Full of trust we run to you. Lord, and put our lives into your hands. You are our strength in times of trouble and our refuge along the way. May you be our joy at the turning points of life and our reward at its end. 25 WEDNESDAY Ant. Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord. Psalm 130 A cry from the depths He will save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice! 0 let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleading. If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt. Lord, who would survive? But with you is found forgiveness: for this we revere you. My soul is waiting for the Lord, 1 count on his word. My soul is longing for the Lord more than watchman for daybreak. Let the watchman count on daybreak and Israel on the Lord. Because with the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption, Israel indeed he will redeem from all its iniquity. 26 WEDNESDAY PSALM-PRAYER God of might and compassion, yon sent your Word into the world, a watchman to announce to men the dawn of salvation. Do not leave us in the depths of our sins but listen to your Church plead* ing with you. Respond to her trust, and pour out in her the fullness of your redeeming grace. READING Ephesians 4:26-27 If yon are angry, let it be without sin. The sun must not go down on your wrath; do not give the devil a chance to work on you. RESPONSORY Into your hands. Lord, I commend my spirit. —^Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. You have redeemed us. Lord God of truth. •—I commend my spirit. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. —Into your hands. Lord, I commend my spirit. 27 WEDNESDAY GOSPEL CANTICLE Luke 2:29-32 Christ is the light of the nations and the glory of Israel Ant. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace. Lord, now yon let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people: a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel. PRAYER Lord Jesus Christ, you have given your followers an example of gentleness and humflity, a task that is easy, a burden that is light. Accept the prayers and work of this day, and give us the rest that will strengthen us to render more faithful service to you who live and reign for ever and ever. 28 WEDNESDAY CONCLUSION May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful death. —^Amen. Antiphon of the Blessed Virgin Mary (See Appendix II). 29 THURSDAY INTRODUCTION God, come to my assistance. —Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. A brief examination of conscience may be made. At its con- clusion one of the penitential prayers in Appendix I may be said. THURSDAY HYMN Now at the daylight’s ending We turn, O God, to you: Send forth your Holy Spirit, Our spirit now renew. To you in adoration. In thankfulness and praise. In faith and h<^e and gladness. Our loving hearts we raise. With watchful eyes, O Shepherd, Look down upon your sheep; Stretch forth your hands in healing And close our eyes in sleep. Come down, O Holy Spirit, To be our loving Guest; Be near us, holy angels. And guard us as we rest. We praise you, heav’nly Father: From you all light descends; You give us heaven’s glory When life’s brief daylight ends. We praise you, Jesus, Savior, The light of heav’n above; We praise you. Holy Spirit, The living flame of love. 32 THURSDAY Melody: Christus Der 1st Music: Melchior Vulpius, 1609 Mein Leben Text: James Quinn, SJ, PSALMODY Ant. In you, my God, my body will rest in hope. Psalm 16 God is my portion, my inheritance The Father raised up Jesus from the dead and broke the bonds of death (Acts 2:24). Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you. I say to the Lord: **You are my God. My happiness lies in you alone.” He has put into my heart a marvellous love for the faithful ones who dwell in his land. Those who choose other gods increase their sorrows. Never will I offer their offerings of blood. Never will I take their name upon my lips. O Lord, it is you who are my portion and cup; it is you yourself who are my prize. The lot marked out for me is my delight: welcome indeed the heritage that falls to me! 33 THURSDAY I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel, who even at night directs my heart. 1 keep the Lord ever in my sight: since he is at my right hand, I shall stand firm. And so my heart rejoices, my soul is glad; even my body shall rest in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead, nor let your beloved know decay. You will show me the path of life, the fullness of joy in your presence, at your right hand happiness for ever. PSALM-PRAYER Lord Jesus, uphold those who hope in you and give us your counsel, so that we may know the joy of your resurrection and deserve to be among the saints at your right hand. READING 1 Thessalonians 5:23 May file God of peace make you perfect in holiness. May he preserve you whole and entire, spirit, soul, and body, irreproachable at the com- ing of our Lord Jesus Christ. 34 THURSDAY RESPONSORY Into your hands, Lord, I conunend my spirit. —^Into your hands. Lord, I commend my spirit. You have redeemed us. Lord Ck>d of truth. — commend my spirit. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. —Into your hands. Lord, I commend my spirit. GOSPEL CANTICLE Luke 2:29-32 Christ is the light of the nations and the glory of Israel Ant. Protect us. Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace. Lord, now you let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared iu the sight of every people: a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel. 35 THURSDAY PRAYER Lord God, send peaceful sleep to refresh our tired bodies. May your help always renew ns and keep us strong in your service. We ask this throng Christ our Lord. CONCLUSION May die all-powerfnl Lord grant us a restful ni^t and a peaceful death. —Amen. Antiphon of the Blessed Virgin Mary (See Appendix II). 36 FRIDAY INTRODUCTION God, come to my assistance. —Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. A brief examination of conscience may be made. At its con- clusion one of the penitential prayers in Appendix I may be said. 37 FRIDAY HYMN Lord Jesus Christ, abide with us, Now that the sun has run its course; Let hope not be obscured by night. But may faith’s darimess be as ligfit. Lord Jesus Christ, grant us your peace. And when the trials of earth shall cease. Grant us the morning light of grace, The radiant splendor of your face. Immortal, Holy, Threefold Light, Yours be the kingdom, pow’r, and might; All glory be eternally To you, life-giving Trinity! Melody: Old 100th LM. Music: Louis Bourgeois, 1551 Text: Saint Joseph’s Abbey, 1967, 1968 PSALMODY Ant. Day and night I cry to yon, my God. Psalm 88 Prayer of a sick person This is your hour when darkness reigns (Luke 22:53). Lord my God, I call for he^ by day; I cry at night before you. 38 FRIDAY Let my prayer come into your presence. 0 turn your ear to my cry. For my soul is filled with evils; my life is on the brink of the grave. 1 am reckoned as one in the tomb: I have reached the end of my strength, like one alone among the dead; like the slain lying in their graves; like those you remember no more, cut off, as they are, from your hand. You have laid me in the depths of the tomb, in places that are dark, in the depths. Your anger weighs down upon me: I am drowned beneath your waves. You have taken away my friends and made me hateful in their sight. Imprisoned, I cannot escape; my eyes are sunken with grief. I call to you, Lord, all the day long; to you I stretch out my hands. Will yon work your wonders for the dead? Will the shades stand and praise you? Will your love be told in the grave or your faithfulness among the dead? 39 FRIDAY Will your wonders be known in the dark or yonr justice in the land ofoblivion? As for me, Lord, I call to you for help; in the morning my prayer comes before you. Lord, why do you reject me? Why do you hide your face? Wretched, close to death from my youth, I have home your trials; I am numb. Your fury has swept down upon me; your terrors have utterly destroyed me. They surround ine all die day like a flood, they assail me all togeflier. Friend and nei^bor you have taken away: my one companion is daikness. PSALM-PRAYER Lord Jesus Christ, you chose to suffer and be overwhelmed by deadi in order to open the gates of death in triumph. Stay with us to help us on our pflgrimage; free us from all evil by the power of your resurrection. In the company of your saints, and constantly remembering your love for us, may we sing of yonr wonders in our Father’s house. 40 FRIDAY READING Jeremiah 14:9a You are in our midst, O Lord, your name we bean do not forsake ns, O Lord, our God! RESPONSORY Into your hands. Lord, I commend my spirit. —^Into your hands. Lord, I cmnmend my spirit. Yon have redeemed ns. Lord God of truth. — commend my spirit. Glory to die Fatter, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. —^Into your hands. Lord, I commend my spirit. GOSPEL CANTICLE Luke 2:29-32 Christ is the light of the nations and the glory of Israel Ant. Protect ns. Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace. k 41 FRIDAY Lord, now you let your servant go in peace; your word has been fnlfiODed: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people; a li^t to reveal you to the nations and the glory of yonr people Israel. PRAYER All-powerful God, keep us united with your Son in his death and burial so that we may rise to new life with bun, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. CONCLUSION May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful death. —^Amen. Antiphon of the Blessed Virgin Mary (See Appendix II). 42 SATURDAY INTRODUCTION God, come to my assistance. —Lord, make haste to help me. Gloiy to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. A brief examination of conscience may be made. At its con- clusion one of the penitential prayers in Appendix / may be 43 SATURDAY HYMN We praise you, Father, for your gifts Of dusk and nightfall over earth. Foreshadowing the mystery Of death that leads to endless day. Within your hands we rest secure; In quiet sleep our strength renew; Yet give your people hearts that wake In love to yon, unsleeping Lord. Your glory may we ever seek In rest, as in activity, Until its fullness is revealed, O source of life, O Trinity. Melody: Te lucis ante terminum (plainchant) Music: Anon., L.M. Gregorian Text: West Mailing Abbey 44 PSALMODY Ant. Have mercy. Lord, and hear my prayer. SATURDAY Psalm 4 Thanksgiving The resurrection of Christ was God*s supreme and wholly marvelous work (Saint Augustine). When I call, answer me, O God of justice; from anguish you released me; have mercy and hear me! O men, how long will your hearts be closed, will you love what is futile and seek what is false? It is the Lord who grants favors to those whom he loves; the Lord hears me whenever I call him. Fear him; do not sin: ponder on your bed and be still. Make justice your sacrifice and trust in the Lord. **What can bring us happiness?” many say. Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord. You have put into my heart a greater joy than they have from abundance of corn and new wine. 45 SATURDAY 1 will lie down in peace and sleep conies at once for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. PSALM-PRAYER You consoled your Son in his anguish and released him from the darkness of the grave. Lord, turn your face toward us that we may sleep in your peace and rise in your light. Ant. In the silent hours of night, bless die Lord. Psalm 134 Evening prayer in the Temple Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great (Revelation 19:5). O come, bless the Lord, all you who serve the Lord, who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the Lord through the night. 46 SATURDAY May the Lord bless you from Zion, he who made both heaven and earth. PSALM-PRAYER All your servants praise and thank you, Lord. Be our light as night descends. We lift up to you the good works of our hands; grant us your generous blessing. READING Deuteronomy 6:4-7 Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone! Therefore, you shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. Take to heart these words which I enjoin on you today. Drill them into your children. Speak of them at home and abroad, whether you are busy or at rest. RESPONSORY Into your hands. Lord, I commend my spirit. —^Into your hands. Lord, I commend my spirit. 47 SATURDAY You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth. — commend my spirit. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. —^Into your hands. Lord, I commend my spirit. GOSPEL CANTICLE Luke 2:29-32 Christ is the light of the nations and the glory of Israel Ant. Protect us. Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace. Lord, now you let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my pwn eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people: a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel. 48 SATURDAY PRAYER Lord, be with us throughout this night. When day conies may we rise from sleep to rejoice in the resurrection of your Christ, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Or: Lord, we beg you to visit this house and banish from it all the deadly power of the enemy. May your holy angels dwell here to keep us in peace, and may your blessing be upon us always. We ask this through Christ our Lord. CONCLUSION May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful death. —Amen. Antiphon of the Blessed Virgin Mary (See Appendix II). 49 APPENDIX I PRAYERS FOR FORGIVENESS When Night Prayer is prayed alone, a brief pause for reflection might be followed by one of the follow- ing short penitential prayers: 1. I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned througli my own fault in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do; and I ask blessed Mary, ever virgin, all the angels and saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God. 51 APPENDIX I 2. My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. 3. Remember, Lord, your compassion and mercy which you showed long ago. Do not recall the sins and failings of my youth. In your mercy remember me. Lord, because of your goodness. Psalm 25:6-/ 4. Wash me from my guilt ~ and cleanse me of my sin, I acknowledge my offense; my sin is before me always. Psalm 51:4-5 52 APPENDIX I 5. Father, I hare sinnedjigainst yon and am not worthy to be called your son. Be merciful to me, a sinner. Luke 15:18; 18:13 6. Father of mercy, like the prodigal son I return to you and say: have sinned against you and am no longer worthy to be called your son.** Christ Jesus, Savior of the world, I pray with the repentant thief to whom you promised Paradise: *TiOrd, remember me in your kingdom.’* Holy Spirit, fountain of love, I call on yon with trust: **Purify my heart, and help me to walk as a child of light.” 7. Lord Jesus, yon opened the eyes of the blind, healed the sick, forgave the sinful woman, and after Peter’s denial confirmed him in your love. 53 APPENDIX I Listen to my prayer: forgive all my sins, renew your love in my heart, help me to live in perfect unity with my fellow Christians that I may proclaim your saving power to all the world. For group celebrations the following penitential forms may be used: 54 APPENDIX I Introdoction The celebrant invites everyone to recall their sins and to repent of them in silence. He/she may use these or similar words: Coming together as God’s family, with confidence let us ask the Father’s forgiveness, for he is full of gentleness and compassion. A. All say; I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do; and I ask blessed Mary, ever virgin, all the angels and saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God. The celebrant says the absolution: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive ns our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. A ll answer : Amen. 55 APPENDIX I B. The celebrant says: Lord, we have sinned against you: All answer: Lord, have mercy. Celebrant: Lord, show us your mercy and love. All: And grant ns your salvation. The celebrant says the absolution: May almighty God have mercy on us, foi^ive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. All answer: Amen. C. The celebrant makes the following or other invocations: 56 APPENDIX I i Celebrant: You were sent to heal the contrite: Lord, have mercy. All answer: Lord, have mercy. Celebrant: You came to call sinners: Christ, have mercy. All: Christ, have mercy. Celebrant: You plead for us at the right hand of the Father: Lord, have mercy. All: Lord, have mercy. The celebrant says the absolution: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. A ll answer: Amen. 57 APPENDIX I •• u Celebrant: Lord Jesus, you came to reconcile us to one another and to the Father: Lord, have mercy. All answer: Lord, have mercy. Celebrant: Lord Jesus, you heal the wounds of sin and division: Christ, have mercy. All: Christ, have mercy. Celebrant: Lord Jesus, you intercede for us with your Father: Lord, have mercy. All: Lord, have mercy. The celebrant says the absolution: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. All answer: Amen. 58 APPENDIX I iii Celebrant: You raise the dead to life in the Spirit: Lord, have mercy. All answer: Lord, have mercy. Celebrant: You bring pardon and peace to the sinner: Christ, have mercy. All: Christ, have mercy. Celebrant: You bring light to those in darkness: Lord, have mercy. All: Lord, have mercy. The celebrant says the absolution: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. A ll answer: Amen. 59 APPENDIX I iv Celebrant: Lord Jesus, you healed the sick: Lord, have mercy. All answer: Lord, have mercy. Celebrant: Lord Jesus, you forgave sinners: Christ, have mercy. All: Christ, have mercy. Celebrant: Lord Jesus, you give us yourself to heal us and bring us strength: Lord, have mercy. All: Lord, have mercy. The celebrant says the absolution: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. All answer: Amen. APPENDIX II ANTIPHONS IN HONOR OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN 1 . Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To you do we send up our sighs mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us, and after this exile show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. 61 APPENDIX II 2. Loving mother of the Redeemer, gate of heaven, star of the sea, assist your people who have fallen yet strive to rise again. To the wonderment of nature you bore yonr Creator, yet remained a virgin after as before. You who received Gabriel’s joyful greeting, have pity on ns poor sinners. 3. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you! Blessed are yon among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for ns sinners, now and at the hour of our deadi. 4. Queen of heaven, rejoke, alleluia. The Son whom you merited to bear, alldluia, has risen as he said, alleluia. Rejoke and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia! For the Lord has truly risen, aUeluia. 62 APPENDIX ill POETRY SELECTIONS ABIDE WITH ME Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide; When other helpers fail, and comforts flee. Help of the helpless, O abide with me. Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day; Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away; Change and decay in all around I see; O thou who changes! not, abide with me. Hold thou thy Cross before my closing eyes; Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies; Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me. H. F. Lyte 63 APPENDIX III LINES WRITTEN IN HER BREVIARY Let nothing disturb thee, Nothing affright thee; All things are passing; God never changeth; Patient endurance Attaineth to all things; Who God possesseth In nothing is wanting; Alone God sufficeth. Saint Teresa Translator: Arthur Symons 64 APPENDIX III A HYMN TO GOD THE FATHER Wilt Thou forgive that sin where I begun. Which was my sin, though it were done before? Wilt Thou forgive that sin through which I run. And do run still, though stUl I do deplore? When Thou hast done. Thou hast not done. For I have more. WUt Thou forgive fliat sin which I have won Others to sin? and made my sin their door? Wilt Thou forgive diat sin which I did shun A year or two, but wallowed in a score? When Thou hast done. Thou hast not done. For I have more. 1 have a sin of fear, that when I have spun My last thread, I shall perish on the shore; But swear by Thy self, that at my death Thy Son Shall shine as he shines now and heretofore; And, having done that. Thou hast done, I fear no more. John Donne 65 APPENDIX III O DEUS EGO AMO TE 0 God, 1 love thee, I love thee — Not out of hope of heaven for me Nor fearing not to love and be In the everlasting burning. Thou, thou, my Jesus, after me Didst reach thine arms out dying. For my sake snfferedst nails and lance. Mocked and marred countenance. Sorrows passing number. Sweat and care and cumber. Yea and death, and this for me. And thou couldst see me sinning: Then I, why should not I love thee, Jesu, so much in love with me? Not for heaven’s sake; not to be Out of hell by loving thee; Not for any gains 1 see; But just the way that thou didst me 1 do love and I will love thee; What must I love thee. Lord, for then? For being my king and God. Amen. Gerard Manley Hopkins 66 APPENDIX III IF, LORD, THY LOVE FOR ME IS STRONG If, Lord, Thy love for me is strong As this which binds me unto Thee, What holds me from Thee, Lord, so long, What holds Thee, Lord, so long from me? O soul, what then desirest thou? —Lord, I would see, who thus choose Thee. What fears can yet assail thee now? —^AU that I fear is to lose Thee. Love’s whole possession I entreat. Lord, make my soul Thine own abode. And I will build a nest so sweet It may not be too poor for God. O soul in God hidden from sin. What more desires for thee remain. Save but to love, and love again. And all on flame with love within. Love on, and turn to love again? Saint Teresa Translator: Arthur Symons APPENDIX III THOU ART INDEED JUST, LORD Justus quidem tu es, Domine, si disputem tecum: verumtamen justa loquar ad te: Quare via impiorum prosperatur? Etc,: [Jerei^niah xii.i] Thou art indeed just, Lord, if I contend With thee; but, sir, so what I plead is just. Why do sinners’ ways prosper? and why must Disappointment all I endeavour end? Wert thou my enemy, O thou my friend. How wouldst thou worse, 1 wonder, than thou dost Defeat, thwart me? Oh, the sots and thralls of lust Do in spare houm more thrive than I that spend. Sir, life upon thy cause. See, banks and brakes Now, leaved how thick! laced they are again With fretty chervil, look, and fresh wind shakes Them; birds build—^but not I build; no, but strain, Time’s eunuch, and not breed one work that wakes. Mine, O thou lord of life, send my roots rain. Gerard Manley Hopkins 68 APPENDIX III LEAD, KINDLY LIGHT Lead, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom. Lead thou me on; The night is dark, and I am far from home. Lead thou me on. Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see The distant scene; one step enough for me. I was not ever thus, nor prayed that thou Shouldst lead me on; I loved to choose and see my path; hut now Lead thou me on. I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears. Pride ruled my will: remember not past years. So long thy power hath blest me, sure it stOl Will lead me on O’er moor and fen, o’er crag and torrent, till The night is gone. And with the mom those Angel faces smile, Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile. J. H. Newman 69 APPENDIX IV COMMENTARY ON NIGHT PRAYER PSALMS INTRODUCTION The psalms have always been an important part of Christian prayer. In a sense they belong to no specific age for they speak a universal language and express the human and religious experience of all peoples. There are nine psalms used in Night Prayer as presented in the Liturgy of the Hours and included in this booklet. The following commentaries on the night prayer psalms have been prepared to assist the reader to pray them with greater understanding and at the same time to offer material for prayerful reflection. 71 APPENDIX IV SUNDAY: PSALM 91 Safe in God’s sheltering care The man who believes and trusts in God finds secu- rity against the perils of this life **01 the shelter,” i.e., under the protection **of the Almighty” (1). The pssdmist describes these perils under the figures of snares and of destroying pestilence (3). He regards them as the work of malevolent spirits, provoking crises at each of the four periods of the day: at night, in the morning, at noonday and in the evening (5-6). These are balanced by the four harmful animals; the asp, the viper, the lion and the dragon (13). All to- gether these figures portray in poetic fashion the innumerable threats to human safety. By contrast, however, they serve but to enhance the masterful power of God’s care and protection variously desig- uated as ^‘shelter, fortress, refuge, wings, shield and buckler” capable of surmounting every obstacle (1, 2, 4, 9). *^pon you no evil shall fall, no plague approach where you dwell.” (10) The divine protection accorded the person who believes and trusts in God is not to be understood as freedom from every physical and material allliction, or from every adversity, but as divine assistance to convert these into greater likeness to Christ and in- creasing participation in his redemptive suffering, death and resurrection to glory. His own words re- 72 APPENDIX IV assure us, “Do not fear those who deprive the body of life but cannot destroy the soul.” (Mt 10, 28). Security under God’s protection finds its fullest realization in Christ and through him is reflected in us. Why? Because Jesus as man, united to God, ren> ders him supreme worship and thus triumphs over sin and Satan and death. And we, in turn, are called to “cling to,” i.e., be united with him and “to acknowl- edge and call upon his name” which is, to worship him, in Christ and through Christ. Thus we are made worthy to receive from God the comforting assurance of his protection of the just man: “I will be with him in distress, I will deliver him and glorify him; I will show him my salvation.” (16) “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom 8,31) MONDAY: PSALM 86 Poor man’s prayer in tronble This prayer is a desperate cry for help from an afflicted man in deep distress (1, 6, 7). His trouble is both spiritual and physical. To the insults of the haughty was joined the threat of death at the hands of cruel persecutors (14). His plea is at once an acknowl- edgment of utter helplessness and of need for assist- ance as well as an expression of confidence in receiv- 73 APPENDIX IV ing it, based on God’s universal sovereignty and power (2, 7, 8-10). The afflicted man does not complain. He does not ask God why he lets distress happen to him. He actually praises €k>d, thanks him sincerely (12), asks forgiveness (5), and confidently presents his plea for help (2, 3, 4, 16-17). Thus he exemplifies the four ends of divine worship. Previous experience of assist- ance (8-10, 13) increases his confidence in receiving it this time also, despite his present misery. What means of help does this man seek from God to raise him op from his extreme distress? Note that they are spiritual means! "Show me. Lord, your way. . . . guide my heart. . . .” He asks to know God better, to learn more about his ways of mercy, kindness, patience and fidelity (11, 13, 15) so that he may walk in God’s truth with all his heart, that is, conduct him- self steadfasfly with singleness of purpose, with pro- found reverence, devotion and worshipful love of God (11, 12). Faced with imminent peril, this saintly man, ac- customed to affliction and trust in God, needs help at once. He ends his prayer asking for pity, strength, rescue, and a sign of divine favor to restore his secu- rity and confound his persecutors (16-17). In this man’s plight we identify our own problem in relation to evil men and, in general, to all adverse circumstances of life that threaten our welfare. Our 74 APPENDIX IV spiritual need for divine assistance is no less great than that of the psalmist. In all this Christ is our example *Srho bore our infirmities and endured our sufferings” (Is 53, 4). He is also the model for us to walk the ways of God in truth with our whole heart in worshipful love of God, for be is *Hhe way” to the Father, “the truth and the life.” By laying down his life for his friends “he took away the sins of many and won pardon for their offenses” (Is 53, 12). For this reason he is also the source of saving power that equips us to solve our ever recurring problems of dealing with evil men and with all that threatens our peace." TUESDAY: PSALM 143 Prayer in distress This intense prayer for deliverance reflects the extreme anxiety and distress of the suppliant. He is desperately in need of help (1). Even the confidence he has in receiving help is tested as he acknowledges his sinfulness. If brought to Judgment he cannot claim innocence of wrongdoing (2). Could it be that God is punishing the misdeeds of the petitioner or using his enemy as an instrument for correcting him? This could surely be. But the exces- sive cruelty of the enemy seems undeserved. He pur- sues, crushes to the ground, and consigns the op- pressed to darkness, the dwelling of the dead (3), 75 APPENDIX IV leaving his spirit faint and his heart appalled (4). He is made utterly helpless. But now the suppliant remembers God’s past kind- nesses to Israel, and meditates on “the works of his hands,” his justice, his steadfast love, his loyalty to promises, the glory of his name (5, 8, 11). These re-enkindle his hope for rescue (5, 9). As he renews his urgent appeal for help (6) he dis- covers within himself a more urgent need and a more lasting goal. He is in need of instruction. He must know “the way in which he should walk” (8), how to be guided by the promptings of God’s spirit and to accomplish his will. With this experience he will be able to walk “on level ground” (10), i.e., to attain the higher goal of victory over sin and oppression. You glean from this that the deepest needs of a believing man incline him to raise his helpless hands and stretch them out to God in prayer. Only then does he perceive their power to move God to merciful response. Prayer is often prompted by present fear and accompanied by insistence on prompt response. To be mature it should rather be inspired by the reassuring memory of past mercies, the appreciation of God’s patience with sinful man, the consent to do God’s will. These are a greater goal than immediate relief from present distress. Man’s necessity is God’s opportunity. The Incarna- tion is his fullest response to man’s needs. Christ’s coming is not due to man’s merit but to God’s merci- 76 APPENDIX IV fill love. This holy love sustains our hope, brings victory over evil, fulfills our deepest needs. “Neither death nor life. . . . can separate us from the love of God that comes to us in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom 8, 38f) WEDNESDAY: PSALM 31 Trustful prayer in adversity Only a portion (1-6) of this long psalm is used in the night prayer for Wednesday. It should be noted that a comparison of tone and expressions with those of certain other psalms (22, 35, 61, 71) gives a two- fold impression: 1) that the author is contemplating not his own but someone else’s sufferings; 2) that at least indirectly that person is the Messiah. The psalm gives utterance to feelings of deep an- guish but also of unshakeable confidence in God for help and deliverance. The anguish is due to what is described figurativley as the snare of a hunter (5). Elsewhere in the psalm the snare is seen to be a reproach based very likely on false denunciation. It provokes derision, disdain, injustice, arrogance and an attempt to bring the afflicted man to oblivion (12, 13, 18, 19). Faithful souls beset with troubles of all kinds find in this psalm words that aptly convey the outpouring of their own souls. This is so because they are the 77 APPENDIX IV words of the Man of Sorrows who bore our infirmities and endured our sufferings (cf Is 53,4). “Into your hands I commend my spirit” (6), is the final prayer of the dying Christ, ottered from the height of the Cross. With it he committed himself to the Father in death. His unshakeable trust is soon vindicated by the triumph of his resurrection. This gives a new and boundless vision to religion and emphasizes the difference which Christ’s life has brought to the psalms. He himself has now become their light and fulfillment. The Savior’s last words summing up his life most necessarily become the fixed attitude toward God of all his true disciples. For them both the Father and the Son at Ins right hand become their refuge, their rock, their stronghold (2,3,4). This psalm in its entirety can serve both as a grate* ful recollection of the experiences of a Christian life op to the present moment and as a sound preparation of what the future holds in store. One by one the memories pass rapidly before one’s mind and heart, memories of guilt and of God’s pardon, of misfortune and of the blessings of prosperity, of afflictions and of deliverance. Preparation for the future clarifies the past, leads to total and unreserved commitment of self to God until death, and to the triumph of trust in the resurrection to glory. 78 APPENDIX IV WEDNESDAY: PSALM 130 A cry from the depths The psalmist represents everyone who manifests a wholesome sense of sinfulness and its consequent alienation from God (1,3). He longs for merciful for* giveness and recovery of divine favor (2,4,7). The Church in her liturgy has long used this prayer to obtain for the faithful departed release from punish- ment for their sins. The souPs firm trust in God for pardon and peace springs from acknowledging man’s universal prone- ness to sin; from the genuine fear of offending him (3-4), from the conviction that God is merciful and kind, inclined to redeem the penitent as surely as dawn follows the night (6-7). If God were to judge us now, how could we answer for our disregard of his sovereign right to loving wor- ship and submission? How excuse our anger in deed and speech, our selfishness, our violation of the rights of neighbor as regards his person, property and reputation? Self-warning now may spare us a judg- ment of condemnation at death. Sin contradicts the supreme law of love and as such involves rebellion against God. The inherent evil of deliberate sin only penetrates ns deeply when we understand that it is a repudiation of divine love. When the heart is sensitive, even little deeds and 79 APPENDIX IV words of unkindness, neglect of opportunities for good will grieve the truly penitent soul. ^If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt • • • with you is found forgiveness.” We owe thanks for sin forgiven but also profound reverence for God who forgives. The burden of our sins is lifted and its place is filled with the joy of God’s mercy. At the foot of the cross ^^justice and peace kiss,” repentance and love flow together. THURSDAY- PSALM 16 God is my portion, my inheritance Psalm 16 is a meditation on the blessings of secu- rity and intimate fellowship with God. From the out- set it is important to recall that in the discourse attri- buted to St. Peter on Pentecost he understands this psalm to refer not to David but to Christ (Acts 2,24-33). Christ is seen then m this prophetic psalm to abide always in the presence of God the supreme good and to cherish, that is, take his delight in the fellowship of ‘‘the holy ones,” the saints on the earth (1-3). In sharp contrast he sees the plight of those “who court other gods” with their abhorrent rites of blood libations, yielding nothing but abundant sorrow. Faithful to Israelite tradition he will not even men- tion, much less invoke their names (4). 80 APPENDIX IV How rich is Christ’s inheritance! His allotted por- tion, the division of goods, his cup of destiny, his lot of good fortune cannot be taken from him because God holds them fast. This inheritance described figu- ratively as a lot that allows a generous share of good land in his worship of the true God and the commu- nity of those who share it with him (5-6). In the New Testament this is seen to be the Church. Christ’s praise of the Father, his life of prayer, of communication with the Father in the quiet of the night, of living in his presence and having him at his right hand foretell the security of Jesus against falling or losing his blessed lot (7-8). St. Peter, quoting the next verses of the psalm “My heart has been glad and my tongue has rejoiced, my body will live on in hope, for you will not suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption” says they “pro- claim beforehand the resurrection of the Messiah.” (Acts 2,26-28,31) The fullness of fellowship with God is seen here. Christ escapes corruption, pos- sesses “the fullness of joy” in God’s presence and at his “right hand happiness forever.” (9-11) Ail that is here foretold of Christ becomes our in- heritance as well because our call to faith in him is also to share all things with him (Eph 1,4-10;2, 19-22). The blessings of security and intimate fellow- ship with God in Christ rest on the power of faith, the firmness of hope, the fidelity of love in fulfilling God’s will. To give God first place in all things and to live in 81 APPENDIX IV his presence is to enjoy the harmony and security ol an integrated life with him, and to have the assurance of resurrection with Christ unto glory. FRIDAY: PSALM 88 Prayer of a sick person This psalm is the plea of a man plunged in suffer- ing due in some way to God’s wrath (7). He cries out night and day to the Lord God his sole refuge, despite his apparent abandonment. His soul is steeped in utter desperation, unable to endure anymore, oppressed by God’s wrath, rejected, friendless, trapped, with no means of escape. He is already counted among the dying, indeed as already dead and lying unidentified in the grave, beyond God’s care, and consigned to oblivion (2-9). A second time he cries out, stretching out his hands in prayer. And now he puts his bitterness aside for a time to ask God of what use to him is death? Will he in some way work wonders for the dead? Manifest himself in the darkness to those who have perished? Penetrate the land of oblivion so that the victims might experience his wonders, understand his justice and still have hope? (10-13). The sufferer’s anguish shows clearly the need of further revelation to solve the mystery of pain and suffering. 82 APPENDIX IV After the third outcry and prayer of the afflicted man— **In the morning my prayer comes before you” ‘— his mood of entreaty vanishes on his lips as he is again tormented with pain. "Lord, why do you reject me?” (14-15). Even from his youth he has been afflicted and in agony. And now in one last lament he says that God’s furies and terrors have swept over him like water, engulfed him, cut him oil, deprived him of friends and companions, with nothing left but daricness (16-19). This is the saddest of the psalms. Nowhere else in the Scriptures do the afflictions of the just man appear so hopeless. Nevertheless the threefold cry for help from one who believes in God and in his power to help tells us that man’s hopelessness is never without hope with God. There is firm foundation for this understanding of the psalm and for hope and consolation. Are not these sufferings those of the Suffering Servant else- where described, though not all in one place (Pss 22,38,39; Isaiah 53)? The Fathers of the Church have understood them as fulfilled in the passion and death of Christ. Such extreme, otherwise unbearable physi- cal pain, mental anguish and abondonment even unto death were borne by Christ in his agony and crucifix- ion. And they merited forgiveness and salvation for all who repent. The suffering Christ is the key that unlocks the mystery of human suffering and through his own pas- 83 1 APPENDIX IV ; sion and death gives it redeeming value. In his rising he opens to us the gateway of our own glorious resur- j rection. **As we have shared much in the suffering of 3 Christ, so through Christ do we share abundantly in his consolation.” (2 Cor 1,5> ^ SATURDAY: ! PSALM 4 ^ Thanksgiving j The psalmist is accustomed to entrust himself and | his affairs to God’s care. In his present need he con- fidently appeals to God for merciful consideration: \ *‘Have mercy and hear me” (2). The relief he desires to receive in distress is figuratively described in the | original language of the psalm as a release from re- ^ striction or narrow confinement into more ample space. In this instance the release implied is from the pressures of wordly men of power and rank who j would impose their godless way of life and false seen- I rity on him. ' Instead he resists their pressure, takes the initia- , tive to admonish them to recognize that God sup- \ ports the man who trusts him despite all adversity, i and sincerely seeks to serve him (3-4). They are to i tremble, i.e., to be moved with fear at God’s word \ and avoid sin. In offering sacrifices they are not to I look for delusive omens thought to augur success for their man-made ventures but to offer just, i.e., true 84 APPENDIX IV sacrifices, motivated by a sincere desire to know the truth (5-6). To long for better times is also vanity if the desire is merely for greater material prosperity of abundance of grain and wine (7-8). True joy and gladness of heart is reserved for the person who relies on God and on whom in return the light of God’s countenance shines and his favor rests. Joy and peace are the blessed fruits of a life of trust in God. They are the gifts of the Spirit which earthly wisdom and prosperity cannot yield. They indicate the righteousness of the cause of those who follow this way (8-9). When trust is tested through trial and suffering, joy is all the greater and peace the more secure. SATURDAY: PSALM 134 Evening Prayer in the Temple As the sabbath night prayer brings to a close an- other vYeek of praise of God, it is fitting that from the hearts and lips of Christians the same psalm should rise as from the ancient Jewish pilgrims at the close of their festival and octave of the feast of Booths. They exhort the priests and levites, and all the vari- ous orders of ministers about to begin their night watch to praise and bless the Lord: come, bless the Lord, all who serve the Lord, who stand in the 85 APPENDIX IV house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God” (1). “Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the Lord through the night” (2). It is appropriate too that the priests respond to the song of the departing pilgrims gathered for the last time in the brilliantly lighted courts of the Temple by imparting to them a final blessing from God’s dwell* ing in Zion for safety on their way (3). The uplifted hands express worship but also the priestly power to bestow blessing on the people. Life’s journey is a continual pilgrimage symbolized by the ancient feast of Booths or tents for os who have not here a lasting city but look for one that is to come. Our leader is Christ who knows the way to his Father^s house, our place of rest, since he has gone before os. He is his people’s city and temple of Zion from whom rises the pilgrim’s song of praise to the Father, for he dwells in them and they in him. He is their priest who offers and is offered to the Father in their behalf so that through his saving death and resurrection every blessing may descend, of his life which he shares with them, of the manna of his body and blood to nourish them on their way. He has made them “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy na- tion, a people he claims for his own to proclaim the glorious works of the One who called them from darkness into the marvellous light” (1 Pt 2,9) and to the safety of their heavenly home. 86