Wednesday, December 17
The Morning Office To Be Observed on the Hour or Half Hour Between 6 and 9 a.m.

Third Week of Advent


The Call to Prayer
My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD;* let all flesh bless his holy Name for ever and ever.
Psalm 145:22

The Request for Presence
O Lamb of God, that takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on me. O Lamb of God, that takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on me. O Lamb of God, that takes away the sins of the world, grant me your peace.
Agnus Dei


The Greeting

Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens,* and your faithfulness to the clouds.
Psalm 36:5

The Refrain for the Morning Lessons

I will exalt you, O God my King,* and bless your Name for ever and ever.
Psalm 145:1

A Reading

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdela. Seeing his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing near her, Jesus said to his mother, ‘Woman, this is your son.’ Then to the disciple he said, ‘This is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
John 19:25–27

The Refrain

I will exalt you, O God my King,* and bless your Name for ever and ever.
Psalm 145:1

The Morning Psalm

The LORD Will Make Good His Purposes

I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with my whole heart;* before the gods I will sing your praise. I will bow down toward your holy temple and praise your Name,* because of your love and faithfulness; For you have glorified your Name* and your word above all things. When I called, you answered me;* you increased my strength within me. All the kings of the earth will praise you, O LORD,* when they have heard the words of your mouth. They will sing of the ways of the LORD,* that great is the glory of the LORD. Though the LORD be high, he cares for the lowly;* he perceives the haughty from afar. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you keep me safe;* you stretch forth your hand against the fury of my enemies; your right hand shall save me. The LORD will make good his purpose for me;* O LORD, your love endures for ever; do not abandon the works of your hands.
Psalm 138

The Refrain

I will exalt you, O God my King,* and bless your Name for ever and ever.
Psalm 145:1

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

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory now and for 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.