Monday, September 15
The Morning Office To Be Observed on the Hour or Half Hour Between 6 and 9 a.m.


The Call to Prayer
Sing to the LORD and bless his Name;* proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations* and his wonders among all peoples.
Psalm 96:2–3

The Request for Presence
In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice;* early in the morning I make my appeal and watch for you.
Psalm 5:3


The Greeting

Be exalted, O LORD, in your might;* we will sing and praise your power.
Psalm 21:14

The Refrain for the Morning Lessons

Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy before the LORD when he comes,* when he comes to judge the earth.

A Reading

Holy Cross Day, celebrated by much of Western Christianity on September 14, commemorates the public exhibiting in Jerusalem in 629 a.d. by the Emperor Heraclius of the supposedly true cross, after his recovery of it from the Persians.

Jesus taught the crowds, saying: ‘The light will be with you only a little longer now. Go on your way while you have the light, or darkness will overtake you, and nobody who walks in the dark knows where he is going. While you still have the light, believe in the light so that you may become the children of light.’ Having said this, Jesus left them and was hidden from their sight.
John 12:35–36

The Refrain

Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy before the LORD when he comes,* when he comes to judge the earth.

The Morning Psalm

How Good It Is to Sing Praises

Hallelujah! How good it is to sing praises to our God!* how pleasant it is to honor him with praise! The LORD rebuilds Jerusalem;* he gathers the exiles of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted* and binds up their wounds. He counts the number of the stars* and calls them all by their names. Great is our LORD and mighty in power;* there is no limit to his wisdom. The LORD lifts up the lowly,* but casts the wicked to the ground. Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving;* make music to our God upon the harp. He covers the heavens with clouds* and prepares rain for the earth; He makes grass to grow upon the mountains* and green plants to serve mankind. He provides food for flocks and herds* and for the young ravens when they cry. He is not impressed by the might of a horse;* he has no pleasure in the strength of a man . . .
Psalm 147:1–11

The Refrain

Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy before the LORD when he comes,* when he comes to judge the earth.

The Cry of the Church

Even so come, Lord Jesus!

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, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule my heart; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.†

The Concluding Prayers 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.† Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross that he might draw the whole world to himself: Mercifully grant that we who glory in the mystery of our redemption may have the grace to take up our cross and follow him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.