Coptic Hours (Modified): Midnight, Watch 1

Midnight
INTRODUCTION TO EVERY HOUR
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, one God. Amen. Kyrie eleison. Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord bless us. Amen. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and unto the ages of all ages. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER Make us worthy to pray thankfully: Our Father Who art in heaven; . . . but deliver us from evil, in Christ Jesus our Lord. For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
THE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Let us give thanks to the beneficent and merciful God, the Father of our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ, for He has covered us, helped us, guarded us, accepted us unto Him, spared us, supported us, and brought us to this hour. Let us also ask Him, the Lord our God, the Almighty, to guard us in all peace this holy day and all the days of our life.
O Master, Lord, God the Almighty, the Father of our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ, we thank You for every condition, concerning every condition, and in every condition, for You have covered us, helped us, guarded us, accepted us unto You, spared us, supported us, and brought us to this hour. Therefore, we ask and entreat Your goodness, O Lover of mankind, to grant us to complete this holy day, and all the days of our life, in all peace with Your fear. All envy, all temptation, all the work of Satan, the counsel of wicked men, and the rising up of enemies, hidden and manifest, take them away from us, and from all Your people, and from this holy place that is Yours. But those things which are good and profitable do provide for us; for it is You Who have given us the authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and upon all the power of the enemy. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, by the grace, compassion and love of mankind, of Your Only-Begotten Son, our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ, through Whom the glory, the honor, the dominion, and the adoration are due unto You, with Him, and the Holy Spirit, the Life-Giver, Who is of one essence with You, now and at all times, and unto the ages of all ages. Amen.
PSALM 50
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your merciful love; according to your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. Wash me completely from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. My transgressions, truly I know them; my sin is always before me. Against you, you alone, have I sinned; what is evil in your sight I have done. So you are just in your sentence, without reproach in your judgment. O see, in guilt I was born, a sinner when my mother conceived me. Yes, you delight in sincerity of heart; in secret you teach me wisdom. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I shall be pure; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear rejoicing and gladness, that the bones you have crushed may exult. Turn away your face from my sins, and blot out all my guilt. Create a pure heart for me, O God; renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence; take not your holy spirit from me. Restore in me the joy of your salvation; sustain in me a willing spirit. I will teach transgressors your ways, that sinners may return to you. Rescue me from bloodshed, O God, God of my salvation, and then my tongue shall ring out your justice. O LORD, open my lips and my mouth shall proclaim your praise. For in sacrifice you take no delight; burnt offering from me would not please you. My sacrifice to God, a broken spirit: a broken and humbled heart, O God, you will not spurn. In your good
pleasure, show favor to Sion; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will delight in right sacrifice, burnt offerings wholly consumed. Then you will be offered young bulls on your altar. ALLELUIA.
Then the worshipper says :
Arise, you, O children of the light, to praise the Lord of Hosts, that He may grant us the salvation of our souls. When we stand in the flesh before You, take away from our minds the sleep of forgetfulness, and grant us alertness, in order that we understand how to stand up before You at the time of prayer, and send up to You the appropriate doxology, and win the forgiveness of our many sins. Glory to You, the Lover of mankind.
PSALM 134 O come, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD, who stand by night in the courts of the house of the LORD. Lift up your hands to the holy place, and bless the LORD. May the LORD bless you from Sion, he who made both heaven and earth. ALLELUIA. Glory to You, the Lover of mankind.
Let my supplication come near before You; give me understanding according to Your word. Let my petition come before You; revive me according to Your word. Let my lips flow with praise, when You have taught me Your ordinances. Let my tongue speak of Your words; for all Your commandments are righteous. Let Your hand be for saving me; for I have desired Your commandments. I have longed for Your salvation, O Lord; and Your law is my meditation. My soul shall live, and praise You; and Your judgments shall help me. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant; for I have not forgotten Your commandments.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and unto the ages of all ages. Amen. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and unto the ages of all ages, Amen.
Glory to You O the good and lover of mankind. Hail to Your mother the Virgin and to all Your Saints. Glory to You, O Holy Trinity; have mercy upon us. Let God arise, and let His enemies be dispersed; and let all who hate His holy name flee before His face. But let Your people be in blessing, thousands of thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousands, doing Your will. O Lord, You shall open my lips; and my mouth shall declare Your praise. Amen. ALLELUIA.
The First Watch
The worshipper says: The praise of the first watch of the blessed Midnight Hour, we offer unto Christ our King and our God, beseeching Him to forgive us our sins. From the Psalms of our father David the prophet and the king, may his blessings be upon us all. Amen.
PSALM 3 How many are my foes, O LORD! How many are rising up against me! How many are saying about me, “There is no help for him in God.” But you, LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, who lift up my head. I cry aloud to the LORD. From his holy mountain he answers me. I lie down, I sleep and I wake, for the LORD upholds me. I will not fear even thousands of people who are ranged on every side against me. Arise, LORD; save me, my God, you who strike all my foes on the cheek, you who break the teeth of the wicked! Salvation belongs to the LORD; may your blessing be on your people! ALLELUIA.
PSALM 6 O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger; reprove me not in your rage. Have mercy on me, LORD, for I languish. LORD, heal me; my bones are shaking, and my soul is greatly shaken. But you, O LORD, how long? Return, LORD, rescue my soul. Save me in your merciful love. For in death there is no remembrance of you; from the grave, who can give you praise? I am exhausted with my groaning; every night I drench my bed with tears, I bedew my couch with weeping. My eyes waste away with grief; I have grown old surrounded by all my foes. Leave me, all who do evil, for the LORD heeds the sound of my weeping. The LORD has heard my plea; the LORD will receive my prayer. All my foes will be shamed and greatly shaken, suddenly put to shame. ALLELUIA.
PSALM 13 How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I bear grief in my soul, have sorrow in my heart all day long? How long shall my enemy prevail over me? Look, answer me, LORD my God! Give light to my eyes lest I fall asleep in death; lest my enemy say, “I have overcome him”; lest my foes rejoice when they see me fall. As for me, I trust in your merciful love. Let my heart rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD who has been bountiful with me. I will sing psalms to the name of the LORD Most High. ALLELUIA.
PSALM 70 O God, come to my assistance; O LORD, make haste to help me! Let there be shame and confusion on those who seek my life. O let them turn back in confusion, who delight in my harm; let them retreat, covered with shame, who jeer at me and mock. O let there be rejoicing and gladness for all who seek you. Let them say forever, “God is great,” who love your saving help. As for me, wretched and poor, hasten to me, O God. You are my rescuer, my help; O LORD, do not delay. ALLELUIA.
PSALM 86 Turn your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Preserve my soul, for I am faithful; save the servant who trusts in you, my God. Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I cry to you all the day long. Gladden the soul of your servant, for I lift up my soul to you, O LORD.O LORD, you are good and forgiving, full of mercy to all who call to you. Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer, and attend to my voice in supplication. In the day of distress, I will call to you, and surely you will answer me. Among the gods there is none like you, O LORD, nor works to compare with yours. All the nations you have made shall come; they will bow down before you, O LORD, and glorify your name, for you are great and do marvelous deeds, you who alone are God. Teach me, O LORD, your way, so that I may walk in your truth, single-hearted to fear your name. I will praise you, LORD my God, with all my heart, and glorify your name forever. Your mercy to me has been great; you have saved me from the depths of the grave. The proud have risen against me, O God; a band of the ruthless seeks my life. To you they pay no heed. But you, O God, are compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, O LORD, abundant in mercy and fidelity; turn and take pity on me. O give your strength to your
servant, and save the son of your handmaid. Show me the sign of your favor, that my foes may see to their shame that you, O LORD, give me comfort and help. ALLELUIA.
PSALM 91 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!” He will free you from the snare of the fowler, from the destructive plague; he will conceal you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge. His faithfulness is buckler and shield. 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. Your eyes have only to look to see how the wicked are repaid. For you, O LORD, are my refuge. You have made the Most High your dwelling. Upon you no evil shall fall, no plague approach your tent. 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 serpent. Since he clings to me in love, I will free him, protect him, for he knows my name. When he calls on me, I will answer him; I will be with him in distress; I will deliver him, and give him glory. With length of days I will content him; I will show him my saving power ALLELUIA.
PSALM 117 O praise the LORD, all you nations; acclaim him, all you peoples! For his merciful love has prevailed over us; and the LORD’s faithfulness endures forever. ALLELUIA.
PSALM 118 Give praise to the LORD, for he is good; his mercy endures forever. Let the house of Israel say, “His mercy endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say, “His mercy endures forever.” Let those who fear the LORD say, “His mercy endures forever.” I called to the LORD in my distress; he has answered and freed me. The LORD is at my side; I do not fear. What can mankind do against me? The LORD is at my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on my foes. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man; it is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. The nations all encircled me; in the name of the LORD I cut them off. They encircled me all around; in the name of the LORD I cut them off. They encircled me about like bees; they blazed like a fire among thorns. In the name of the LORD I cut them off. I was thrust down, thrust down and falling, but the LORD was my helper. The LORD is my strength and my song; he was my savior. There are shouts of joy and salvation in the tents of the just. “The LORD’s right hand has done mighty deeds; his right hand is exalted. The LORD’s right hand has done mighty deeds.” I shall not die, I shall live and recount the deeds of the LORD. The LORD punished me, punished me severely, but did not hand me over to death. Open to me the gates of justice: I will enter and thank the LORD. This is the LORD’s own gate, where the just enter. I will thank you, for you have answered, and you are my savior. The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. By the LORD has this been done, a marvel in our eyes. This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad. O LORD, grant salvation; O LORD, grant success. Blest is he who comes in the name of the LORD. We bless you from the house of the LORD; the LORD is God, and has given us light. Go forward in procession with branche as far as the horns of the altar. You are my God, I praise you. My God, I exalt you. Give praise to the LORD, for he is good; his mercy endures forever. ALLELUIA.
PSALM 119 (I) Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD! Blessed are those who keep his decrees! With all their hearts they seek him. They never do anything evil, but walk in his ways. You have laid down your precepts to be carefully kept. May my ways be firm in keeping your statutes. Then I shall not be put to shame as I observe all your commands. I will thank you with an upright heart, as I learn your just judgments. I will keep your statutes; do not ever forsake me. Glory to You, the Lover of mankind.
PSALM 119 (II) How shall a youth remain pure on his way? By obeying your word. I have sought you with all my heart; let me not stray from your commands. I treasure your word in my heart, lest I sin against you. Blest are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes. With my lips have I recounted all the decrees of your mouth. I rejoice in the way of your precepts, as though all riches were mine. I will ponder your precepts, and consider your paths. I take delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. Glory to You, the Lover of mankind.
PSALM 119 (III) Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may see the wonders of your law. I am a pilgrim in the land; hide not your commands from me. My soul is consumed with longing at all times for your decrees. You threaten the proud, the accursed, who stray from your commands. Free me from scorn and contempt, for I observe your decrees. Though princes sit plotting against me, your servant ponders your statutes. See, your decrees are my delight; your statutes are my counselors. Glory to You, the Lover of mankind.
PSALM 119 (IV) My soul holds fast to the dust; revive me by your word. I declared my ways and you answered me; teach me your statutes. Make me grasp the way of your precepts, and I will ponder your wonders. My soul pines away with grief; by your word raise me up. Keep me from the way of falsehood; grant me mercy by your law. I have chosen the way of faithfulness; your decrees I have upheld. I cling to your decrees, O LORD; let me not be put to shame. I will run the way of your commands; you open wide my heart. Glory to You, the Lover of mankind.
PSALM 119 (V) LORD, teach me the way of your statutes, and I will keep them to the end. Grant me insight that I may keep your law, and observe it wholeheartedly. Guide me in the path of your commands, for in them is my delight. Bend my heart to your decrees, and not to wrongful gain. Turn my eyes from gazing on vanities; in your way, give me life. Fulfill your promise to your servant, that you may be revered. Turn away the taunts I dread, for your decrees are good. See, I long for your precepts; give me life by your justice. Glory to You, the Lover of mankind.
PSALM 119 (VI) LORD, let your mercy come upon me, the salvation you have promised. I shall answer those who taunt me, for I trust in your word. Never take the word of truth from my mouth, for I hope in your decrees. I shall always keep your law, forever and ever. I shall walk on a spacious plain, for I seek your precepts. I will speak of your decrees before kings, and not be abashed. In your commands I have found my delight; these I have loved. I reach out to your commands, which I love, and ponder your statutes. Glory to You, the Lover of mankind.
PSALM 119 (VII) Remember your word to your servant, by which you made me hope. This is my comfort in sorrow: that your promise gives me life. Though the proud may utterly deride me, I do not turn from your law. When I remember your judgments of old, these, O LORD, console me. I am seized with indignation at the wicked who forsake your law. Your statutes have become my song wherever I dwell. I remember your name in the nighttime, and I keep your law. This has been my lot, for I have kept your precepts . Glory to You, the Lover of mankind.
PSALM 119 (VIII) I have said, “O LORD, my portion is to obey your words.” With all my heart I implore your favor; as with your promise, have mercy. I have pondered my ways, and turned my steps to your decrees. I made haste; I did not delay to obey your commands. Though the nets of the wicked ensnare me, your law I did
not forget. At midnight I will rise and thank you for your just decrees. I am a friend of all who revere you, who keep your precepts. O LORD, your merciful love fills the earth. Teach me your statutes.
Zoxa si Philanthrope. Glory to You, the Lover of mankind.
PSALM 119 (IX) O LORD, you have been good to your servant, according to your word. Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I trust in your commands. Before I was humbled, I strayed, but now I keep your word. You are good, and you do what is good; teach me your statutes. The arrogant smear me with lies; with all my heart I keep your precepts. Their heart is dense like fat, but your law is my delight. It was good for me to be humbled, that I might learn your statutes. The law from your mouth means more to me than large quantities of silver and gold. Glory to You, the Lover of mankind.
PSALM 119 (X) It was your hands that made me and shaped me; grant me insight to learn your commands. Those who revere you see me and rejoice, for I trust in your word. O LORD, I know that your decrees are right; though I am humbled, you are just. Let your merciful love console me by your promise to your servant. Show me compassion, that I may live, for your law is my delight. Let the arrogant be shamed who deflect me with lies; as for me, I will ponder your precepts. Let those who fear you turn to me, that they may know your decrees. Let my heart be blameless in your statutes, that I may not be put to shame.
Zoxa si Philanthrope. Glory to You, the Lover of mankind.
PSALM 119 (XI) My soul yearns for your salvation; I hope in your word. My eyes yearn to see your promise. I ask, “When will you comfort me?” I am like a wineskin shriveled by smoke, yet I remember your statutes. How long must your servant endure? When will you bring judgment on my foes? For me the proud have dug pitfalls; they defy your law. Your commands are all true; then help me when lies oppress me. They have almost made an end of me on earth, yet I forsake not your precepts. In your merciful love, give me life; I will obey the decrees of your lips.
Zoxa si Philanthrope. Glory to You, the Lover of mankind.
PSALM 119 (XII) Forever is your word, O LORD, standing firm in the heavens. From age to age is your truth; like the earth, it stands firm. Your judgments endure to this day, for all things are your servants. Had your law not been my delight, I would have died in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for with them you give me life. Save me, I am yours, for I seek your precepts. Though the wicked lie in wait to destroy me, yet I ponder your decrees. I have seen that all perfection has an end, but your command is boundless.
Zoxa si Philanthrope. Glory to You, the Lover of mankind.
PSALM 119 (XIII) O LORD, how I love your law: my meditation all the day! Your command makes me wiser than my foes, for it is with me always. I have more insight than all who teach me, for I ponder your decrees. I have gained more understanding than my elders, for I keep your precepts. I keep my feet from every evil path, to obey your word. I have not turned away from your decrees, which you yourself have taught me. How sweet is your promise to my tongue, more than honey in the mouth. I gain understanding from your precepts, and so I hate all false ways.
Zoxa si Philanthrope. Glory to You, the Lover of mankind.
PSALM 119 (XIV) Your word is a lamp for my feet, and a light for my path. I have sworn an oath and affirmed it, to obey your just judgments. I am deeply afflicted, O LORD; by your word, give me life. Accept, LORD, my freely offered homage, and teach me your decrees. My life is in my hands at all times; I do not forget your law. For me the wicked have set a snare; yet I do not stray from your precepts. Your decrees are my heritage forever, the joy of my heart. I incline my heart to carry out your statutes forever, to the end.
Zoxa si Philanthrope. Glory to You, the Lover of mankind.
PSALM 119 (XV) I detest those with a divided heart, but I love your law. You are my hiding place, my shield; I hope in your word. Depart from me, you who do evil; I will keep my God’s commands. Uphold me by your promise; I shall live. Let my hopes not be in vain. Bear me up and I shall be saved, and ever muse on your statutes. You spurn all who stray from your statutes; their cunning is in vain. You regard the wicked like dross, so I love your decrees. My flesh trembles in terror before you; I fear your judgments.
Zoxa si Philanthrope. Glory to You, the Lover of mankind.
PSALM 119 (XVI) I have done what is just and right; do not leave me to my foes. Guarantee the well-being of your servant; let not the proud oppress me. My eyes grow weary as I watch for your salvation, and for your promise of justice. Treat your servant with merciful love, and teach me your statutes. I am your servant; give me understanding: then I shall know your decrees. It is time for the LORD to act, for your law has been broken. That is why I love your commands more than finest gold, why I rule my life by your precepts, and hate false ways.
Zoxa si Philanthrope. Glory to You, the Lover of mankind.
PSALM 119 (XVII) Your decrees are wonderful indeed; therefore my soul obeys them. The unfolding of your word gives light, and understanding to the simple. I have opened my mouth and I sigh, for I yearn for your commands. Turn and have mercy on me, as is your rule for those who love your name. Let my steps be guided by your promise; may evil never rule me. Redeem me from man’s oppression, and I will keep your precepts. Let your face shine forth on your servant, and teach me your decrees. My eyes shed streams of tears, because of those who have not kept your law.
Zoxa si Philanthrope. Glory to You, the Lover of mankind.
PSALM 119 (XVIII) You are just, O LORD; your judgments are upright. You have imposed your decrees with justice, and with utter fidelity. I am consumed with zeal, for my foes forget your word. Your promise has been thoroughly tested, and it is cherished by your servant. Although I am young and despised, I do not forget your precepts. Your justice is justice forever, and your law is truth. Though anguish and distress have found me, your commands are my delight. Your decrees are forever just; give me insight, and I shall live.
Zoxa si Philanthrope. Glory to You, the Lover of mankind.
PSALM 119 (XIX) I call with all my heart; LORD, answer me. I will observe your statutes. I call upon you; save me, and I will keep your decrees. I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have hoped in your word. My eyes awaken before dawn, to ponder your promise. In your mercy, hear my voice, O LORD; give me life by your decrees. Those who pursue me with malice draw near; they are far from your law. But you, O LORD, are close; all your commands are truth. From of old I have known that your decrees are established forever. Glory to You, the Lover of mankind.
PSALM 119 (XX) See my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget your law. Uphold my cause and defend me; by your promise, give me life. Salvation is far from the wicked, who are heedless of your statutes. Numberless, LORD, are your mercies; in your justice, give me life. Though my foes and oppressors are countless, I have not swerved from your decrees. I look at the faithless with disgust; they have not kept your word. See how I love your precepts, O LORD! In your mercy, give me life. Truth is the sum of your word; all your just judgments are eternal. Glory to You, the Lover of mankind.
PSALM 119 (XXI) Though princes oppress me without cause, my heart reveres your word. I rejoice at your promise, like one who finds a great treasure. Falsehood I hate and detest, but I love your law. Seven times a day I praise you for your just decrees. The lovers of your law have great peace; no stumbling block for them. I await your salvation, O LORD; I fulfill your commands. My soul obeys your decrees, and loves them dearly. I obey your precepts and decrees; all my ways are before you. Glory to You, the Lover of mankind.
PSALM 119 (XXII) Let my cry come before you, O LORD; give me insight by your word. Let my pleading come before you; rescue me according to your promise. My lips shall proclaim your praise, because you teach me your statutes. My tongue will sing of your promise, for your commands are just.Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. I have longed for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight. My soul shall live and praise you. Your judgments give me help. I have strayed like a sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commands. Glory to You, the Lover of mankind.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW (CH. 25:1-13)
Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, “Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him.” Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, “Give us of your oil; for our lamps are going out.” But the wise answered, saying, “No; lest there should not be enough for us and you: but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.” And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, “Lord, Lord, open to us.” But he answered and said, “Verily I say unto you, I do not know you.” Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. Glory to God forever. Amen. We worship You O Christ with Your Good Father and the Holy Spirit, for You have come and saved us.
1. Behold, the Bridegroom is coming at midnight, blessed is the servant whom He finds watching. But he whom He finds sleeping is unworthy of going with Him. Therefore, take heed, O my soul, that you may not fall into deep sleep, and then be cast out of the Kingdom. But watch and cry out saying “Holy, Holy, Holy are You, O God; for the sake of the Theotokos, have mercy on us.” Glory to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
2. O my soul, be mindful of that awesome day, and wake up and light your lamp with the oil of joy, for you do not know when the voice will call upon you saying: “Behold, the Bridegroom is coming.” So, take heed, my soul, not to fall asleep, lest you stand outside knocking like the five foolish virgins. But watch, entreating that you may meet Christ the Lord with rich oil, and He may grant you the wedding of His true and heavenly glory. Now and forever and unto the ages of all ages, Amen.
3. You are the rampart of our salvation, O Theotokos the Virgin, the mighty and impregnable fortress. Abolish the counsel of the adversaries, and transform the sorrow of your servants into joy. Fortify our city, defend our governors, and intercede for the peace of the world; for you are our hope, O Theotokos. Now and forever and unto the ages of all ages, Amen.
4. O Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of truth, who is present in all places and fills all, the treasury of good things and the Life-Giver, graciously come, and dwell in us and purify us from all defilement, O Good One, and save our souls. Glory to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
5. Just as You were with Your disciples, O Savior, and gave them peace, graciously come also and be with us, and grant us Your peace, and save us, and deliver our souls. Now and forever and unto the ages of all ages, Amen.
6. Whenever we stand in Your holy sanctuary, we are considered standing in heaven. O Theotokos, you are the gate of heaven, open for us the gate of mercy.
Then the worshipper prays: Lord, hear us and have mercy on us and forgive us our sins. Amen. (Lord have mercy) 41 times
HOLY HOLY HOLY
Holy Holy Holy. Lord of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of Your glory and honor. Have mercy on us, O God the Father, the Almighty O Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, God of hosts, be with us. For we have no helper in our hardships and tribulations but You. Absolve, forgive, and remit, O God, our transgressions; those which we have committed willingly and those we have committed unwillingly, those which we have committed knowingly and those which we have committed unknowingly, the hidden and manifest, O Lord forgive us, for the sake of Your Holy name which is called upon us.
Let it be according to Your mercy, O Lord, and not according to our sins. Make us worthy to pray thankfully: Our Father Who art in heaven …
THE CONCLUSION OF EVERY HOUR
Have mercy on us, O God, and have mercy on us, who, at all times and in every hour, in heaven and on earth, is worshipped and glorified, Christ our God, the good, the long suffering, the abundant in mercy, and the great
in compassion, who loves the righteous and has mercy on the sinners of whom I am chief; who does not wish the death of the sinner but rather that he returns and lives, who calls all to salvation for the promise of the blessings to come. Lord receive from us our prayers in this hour and in every hour. Ease our life and guide us to fulfill Your commandments. Sanctify our spirits. Cleanse our bodies. Conduct our thoughts. Purify our intentions. Heal our diseases. Forgive our sins. Deliver us from every evil grief and distress of heart. Surround us by Your holy angels, that, by their camp, we may be guarded and guided, and attain the unity of faith, and the knowledge of Your imperceptible and infinite glory. For You are blessed forever. Amen.