A form of prayer at specified times to be used by individuals or groups. The Divine Hours includes morning, midday, vespers (evening) and compline (before retiring) offices, having roots in the biblical tradition. You may find it helpful to read the introduction by the author, Phyllis Tickle. The Divine Hours below is displayed based on Eastern Standard Time, U.S.
The Night Office	To Be Observed Before Retiring
The Call to Prayer May the Lord Almighty grant me and those I love a peaceful night and a perfect end. Amen.ﾆ
The Request for Presence Our help is in the Name of the Lord; the maker of heaven and earth.
The Greeting Almighty God, my heavenly Father: I have sinned against you, through my own fault, in thought, and word, and deed, in what I have done and what I have left undone. For the sake of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, forgive me all my offenses; and grant that I may serve you in newness of life, to the glory of your Name. Amen.ﾆ
The Reading	O Lord, You Have Searched Me and Know Me
O Lord, you have searched me And know me; You know when I sit down And when I rise up. You discern my thoughts From far away, And are acquainted with all my ways. If I have raised my hand Against the orphan, Or have caused the eye Of the widow to fail, Be gracious to me, O Lord, And forgive all my sins. If I have seen anyone perish For lack of clothing, Or a poor person without covering, Be gracious to me, O Lord, And forgive all my sins. If I have rejoiced at the ruin Of those who hate me, Or exulted when evil overtook them, Be gracious to me, O Lord, And forgive all my sins. If I have walked with falsehood, Or my foot has hurried to deceit, Be gracious to me, O Lord, And forgive all my sins. If my step has turned aside From the way, Or my heart has followed After my eye, Be gracious to me, O Lord, And forgive all my sins. Answer me, O God of my right, Hear my prayer, And deliver me From all my transgressions, For my hope is in you.
The Gloria Glory be to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, so it is now and so it shall ever be, world without end. Alleluia. Amen.
The Psalm	Our Hearts Rejoice in Him
Our soul waits for the LORD;* he is our help and our shield. Indeed, our heart rejoices in him,* for in his holy Name we put our trust. Let your loving-kindness, O LORD, be upon us,* as we have put our trust in you.
Psalm 32:20ﾖ22
The Gloria Glory be to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, so it is now and so it shall ever be, world without end. Alleluia. Amen.
The Small Verse Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit; For you have redeemed me, O Lord, O God of truth. Keep me, O Lord, as the apple of your eye; Hide me under the shadow of your wings.
The Lordﾒ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 Petition Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your loveﾒs sake. Amen. ﾆ
The Final Thanksgiving Lord, you now have set your servant free to go in peace as you have promised; for these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, whom you have prepared for all the world to see: a Light to enlighten the nations, and the glory of your people Israel. 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.
Buy The Divine Hours from Amazon.com The Divine Hours © Copyright 2003 Phyllis Tickle www.phyllistickle.com The Divine Hours are reprinted here with permission of Doubleday and Phyllis Tickle. Not for distribution without permission from the author.