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Today (Tuesday, December 30, 2025): vigils lauds prime terce sext none vespers compline

Monday, December 29, 2025
The Holy Innocents
Sext

Introduction
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
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.

Hymn     Rector potens, verax Deus
O mighty Ruler, God of truth,
for days and seasons setting bounds,
who clothe with splendor morning light
and midday skies with brilliant heat.

Extinguish flames of bitter strife,
all harmful passion take away,
grant health unto our mortal frame,
and on our hearts bestow true peace.

Most loving Father, hear our prayer,
and you, O Christ co-equal Son,
who with the Spirit Paraclete
now reign through all eternity. Amen.

Antiphon Herod killed the children who were two years old or under for the sake of the Lord.

Psalm 118.17 (119:129-136) Pe    Mirabilia
Your decrees are wonderful;
therefore I obey them with all my heart.
When your word goes forth it gives light;
it gives understanding to the simple.

I open my mouth and pant;
I long for your commandments.
Turn to me in mercy,
as you always do to those who love your Name.

Steady my footsteps in your word;
let no iniquity have dominion over me.
Rescue me from those who oppress me,
and I will keep your commandments.

Let your countenance shine upon your servant
and teach me your statutes.
My eyes shed streams of tears,
because people do not keep your law.

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.

Psalm 118.18 (119:137-144) Sadhe    Justus es, Domine
You are righteous, O Lord,
and upright are your judgments.
You have issued your decrees
with justice and in perfect faithfulness.

My indignation has consumed me,
because my enemies forget your words.
Your word has been tested to the uttermost,
and your servant holds it dear.

I am small and of little account,
yet I do not forget your commandments.
Your justice is an everlasting justice
and your law is the truth.

Trouble and distress have come upon me,
yet your commandments are my delight.
The righteousness of your decrees is everlasting;
grant me understanding, that I may live.

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.

Psalm 118.19 (119:145-152) Qoph    Clamavi in toto corde meo
I call with my whole heart;
answer me, O Lord, that I may keep your statutes.
I call to you;
oh, that you would save me!
I will keep your decrees.

Early in the morning I cry out to you,
for in your word is my trust.
My eyes are open in the night watches,
that I may meditate upon your promise.

Hear my voice, O Lord, according to your loving-kindness;
according to your judgments, give me life.
They draw near who in malice persecute me;
they are very far from your law.

You, O Lord, are near at hand,
and all your commandments are true.
Long have I known from your decrees
that you have established them for ever.

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.

Antiphon Herod killed the children who were two years old or under for the sake of the Lord.

Short Lesson: Lamentations 2:11
My eyes are spent with weeping; my stomach churns; because infants and babes faint in the streets of the city.

Verse
Your pain.
Will turn into joy.

Collect
Let us pray.
We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the holy innocents of Bethlehem by King Herod. Receive, we pray, into the arms of your mercy all innocent victims; and by your great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish your rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Conclusion
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.