Terce - Dec 29, 2025

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.

Now Holy Spirit, come, descend,
one with the Father and the Son;
come swiftly in and fill our hearts
with your full flood of holiness.

In mind and mouth, with heart and tongue,
with strength and sense, may praise resound.
May charity with ardor blaze,
and kindle others with its flame.

Now through your presence may we know
and love the Father and the Son,
and you, the Spirit of them both,
may we profess throughout all time. Amen.

Antiphon

Herod was infuriated and killed many children in Bethlehem of Judah, the city of David.

Your word is a lantern to my feet
and a light upon my path.
I have sworn and am determined
to keep your righteous judgments.

I am deeply troubled;
preserve my life, O Lord, according to your word.
Accept, O Lord, the willing tribute of my lips,
and teach me your judgments.

My life is always in my hand,
yet I do not forget your law.
The wicked have set a trap for me,
but I have not strayed from your commandments.

Your decrees are my inheritance for ever;
truly, they are the joy of my heart.
I have applied my heart to fulfill your statutes
for ever and to the end.

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.

I hate those who have a divided heart,
but your law do I love.
You are my refuge and shield;
my hope is in your word.

Away from me, you wicked!
I will keep the commandments of my God.
Sustain me according to your promise, that I may live,
and let me not be disappointed in my hope.

Hold me up, and I shall be safe,
and my delight shall be ever in your statutes.
You spurn all who stray from your statutes;
their deceitfulness is in vain.

In your sight all the wicked of the earth are but dross;
therefore I love your decrees.
My flesh trembles with dread of you;
I am afraid of your judgments.

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.

I have done what is just and right;
do not deliver me to my oppressors.
Be surety for your servant’s good;
let not the proud oppress me.

My eyes have failed from watching for your salvation
and for your righteous promise.
Deal with your servant according to your loving-kindness
and teach me your statutes.

I am your servant; grant me understanding,
that I may know your decrees.
It is time for you to act, O Lord,
for they have broken your law.

Truly, I love your commandments
more than gold and precious stones.
I hold all your commandments to be right for me;
all paths of falsehood I abhor.

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 was infuriated and killed many children in Bethlehem of Judah, the city of David.

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.