Opening
O God, reach out to help me. O Lord, hasten to assist me. — From Psalm 70
Hymn
The day Thou gavest, Lord, is ended, The darkness falls at Thy behest; To Thee our morning hymns ascended, Thy praise shall sanctify our rest. We thank Thee that Thy Church unsleeping, While earth rolls onward into light, Through all the world her watch is keeping, And rests not now by day or night. — John Ellerton (public domain)
Psalmody
Antiphon
Not for glory, but for love — send us where you send the apostles.
Psalm
I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise will be ever in my mouth. In the Lord, my soul will be praised. May the meek listen and rejoice. Magnify the Lord with me, and let us extol his name in itself. Taste and see that the Lord is sweet. Blessed is the man who hopes in him.
Psalm 33:2–4, 9 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Antiphon
Not for glory, but for love — send us where you send the apostles.
Reading
Romans 1:1–3, 6–7a Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called as an Apostle, separated for the Gospel of God, which he had promised beforehand, through his Prophets, in the Holy Scriptures, about his Son, who was made for him from the offspring of David according to the flesh, from whom you also have been called by Jesus Christ: To all who are at Rome, the beloved of God, called as saints. Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. — Romans 1:1–3, 6–7a · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)
Reflection
Today the Church remembers Saint James, Apostle. Let this hour not be information about holiness, but an invitation into it. Ask for one grace you need, and offer one act of love you can give before the day ends.
Intercession
For the Church, that we may witness with courage and gentleness. For those who seek the Lord with tears, that they may hear their name spoken in love. For the poor and the forgotten, that Christ's friends may serve them with joy. For our household and those we carry in prayer — Lord, have mercy.
Closing prayer
Holy Spirit, seal what you have begun in me. Stay with me in work and rest, in joy and trial. Amen.
Silence
If you can, rest in quiet for half a minute before you rise.