Opening
O God, reach out to help me. O Lord, hasten to assist me. — From Psalm 70
Hymn
Servants of the Servant, lead us Where the lowly paths still run. Not for glory, not for power— Only love until day is done. Christ our strength, our joy, our portion, Keep us faithful, keep us free. Make our lives a living offering Poured in quiet charity. — Original, Prayer on Fire
Psalmody
Antiphon
Cheerful giver of love, make us generous even in trial.
Psalm
From the depths, I have cried out to you, O Lord. O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication. If you, O Lord, were to heed iniquities, who, O Lord, could persevere? For with you, there is forgiveness, and because of your law, I persevered with you, O Lord.
Psalm 129:1–4 · 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
Cheerful giver of love, make us generous even in trial.
Reading
Matthew 16:24–26 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “If anyone is willing to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever would save his life, will lose it. But whoever will have lost his life for my sake, shall find it. For how does it benefit a man, if he gains the whole world, yet truly suffers damage to his soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? — Matthew 16:24–26 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)
Reflection
Today the Church remembers Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr. 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
Lord Jesus, keep this prayer alive in me through the day. Guard my steps, purify my desires, and teach me to love as you love. Amen.
Silence
If you can, rest in quiet for half a minute before you rise.