Week 20 of Ordinary Time

Evening Prayer

Sunday, August 16, 2026

Opening

Father of lights, I offer you this time as a small, honest gift.

Hymn

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee; Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity! Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee, Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see, Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee Perfect in power, in love, and purity. — Reginald Heber (public domain)

Psalmody

Antiphon

Forgive what was harsh; heal what was hurried; keep what was true.

Psalm

The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup. It is you who will restore my inheritance to me. The lots have fallen upon me with clarity. And, indeed, my inheritance has been very clear to me. I will bless the Lord, who has bestowed understanding upon me. Moreover, my temperament has also corrected me, even through the night. I have made provision for the Lord always in my sight. For he is at my right hand, so that I may not be disturbed. Because of this, my heart has been joyful, and my tongue has exulted. Moreover, even my body will rest in hope.

Psalm 15:5–9 · 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

Forgive what was harsh; heal what was hurried; keep what was true.

Reading

Hebrews 12:22–24 But you have drawn near to mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, to the heavenly Jerusalem, and to the company of many thousands of Angels, and to the Church of the first-born, those who have been inscribed in the heavens, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect, and to Jesus, the Mediator of the New Testament, and to a sprinkling of blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel. — Hebrews 12:22–24 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)

Reflection

Review the day without harshness. Thank God for three gifts. Ask mercy for one failure. Rest in being a beloved child, not a finished project.

Intercession

For hearts that are tired, bring rest. For hearts that are restless, bring purpose. For hearts that are hard, bring compassion. For the world you love, kindle justice and peace. Lord, hear our prayer.

Closing prayer

Father, I place this hour in your hands. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Silence

If you can, rest in quiet for half a minute before you rise.

Scripture: Psalm 15:5–9 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain); Hebrews 12:22–24 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)

An original Prayer on Fire offering for the hours of the day