Week 20 of Ordinary Time

Evening Prayer

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Opening

Spirit of adoption, remind me that I am a child of God.

Hymn

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me. I need Thy presence every passing hour. What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power? Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me. — Henry Francis Lyte (public domain)

Psalmody

Antiphon

In the evening sacrifice of praise, receive my thanks and my tears.

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

In the evening sacrifice of praise, receive my thanks and my tears.

Reading

1 John 2:3–6 And we can be sure that we have known him by this: if we observe his commandments. Whoever claims that he knows him, and yet does not keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps his word, truly in him the charity of God is perfected. And by this we know that we are in him. Whoever declares himself to remain in him, ought to walk just as he himself walked. — 1 John 2:3–6 · 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

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.

Scripture: Psalm 129:1–4 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain); 1 John 2:3–6 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)

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