Opening
God of mercy, receive my attention, my work, and my waiting.
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
Out of the depths I call; hear me with mercy.
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
Out of the depths I call; hear me with mercy.
Reading
1 Peter 1:6–9 In this, you should exult, if now, for a brief time, it is necessary to be made sorrowful by various trials, so that the testing of your faith, which is much more precious than gold tested by fire, may be found in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. For though you have not seen him, you love him. In him also, though you do not see him, you now believe. And in believing, you shall exult with an inexpressible and glorious joy, returning with the goal of your faith, the salvation of souls. — 1 Peter 1:6–9 · 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.