Opening
Lord, open my lips. And my mouth will proclaim your praise.
Hymn
Before the page is turned, O Lord, Before the errand and the noise, Sit with us in this early quiet And read us into peace. Let one line of Scripture remain When the rest of the morning fades. Not many thoughts — one faithful word To carry through the day.
Original – Prayer on Fire
Psalm I
Antiphon
Let your truth steady me before the day grows loud.
Psalm 90 (89):1–2, 14
Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)
Psalm
O Lord, you have been our refuge from generation to generation. Before the mountains became, or the land was formed along with the world: from ages past, even to all ages, you are God. We were filled in the morning with your mercy, and we exulted and delighted all our days.
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
Let your truth steady me before the day grows loud.
Psalm II
Antiphon
In the stillness, kindle understanding and love.
Psalm 95 (94):1–3
Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)
Psalm
Come, let us exult in the Lord. Let us shout joyfully to God, our Savior. Let us anticipate his presence with confession, and let us sing joyfully to him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God and a great King above all gods.
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 stillness, kindle understanding and love.
Silence
Hold the psalm a little longer.
First Reading
Wisdom 6:1–11
Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)
Wisdom is better than power, and a prudent man is better than a powerful one. Therefore, hear, O kings, and understand; learn, you judges of the ends of the earth. Listen closely, you who hold the attention of the crowds, and who please yourselves by disturbing the nations. For power has been given to you from the Lord and strength from the Most High, who will examine your works and scrutinize your thoughts. For, when you were ministers of his kingdom, you did not judge correctly, nor keep the law of justice, nor walk according to the will of God. Horribly and quickly he will appear to you, because he will make a severe judgment for those who are in charge. For, to the little, great mercy is granted, but the powerful will endure powerful torment. For the Lord will not exempt anyone’s character, nor will he stand in awe of anyone’s greatness, because he himself made the little and the great, and he is equally concerned for everyone. But a powerful torture pursues the powerful. Therefore, O kings, these, my words, are for you, so that you may learn wisdom and not perish. For those who have justly preserved justice will be justified, and those who have learned these things will find what to answer.
Responsory
Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening. Your word is life for us. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Second Reading
From a sermon of St. Leo the Great on the Passion
public domain
True reverence for the Lord’s Passion means fixing the eyes of our heart on Jesus crucified, and recognizing in Him our own humanity. The earth, the sea, and the sky tremble; the sun is darkened; the rocks split; and yet the hearts of the ungodly are not moved. Let us at least be moved, for whose sake all this was done. The Cross is not only the instrument of suffering; it is the chair from which the Master teaches. From it He draws all to Himself. From it He prays for His enemies. From it He opens paradise to the thief. From it He hands His mother to the disciple, and the disciple to His mother, that the Church might learn how to stand. Let no man be ashamed of the Cross, by which Christ has redeemed the world. Let us rather glory in it. The weakness of God is stronger than men, and the foolishness of God is wiser than men. What was done in one body is offered for all, that all who are in that body might live.
Intercessions
For the Church at prayer in every time zone of this day.
R. Lord, have mercy.
For vocations hidden in ordinary jobs.
R. Lord, have mercy.
For unity that does not shout.
R. Lord, have mercy.
For this Hour, that we may belong to the same listening.
R. Lord, have mercy.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Closing prayer
God of mercy, begin this day in us. We do not ask for a perfect record, only a faithful love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.