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 46 (45):2–3, 5–6
Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)
Psalm
Our God is our refuge and strength, a helper in the tribulations that have greatly overwhelmed us. Because of this, we will not be afraid when the earth will be turbulent and the mountains will be transferred into the heart of the sea. The frenzy of the river rejoices the city of God. The Most High has sanctified his tabernacle. God is in its midst; it will not be shaken. God will assist it in the early morning.
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 67 (66):2–4
Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)
Psalm
May God have mercy on us and bless us. May he shine his countenance upon us, and may he have mercy on us. So may we know your way upon the earth, your salvation among all nations. Let the peoples confess to you, O God. Let all the peoples confess to you.
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
Let the last verse rest in you.
First Reading
Romans 8:28–39
Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)
And we know that, for those who love God, all things work together unto good, for those who, in accordance with his purpose, are called to be saints. For those whom he foreknew, he also predestined, in conformity with the image of his Son, so that he might be the Firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined, he also called. And those whom he called, he also justified. And those whom he justified, he also glorified. So, what should we say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare even his own Son, but handed him over for the sake of us all, how could he not also, with him, have given us all things? Who will make an accusation against the elect of God? God is the One who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus who has died, and who has indeed also risen again, is at the right hand of God, and even now he intercedes for us. Then who will separate us from the love of Christ? Tribulation? Or anguish? Or famine? Or nakedness? Or peril? Or persecution? Or the sword? For it is as it has been written: “For your sake, we are being put to death all day long. We are being treated like sheep for the slaughter.” But in all these things we overcome, because of him who has loved us. For I am certain that neither death, nor life, nor Angels, nor Principalities, nor Powers, nor the present things, nor the future things, nor strength, nor the heights, nor the depths, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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 the Confessions of St. Augustine
public domain
Too late loved I Thee, O Thou Beauty of ancient days, yet ever new! too late I loved Thee! And behold, Thou wert within, and I abroad, and there I searched for Thee; deformed I, plunging amid those fair forms which Thou hadst made. Thou wert with me, but I was not with Thee. Things held me far from Thee, which, unless they were in Thee, were not at all. Thou calledst, and shoutedst, and burstest my deafness. Thou flashedst, shonest, and scatteredst my blindness. Thou breathedst odours, and I drew in breath, and panted for Thee. I tasted, and hunger and thirst. Thou touchedst me, and I burned for Thy peace. When I shall with my whole self cleave to Thee, I shall nowhere have sorrow or labour; and my life shall wholly live, as wholly full of Thee. But now since whom Thou fillest, Thou liftest up, because I am not full of Thee I am a burden to myself. Lamentable joys strive with joyous sorrows: and on which side is the victory, I know not.
Intercessions
Give us a humble hearing, like Samuel in the night.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
For the Church’s shepherds, that they may listen before they speak.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
For those ashamed to pray — meet them without scorn.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
For this new beginning, that we may be poor enough to receive.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
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
Holy Spirit, seal the Word we have heard. Go with us into the untried hours, and teach us to love as we have been loved. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.