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Week 22 of Ordinary Time

Last Light

Thursday, September 3, 2026

Prayer Reading Mode: Prayer Space

Hours Depth: Medium

About today

Gregory (c. 540–604), a Roman prefect who became a monk, was elected pope against his will. He sent missionaries to the English, ordered the Church’s prayer with a pastor’s care, and wrote on the duties of a bishop. The Church calls him Great and Doctor. His memorial is 3 September. The Pastoral Rule still asks bishops to watch themselves as they watch others. Ask today for shepherds who would rather contemplate than rule, and who rule only as those who watch for souls.

Original – Prayer on Fire.

Opening

God, come to my assistance. Lord, make haste to help me.

Hymn

Into Your hands, Lord Jesus, We give the day now past. What we could not finish cleanly, What we could not hold at last. Grant us rest that heals the spirit; Grant us dreams that do not harm. And when morning rises gently, Raise us still within Your arm.

Original, Prayer on Fire

Psalmody

Antiphon

Into your hands, Lord, I entrust this night.

Psalm 16 (15):5–9

Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)

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.

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

Into your hands, Lord, I entrust this night.

Silence

Hold the psalm a little longer.

Reading

1 Thessalonians 5:23

Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)

And may the God of peace himself sanctify you through all things, so that your whole spirit and soul and body may be preserved without blame unto the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Responsory

In peace I will lie down and sleep. For you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Nunc Dimittis

Antiphon

Salvation prepared for all peoples — hide us in it overnight.

Luke 2:29–32

Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)

Canticle

“Now you may dismiss your servant in peace, O Lord, according to your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all peoples: the light of revelation to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.”

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

Salvation prepared for all peoples — hide us in it overnight.

Intercessions

For those under sirens, storms, or loneliness tonight — keep watch, Lord, and let our rest be an act of trust.

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

Watch with the suffering while we sleep. Let our rest be trust, not neglect. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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