Week 17 of Ordinary Time

Midday Prayer

Friday, July 31, 2026

Opening

Jesus, kindle my heart. Holy Spirit, teach me to pray. Father of mercies, receive this hour.

Hymn

Quiet flame within the morning, Kindle what is cold in me. Teach my hurried heart to listen, Teach my eyes Your light to see. In the work that waits before me, Be my patience, be my peace. Holy Spirit, keep me present Till the day finds its release. — Original, Prayer on Fire

Psalmody

Antiphon

Hold my attention, Lord, when the day pulls me thin.

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.

Psalm 66:2–4 · 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

Hold my attention, Lord, when the day pulls me thin.

Reading

Romans 1:16b–17 For I am not ashamed of the Gospel. For it is the power of God unto salvation for all believers, the Jew first, and the Greek. For the justice of God is revealed within it, by faith unto faith, just as it was written: “For the just one lives by faith.” — Romans 1:16b–17 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)

Reflection

Pause. Breathe. Ask: Where have I hurried past love? Where can I return to presence — with God, and with the person in front of me?

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 66:2–4 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain); Romans 1:16b–17 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)

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