Week 18 of Ordinary Time

Midday Prayer

Sunday, August 2, 2026

Opening

Lord of the harvest, bless the small seeds of prayer I plant today.

Hymn

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee; Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity! Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee, Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see, Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee Perfect in power, in love, and purity. — Reginald Heber (public domain)

Psalmody

Antiphon

Between tasks, return me to presence and charity.

Psalm

Unless the Lord has built the house, those who build it have labored in vain. Unless the Lord has guarded the city, he who guards it watches in vain. It is in vain that you rise before daylight, that you rise up after you have sat down, you who chew the bread of sorrow. Whereas, to his beloved, he will give sleep.

Psalm 126:1–2 · 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

Between tasks, return me to presence and charity.

Reading

Romans 8:26 And similarly, the Spirit also helps our weakness. For we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself asks on our behalf with ineffable sighing. — Romans 8:26 · 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

Lord Jesus, keep this prayer alive in me through the day. Guard my steps, purify my desires, and teach me to love as you love. Amen.

Silence

If you can, rest in quiet for half a minute before you rise.

Scripture: Psalm 126:1–2 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain); Romans 8:26 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)

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