Week 20 of Ordinary Time

Midday Prayer

Sunday, August 16, 2026

Opening

Father of lights, I offer you this time as a small, honest gift.

Hymn

The day Thou gavest, Lord, is ended, The darkness falls at Thy behest; To Thee our morning hymns ascended, Thy praise shall sanctify our rest. We thank Thee that Thy Church unsleeping, While earth rolls onward into light, Through all the world her watch is keeping, And rests not now by day or night. — John Ellerton (public domain)

Psalmody

Antiphon

You neither slumber nor sleep; watch over the work of my hands.

Psalm

Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has performed wonders. His right hand and his holy arm have accomplished salvation. The Lord has made known his salvation. He has revealed his justice in the sight of the nations. He has remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Psalm 97:1–3 · 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

You neither slumber nor sleep; watch over the work of my hands.

Reading

Deuteronomy 10:12 And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? Only that you fear the Lord your God, and walk in his ways, and love him, and serve the Lord your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul, — Deuteronomy 10:12 · 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

Father, I place this hour in your hands. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Silence

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

Scripture: Psalm 97:1–3 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain); Deuteronomy 10:12 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)

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