Opening
Spirit of truth, set a guard on my thoughts and a flame in my love.
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
In the middle of the work, be my rest and my aim.
Psalm
I have lifted up my eyes to you, who dwell in the heavens. Behold, as the eyes of the servants are on the hands of their masters, as the eyes of the handmaid are on the hands of her mistress, so our eyes are upon the Lord our God, until he may be merciful to us.
Psalm 122:1–2 · 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
In the middle of the work, be my rest and my aim.
Reading
Romans 13:8–10 You should owe nothing to anyone, except so as to love one another. For whoever loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. For example: You shall not commit adultery. You shall not kill. You shall not steal. You shall not speak false testimony. You shall not covet. And if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this word: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The love of neighbor does no harm. Therefore, love is the plenitude of the law. — Romans 13:8–10 · 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.