Opening
Lord, you are near to the brokenhearted. Be near to me now.
Hymn
Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me. I need Thy presence every passing hour. What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power? Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me. — Henry Francis Lyte (public domain)
Psalmody
Antiphon
Peace in the center of the day — Christ, be my stillness.
Psalm
Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion. He will not be disturbed for eternity, who dwells in Jerusalem. Mountains surround it. And the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forward and even forever.
Psalm 124:1–2 · 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
Peace in the center of the day — Christ, be my stillness.
Reading
Romans 5:1–2, 5 Therefore, having been justified by faith, let us be at peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. For through him we also have access by faith to this grace, in which we stand firm, and to glory, in the hope of the glory of the sons of God. but hope is not unfounded, because the love of God is poured forth in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. — Romans 5:1–2, 5 · 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.