Week 21 of Ordinary Time

Midday Prayer

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Opening

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Here I am, Lord — help me to listen.

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

Keep my feet from stumbling and my heart from hardness.

Psalm

O Lord, my heart has not been exalted, and my eyes have not been raised up. Neither have I walked in greatness, nor in wonders beyond me. When I was not humble in thought, then I lifted up my soul. Like a weaned child with his mother, so is the reward in my soul.

Psalm 130:1–2 · 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

Keep my feet from stumbling and my heart from hardness.

Reading

Romans 12:1–2 And so, I beg you, brothers, by the mercy of God, that you offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, with the subservience of your mind. And do not choose to be conformed to this age, but instead choose to be reformed in the newness of your mind, so that you may demonstrate what is the will of God: what is good, and what is well-pleasing, and what is perfect. — Romans 12:1–2 · 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 130:1–2 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain); Romans 12:1–2 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)

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