Week 21 of Ordinary Time

Midday Prayer

Friday, August 28, 2026

Opening

Christ our peace, quiet the noise within and without.

Hymn

All praise to Thee, my God, this night, For all the blessings of the light! Keep me, O keep me, King of kings, Beneath Thine own almighty wings. Forgive me, Lord, for Thy dear Son, The ill that I this day have done, That with the world, myself, and Thee, I, ere I sleep, at peace may be. — Thomas Ken (public domain)

Psalmody

Antiphon

In the middle of the work, be my rest and my aim.

Psalm

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and bless his holy name, all that is within me. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his recompenses. He forgives all your iniquities. He heals all your infirmities. He redeems your life from destruction. He crowns you with mercy and compassion.

Psalm 102:1–4 · 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 1:16b–17 For I am not ashamed of the Gospel. For it is the power of God unto salvation for all believers, the Jew first, and the Greek. For the justice of God is revealed within it, by faith unto faith, just as it was written: “For the just one lives by faith.” — Romans 1:16b–17 · 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.

Scripture: Psalm 102:1–4 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain); Romans 1:16b–17 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)

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