Week 21 of Ordinary Time

Midday Prayer

Saturday, August 29, 2026

Memorial: The Passion of Saint John the Baptist — Memorial — Ordinary Time prayers with a gentle remembrance.

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

Hold my attention, Lord, when the day pulls me thin.

Psalm

Lift up your gates, you princes, and be lifted up, eternal gates. And the King of Glory shall enter. Who is this King of Glory? The Lord who is strong and powerful; the Lord powerful in battle. Lift up your gates, you princes, and be lifted up, eternal gates. And the King of Glory shall enter. Who is this King of Glory? The Lord of virtue. He himself is the King of Glory.

Psalm 23:7–10 · 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

Hold my attention, Lord, when the day pulls me thin.

Reading

Micah 6:8 I will reveal to you, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requires from you, and how to act with judgment, and to love mercy, and to walk carefully with your God. — Micah 6:8 · 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

Lord Jesus, keep this prayer alive in me through the day. Guard my steps, purify my desires, and teach me to love as you love. Amen.

Silence

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

Scripture: Psalm 23:7–10 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain); Micah 6:8 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)

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