Opening
God, come to my assistance. Lord, make haste to help me.
Hymn
Peace in the center of the day — Christ, be my stillness now. The morning’s fire has cooled a little; Teach me the faithful how. Not heroic, only present. Not shining, only true. I offer you this middle stretch Until the work is through.
Original – Prayer on Fire
Psalm I
Antiphon
In the middle of the work, be my rest and my aim.
Psalm 46 (45):2–3, 5–6
Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)
Psalm
Our God is our refuge and strength, a helper in the tribulations that have greatly overwhelmed us. Because of this, we will not be afraid when the earth will be turbulent and the mountains will be transferred into the heart of the sea. The frenzy of the river rejoices the city of God. The Most High has sanctified his tabernacle. God is in its midst; it will not be shaken. God will assist it in the early morning.
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.
Psalm II
Antiphon
Hold my attention, Lord, when the day pulls me thin.
Psalm 67 (66):2–4
Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)
Psalm
May God have mercy on us and bless us. May he shine his countenance upon us, and may he have mercy on us. So may we know your way upon the earth, your salvation among all nations. Let the peoples confess to you, O God. Let all the peoples confess to you.
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.
Silence
Let the last verse rest in you.
Reading
Romans 12:1–2
Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)
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.
Responsory
Hold us fast in the work of this hour. And keep our hearts near the Cross. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Intercessions
Where we are weary, give strength; where we are hurried, give presence; where we have failed in love, give us a way to begin again.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Closing prayer
God of strength, the morning zeal has thinned. Steady our will, cool our impatience, and keep us kind until the work is done. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.