Opening
O God, reach out to help me. O Lord, hasten to assist me. — From Psalm 70
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
Rise in my heart, O Sun of Justice, and scatter what is false.
Psalm
I will extol you, O God, my king. And I will bless your name, in this time and forever and ever. Throughout every single day, I will bless you. And I will praise your name, in this time and forever and ever. The Lord is great and exceedingly praiseworthy. And there is no end to his greatness. The Lord is compassionate and merciful, patient and full of mercy. The Lord is sweet to all things, and his compassion is upon all his works.
Psalm 144:1–3, 8–9 · 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
Rise in my heart, O Sun of Justice, and scatter what is false.
Reading
1 Thessalonians 5:2–6 For you yourselves thoroughly understand that the day of the Lord shall arrive much like a thief in the night. For when they will say, “Peace and security!” then destruction will suddenly overwhelm them, like the labor pains of a woman with child, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness, so that you would be overtaken by that day as by a thief. For all of you are sons of light and sons of daytime; we are not of nighttime, nor of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep, as the rest do. Instead, we should be vigilant and sober. — 1 Thessalonians 5:2–6 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)
Reflection
Before the noise multiplies, name one intention for this day. Offer your work, your waiting, and your relationships to God with a simple yes.
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.