Week 18 of Ordinary Time

Morning Prayer

Friday, August 7, 2026

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

New mercy for a new day — I place my plans in your hands.

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.

Psalm 66:2–4 · 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

New mercy for a new day — I place my plans in your hands.

Reading

Ephesians 2:13–16 But now, in Christ Jesus, you, who were in times past far away, have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace. He made the two into one, by dissolving the intermediate wall of separation, of opposition, by his flesh, emptying the law of commandments by decree, so that he might join these two, in himself, into one new man, making peace and reconciling both to God, in one body, through the cross, destroying this opposition in himself. — Ephesians 2:13–16 · 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

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 66:2–4 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain); Ephesians 2:13–16 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)

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