Week 20 of Ordinary Time

Morning Prayer

Monday, August 17, 2026

Opening

O God, reach out to help me. O Lord, hasten to assist me. — From Psalm 70

Hymn

The day Thou gavest, Lord, is ended, The darkness falls at Thy behest; To Thee our morning hymns ascended, Thy praise shall sanctify our rest. We thank Thee that Thy Church unsleeping, While earth rolls onward into light, Through all the world her watch is keeping, And rests not now by day or night. — John Ellerton (public domain)

Psalmody

Antiphon

At daybreak, kindle hope where I am weary.

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

At daybreak, kindle hope where I am weary.

Reading

Judith 8:25–27 were exterminated by the exterminator, and they perished by serpents. And as for us, therefore, let us not revenge ourselves for these things that we suffer. But, in considering these same sufferings to be less than our sins deserve, let us believe that the scourges of the Lord, by which we are corrected like servants, have occurred for our improvement and not for our destruction.” — Judith 8:25–27 · 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

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 102:1–4 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain); Judith 8:25–27 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)

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