Opening
O God, reach out to help me. O Lord, hasten to assist me. — From Psalm 70
Hymn
Quiet flame within the morning, Kindle what is cold in me. Teach my hurried heart to listen, Teach my eyes Your light to see. In the work that waits before me, Be my patience, be my peace. Holy Spirit, keep me present Till the day finds its release. — Original, Prayer on Fire
Psalmody
Antiphon
Under the fig tree you saw us; now teach us to see you.
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
Under the fig tree you saw us; now teach us to see you.
Reading
1 Corinthians 4:9–13 For I think that God has presented us as the last Apostles, as those destined for death. For we have been made into a spectacle for the world, and for Angels, and for men. So we are fools because of Christ, but you are discerning in Christ? We are weak, but you are strong? You are noble, but we are ignoble? Even to this very hour, we hunger and thirst, and we are naked and repeatedly beaten, and we are unsteady. And we labor, working with our own hands. We are slandered, and so we bless. We suffer and endure persecution. We are cursed, and so we pray. We have become like the refuse of this world, like the reside of everything, even until now. — 1 Corinthians 4:9–13 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)
Reflection
Today the Church remembers Saint Bartholomew, Apostle. Let this hour not be information about holiness, but an invitation into it. Ask for one grace you need, and offer one act of love you can give before the day ends.
Intercession
For the Church, that we may witness with courage and gentleness. For those who seek the Lord with tears, that they may hear their name spoken in love. For the poor and the forgotten, that Christ's friends may serve them with joy. For our household and those we carry in prayer — Lord, have mercy.
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.