Week 17 of Ordinary Time

Last Light

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Memorial: Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus — Memorial — Ordinary Time prayers with a gentle remembrance.

Opening

Jesus, kindle my heart. Holy Spirit, teach me to pray. Father of mercies, receive this hour.

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

Lord of the night watches, be our light until morning.

Psalm

Behold, bless the Lord now, all you servants of the Lord, who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. In the nights, lift up your hands in sanctity, and bless the Lord.

Psalm 133:1–2 · 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

Lord of the night watches, be our light until morning.

Reading

Ephesians 4:26–27 “Be angry, but do not be willing to sin.” Do not let the sun set over your anger. Provide no place for the devil. — Ephesians 4:26–27 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)

Reflection

Lay down what you cannot solve tonight. Entrust those you love to God's care. Sleep as one who is held.

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.

Scripture: Psalm 133:1–2 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain); Ephesians 4:26–27 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)

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