Week 18 of Ordinary Time

Last Light

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Opening

Lord of quiet fire, I come before you. Steady my mind. Soften my will. Let your love be my light.

Hymn

All praise to Thee, my God, this night, For all the blessings of the light! Keep me, O keep me, King of kings, Beneath Thine own almighty wings. Forgive me, Lord, for Thy dear Son, The ill that I this day have done, That with the world, myself, and Thee, I, ere I sleep, at peace may be. — Thomas Ken (public domain)

Psalmody

Antiphon

Protect us from the terrors of the night and the wounds of the day.

Psalm

Confess to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy is forever. The Lord is my strength and my praise, and he has become my salvation. A voice of exultation and salvation is in the tabernacles of the just. The right hand of the Lord has wrought virtue. The right hand of the Lord has exalted me. The right hand of the Lord has wrought virtue. I will not die, but I will live. And I will declare the works of the Lord.

Psalm 117:1, 14–17 · 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

Protect us from the terrors of the night and the wounds of the day.

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

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 117:1, 14–17 · 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