Week 20 of Ordinary Time

Last Light

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Opening

Spirit of adoption, remind me that I am a child of God.

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

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

Psalm

Give your judgment, O God, to the king, and your justice to the king’s son, to judge your people with justice and your poor with judgment. For he will free the poor from the powerful, and the poor one who has no helper. He will spare the poor and the indigent, and he will bring salvation to the souls of the poor.

Psalm 71:1–2, 12–13 · 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

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 71:1–2, 12–13 · 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