Week 20 of Ordinary Time

Last Light

Thursday, August 20, 2026

Opening

Holy Spirit, breath of God, still my hurry and teach me to remain.

Hymn

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee; Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity! Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee, Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see, Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee Perfect in power, in love, and purity. — Reginald Heber (public domain)

Psalmody

Antiphon

Commending my spirit to you, I rest as one who is held.

Psalm

I will extol you, O God, my king. And I will bless your name, in this time and forever and ever. Throughout every single day, I will bless you. And I will praise your name, in this time and forever and ever. The Lord is great and exceedingly praiseworthy. And there is no end to his greatness. The Lord is compassionate and merciful, patient and full of mercy. The Lord is sweet to all things, and his compassion is upon all his works.

Psalm 144:1–3, 8–9 · 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

Commending my spirit to you, I rest as one who is held.

Reading

1 Thessalonians 5:23 And may the God of peace himself sanctify you through all things, so that your whole spirit and soul and body may be preserved without blame unto the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. — 1 Thessalonians 5:23 · 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

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.

Scripture: Psalm 144:1–3, 8–9 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain); 1 Thessalonians 5:23 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)

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