Week 21 of Ordinary Time

Last Light

Sunday, August 23, 2026

Opening

Lord, you are near to the brokenhearted. Be near to me now.

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

Risen Christ, firstborn from the dead, renew our hope this day.

Psalm

I will extol you, Lord, for you have sustained me, and you have not allowed my enemies to delight over me. O Lord my God, I have cried out to you, and you have healed me. Lord, you led my soul away from Hell. You have saved me from those who descend into the pit. Sing a psalm to the Lord, you his saints, and confess with remembrance of his holiness.

Psalm 29:2–5 · 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

Risen Christ, firstborn from the dead, renew our hope this day.

Reading

Revelation 22:4–5 And they shall see his face. And his name shall be on their foreheads. And night shall be no more. And they will not need the light of a lamp, nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illuminate them. And they shall reign forever and ever. — Revelation 22:4–5 · 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 29:2–5 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain); Revelation 22:4–5 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)

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