Opening
O God, reach out to help me. O Lord, hasten to assist me. — From Psalm 70
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
Under the fig tree you saw us; now teach us to see you.
Psalm
Lift up your gates, you princes, and be lifted up, eternal gates. And the King of Glory shall enter. Who is this King of Glory? The Lord who is strong and powerful; the Lord powerful in battle. Lift up your gates, you princes, and be lifted up, eternal gates. And the King of Glory shall enter. Who is this King of Glory? The Lord of virtue. He himself is the King of Glory.
Psalm 23:7–10 · 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
Under the fig tree you saw us; now teach us to see you.
Reading
1 Thessalonians 5:9–10 For God has not appointed us for wrath, but for the acquisition of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that, whether we watch, or whether we sleep, we may live in union with him. — 1 Thessalonians 5:9–10 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)
Reflection
Today the Church remembers Saint Bartholomew, Apostle. Let this hour not be information about holiness, but an invitation into it. Ask for one grace you need, and offer one act of love you can give before the day ends.
Intercession
For the Church, that we may witness with courage and gentleness. For those who seek the Lord with tears, that they may hear their name spoken in love. For the poor and the forgotten, that Christ's friends may serve them with joy. For our household and those we carry in prayer — Lord, have mercy.
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.