Week 21 of Ordinary Time

Last Light

Saturday, August 29, 2026

Memorial: The Passion of Saint John the Baptist — Memorial — Ordinary Time prayers with a gentle remembrance.

Opening

Christ our peace, quiet the noise within and without.

Hymn

The day Thou gavest, Lord, is ended, The darkness falls at Thy behest; To Thee our morning hymns ascended, Thy praise shall sanctify our rest. We thank Thee that Thy Church unsleeping, While earth rolls onward into light, Through all the world her watch is keeping, And rests not now by day or night. — John Ellerton (public domain)

Psalmody

Antiphon

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

Psalm

May God have mercy on us and bless us. May he shine his countenance upon us, and may he have mercy on us. So may we know your way upon the earth, your salvation among all nations. Let the peoples confess to you, O God. Let all the peoples confess to you.

Psalm 66:2–4 · 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

Deuteronomy 6:4–7 Listen, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words, which I instruct to you this day, shall be in your heart. And you shall explain them to your sons. And you shall meditate upon them sitting in your house, and walking on a journey, when lying down and when rising up. — Deuteronomy 6:4–7 · 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 66:2–4 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain); Deuteronomy 6:4–7 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)

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