Week 16 of Ordinary Time

First Light · Saint Mary Magdalene

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Saint Mary MagdaleneChoose how you want to pray this hour:

Opening

O Lord, open my lips. And my mouth will announce your praise. — From Psalm 51

Hymn

Quiet flame within the morning, Kindle what is cold in me. Teach my hurried heart to listen, Teach my eyes Your light to see. In the work that waits before me, Be my patience, be my peace. Holy Spirit, keep me present Till the day finds its release. — Original, Prayer on Fire

Psalmody

Antiphon

In the garden of tears you turn us toward joy; stay with us, Jesus.

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

In the garden of tears you turn us toward joy; stay with us, Jesus.

Reading

Romans 12:1–2 And so, I beg you, brothers, by the mercy of God, that you offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, with the subservience of your mind. And do not choose to be conformed to this age, but instead choose to be reformed in the newness of your mind, so that you may demonstrate what is the will of God: what is good, and what is well-pleasing, and what is perfect. — Romans 12:1–2 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)

Reflection

Today the Church remembers Saint Mary Magdalene. 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

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 29:2–5 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain); Romans 12:1–2 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)

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