Opening
O Lord, open my lips. And my mouth will announce your praise. — From Psalm 51
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
I wait for your voice more than watchmen for the dawn.
Psalm
Come, let us exult in the Lord. Let us shout joyfully to God, our Savior. Let us anticipate his presence with confession, and let us sing joyfully to him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God and a great King above all gods.
Psalm 94:1–3 · 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
I wait for your voice more than watchmen for the dawn.
Reading
Romans 8:18–21 For I consider that the sufferings of this time are not worthy to be compared with that future glory which shall be revealed in us. For the anticipation of the creature anticipates the revelation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to emptiness, not willingly, but for the sake of the One who made it subject, unto hope. For the creature itself shall also be delivered from the servitude of corruption, into the liberty of the glory of the sons of God. — Romans 8:18–21 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)
Reflection
Stay with the Word a little longer than feels comfortable. Notice one phrase that steadies you. Carry it into the next conversation you have.
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
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.