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
Word of God, open the Scriptures of my heart.
Psalm
O Lord, listen closely to my words. Understand my outcry. Attend to the voice of my prayer, my King and my God. For to you, I will pray. In the morning, Lord, you will hear my voice. In the morning, I will stand before you, and I will see. For you are not a God who wills iniquity.
Psalm 5:2–5 · 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
Word of God, open the Scriptures of my heart.
Reading
Galatians 2:16, 19–20 And we know that man is not justified by the works of the law, but only by the faith of Jesus Christ. And so we believe in Christ Jesus, in order that we may be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law. For no flesh will be justified by the works of the law. For through the law, I have become dead to the law, so that I may live for God. I have been nailed to the cross with Christ. I live; yet now, it is not I, but truly Christ, who lives in me. And though I live now in the flesh, I live in the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and who delivered himself for me. — Galatians 2:16, 19–20 · 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.