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
Feed me with what endures when lesser lights fade.
Psalm
Make me hear your mercy in the morning. For I have hoped in you. Make known to me the way that I should walk. For I have lifted up my soul to you. Free me from my enemies, O Lord, to you I have fled. Teach me to do your will. For you are my God. Your good Spirit will lead me into the right land.
Psalm 142:8–10 · 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
Feed me with what endures when lesser lights fade.
Reading
Tobit 4:15a, 16a, 18a, 19 And whoever has done any kind of work for you, immediately pay him his wages, and do not let the wages of your hired hand remain with you at all. Whatever you would hate to have done to you by another, see that you never do so to another. Set out your bread and your wine at the burial of a just man, and do not eat and drink from it with sinners. Always seek the counsel of a wise man. — Tobit 4:15a, 16a, 18a, 19 · 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
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.