Week 20 of Ordinary Time

First Light

Sunday, August 16, 2026

Opening

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

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

Word of God, open the Scriptures of my heart.

Psalm

Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has performed wonders. His right hand and his holy arm have accomplished salvation. The Lord has made known his salvation. He has revealed his justice in the sight of the nations. He has remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Psalm 97:1–3 · 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

Word of God, open the Scriptures of my heart.

Reading

2 Timothy 2:8a, 11–13 Be mindful that the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the offspring of David, has risen again from the dead, according to my Gospel. It is a faithful saying: that if we have died with him, we will also live with him. If we suffer, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful: he is not able to deny himself. — 2 Timothy 2:8a, 11–13 · 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.

Scripture: Psalm 97:1–3 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain); 2 Timothy 2:8a, 11–13 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)

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