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
Feed me with what endures when lesser lights fade.
Psalm
Give your judgment, O God, to the king, and your justice to the king’s son, to judge your people with justice and your poor with judgment. For he will free the poor from the powerful, and the poor one who has no helper. He will spare the poor and the indigent, and he will bring salvation to the souls of the poor.
Psalm 71:1–2, 12–13 · 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
1 Thessalonians 5:2–6 For you yourselves thoroughly understand that the day of the Lord shall arrive much like a thief in the night. For when they will say, “Peace and security!” then destruction will suddenly overwhelm them, like the labor pains of a woman with child, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness, so that you would be overtaken by that day as by a thief. For all of you are sons of light and sons of daytime; we are not of nighttime, nor of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep, as the rest do. Instead, we should be vigilant and sober. — 1 Thessalonians 5:2–6 · 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.