Opening
O Lord, open my lips. And my mouth will announce your praise. — From Psalm 51
Hymn
Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me. I need Thy presence every passing hour. What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power? Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me. — Henry Francis Lyte (public domain)
Psalmody
Antiphon
Speak, Lord — your servant is listening in the quiet.
Psalm
May God have mercy on us and bless us. May he shine his countenance upon us, and may he have mercy on us. So may we know your way upon the earth, your salvation among all nations. Let the peoples confess to you, O God. Let all the peoples confess to you.
Psalm 66:2–4 · 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
Speak, Lord — your servant is listening in the quiet.
Reading
Romans 14:12–13, 17–19 And so, each one of us shall offer an explanation of himself to God. Therefore, we should no longer judge one another. Instead, judge this to a greater extent: that you should not place an obstacle before your brother, nor lead him astray. For the kingdom of God is not food and drink, but rather justice and peace and joy, in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in this, pleases God and is proven before men. And so, let us pursue the things that are of peace, and let us keep to the things that are for the edification of one another. — Romans 14:12–13, 17–19 · 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
Holy Spirit, seal what you have begun in me. Stay with me in work and rest, in joy and trial. Amen.
Silence
If you can, rest in quiet for half a minute before you rise.