At Noon

From Psalm 113

Give praise, you servants of the LORD; *
praise the Name of the LORD.
Let the Name of the LORD be blessed, *
from this time forth for evermore.
From the rising of the sun to its going down *
let the Name of the LORD be praised.
The LORD is high above all nations, *
and his glory above the heavens.

A Reading

O God, you will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are fixed on you; for in returning and rest we shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be our strength. Isaiah 26:3; 30:15
Prayers may be offered for ourselves and others.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father,
who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,

thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.

 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, for ever and ever.  Amen.

or

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your Name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours,
now and for ever.  Amen.

Meditation

It is the middle of the workweek and as much as past as is to come. It is a time for reflection on the week that been done and that which is to do. In Sirach (also known as Ecclesiasticus) 39:24-34 the writer looks at people in their daily work, focusing on the crafts and trades. He writes that [workers] sustain the structure of the world and their prayer is the work of their hands. Is our prayer in our work? St. Francis suggests that we should preach the gospel at all times, using words only when necessary. Does the good news of the Gospel show in our lives and our work?

Prayer

Lord, Let me show your love and your good news in my work and in my life. Help me to make all that I do a witness. Give me strength and courage, endurance and wisdom, that I may do your will. Amen

The Collect

Blessed Savior, at this hour you hung upon the cross, stretching out your loving arms: Grant that all the peoples of the earth may look to you and be saved; for your mercies´ sake. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles, Peace I give to you; my own peace I leave with you: Regard not our sins, but the faith of your Church, and give to us the peace and unity of that heavenly City, where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, now and for ever. Amen.