Wednesday, February 26
The Midday Office To Be Observed on the Hour or Half Hour Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m

Wednesday, First Week of Lent


The Call to Prayer
Sing to the LORD a new song;* sing his praise in the congregation of the faithful.
Psalm 149:1

The Request for Presence
You are good and you bring forth good;* instruct me in your statutes.
Psalm 119:68


The Greeting

Be exalted, O LORD, in your might;* we will sing and praise your power.
Psalm 21:14

The Refrain for the Midday Lessons

It is better to rely on the LORD* than to put any trust in flesh. It is better to rely on the LORD* than to put any trust in rulers.
Psalm 118:8–9

A Reading

For all humanity is grass, and all its beauty like the wildflower’s. As grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of the Lord remains for ever. And this Word is the Good News that has been brought to you.
I Peter 1:24–25

The Refrain

It is better to rely on the LORD* than to put any trust in flesh. It is better to rely on the LORD* than to put any trust in rulers.

The Midday Psalm

The Judgments of the LORD Are Sweeter Far Than Honey

The law of the LORD is perfect and revives the soul;* the testimony of the LORD is sure and gives wisdom to the innocent. The statutes of the LORD are just and rejoice the heart;* the commandment of the LORD is clear and gives light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean and endures for ever;* the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, more than much fine gold,* sweeter far than honey, than honey in the comb. By them also is your servant enlightened,* and in keeping them there is great reward.
Psalm 19:7–11

The Refrain

It is better to rely on the LORD* than to put any trust in flesh. It is better to rely on the LORD* than to put any trust in rulers.

The Gloria

Glory be to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, so it is now and so it shall ever be, world without end. Alleluia. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your Name. May your kingdom come, and 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. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for yours are the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

The Prayer Appointed for the Week

O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept my prayers; and because in my weakness I can do nothing good without you, give me the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments I may please you in both will and deed; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. †

The Concluding Prayer of the Church

God of justice, God of mercy, bless all those who are surprised with pain this day from suffering caused by their own weakness or that of others. Let what we suffer teach us to be merciful; let our sins teach us to forgive. This I ask through the intercession of Jesus and all who died forgiving those who oppressed them. Amen. †