The close of day · Night prayer
Compline
Before the night, we lay down the burden of the day.
A traditional form of prayer for every evening
The Opening
The invocation
Stand. Make the sign of the cross.
V. O God, come to my assistance.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
A moment of silence is kept.
The Psalm
Psalm 4 · Cum invocarem
Sit, or remain standing.
In peace will I lay me down, and take my rest.
1Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.
2O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing?
3But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him.
4Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still.
5Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.
6There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.
7Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
8I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.
In peace will I lay me down, and take my rest.
The Reading
1 Peter 5:8–9
Listen to the word of God.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist stedfast in the faith."
V. Thanks be to God.
R. Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Nunc Dimittis
The song of Simeon · Luke 2:29–32
Stand. Make the sign of the cross.
Save us, O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping.
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Save us, O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping.
The Collect
A prayer for the night
Let us pray.
Visit, we beseech thee, O Lord, this place, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy; let thy holy angels dwell herein to preserve us in peace; and let thy blessing be upon us evermore; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
V. The Lord grant us a quiet night and a perfect end.
R. Amen.