Night Prayer (Compline) in Contemporary Language

Preparation

The Lord almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end.
AllAmen.

Our help is in the name of the Lord
Allwho made heaven and earth.

A period of silence for reflection on the past day may follow.

The following or other suitable words of penitence may be used.

AllMost merciful God,
we confess to you,
before the whole company of heaven and one another,
that we have sinned in thought, word and deed
and in what we have failed to do.
Forgive us our sins,
heal us by your Spirit
and raise us to new life in Christ. Amen.

O God, make speed to save us.
AllO Lord, make haste to help us.

AllGlory to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning is now
and shall be for ever. Amen.
Alleluia.

The following or other suitable hymn may be sung.

Before the ending of the day,
Creator of the world, we pray
That you, with steadfast love, would keep
Your watch around us while we sleep.

From evil dreams defend our sight,
From fears and terrors of the night;
Tread underfoot our deadly foe
That we no sinful thought may know.

O Father, that we ask be done
Through Jesus Christ, your only Son;
And Holy Spirit, by whose breath
Our souls are raised to life from death.

The Word of God

Psalmody

Psalm 4

Refrain: In peace I will lie down and sleep.

1Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness; ♦
you set me at liberty when I was in trouble;
have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

2How long will you nobles dishonour my glory; ♦
how long will you love vain things and seek after falsehood?

3But know that the Lord has shown me his marvellous kindness; ♦
when I call upon the Lord, he will hear me.

4Stand in awe, and sin not; ♦
commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. R

5Offer the sacrifices of righteousness ♦
and put your trust in the Lord.

6There are many that say, ‘Who will show us any good?’ ♦
Lord, lift up the light of your countenance upon us.

7You have put gladness in my heart, ♦
more than when their corn and wine and oil increase.

8In peace I will lie down and sleep, ♦
for it is you Lord, only, who make me dwell in safety.

Refrain: In peace I will lie down and sleep.

Give us today, O God,
a glad heart and a clear conscience,
that when we come to this day’s end
we may rest in peace with Christ our Lord.

At the end of the psalmody the following is said or sung

Scripture Reading

Thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.

Isaiah 30.15

The following responsory may be said

Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
AllInto your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
For you have redeemed me, Lord God of truth.
AllI commend my spirit.
Glory to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit.
AllInto your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Keep me as the apple of your eye.
AllHide me under the shadow of your wings.

Gospel Canticle

The Nunc Dimittis (Song of Simeon) is said or sung.

Refrain:

All Save us, O Lord, while waking,
and guard us while sleeping,
that awake we may watch with Christ
and asleep may rest in peace. Alleluia.

1Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace: ♦
your word has been fulfilled.

2My own eyes have seen the salvation ♦
which you have prepared in the sight of every people;

3A light to reveal you to the nations ♦
and the glory of your people Israel.

Luke 2.29-32

AllGlory to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning is now
and shall be for ever. Amen.

Refrain:

All Save us, O Lord, while waking,
and guard us while sleeping,
that awake we may watch with Christ
and asleep may rest in peace. Alleluia.