Compline (Night Prayer) from Celebrating Common Prayer, adapted for my use.
Sunday & Eastertide
THE PREPARATION
The Lord almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.
Our help is in the name of the Lord
Who made heaven and earth.
A period of silence follows, for reflection on the past day. Words of penitence may be used; the following or some other.
Most 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.
Or:
Most merciful God,
I confess to you,
before the whole company of heaven
that I have greatly sinned,
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done
and in what I have failed to do,
through my fault,
through my fault,
through my most grievous fault.
Forgive me my sins,
heal me by your Spirit
and raise me to new life in Christ. Amen.
Or:
Holy God,
holy and strong,
holy and immortal:
have mercy on us.
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and shall be forever.
Amen. [Alleluja! (Omitted in Lent)]
A HYMN may be sung, the following or some other.
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 under foot our deadly foe
That we no sinful thought may know.
Doxology: Default | Advent | Christmas | Epiphany | Lent | Easter | Pentecost | Kingdom
in Ordinary Time
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. Amen.
in Eastertide
All praise be yours, O risen Lord,
From death to endless life restored;
Whom, with the Father, we adore
And Holy Spirit evermore. Amen.
in Advent
To you, O Christ, all glory be,
Whose advent sets your people free;
Whom, with the Father, we adore,
And Holy Spirit, evermore. Amen.
in Christmastide
Lord Jesus, King of heaven and earth:
We praise you for your virgin birth;
You are the Father’s only Son,
With God the Spirit, ever one. Amen.
in Epiphanytide
Your glory, Christ, is manifest:
All peoples, Lord, by you are blest;
Whom, with the Father, we adore,
And Holy Spirit evermore. Amen.
in Passiontide
To you, O saving Three in One,
Let homage due by all be done;
And grant us, by the cross restored,
To share the Victor’s great reward. Amen.
in Pentecosttide
To God the Father, God the Son,
And God the Spirit praise be done:
May Christ the Lord upon us pour
The Spirit’s gift for evermore. Amen.
in Kingdomtide
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. Amen.
THE WORD OF GOD
THE RESPONSORY may be said.
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
For you have redeemed me, Lord God of truth.
I commend my spirit. (Or: Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Keep me as the apple of your eye.
Hide me under the shadow of your wings.
| R: | Save us,* O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep may rest in peace. |
| Or, in the Kingdom season: | |
| R: | O King most blessèd,* on the day of judgement number us among your chosen. |
| Or, on feasts: | |
| R: | Grant us your light, O Lord,* that the darkness of our hearts being overcome, we may receive the true light, even Christ our Saviour. |
| 1 | Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace:* your word has been fulfilled. |
| 2 | My own eyes have seen the salvation* which you have prepared in the sight of every people; |
| 3 | A light to reveal you to the nations* and the glory of your people Israel. |
| Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be forever. Amen. Alleluja! (Omitted in Lent). |
|
| The refrain is repeated after the canticle. | |
THE PRAYERS
Intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered here, or at any point in this section.
THE COLLECT: one of the following or some other.
Almighty God,
by triumphing over the powers of darkness
Christ has prepared a place for us
in the new Jerusalem:
may we, who have this day given thanks
for his resurrection,
praise him in the eternal city
of which he is the light;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Or (and especially in Easter Time):
Lighten our darkness,
Lord, we pray;
and in your mercy defend us
from all perils and dangers of this night;
for the love of your only Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER may be said.
[As we come to the ending of the day,
let us pray as our Redeemer has taught us:]
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,
the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever.] Amen.
THE BLESSING
In peace, we will lie down and sleep;
For you alone, Lord, make us dwell in safety.
Abide with us, Lord Jesus,
For the night is at hand and the day is now past.
As the night-watch looks for the morning,
So do we look for you, O Christ.
[Come with the dawning of the day
And make yourself known
in the breaking of the bread.]
May the risen Lord Jesus watch over us and renew us
as he renews the whole of creation.
May our hearts and lives echo his love. Amen.
A devotional ANTHEM may be sung here.
Monday & Pentecost
THE PREPARATION
The Lord almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.
Our help is in the name of the Lord
Who made heaven and earth.
A period of silence follows, for reflection on the past day. Words of penitence may be used; the following or some other.
Most 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.
Or:
Most merciful God,
I confess to you,
before the whole company of heaven
that I have greatly sinned,
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done
and in what I have failed to do,
through my fault,
through my fault,
through my most grievous fault.
Forgive me my sins,
heal me by your Spirit
and raise me to new life in Christ. Amen.
Or:
Holy God,
holy and strong,
holy and immortal:
have mercy on us.
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and shall be forever.
Amen. [Alleluja! (Omitted in Lent)]
A HYMN may be sung, the following or some other.
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 under foot our deadly foe
That we no sinful thought may know.
Doxology: Default | Advent | Christmas | Epiphany | Lent | Easter | Pentecost | Kingdom
in Ordinary Time
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. Amen.
in Eastertide
All praise be yours, O risen Lord,
From death to endless life restored;
Whom, with the Father, we adore
And Holy Spirit evermore. Amen.
in Advent
To you, O Christ, all glory be,
Whose advent sets your people free;
Whom, with the Father, we adore,
And Holy Spirit, evermore. Amen.
in Christmastide
Lord Jesus, King of heaven and earth:
We praise you for your virgin birth;
You are the Father’s only Son,
With God the Spirit, ever one. Amen.
in Epiphanytide
Your glory, Christ, is manifest:
All peoples, Lord, by you are blest;
Whom, with the Father, we adore,
And Holy Spirit evermore. Amen.
in Passiontide
To you, O saving Three in One,
Let homage due by all be done;
And grant us, by the cross restored,
To share the Victor’s great reward. Amen.
in Pentecosttide
To God the Father, God the Son,
And God the Spirit praise be done:
May Christ the Lord upon us pour
The Spirit’s gift for evermore. Amen.
in Kingdomtide
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. Amen.
THE WORD OF GOD
THE READING: one of the following or some other.
In returning and rest, you shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be your strength.
Isaiah 30. 15
Or (and especially in Pentecost):
I will pour out my spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.
The old shall dream dreams and the young see visions.Joel 2. 28
Or (and especially on feasts of Apostles & Evangelists or Missionaries):
You are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord.
Ephesians 2. 19-21
THE RESPONSORY may be said.
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
For you have redeemed me, Lord God of truth.
I commend my spirit. (Or: Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Keep me as the apple of your eye.
Hide me under the shadow of your wings.
| R: | Save us,* O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep may rest in peace. |
| Or, in the Kingdom season: | |
| R: | O King most blessèd,* on the day of judgement number us among your chosen. |
| Or, on feasts: | |
| R: | Grant us your light, O Lord,* that the darkness of our hearts being overcome, we may receive the true light, even Christ our Saviour. |
| 1 | Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace:* your word has been fulfilled. |
| 2 | My own eyes have seen the salvation* which you have prepared in the sight of every people; |
| 3 | A light to reveal you to the nations* and the glory of your people Israel. |
| Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be forever. Amen. Alleluja! (Omitted in Lent). |
|
| The refrain is repeated after the canticle. | |
THE PRAYERS
Intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered here, or at any point in this section.
THE COLLECT: one of the following or some other.
Be present, O merciful God,
and protect us through the silent hours of this night,
so that we who are wearied by the changes
and chances of this fleeting world,
may rest upon your eternal changelessness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 6*
Or (and especially in Pentecost):
Come, O Spirit of God,
and make within us your dwelling place and home.
May our darkness be dispelled by your light,
and our troubles calmed by your peace;
may all evil be redeemed by your love,
all pain transformed through the suffering of Christ,
and all dying glorified in his risen life. Amen. 7*
THE LORD’S PRAYER may be said.
[As we come to the ending of the day,
let us pray as our Redeemer has taught us:]
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,
the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever.] Amen.
THE BLESSING
In peace, we will lie down and sleep;
For you alone, Lord, make us dwell in safety.
Abide with us, Lord Jesus,
For the night is at hand and the day is now past.
As the night-watch looks for the morning,
So do we look for you, O Christ.
[Come with the dawning of the day
And make yourself known
in the breaking of the bread.]
On Mondays:
The Lord bless us and watch over us,
the Lord make his face shine upon us
and be gracious to us,
the Lord look kindly on us and give us peace. Amen.
Or in Pentecost:
May the Holy Spirit of God bless and sanctify us
so that we may be consecrated in the truth. Amen.
May the Holy Spirit of God bless and sanctify us
so that we may be consecrated in the truth. Amen.
A devotional ANTHEM may be sung here.
Tuesday & Advent
THE PREPARATION
The Lord almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.
Our help is in the name of the Lord
Who made heaven and earth.
A period of silence follows, for reflection on the past day. Words of penitence may be used; the following or some other.
Most 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.
Or:
Most merciful God,
I confess to you,
before the whole company of heaven
that I have greatly sinned,
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done
and in what I have failed to do,
through my fault,
through my fault,
through my most grievous fault.
Forgive me my sins,
heal me by your Spirit
and raise me to new life in Christ. Amen.
Or:
Holy God,
holy and strong,
holy and immortal:
have mercy on us.
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and shall be forever.
Amen. [Alleluja! (Omitted in Lent)]
A HYMN may be sung, the following or some other.
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 under foot our deadly foe
That we no sinful thought may know.
Doxology: Default | Advent | Christmas | Epiphany | Lent | Easter | Pentecost | Kingdom
in Ordinary Time
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. Amen.
in Eastertide
All praise be yours, O risen Lord,
From death to endless life restored;
Whom, with the Father, we adore
And Holy Spirit evermore. Amen.
in Advent
To you, O Christ, all glory be,
Whose advent sets your people free;
Whom, with the Father, we adore,
And Holy Spirit, evermore. Amen.
in Christmastide
Lord Jesus, King of heaven and earth:
We praise you for your virgin birth;
You are the Father’s only Son,
With God the Spirit, ever one. Amen.
in Epiphanytide
Your glory, Christ, is manifest:
All peoples, Lord, by you are blest;
Whom, with the Father, we adore,
And Holy Spirit evermore. Amen.
in Passiontide
To you, O saving Three in One,
Let homage due by all be done;
And grant us, by the cross restored,
To share the Victor’s great reward. Amen.
in Pentecosttide
To God the Father, God the Son,
And God the Spirit praise be done:
May Christ the Lord upon us pour
The Spirit’s gift for evermore. Amen.
in Kingdomtide
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. Amen.
THE WORD OF GOD
THE READING: one of the following or some other.
Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11. 28-30
Or (and especially in Advent):
Watch, therefore – for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning – lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Watch.
Mark 13. 35-end
Or (and especially on feasts of Religious):
Blessèd are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven; blessèd are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Matthew 5. 3, 8
THE RESPONSORY may be said.
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
For you have redeemed me, Lord God of truth.
I commend my spirit. (Or: Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Keep me as the apple of your eye.
Hide me under the shadow of your wings.
| R: | Save us,* O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep may rest in peace. |
| Or, in the Kingdom season: | |
| R: | O King most blessèd,* on the day of judgement number us among your chosen. |
| Or, on feasts: | |
| R: | Grant us your light, O Lord,* that the darkness of our hearts being overcome, we may receive the true light, even Christ our Saviour. |
| 1 | Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace:* your word has been fulfilled. |
| 2 | My own eyes have seen the salvation* which you have prepared in the sight of every people; |
| 3 | A light to reveal you to the nations* and the glory of your people Israel. |
| Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be forever. Amen. Alleluja! (Omitted in Lent). |
|
| The refrain is repeated after the canticle. | |
THE PRAYERS
Intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered here, or at any point in this section.
THE COLLECT: one of the following or some other.
THE COLLECT: one of the following or some other.
Look down, O God,
from your heavenly throne,
illuminate the darkness of this night
with your celestial brightness,
and from the children of light
banish the deeds of darkness;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Or:
Lighten our darkness,
Lord, we pray;
and in your mercy defend us from all perils
and dangers of this night;
for the love of your only Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Or, in Advent:
Stir up your power, O God,
and come among us.
Heal our wounds,
calm our fears
and give us peace;
through Jesus our Redeemer. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER may be said.
[As we come to the ending of the day,
let us pray as our Redeemer has taught us:]
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,
the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever.] Amen.
THE BLESSING
In peace, we will lie down and sleep;
For you alone, Lord, make us dwell in safety.
Abide with us, Lord Jesus,
For the night is at hand and the day is now past.
As the night-watch looks for the morning,
So do we look for you, O Christ.
[Come with the dawning of the day
And make yourself known
in the breaking of the bread.]
Restore us again, O God of hosts,
Show us the light of your countenance
and we shall be saved.
Bless and keep us, this night and always. Amen.
A devotional ANTHEM may be sung here.
Wednesday & Christmastide
THE PREPARATION
The Lord almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.
Our help is in the name of the Lord
Who made heaven and earth.
A period of silence follows, for reflection on the past day. Words of penitence may be used; the following or some other.
Most 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.
Or:
Most merciful God,
I confess to you,
before the whole company of heaven
that I have greatly sinned,
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done
and in what I have failed to do,
through my fault,
through my fault,
through my most grievous fault.
Forgive me my sins,
heal me by your Spirit
and raise me to new life in Christ. Amen.
Or:
Holy God,
holy and strong,
holy and immortal:
have mercy on us.
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and shall be forever.
Amen. [Alleluja! (Omitted in Lent)]
A HYMN may be sung, the following or some other.
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 under foot our deadly foe
That we no sinful thought may know.
Doxology: Default | Advent | Christmas | Epiphany | Lent | Easter | Pentecost | Kingdom
in Ordinary Time
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. Amen.
in Eastertide
All praise be yours, O risen Lord,
From death to endless life restored;
Whom, with the Father, we adore
And Holy Spirit evermore. Amen.
in Advent
To you, O Christ, all glory be,
Whose advent sets your people free;
Whom, with the Father, we adore,
And Holy Spirit, evermore. Amen.
in Christmastide
Lord Jesus, King of heaven and earth:
We praise you for your virgin birth;
You are the Father’s only Son,
With God the Spirit, ever one. Amen.
in Epiphanytide
Your glory, Christ, is manifest:
All peoples, Lord, by you are blest;
Whom, with the Father, we adore,
And Holy Spirit evermore. Amen.
in Passiontide
To you, O saving Three in One,
Let homage due by all be done;
And grant us, by the cross restored,
To share the Victor’s great reward. Amen.
in Pentecosttide
To God the Father, God the Son,
And God the Spirit praise be done:
May Christ the Lord upon us pour
The Spirit’s gift for evermore. Amen.
in Kingdomtide
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. Amen.
THE WORD OF GOD
THE READING: one of the following or some other.
Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that in due time you may be exalted. Cast all your anxieties on God, who cares about you.
1 Peter 5. 6-7
Or:
In him was life and the life was the light of all. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1. 4-5
Or on feasts of the BVM:
Mary said, Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.
Luke 1. 38
THE RESPONSORY may be said.
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
For you have redeemed me, Lord God of truth.
I commend my spirit. (Or: Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Keep me as the apple of your eye.
Hide me under the shadow of your wings.
| R: | Save us,* O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep may rest in peace. |
| Or, in the Kingdom season: | |
| R: | O King most blessèd,* on the day of judgement number us among your chosen. |
| Or, on feasts: | |
| R: | Grant us your light, O Lord,* that the darkness of our hearts being overcome, we may receive the true light, even Christ our Saviour. |
| 1 | Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace:* your word has been fulfilled. |
| 2 | My own eyes have seen the salvation* which you have prepared in the sight of every people; |
| 3 | A light to reveal you to the nations* and the glory of your people Israel. |
| Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be forever. Amen. Alleluja! (Omitted in Lent). |
|
| The refrain is repeated after the canticle. | |
THE PRAYERS
Intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered here, or at any point in this section.
THE COLLECT: one of the following or some other.
Intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered here, or at any point in this section.
THE COLLECT: one of the following or some other.
Visit this house, O Lord, we pray,
drive far from it all the snares of the enemy;
may your holy angels dwell with us
and guard us in peace
and may your blessing be always upon us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Or:
Lighten our darkness,
Lord, we pray;
and in your mercy defend us from all perils
and dangers of this night;
for the love of your only Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Or, in Christmastide:
We give you thanks, O God,
for the gift to the world of our Redeemer;
as we sing your glory at the close of this day,
so may we know his presence in our hearts,
who is our Saviour and our Lord,
now and for ever. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER may be said.
[As we come to the ending of the day,
let us pray as our Redeemer has taught us:]
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,
the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever.] Amen.
THE BLESSING
In peace, we will lie down and sleep;
For you alone, Lord, make us dwell in safety.
Abide with us, Lord Jesus,
For the night is at hand and the day is now past.
As the night-watch looks for the morning,
So do we look for you, O Christ.
[Come with the dawning of the day
And make yourself known
in the breaking of the bread.]
May the love of the Word made flesh enfold us,
his joy fill our lives,
his peace be in our hearts;
and the blessing of God be with us
this night and always. Amen.
A devotional ANTHEM may be sung here.
Thursday & daily in Epiphanytide
THE PREPARATION
The Lord almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.
Our help is in the name of the Lord
Who made heaven and earth.
A period of silence follows, for reflection on the past day. Words of penitence may be used; the following or some other.
Most 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.
Or:
Most merciful God,
I confess to you,
before the whole company of heaven
that I have greatly sinned,
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done
and in what I have failed to do,
through my fault,
through my fault,
through my most grievous fault.
Forgive me my sins,
heal me by your Spirit
and raise me to new life in Christ. Amen.
Or:
Holy God,
holy and strong,
holy and immortal:
have mercy on us.
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and shall be forever.
Amen. [Alleluja! (Omitted in Lent)]
A HYMN may be sung, the following or some other.
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 under foot our deadly foe
That we no sinful thought may know.
Doxology: Default | Advent | Christmas | Epiphany | Lent | Easter | Pentecost | Kingdom
in Ordinary Time
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. Amen.
in Eastertide
All praise be yours, O risen Lord,
From death to endless life restored;
Whom, with the Father, we adore
And Holy Spirit evermore. Amen.
in Advent
To you, O Christ, all glory be,
Whose advent sets your people free;
Whom, with the Father, we adore,
And Holy Spirit, evermore. Amen.
in Christmastide
Lord Jesus, King of heaven and earth:
We praise you for your virgin birth;
You are the Father’s only Son,
With God the Spirit, ever one. Amen.
in Epiphanytide
Your glory, Christ, is manifest:
All peoples, Lord, by you are blest;
Whom, with the Father, we adore,
And Holy Spirit evermore. Amen.
in Passiontide
To you, O saving Three in One,
Let homage due by all be done;
And grant us, by the cross restored,
To share the Victor’s great reward. Amen.
in Pentecosttide
To God the Father, God the Son,
And God the Spirit praise be done:
May Christ the Lord upon us pour
The Spirit’s gift for evermore. Amen.
in Kingdomtide
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. Amen.
THE WORD OF GOD
THE RESPONSORY may be said.
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
For you have redeemed me, Lord God of truth.
I commend my spirit. (Or: Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Keep me as the apple of your eye.
Hide me under the shadow of your wings.
| R: | Save us,* O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep may rest in peace. |
| Or, in the Kingdom season: | |
| R: | O King most blessèd,* on the day of judgement number us among your chosen. |
| Or, on feasts: | |
| R: | Grant us your light, O Lord,* that the darkness of our hearts being overcome, we may receive the true light, even Christ our Saviour. |
| 1 | Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace:* your word has been fulfilled. |
| 2 | My own eyes have seen the salvation* which you have prepared in the sight of every people; |
| 3 | A light to reveal you to the nations* and the glory of your people Israel. |
| Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be forever. Amen. Alleluja! (Omitted in Lent). |
|
| The refrain is repeated after the canticle. | |
THE PRAYERS
Intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered here, or at any point in this section.
THE COLLECT: one of the following or some other.
THE LORD’S PRAYER may be said.
[As we come to the ending of the day,
let us pray as our Redeemer has taught us:]
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,
the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever.] Amen.
THE BLESSING
Thursday & daily in Epiphanytide
THE PREPARATION
The Lord almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.
Our help is in the name of the Lord
Who made heaven and earth.
A period of silence follows, for reflection on the past day. Words of penitence may be used; the following or some other.
Most 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.
Or:
Holy God,
holy and strong,
holy and immortal:
have mercy on us.
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and shall be forever.
Amen. [Alleluja! (Omitted in Lent)]
A HYMN may be sung, the following or some other.
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 under foot our deadly foe
That we no sinful thought may know.
Ordinary Doxology
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. Amen.
Epiphany Doxology
Your glory, Christ, is manifest:
All peoples, Lord, by you are blest;
Whom, with the Father, we adore,
And Holy Spirit evermore. Amen.
THE WORD OF GOD
THE PSALMODY
From PSALM 16
| 1 | Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you;* I have said to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord, my good above all other.’ |
| 2 | All my delight is upon the godly that are in the land,* upon those who are noble among the people. |
| 3 | O Lord, you are my portion and my cup;* it is you who uphold my lot. |
| 4 | My boundaries enclose a pleasant land;* indeed, I have a goodly heritage. |
| 5 | I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel;* my heart teaches me, night after night. |
| 6 | I have set the Lord always before me;* because he is at my right hand I shall not fall. |
| 7 | My heart, therefore, is glad and my spirit rejoices;* my body also shall rest in hope. |
| 8 | For you will not abandon me to the grave,* nor let your holy one see the Pit. |
| 9 | You will show me the path of life;* in your presence there is fullness of joy, and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore. |
The psalm may end with:
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and shall be forever.
Amen. [Alleluja! (Omitted in Lent)]
THE READING: one of the following or some other.
Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil is prowling round like a roaring lion, seeking for someone to devour. Resist him, strong in the faith.
1 Peter 5. 8, 9
Or (and especially in Epiphanytide):
The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all.
Titus 2. 11
Or on feasts of Teachers & Confessors or Bishops:
Wisdom guides us on straight paths; she shows us the kingdom of heaven and gives us knowledge of holy things.
Wisdom 10. 10
THE RESPONSORY may be said.
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
For you have redeemed me, Lord God of truth.
I commend my spirit. (Or: Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Keep me as the apple of your eye.
Hide me under the shadow of your wings.
THE GOSPEL CANTICLE: NUNC DIMITTIS (39)
| R: | Save us,* O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep may rest in peace. |
| Or, on the feast of the Epiphany: | |
| R: | Alleluia!* All they from Sheba shall come. Alleluia! They shall bring gold and incense. Alleluia! Alleluia! |
| Or, in Epiphanytide: | |
| R: | Alleluia!* Christ the light of the world, alleluia! has manifested his glory. Alleluia! Alleluia! |
| Or, on feasts: | |
| R: | Grant us your light, O Lord,* that the darkness of our hearts being overcome, we may receive the true light, even Christ our Saviour. |
| 1 | Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace:* your word has been fulfilled. |
| 2 | My own eyes have seen the salvation* which you have prepared in the sight of every people; |
| 3 | A light to reveal you to the nations* and the glory of your people Israel. Luke 2. 29-32 |
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and shall be forever.
Amen. [Alleluja! (Omitted in Lent)]
The refrain is repeated after the canticle.
THE PRAYERS
Intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered here, or at any point in this section.
THE COLLECT: one of the following or some other.
Lighten our darkness,
Lord, we pray;
and in your mercy defend us from all perils
and dangers of this night;
for the love of your only Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Or:
King of kings and Lord of lords,
making the true light to shine:
lighten our darkness now and evermore
that with our lips
and in our lives
we may praise you;
for you are our God, now and for ever. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER may be said.
[As we come to the ending of the day,
let us pray as our Redeemer has taught us:]
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,
the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever.] Amen.
A devotional ANTHEM may be sung here, or after the blessing.
THE BLESSING
In peace, we will lie down and sleep;
For you alone, Lord, make us dwell in safety.
Abide with us, Lord Jesus,
For the night is at hand and the day is now past.
As the night-watch looks for the morning,
So do we look for you, O Christ.
[Come with the dawning of the day
And make yourself known
in the breaking of the bread.]
May God’s love surround us,
God’s joy fill our lives,
God’s peace be in our hearts,
and God’s blessing be with us
this night and always. Amen.
Or (and especially in Epiphanytide):
May the living waters of Christ cleanse us,
may the Spirit descend upon us,
and the blessing of God be with us
this night and always. Amen.
Or (and especially at the Presentation):
May Christ our light fill our darkness with his radiance,
and God’s blessing be always upon us. Amen.
THE PREPARATION
The Lord almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.
Our help is in the name of the Lord
Who made heaven and earth.
A period of silence follows, for reflection on the past day. Words of penitence may be used; the following or some other.
Most 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.
Or:
Most merciful God,
I confess to you,
before the whole company of heaven
that I have greatly sinned,
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done
and in what I have failed to do,
through my fault,
through my fault,
through my most grievous fault.
Forgive me my sins,
heal me by your Spirit
and raise me to new life in Christ. Amen.
Or:
Holy God,
holy and strong,
holy and immortal:
have mercy on us.
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and shall be forever.
Amen. [Alleluja! (Omitted in Lent)]
A HYMN may be sung, the following or some other.
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 under foot our deadly foe
That we no sinful thought may know.
Doxology: Default | Advent | Christmas | Epiphany | Lent | Easter | Pentecost | Kingdom
in Ordinary Time
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. Amen.
in Eastertide
All praise be yours, O risen Lord,
From death to endless life restored;
Whom, with the Father, we adore
And Holy Spirit evermore. Amen.
in Advent
To you, O Christ, all glory be,
Whose advent sets your people free;
Whom, with the Father, we adore,
And Holy Spirit, evermore. Amen.
in Christmastide
Lord Jesus, King of heaven and earth:
We praise you for your virgin birth;
You are the Father’s only Son,
With God the Spirit, ever one. Amen.
in Epiphanytide
Your glory, Christ, is manifest:
All peoples, Lord, by you are blest;
Whom, with the Father, we adore,
And Holy Spirit evermore. Amen.
in Passiontide
To you, O saving Three in One,
Let homage due by all be done;
And grant us, by the cross restored,
To share the Victor’s great reward. Amen.
in Pentecosttide
To God the Father, God the Son,
And God the Spirit praise be done:
May Christ the Lord upon us pour
The Spirit’s gift for evermore. Amen.
in Kingdomtide
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. Amen.
THE WORD OF GOD
THE RESPONSORY may be said.
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
For you have redeemed me, Lord God of truth.
I commend my spirit. (Or: Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Keep me as the apple of your eye.
Hide me under the shadow of your wings.
| R: | Save us,* O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep may rest in peace. |
| Or, in the Kingdom season: | |
| R: | O King most blessèd,* on the day of judgement number us among your chosen. |
| Or, on feasts: | |
| R: | Grant us your light, O Lord,* that the darkness of our hearts being overcome, we may receive the true light, even Christ our Saviour. |
| 1 | Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace:* your word has been fulfilled. |
| 2 | My own eyes have seen the salvation* which you have prepared in the sight of every people; |
| 3 | A light to reveal you to the nations* and the glory of your people Israel. |
| Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be forever. Amen. Alleluja! (Omitted in Lent). |
|
| The refrain is repeated after the canticle. | |
THE PRAYERS
Intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered here, or at any point in this section.
THE COLLECT: one of the following or some other.
THE LORD’S PRAYER may be said.
[As we come to the ending of the day,
let us pray as our Redeemer has taught us:]
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,
the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever.] Amen.
Friday & daily in Lent & Passiontide
THE PREPARATION
The Lord almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.
Our help is in the name of the Lord
Who made heaven and earth.
A period of silence follows, for reflection on the past day. Words of penitence may be used; the following or some other.
Most 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.
Or:
Holy God,
holy and strong,
holy and immortal:
have mercy on us.
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and shall be forever.
Amen. [Alleluja! (Omitted in Lent)]
A HYMN may be sung, the following or some other.
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 under foot our deadly foe
That we no sinful thought may know.
Ordinary Doxology
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. Amen.
Lent Doxology
Grant, ever blessèd Trinity,
And ever perfect Unity,
That this, our fast of forty days,
May work our profit and your praise. Amen.
Passiontide Doxology
To you, O saving Three in One,
Let homage due by all be done;
And grant us, by the cross restored,
To share the Victor’s great reward. Amen.
THE WORD OF GOD
THE PSALMODY
From PSALM 139
| 1 | Lord, you have searched me out and known me;* you know my sitting down and my rising up; you discern my thoughts from afar. |
| 2 | You trace my journeys and my resting-places* and are acquainted with all my ways. |
| 3 | Indeed, there is not a word on my lips,* but you, O Lord, know it altogether. |
| 4 | You press upon me behind and before* and lay your hand upon me. |
| 5 | Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;* it is so high that I cannot attain to it. |
| 6 | Where can I go then from your Spirit?* where can I flee from your presence? |
| 7 | If I climb up to heaven, you are there;* if I make the grave my bed, you are there also. |
| 8 | If I take the wings of the morning* and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, |
| 9 | Even there your hand will lead me* and your right hand hold me fast. |
| 10 | If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will cover me,* and the light around me turn to night’, |
| 11 | Darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day;* darkness and light to you are both alike. |
| 12 | For you yourself created my inmost parts;* you knit me together in my mother’s womb. |
| 13 | I will thank you because I am marvellously made;* your works are wonderful and I know it well. |
| 14 | My body was not hidden from you,* while I was being made in secret and woven in the depths of the earth. |
| 15 | Your eyes beheld my limbs, yet unfinished in the womb;* all of them were written in your book. |
| 16 | They were fashioned day by day,* when as yet there was none of them. |
| 17 | How deep I find your thoughts, O God!* how great is the sum of them! |
| 18 | If I were to count them, they would be more in number than the sand;* to count them all, my life span would need to be like yours. |
| 19 | Search me out, O God, and know my heart;* try me and know my restless thoughts. |
| 20 | Look well whether there be any wickedness in me* and lead me in the way that is everlasting. |
The psalm may end with:
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and shall be forever.
Amen. [Alleluja! (Omitted in Lent)]
THE READING: one of the following or some other.
God has not destined us to the terrors of judgement but to the full attainment of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we wake or sleep, we might live with him.
1 Thessalonians 5. 9-10
Or (and especially in Lent):
Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free and to break every yoke¿ Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them and not to hide yourself from your own kin?
Isaiah 58. 6, 7
Or (and especially in Passiontide):
On that day, I will pour out on my people a spirit of compassion so that, when they look on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a first-born.
Zechariah 12. 8, 10
Or on feasts of Martyrs:
Love is strong as death, passion fierce as the grave: its flashes are flashes of fire, a raging flame. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it.
Song of Songs 8. 6-7
THE RESPONSORY may be said.
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
For you have redeemed me, Lord God of truth.
I commend my spirit. (Or: Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Keep me as the apple of your eye.
Hide me under the shadow of your wings.
THE GOSPEL CANTICLE: NUNC DIMITTIS (39)
| R: | Save us,* O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep may rest in peace. |
| Or, in Lent: | |
| R: | Christ died for us,* so that, whether we wake or sleep, we might live with him. |
| Or, in Passiontide: | |
| R: | Christ himself bore our sins in his body on the tree,* that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. |
| Or, on feasts: | |
| R: | Grant us your light, O Lord,* that the darkness of our hearts being overcome, we may receive the true light, even Christ our Saviour. |
| 1 | Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace:* your word has been fulfilled. |
| 2 | My own eyes have seen the salvation* which you have prepared in the sight of every people; |
| 3 | A light to reveal you to the nations* and the glory of your people Israel. Luke 2. 29-32 |
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and shall be forever.
Amen. [Alleluja! (Omitted in Lent)]
The refrain is repeated after the canticle.
THE PRAYERS
Intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered here, or at any point in this section.
THE COLLECT: one of the following or some other.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God,
who at this evening hour lay in the tomb
and so hallowed the grave
to be a bed of hope
for all who put their trust in you:
give us such sorrow for our sins,
which were the cause of your passion,
that, when our bodies lie in the dust,
our souls may live with you for ever. Amen. 6*
Or in Lent:
Almighty God,
may we, by the prayer and discipline of Lent,
enter into the mystery of Christ’s sufferings;
that by following in the Way,
we may come to share in the glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Or (and especially in Passiontide):
Almighty God,
as we stand at the foot of the cross of your Son,
help us to see and know your love for us,
so that in humility, love and joy
we may place at his feet
all that we have and all that we are;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER may be said.
[As we come to the ending of the day,
let us pray as our Redeemer has taught us:]
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,
the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever.] Amen.
A devotional ANTHEM may be sung here, or after the blessing.
THE BLESSING
In peace, we will lie down and sleep;
For you alone, Lord, make us dwell in safety.
Abide with us, Lord Jesus,
For the night is at hand and the day is now past.
As the night-watch looks for the morning,
So do we look for you, O Christ.
[Come with the dawning of the day
And make yourself known
in the breaking of the bread.]
May God bless us,
that in us may be found love and humility,
obedience and thanksgiving,
discipline, gentleness and peace. Amen.
THE PREPARATION
The Lord almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.
Our help is in the name of the Lord
Who made heaven and earth.
A period of silence follows, for reflection on the past day. Words of penitence may be used; the following or some other.
Most 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.
Or:
Most merciful God,
I confess to you,
before the whole company of heaven
that I have greatly sinned,
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done
and in what I have failed to do,
through my fault,
through my fault,
through my most grievous fault.
Forgive me my sins,
heal me by your Spirit
and raise me to new life in Christ. Amen.
Or:
Holy God,
holy and strong,
holy and immortal:
have mercy on us.
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and shall be forever.
Amen. [Alleluja! (Omitted in Lent)]
A HYMN may be sung, the following or some other.
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 under foot our deadly foe
That we no sinful thought may know.
Doxology: Default | Advent | Christmas | Epiphany | Lent | Easter | Pentecost | Kingdom
in Ordinary Time
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. Amen.
in Eastertide
All praise be yours, O risen Lord,
From death to endless life restored;
Whom, with the Father, we adore
And Holy Spirit evermore. Amen.
in Advent
To you, O Christ, all glory be,
Whose advent sets your people free;
Whom, with the Father, we adore,
And Holy Spirit, evermore. Amen.
in Christmastide
Lord Jesus, King of heaven and earth:
We praise you for your virgin birth;
You are the Father’s only Son,
With God the Spirit, ever one. Amen.
in Epiphanytide
Your glory, Christ, is manifest:
All peoples, Lord, by you are blest;
Whom, with the Father, we adore,
And Holy Spirit evermore. Amen.
in Passiontide
To you, O saving Three in One,
Let homage due by all be done;
And grant us, by the cross restored,
To share the Victor’s great reward. Amen.
in Pentecosttide
To God the Father, God the Son,
And God the Spirit praise be done:
May Christ the Lord upon us pour
The Spirit’s gift for evermore. Amen.
in Kingdomtide
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. Amen.
THE WORD OF GOD
THE RESPONSORY may be said.
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
For you have redeemed me, Lord God of truth.
I commend my spirit. (Or: Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Keep me as the apple of your eye.
Hide me under the shadow of your wings.
| R: | Save us,* O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep may rest in peace. |
| Or, in the Kingdom season: | |
| R: | O King most blessèd,* on the day of judgement number us among your chosen. |
| Or, on feasts: | |
| R: | Grant us your light, O Lord,* that the darkness of our hearts being overcome, we may receive the true light, even Christ our Saviour. |
| 1 | Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace:* your word has been fulfilled. |
| 2 | My own eyes have seen the salvation* which you have prepared in the sight of every people; |
| 3 | A light to reveal you to the nations* and the glory of your people Israel. |
| Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be forever. Amen. Alleluja! (Omitted in Lent). |
|
| The refrain is repeated after the canticle. | |
THE PRAYERS
Intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered here, or at any point in this section.
THE COLLECT: one of the following or some other.
THE LORD’S PRAYER may be said.
[As we come to the ending of the day,
let us pray as our Redeemer has taught us:]
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,
the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever.] Amen.
Saturday & daily in the Kingdom Season
THE PREPARATION
The Lord almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.
Our help is in the name of the Lord
Who made heaven and earth.
A period of silence follows, for reflection on the past day. Words of penitence may be used; the following or some other.
Most 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.
Or:
Holy God,
holy and strong,
holy and immortal:
have mercy on us.
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and shall be forever.
Amen [Alleluja! (Omitted in Lent)].
A HYMN may be sung, the following or some other.
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 under foot our deadly foe
That we no sinful thought may know.
The following, or the appropriate seasonal doxology:
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. Amen.
THE WORD OF GOD
THE PSALMODY
One or more of the following psalms may be used.
| 1 | Answer me when I call, O God, defender of my cause;* you set me free when I am hard-pressed; have mercy on me and hear my prayer. |
| 2 | ‘You mortals, how long will you dishonour my glory;* how long will you worship dumb idols and run after false gods?’ |
| 3 | Know that the Lord does wonders for the faithful;* when I call upon the Lord, he will hear me. |
| 4 | Tremble, then, and do not sin;* speak to your heart in silence upon your bed. |
| 5 | Offer the appointed sacrifices* and put your trust in the Lord. |
| 6 | Many are saying, ‘O that we might see better times!’* Lift up the light of your countenance upon us, O Lord. |
| 7 | You have put gladness in my heart,* more than when grain and wine and oil increase. |
| 8 | I lie down in peace; at once I fall asleep;* for only you, Lord, make me dwell in safety. |
| 1 | He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High,* abides under the shadow of the Almighty. |
| 2 | He shall say to the Lord, ‘You are my refuge and my stronghold,* my God in whom I put my trust.’ |
| 3 | He shall deliver you from the snare of the hunter* and from the deadly pestilence. |
| 4 | He shall cover you with his pinions, and you shall find refuge under his wings;* his faithfulness shall be a shield and buckler. |
| 5 | You shall not be afraid of any terror by night,* nor of the arrow that flies by day; |
| 6 | Of the plague that stalks in the darkness,* nor of the sickness that lays waste at midday. |
| 7 | A thousand shall fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand,* but it shall not come near you. |
| 8 | Your eyes have only to behold* to see the reward of the wicked. |
| 9 | Because you have made the Lord your refuge,* and the Most High your habitation. |
| 10 | There shall no evil happen to you,* neither shall any plague come near your dwelling. |
| 11 | For he shall give his angels charge over you,* to keep you in all your ways. |
| 12 | They shall bear you in their hands,* lest you dash your foot against a stone. |
| 13 | You shall tread upon the lion and adder;* you shall trample the young lion and the serpent under your feet. |
| 14 | Because he is bound to me in love, therefore will I deliver him;* I will protect him, because he knows my name. |
| 15 | He shall call upon me and I will answer him;* I am with him in trouble, I will rescue him and bring him to honour. |
| 16 | With long life will I satisfy him,* and show him my salvation. |
| 1 | Behold now, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord,* you that stand by night in the house of the Lord. |
| 2 | Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the Lord;* the Lord who made heaven and earth bless you out of Zion. |
Each psalm, or group of psalms, may end with:
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and shall be forever.
Amen [Alleluja! (Omitted in Lent)].
THE READING: one of the following or some other.
There remains a sabbath rest for the people of God; for those who enter God’s rest also cease from their labours, as God did. Let us, therefore, strive to enter that rest.
Hebrews 4. 9-11
Or:
You, Lord, are in the midst of us and we are called by your name; leave us not, O Lord our God.
Jeremiah 14. 9
Or on feasts of any Saint:
Finally, belovèd, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and the God of peace will be with you.
THE RESPONSORY may be said.
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
For you have redeemed me, Lord God of truth.
I commend my spirit. (Or: Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Keep me as the apple of your eye.
Hide me under the shadow of your wings.
THE GOSPEL CANTICLE: NUNC DIMITTIS (39)
| R: | Save us,* O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep may rest in peace. |
| Or, in the Kingdom season: | |
| R: | O King most blessèd,* on the day of judgement number us among your chosen. |
| Or, on feasts: | |
| R: | Grant us your light, O Lord,* that the darkness of our hearts being overcome, we may receive the true light, even Christ our Saviour. |
| 1 | Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace:* your word has been fulfilled. |
| 2 | My own eyes have seen the salvation* which you have prepared in the sight of every people; |
| 3 | A light to reveal you to the nations* and the glory of your people Israel. Luke 2. 29-32 |
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and shall be forever.
Amen [Alleluja! (Omitted in Lent)].
The refrain is repeated after the canticle. When Night Prayer for Saturday is being used as standard, the appropriate seasonal refrain should be used.
THE PRAYERS
Intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered here, or at any point in this section.
THE COLLECT: one of the following or some other.
Come to visit us, O God, this night,
so that by your strength
we may rise with the new day
to rejoice in the resurrection of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Or:
Lighten our darkness,
Lord, we pray;
and in your mercy defend us
from all perils and dangers of this night;
for the love of your only Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER may be said.
[As we come to the ending of the day,
let us pray as our Redeemer has taught us:]
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,
the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever.] Amen.
A devotional ANTHEM may be sung here, or after the blessing.
THE BLESSING
In peace, we will lie down and sleep;
For you alone, Lord, make us dwell in safety.
Abide with us, Lord Jesus,
For the night is at hand and the day is now past.
As the night-watch looks for the morning,
So do we look for you, O Christ.
[Come with the dawning of the day
And make yourself known
in the breaking of the bread.]
The Lord bless us and watch over us;
the Lord make his face shine upon us
and be gracious to us;
the Lord look kindly on us
and give us peace. Amen.