Evening Prayer
This simple evening prayer follows the shape of Compline, the Church’s ancient prayer at the end of the day. It opens with a call for God’s help, rests on a verse from Psalm 4 and the Song of Simeon from Luke’s Gospel, and closes with the Our Father and a blessing for a quiet night.
V. O God, come to my assistance. R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, for you alone, Yahweh, make me live in safety.
Now you are releasing your servant, Master, according to your word, in peace; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all peoples; a light for revelation to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.
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. Amen.
May the almighty and merciful Lord grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.