The hours · Night Prayer (Compline)
Night Prayer (Compline)
The last prayer of the day, before sleep
Surrender the night · GILH 84
Opening Verse
Converte nos, Deus salutaris noster;
et averte iram tuam a nobis.
“Convert us, O God our saviour: and turn off thy anger from us.”
Psalm 85(84):5 · Douay-Rheims
Master of the Prado Adoration of the Magi
c. 1470s, National Gallery of Art, Washington
About this painting
Short Lesson
"Be sober and watch: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about seeking whom he may devour."
1 Peter 5:8 · Douay-Rheims · the lesson at Compline
Opening & Examination of Conscience
I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary ever-Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and to all the Saints, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I beseech blessed Mary ever-Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the Saints, to pray to the Lord our God for me.
Psalm 91 — Under God's Protection
He that dwelleth in the aid of the most High, shall abide under the protection of the God of Jacob. He shall say to the Lord: Thou art my protector, and my refuge: my God, in him will I trust. For he hath delivered me from the snare of the hunters: and from the sharp word. He will overshadow thee with his shoulders: and under his wings thou shalt trust. His truth shall compass thee with a shield: thou shalt not be afraid of the terror of the night.
Canticle of Simeon (Nunc Dimittis)
Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace: Because my eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: A light to the revelation of the Gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel.
Night Blessing
May the Almighty Lord grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.
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