An Order of Compline or Night Prayer



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 for reflection on the past day may follow.]



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.

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 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.





Psalm 4

Refrain: In peace I will lie down and sleep.


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

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

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

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

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

There are many that say, 'Who will show us any good?' o
Lord, lift up the light of your countenance upon us.

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

In peace I will lie down and sleep, o
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]

Glory 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.

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.





[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.

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

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

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 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.

Intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered here.



Almighty God,
you have created the heavens and the earth
and made us in your own image:
teach us to discern your hand in all your works
and your likeness in all your children;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns supreme over all things,
now and for ever.
Amen.

[The Conclusion]

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.



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.