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The Beauty of Night Prayer
Night Prayer,
also called Compline, is probably my favorite hour of the divine office each
day. It begins with the typical "God, come to my assistance. - Lord,
make haste to help me." and a hymn (one of which includes "Holy
God", which is definitely my favorite hymn). However, then
you have a quick examination of conscience, which, for me at least, is a great
time to also set some virtuous goal(s) for tomorrow, and one psalmody. I
can almost always find something meaningful or applicable in these psalms. (Examples
follow):
Psalm 16:
Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you. I say to the Lord:
"You are my God. My happiness lies in you alone."
Psalm 130:
My soul is longing for the Lord more than watchman for the daybreak.
Psalm 134:
May the Lord bless you from Zion, he who made both heaven and earth.
Ok, so then
comes my favorite part: the responsory, canticle, closing prayer, and antiphon
to Mary. I’ll let them speak for themselves:
Responsory:
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.
– Into your hands,
Lord, I commend my spirit.
You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth.
– I commend my
spirit.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
– Into your hands,
Lord, I commend my spirit.
Gospel
Canticle
Ant. Protect us, Lord, as we
stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with
Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace.
Luke 2:29-32
Lord, now 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.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be forever. Amen.
Ant. Protect us, Lord,
as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with
Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace.
Antiphon to
Mary: (there are several options, but my favorites are the Alma Redemptoris
Mater and Salve Regina.)
I don’t know
exactly why I like night prayer so much, but it is such a good way to wind down
for bed – you know, putting yourself in God’s and Mary’s hands. Good Stuff!
Our Salve at Brute is almost as good as this one...
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