Opening
God, come to my assistance. Lord, make haste to help me.
Hymn
Guard us through the dark, O Father; Watch beside the beds we keep. Drive away the fears that visit When the house is hushed in sleep. Jesus, light that night cannot extinguish, Hold our names within Your care. If we wake to trouble’s knocking, Let us find You already there.
Original, Prayer on Fire
Psalmody
Antiphon
Lord of the night watches, be our light until morning.
Psalm 16 (15):5–9
Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)
Psalm
The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup. It is you who will restore my inheritance to me. The lots have fallen upon me with clarity. And, indeed, my inheritance has been very clear to me. I will bless the Lord, who has bestowed understanding upon me. Moreover, my temperament has also corrected me, even through the night. I have made provision for the Lord always in my sight. For he is at my right hand, so that I may not be disturbed. Because of this, my heart has been joyful, and my tongue has exulted. Moreover, even my body will rest in hope.
Glory Be
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.
Antiphon
Lord of the night watches, be our light until morning.
Silence
Let the last verse rest in you.
Reading
1 Peter 5:8–9a
Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)
Be sober and vigilant. For your adversary, the devil, is like a roaring lion, traveling around and seeking those whom he might devour. Resist him by being strong in faith, being aware that the same passions afflict those who are your brothers in the world.
Responsory
Be still, and know that I am God. I will lie down in your peace. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Nunc Dimittis
Antiphon
We have seen enough light for this day; now keep us in peace.
Luke 2:29–32
Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)
Canticle
“Now you may dismiss your servant in peace, O Lord, according to your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all peoples: the light of revelation to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.”
Glory Be
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.
Antiphon
We have seen enough light for this day; now keep us in peace.
Intercessions
Let the last word be your Name, not our argument with the day. Seal this little place in peace.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
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.
Closing prayer
Wash the day from our hearts. Do not let bitterness keep the last watch. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.