Opening
God, come to my assistance. Lord, make haste to help me.
Hymn
Quiet my soul; keep watch when I cannot. The long day has spent its fire. Now let the dark be kind, O Lord, And every false alarm expire. Jesus, light that night cannot put out, Receive the last of this day’s care. We lie down in your mercy — And we will rise still there.
Original – Prayer on Fire
Psalmody
Antiphon
Lord of the night watches, be our light until morning.
Psalm 4:7–10
Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)
Psalm
The light of your countenance, Lord, has been sealed upon us. You have given joy to my heart. By the fruit of their grain, wine, and oil, they have been multiplied. In peace itself, I will sleep and I will rest. For you, O Lord, have established me singularly 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
Hold the psalm a little longer.
Reading
Deuteronomy 6:4–7
Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)
Listen, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words, which I instruct to you this day, shall be in your heart. And you shall explain them to your sons. And you shall meditate upon them sitting in your house, and walking on a journey, when lying down and when rising up.
Responsory
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. You have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Nunc Dimittis
Antiphon
Light of the nations, watch the house while we sleep.
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
Light of the nations, watch the house while we sleep.
Intercessions
Watch over the sick, the frightened, and those who have no safe place. Let your peace keep this house.
R. Lord, have mercy.
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
Father, we lie down as your children. You do not slumber; we may rest. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.