Opening
God, come to my assistance. Lord, make haste to help me.
Hymn
In peace I will lie down and sleep, For you alone make me dwell in safety. The day is finished; I am held. Your watch is more than I can keep. Protect us from the terrors of the night And from the wounds we brought from day. Into your hands, O Lord, this household. Until the morning, stay.
Original – Prayer on Fire
Psalmody
Antiphon
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 31 (30):2–6
Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)
Psalm
In you, Lord, I have hoped; let me never be confounded. In your justice, deliver me. Incline your ear to me. Hasten to rescue me. Be for me a protector God and a house of refuge, so as to accomplish my salvation. For you are my strength and my refuge; and for the sake of your name, you will lead me and nourish me. You will lead me out of this snare, which they have hidden for me. For you are my protector. Into your hands, I commend my spirit. You have redeemed me, O Lord, God of truth.
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
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone make me dwell in safety.
Silence
A moment of silence
Reading
Ephesians 4:26–27
Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)
“Be angry, but do not be willing to sin.” Do not let the sun set over your anger. Provide no place for the devil.
Responsory
He who keeps you will not slumber. The Lord is your keeper. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Nunc Dimittis
Antiphon
Our eyes close on your mercy; wake us to it again.
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
Our eyes close on your mercy; wake us to it again.
Intercessions
We give you the unfinished things. Watch with the suffering while we sleep, and let us rest as those who are kept.
R. Speak, Lord, we are listening.
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
Watch with the suffering while we sleep. Let our rest be trust, not neglect. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.