Opening
Spirit of truth, set a guard on my thoughts and a flame in my love.
Hymn
All praise to Thee, my God, this night, For all the blessings of the light! Keep me, O keep me, King of kings, Beneath Thine own almighty wings. Forgive me, Lord, for Thy dear Son, The ill that I this day have done, That with the world, myself, and Thee, I, ere I sleep, at peace may be. — Thomas Ken (public domain)
Psalmody
Antiphon
Commending my spirit to you, I rest as one who is held.
Psalm
I will extol you, O God, my king. And I will bless your name, in this time and forever and ever. Throughout every single day, I will bless you. And I will praise your name, in this time and forever and ever. The Lord is great and exceedingly praiseworthy. And there is no end to his greatness. The Lord is compassionate and merciful, patient and full of mercy. The Lord is sweet to all things, and his compassion is upon all his works.
Psalm 144:1–3, 8–9 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)
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
Commending my spirit to you, I rest as one who is held.
Reading
1 Thessalonians 5:9–10 For God has not appointed us for wrath, but for the acquisition of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that, whether we watch, or whether we sleep, we may live in union with him. — 1 Thessalonians 5:9–10 · Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)
Reflection
Lay down what you cannot solve tonight. Entrust those you love to God's care. Sleep as one who is held.
Intercession
For hearts that are tired, bring rest. For hearts that are restless, bring purpose. For hearts that are hard, bring compassion. For the world you love, kindle justice and peace. Lord, hear our prayer.
Closing prayer
Father, I place this hour in your hands. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Silence
If you can, rest in quiet for half a minute before you rise.