Opening
Lord of quiet fire, I come before you. Steady my mind. Soften my will. Let your love be my light.
Hymn
The day Thou gavest, Lord, is ended, The darkness falls at Thy behest; To Thee our morning hymns ascended, Thy praise shall sanctify our rest. We thank Thee that Thy Church unsleeping, While earth rolls onward into light, Through all the world her watch is keeping, And rests not now by day or night. — John Ellerton (public domain)
Psalmody
Antiphon
Lord of the night watches, be our light until morning.
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
Lord of the night watches, be our light until morning.
Reading
1 Peter 5:8–9a 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. — 1 Peter 5:8–9a · 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.