Five minutes left of the day

And as the words of Night Prayer soak in, and through, to bless and commit the days proceedings, hallowing them, I find myself reflecting on the ups and downs, the challenges (met and unresolved), and thanks and praise take the place of work and endeavour. So I thought I'd share with you the words of tonight's meditations:

The Lord almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.

Our help is in the name of the Lord

Who made heaven and earth.

Time to reflect upon the day, now past, is taken - followed by:

Most merciful God, we confess to you,

before the whole company of heaven and one another,

that we have sinned in thought, word and deed

and in what we have failed to do.

Forgive us our sins, heal us by your Spirit

and raise us to new life in Christ. Amen.

O God, make speed to save us: O Lord, make haste to help us.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;

as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen. 

Alleluia.

The following may be said (or sung if you're game):

Before the ending of the day,

Creator of the world, we pray

That you, with steadfast love, would keep

Your watch around us while we sleep.

From evil dreams defend our sight,

From fears and terrors of the night;

Tread underfoot our deadly foe

That we no sinful thought may know.

O Father, that we ask be done

Through Jesus Christ, your only Son;

And Holy Spirit, by whose breath

Our souls are raised to life from death.

Psalm 143

Refrain: Show me, O Lord, the way that I should walk in.

Hear my prayer, O Lord, and in your faithfulness give ear to my supplications;

answer me in your righteousness.

Enter not into judgement with your servant, for in your sight shall no one living be justified.

For the enemy has pursued me,  crushing my life to the ground, 

making me sit in darkness like those long dead.

My spirit faints within me; my heart within me is desolate.

I remember the time past; I muse upon all your deeds;

I consider the works of your hands.

I stretch out my hands to you; my soul gasps for you like a thirsty land.

O Lord, make haste to answer me; my spirit fails me; 

hide not your face from me lest I be like those who go down to the Pit.

Let me hear of your loving-kindness in the morning,

for in you I put my trust; 

show me the way I should walk in, for I lift up my soul to you.

Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies, for I flee to you for refuge.

Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God;
let your kindly spirit lead me on a level path.

Revive me, O Lord, for your name’s sake;
for your righteousness’ sake, bring me out of trouble.

In your faithfulness, slay my enemies, and destroy all the adversaries of my soul,

for truly I am your servant.

Refrain: Show me, O Lord, the way that I should walk in.

Jesus, our companion, when we are driven to despair,

help us, through the friends and strangers we encounter on our path,

to know you as our refuge, our way, our truth and our life.

Glory to the Father and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit;

as it was in the beginning is now

and shall be for ever. Amen.

Matthew 11.28–end

Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’

Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

For you have redeemed me, Lord God of truth.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Keep me as the apple of your eye.

Hide me under the shadow of your wings.

Gospel Canticle

The Nunc Dimittis (Song of Simeon - Luke 2.29-32)

Save us, O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping, 

that awake we may watch with Christ and asleep may rest in peace.

Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace: your word has been fulfilled.

My own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people;

A light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; 

as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.

Save us, O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping, 

that awake we may watch with Christ and asleep may rest in peace.

A time of reflection, intercession and thank, followed by the Collect of the Day:

Almighty Lord and everlasting God,

we beseech you to direct, sanctify and govern both our hearts and bodies

in the ways of your laws and the works of your commandments;

that through your most mighty protection, both here and ever,

we may be preserved in body and soul;

through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,

who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Conclusion

In peace we will lie down and sleep;

for you alone, Lord, make us dwell in safety.

Abide with us, Lord Jesus,

for the night is at hand and the day is now past.

As the night watch looks for the morning,

so do we look for you, O Christ.

Come with the dawning of the day and make yourself known in the breaking of the bread.

The Lord bless us and watch over us;

the Lord make his face shine upon us and be gracious to us;

the Lord look kindly on us and give us peace. Amen.