Before Going to Sleep

The last prayer of the day in the Divine Office is Night Prayer, known as Compline. The word comes from the Latin meaning ‘completion’.

Sometimes I would listen on CD to the monks of Ampleforth Abbey singing this Office, and imagine myself in the darkened Abbey as they sang the psalms, after which they disperse and observe the magnum silentium, the great silence.

It is at this Office that the Nunc Dimittis is sung. These words come from the Gospel reading for this weekend, the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. They were spoken by Simeon: Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine, secundum verbum tuum, in pace.

Now, Lord, you have kept your word:
let your servant go in peace.
With my own eyes I 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.

Because of its implications of fulfilment, peace and rest, the early church viewed it as appropriate for the ending of the day. The Church prays these words, of the Nunc Dimittis, so that like Simeon we may end our days, and our lives, in God’s peace.

How do you end your day?

Some people use the Office of Compline. Others use the Ignatius Examen. Here is an example of one such structure you might like to use before you end your day and go to sleep.

Gratitude:            Thank God for the good things that happened throughout the day, big and small.
Reflection:           Acknowledge any mistakes or shortcomings and ask for forgiveness.
Peace and rest:   Pray for a peaceful night’s sleep and renewal for the next day.
Protection:          Ask God to watch over you and your loved ones through the night.
Intercession:       Pray for others who may need support or comfort.

Also, here are two short prayers that you could use.

Loving Lord, as I close out this day, I come before you with a grateful heart for all the blessings you have bestowed upon me. Thank you for the joy, the love, and the opportunities that came my way today. Please forgive me for any mistakes I made and guide me to be a better person tomorrow. I pray for a peaceful night’s rest and ask that you watch over me and my loved ones throughout the night. Amen.

Father, as I lie down for sleep tonight, wash over me with the warmth of Your love. In Your mercy, soothe my pain, whether in my body, mind or soul. Grant me a restful night of sleep so that when I awake, I’m strengthened to do Your will. Amen.

Canon Father Anthony Charlton
Canon Father Anthony CharltonParish Priest