OFFICIANT
The Lord Almighty grant us a peaceful night and a perfect end. Amen.
OFFICIANT
Our help is in the Name of the Lord;
PEOPLE
The maker of heaven and earth.
Confession of Sin
OFFICIANT
Let us confess our sins to God.
Silence may be kept.
ALL
Almighty God, our heavenly Father: We have sinned against you, through our own fault, in thought, and word, and deed, and in what we have left undone. For the sake of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, forgive us all our offenses; and grant that we may serve you in newness of life, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
OFFICIANT
May the Almighty God grant us forgiveness of all our sins, and the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Psalms
OFFICIANT
O God, make speed to save us.
PEOPLE
O Lord, make haste to help us.
ALL
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Psalm 4Cum invocarem
Answer me when I call, O God, defender of my cause; *
you set me free when I am hard-pressed;
have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
"You mortals, how long will you dishonor my glory; *
how long will you worship dumb idols
and run after false gods?"
Know that the LORD does wonders for the faithful; *
when I call upon the LORD, he will hear me.
Tremble, then, and do not sin; *
speak to your heart in silence upon your bed.
Offer the appointed sacrifices *
and put your trust in the LORD.
Many are saying,
"Oh, that we might see better times!" *
Lift up the light of your countenance upon us, O LORD.
You have put gladness in my heart, *
more than when grain and wine and oil increase.
I lie down in peace; at once I fall asleep; *
for only you, LORD, make me dwell in safety.
ALL
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
The Reading
Hebrews 13:20–21
READER
May the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in you that which is pleasing in his sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever.
PEOPLE
Thanks be to God.
A hymn suitable for the evening may be sung.
The Prayers
OFFICIANT
Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit;
PEOPLE
For you have redeemed me, O Lord, O God of truth.
OFFICIANT
Keep us, O Lord, as the apple of your eye;
PEOPLE
Hide us under the shadow of your wings.
OFFICIANT
Lord, have mercy.
PEOPLE
Christ, have mercy.
OFFICIANT
Lord, have mercy.
ALL
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your Name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those
who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial,
and deliver us from evil.
OFFICIANT
Lord, hear our prayer;
PEOPLE
And let our cry come to you.
OFFICIANT
Let us pray.
The Collect
OFFICIANT
Visit this place, O Lord, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy; let your holy angels dwell with us to preserve us in peace; and let your blessing be upon us always; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
OFFICIANT
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.
Silence may be kept, and free intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered.
The Song of Simeon
The service concludes with the Song of Simeon with this Antiphon, which is sung or said by all
ALL
Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.
ALL
Lord, you now have set your servant free *
to go in peace as you have promised;
For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, *
whom you have prepared for all the world to see:
A Light to enlighten 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 will be for ever. Amen.
All repeat the Antiphon
ALL
Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.
Dismissal
OFFICIANT
Let us bless the Lord.
PEOPLE
Thanks be to God.
OFFICIANT
The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. Amen.
Text from the Book of Common Prayer (1979), The Episcopal Church.
The Psalter from the Book of Common Prayer (1979), The Episcopal Church.