THE NIGHT PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

Night Prayer begins with the sign of the cross, and the following invitation and responses: O God, + come to our aid Response: O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit Response: As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia. (not said in Lent).

Now a brief examination of your conscience concerning the past day is recommended (see back pages)

Night prayer is now prayed, according to the day of the week. Saturday night prayer is referred to as after Evening Prayer I of Sunday due to the custom of praying first Vespers of Sunday on Saturday night. On Sunday night, it is after Evening Prayer II of Sunday.

The recitation of the psalms begins and ends with a short verse - the antiphon. The Glory be is recited at the end of each psalm. If more than one person is praying, the psalm verses can be prayed alternately.

AFTER EVENING PRAYER I OF SUNDAY.

Glory be.. As it was..

Ant: Lord, have mercy and hear me. Antiphon 1: Lord, have mercy and hear me. Antiphon 2: Bless the Lord through the Psalm 4 night. Psalm 133 When I call, answer me, O God of justice; O come, bless the Lord, from anguish you released me, have all you who serve the Lord, mercy and hear me! who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. O men, how long will your hearts be closed, Lift up your hands to the holy place will you love what is futile and seek and bless the Lord through the night what is false? May the Lord bless you from Sion It is the Lord who grants favours to he who made both heaven and earth. those whom he loves; the Lord hears me whenever I call him. Glory be As it was Fear him; do not sin: ponder on your bed and be still. Ant: Bless the Lord through the night. Make justice your sacrifice and trust in the Lord. Scripture Reading. Deut.6:4-7 Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one What can bring us happiness? many Lord; and you shall love the Lord your say. God with all your heart, and with all Let the light of your face shine on us, O your soul, and with all your might. And Lord. these words which I command you this day shall be upon your heart; and you You have put into my heart a greater shall teach them diligently to your chiljoy dren, and shall talk of them when you than they have from abundance of corn sit in your house, and when you walk by and new wine. the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. I will lie down in peace and sleep comes at once Now turn to the back for NIGHT for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in PRAYER CONTINUED. safety. ********

Have I put my trust in superstitions or been involved in the occult? Do I have a true reverence for the name of God, or have I offended Him through cursing, blasphemy, etc? Have I missed Mass on a Sunday or Holyday of Obligation through my own fault? Have I failed to stand up for my faith through cowardice? You shall love your neighbour as yourself

Have I been disobedient, rude or disloyal to my parents? Have I been harsh or overbearing in my dealings with others? Have I neglected to provide religious education/guidance for my children? Have I been impatient, angry, proud, envious or hateful to others? Have I been drunk, used drugs, given bad example or spread gossip? Have I driven recklessly or without due consideration for others? Have I been lazy at work, or at home? Have I been immodest/impure by myself or with others? Have I placed myself in occasions of sin, by reading, listening to, or looking at what was indecent/pornographic? Have I failed to show love, understanding and respect to

my husband/wife, or been careless about my marriage vows? Have I used forms of birth control which debase the sexual act, contrary to the teaching of the Church? Have I been guilty of cheating, theft or gambling rashly? Have I told lies to injure anyone or excuse myself? Have I been considerate, kind and generous to others in thought, word and deed? Have I given way to self-pity, brooded over injuries or refused to forgive?

After examining your conscience, try to be sorry for your sins, and make up your mind to amend your life. This time should also be used to thank God for what has gone well during the day, and for blessings received.

Now resume Night Prayer.

Final Anthems to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

These hymns to Our Lady are the customary way to end Night Prayer.

Hail, our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs: mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then, Most Gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us; and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O Clement! O Loving! O Sweet Virgin Mary! *

(In Eastertide) Mother of Christ! Hear thou thy peo- O Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia! ples cry, Star of the deep, and portal of the sky! For he whom you were worthy to bear, Mother of him who thee from nothing alleluia! Has risen as he said, alleluia! made, Sinking we strive, and call to thee for Pray for us to God, alleluia! aid: * Oh, by that joy which Gabriel brought to thee, Suggestions for an Thou Virgin first and last, let us thy Examination of Conscience. mercy see. * Hail Queen of Heaven, beyond compare, To whom the angels homage pay; Hail root of Jesse, Gate of Light, That opened for the worlds new Day. Rejoice, O Virgin unsurpassed, In whom our ransom was begun, For all your loving children pray To Christ, our Saviour, and your Son. * Hail! Holy Queen, Mother of mercy! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart

They shall bear you up on their hands lest you strike your foot against a stone. On the lion and the viper you will tread and trample the young lion and the Antiphon: He will conceal you with his dragon. wings; you will not fear the terror of the night. Since he clings to me in love, I will free Psalm 90. him; protect him for he knows my name. He who dwells in the shelter of the When he calls I shall answer: I am with Most High you. and abides in the shade of the Almighty I will save him in distress and give him says to the Lord: My refuge, my glory. stronghold, my God in whom I trust!

AFTER EVENING PRAYER II OF SUNDAY.

With length of life I will content him; It is he who will free you from the snare I shall let him see my saving power. of the fowler who seeks to destroy you; he will conceal you with his pinions Glory be and under his wings you will find As it was refuge. Ant: He will conceal you with his You will not fear the terror of the night wings; you will not fear the terror of the nor the arrow that flies by day, night. nor the plague that prowls in the darkness Scripture Reading. Rev 22:4-5 nor the scourge that lays waste at noon. They will see the Lord face to face, and his name will be written on their foreA thousand may fall at your side, heads. It will never be night again and ten thousand fall at your right, they will not need lamplight or sunlight, you, it will never approach; because the Lord God will be shining his faithfulness is buckler and shield. on them. They will reign for ever and ever. Your eyes have only to look to see how the wicked are repaid, Now, turn to the back for NIGHT you who have said: Lord, my refuge! PRAYER CONTINUED. and have made the Most High your dwelling. ******** Upon you no evil shall fall, no plague approach where you dwell. For you has he commanded his angels, to keep you in all your ways.

Have I ignored God, or excluded Him from my life? Do I remember to pray every day?

MONDAY.
Antiphon: You, Lord God, are slow to anger, abounding in love. Psalm 85. Turn your ear, O Lord, and give answer, For I am poor and needy. Preserve my life, for I am faithful: Save the servant who trusts in you.

all my heart, and glorify your name for ever; for your love to me has been great: you have saved me from the depths of the grave. The proud have risen against me; ruthless men seek my life: to you they pay no heed.

Concluding Prayers
Let us pray: After Evening Prayer I of Sunday:

den that is light. Accept, we beg you, our prayer and work of this day, and grant us the rest we need, that we may be ever more willing to serve you, who live and reign for ever and ever.

But you, God of mercy and compassion, You are my God, have mercy on me, slow to anger, O Lord, abounding in love and truth, Lord, turn and take pity on me. for I cry to you all the day long. Give joy to your servant, O Lord, O give your strength to your servant for to you I lift up my soul. and save your handmaids son. Show me a sign of your favour O Lord, you are good and forgiving, that my foes may see to their shame full of love to all who call. that you console me and give me your Give heed, O Lord, to my prayer help. and attend to the sound of my voice. In the day of distress I will call and surely you will reply. Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord; nor work to compare with yours. All the nations shall come to adore you, and glorify your name, O Lord: for you are great and do marvellous deeds, you who alone are God. Show me, Lord, your way so that I may walk in your truth. Guide my heart to fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with Glory be As it was Ant: You, Lord God, are slow to anger, abounding in love. Scripture Reading. I Thess 5:9-10 God chose us to possess salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us in order that we might live together with him, whether we are alive or dead when he comes.

Thursday: Come to visit us, Lord, this night, so that by your strength we may rise at daybreak to rejoice in the resurrection Lord our God, restore us again by the of Christ your Son, who lives and repose of sleep after the fatigue of our daily work: so that, continually rereigns for ever and ever. newed by your help, we may serve you After Evening Prayer II of Sunday: in body and soul. Through Christ our Lord. God our Father, as we have celebrated Friday: today the mystery of the Lords resurrection, grant our humble prayer: free us from all harm that we may sleep in Give us grace, Almighty God, so to peace and rise in joy to sing your unite ourselves in faith with your only Son, who underwent death and lay praise. Through Christ our Lord. buried in the tomb, that we may rise again in newness of life him, who lives Monday: and reigns for ever and ever. Lord, give our bodies restful sleep; and let the work we have done today be After the concluding prayer, to end: sown for an eternal harvest. Through Blessing: The Lord + grant us a quiet Christ our Lord. night and a perfect end. Amen. Tuesday: The final prayer is an appropriate In your mercy, Lord, dispel the dark- hymn addressed to Our Lady; see over. ness of this night. Let your household so sleep in peace, that at the dawn of a new day, they may, with joy, waken in your name. Through Christ our Lord. Wednesday: Lord Jesus Christ, meek and humble of heart, you offer to those who follow you a yoke that is good to bear, a bur-

Now, turn to the back for NIGHT PRAYER CONTINUED.

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As for me, Lord, I call to you for help: NIGHT PRAYER CONTINUED in the morning my prayer comes After the Scripture Reading, Night before you. Prayer continues as follows: Lord, why do you reject me? Why do you hide your face? Short Responsory Wretched, close to death from my R. Into your hands, Lord, I commend youth, my spirit. Repeat R.. I have borne your trials; I am numb. V. You have redeemed us, Lord God of Your fury has swept down upon me; truth. Repeat R. Into your hands.... your terrors have utterly destroyed me. Glory be to the Father. R. Into your hands. They surround me all the day like a flood, Antiphon: Save us, Lord, while we are they assail me all together. awake; protect us while we sleep; that Friend and neighbour you have taken we may keep watch with Christ and away: rest with him in peace. My one companion is darkness. The Nunc dimittis Lk 2: 29-32 Glory be As it was At last, + all-powerful Master, you give leave to your servant Ant: Lord my God, I call for help by to go in peace, according to your day; I cry at night before you. promise. Scripture Reading. Jer 14:9 Lord, you are in our midst, we are called by your name. Do not desert us, O Lord our God. For my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared for all nations, the light to enlighten the Gentiles and give glory to Israel, your people. Glory be. As it was. Ant: Save us, Lord, while we are awake; protect us while we sleep; that we may keep watch with Christ and rest with him in peace

TUESDAY.

Let your good spirit guide me in ways that are level and smooth.

Antiphon: Do not hide your face from For your names sake, Lord, save my me, for in you have I put my trust. life; Psalm 142. In your justice save my soul from distress. Lord, listen to my prayer: turn your ear to my appeal. Glory be You are faithful, you are just; give As it was answer. Do not call your servant to judgment Ant: Do not hide your face from me, for for no one is just in your sight. in you have I put my trust. The enemy pursues my soul; Scripture Reading. I Pet 5:8-9 he has crushed my life to the ground; Be calm but vigilant, because your he has made me dwell in darkness enemy the devil is prowling round like like the dead, long forgotten. a roaring lion, looking for someone to Therefore my spirit fails; eat. Stand up to him, strong in faith. my heart is numb within me. Now, turn to the back for NIGHT I remember the days that are past: PRAYER CONTINUED. I ponder all your works. I muse on what your hand has wrought *********** and to you I stretch out my hands. Like a parched land my soul thirsts for you. WEDNESDAY. Lord, make haste and answer; for my spirit fails within me. Do not hide your face lest I become like those in the grave. In the morning let me know your love for I put my trust in you. Make me know the way I should walk: to you I lift up my soul. Rescue me, Lord, from my enemies; I have fled to you for refuge. Teach me to do your will for you, O Lord, are my God. Antiphon 1: O God, be my protector and my refuge. Psalm 30. In you, O Lord, I take refuge. Let me never be put to shame. In your justice, set me free, hear me and speedily rescue me. Be a rock of refuge for me, a mighty stronghold to save me. For you are my rock, my stronghold. For your names sake, lead me and guide me.

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Release me from the snares they have hidden for you are my refuge, Lord. Into your hands I commend my spirit. It is you who will redeem me, Lord. Glory be As it was

Ant: Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord. Scripture Reading. Eph 4: 26-27 Do not let resentment lead you into sin; the sunset must not find you still angry. Do not give the devil his opportunity.

to me! I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel, who even at night directs my heart. I keep the Lord ever in my sight: since he is at my right hand, I shall stand firm. And so my heart rejoices, my soul is glad; even my body shall rest in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead, nor let your beloved know decay. You will show me the path of life, the fulness of joy in your presence, at your right hand happiness for ever. Glory be As it was Ant: My body shall rest in safety. Scripture Reading. I Thess 5:23 May the God who gives us peace make you completely his, and keep your whole being, spirit, soul, and body, free from all fault, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ..

by day; I cry at night before you. Psalm 87. Lord my God, I call for help by day; I cry at night before you. Let my prayer come into your presence. O turn your ear to my cry. For my soul is filled with evils; my life is on the brink of the grave. I am reckoned as one in the tomb: I have reached the end of my strength, Like one alone among the dead; like the slain lying in their graves; like those you remember no more, cut off, as they are, from your hand. You have laid me in the depths of the tomb, in places that are dark, in the depths. Your anger weighs down upon me: I am drowned beneath your waves. You have taken away my friends and made me hateful in their sight. Imprisoned, I cannot escape; my eyes are sunken with grief.

Ant: O God, be my protector and my Now, turn to the back for NIGHT refuge. PRAYER CONTINUED. Antiphon 2: Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord, Psalm 129.

*********** THURSDAY.

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord, Ant: My body shall rest in safety. Lord hear my voice! Psalm 15. O let you ears be attentive to the voice of my pleading. Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you. I say to the Lord: You are my God. If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt, My happiness lies in you alone. Lord, who would survive? But with you is found forgiveness: He has put into my heart a marvellous for this we revere you. love My soul is waiting for the Lord, I count on his word. My soul is longing for the Lord more than watchman for daybreak. Let the watchman count on daybreak and Israel on the Lord. Because with the Lord there is mercy and fulness of redemption, Israel indeed he will redeem from all its iniquity. Glory be As it was for the faithful ones who dwell in his land. Those who choose other gods increase their sorrows. Never will I offer their offerings of blood. Never will I take their name upon my lips. O Lord, it is you who are my portion and cup; it is you yourself who are my prize. The lot marked out for me is my delight: welcome indeed the heritage that falls

I call to you, Lord, all the day long; to you I stretch out my hands. Now, turn to the back for NIGHT Will you work your wonders for the PRAYER CONTINUED. dead? Will the shades stand and praise you?

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Will your love be told in the grave or your faithfulness among the dead? FRIDAY Will your wonders be known in the dark Antiphon: Lord my God, I call for help or your justice in the land of oblivion?