This short prayer comes from the close of one of St. John Henry Newman's sermons, preached in 1834 when he was an Anglican vicar in Oxford. Its gentle images of lengthening shadows, a quiet world, and the fever of life ending make it a favorite evening prayer, and it is often prayed at funerals and at the bedside of the dying. Pray it at the end of a long day, at Night Prayer, in old age, or for someone nearing the end of life. It asks God to carry us through every day until

Sleep is one of God's quiet gifts, and night can also be a time of worry, loneliness, or restlessness. For centuries the Church has ended the day with Night Prayer (Compline), asking God for a peaceful night and a perfect end. This prayer comes from that tradition: it is the closing collect that asks God to visit our home and let His holy angels dwell there. Pray it at bedtime, alone or as a family, after an examination of conscience. It is a good prayer for anyone who strugg

Our guardian angels watch over us day and night. At the end of the day it is fitting to thank them for their care, for dangers avoided that we may never know about and for the good inspirations they gave us, and to ask their protection through the night. This evening prayer does exactly that, and it is simple enough for children to learn. Pray it at bedtime together with the Angel of God, an examination of conscience, and an act of contrition. It is also a comfort for those w

Before night prayer, this short traditional form helps examine the day with sorrow and hope. The Prayer O my God, I thank Thee for all the benefits which I have received from Thee, especially this day. Give me light to see what sins I have committed, and grant me grace to be truly sorry for them. (Examine your conscience briefly.) O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to amend my life. Amen. Traditional evening e

The Nunc Dimittis is Simeon's canticle from Luke 2, traditionally prayed at night prayer as a song of peaceful surrender. The Prayer Now Thou dost dismiss Thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word in peace; Because my eyes have seen Thy salvation, Which Thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is n