Night Prayer: Saturday 1 March 2025

David, Bishop, Patron of Wales, c 601, Consecration of the Bishop of Aberdeen, 2018

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

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

Glory to God, source of all being, Eternal Word, and Holy Spirit;*
as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever.

Alleluia!

PSALMODY

Opening This or another suitable opening hymn may be sung.

"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."

Antiphon: Have mercy on me, O God,* and hear my prayer.

Psalm: 4
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 dishonour my glory; *
how long will you worship dumb idols and run after false gods?”

Know that the Lord does wonders for the faithful *
and will hear me when I call.

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.

Glory …

Psalm: 134
1. Behold now, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, *
you that stand by night in the house of the Lord.

2. Lift up your hands in the holy place *
and bless the Lord;

3. the Lord who made heaven and earth *
bless you out of Zion.

Glory …

Antiphon: Have mercy on me, O God,* and hear my prayer.

READING(S)

Isaiah 30.15

Thanks be to God.

Silence

Response Psalm 31.5

Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
For you have redeemed me, Lord God of truth.
I commend my spirit.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Song of Simeon

Antiphon: Preserve us, O Lord,* while waking, and guard us while sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.

1. Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace;*
your word has been fulfilled.

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

3. A light to reveal you to the nations,*
and the glory of your people Israel.
Glory…

Antiphon: Preserve us, O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.

PRAYERS

Collect

Come to visit us, Lord, this night, so that by your strength we may rise at daybreak to rejoice in the resurrection of Christ your Son; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

Conclusion

The Lord be with you;
and also with you.
Let us bless the Lord;
Thanks be to God.
May the almighty and merciful God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, bless and keep us.
Amen.

or

May we be hidden under the shadow of God’s wings, this night and for ever.
Amen.