The Night Office

To Be Observed Before Retiring

Audio Version

The Call to Prayer

May the Lord Almighty grant me and those I love a peaceful night and a perfect end. Amen.&#8224

The Request for Presence

Our help is in the Name of the Lord; the maker of heaven and earth.

The Greeting

Almighty God, my heavenly Father: I have sinned against you, through my own fault, in thought, and word, and deed, in what I have done and what I have left undone. For the sake of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, forgive me all my offenses; and grant that I may serve you in newness of life, to the glory of your Name. Amen.&#8224

The Reading

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary, Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, And sits on the right hand of God the Father almighty. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, The holy catholic Church, The communion of saints, The forgiveness of sins, The resurrection of the body, And the life everlasting. Amen.&#8224

The Gloria

Glory be to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, so it is now and so it shall ever be, world without end. Alleluia. Amen.

The Psalm

What Our Forefathers Have Told Us We Will Not Hide from Their Children

Hear my teaching, O my people;* incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable,* I will declare the mysteries of ancient times. That which we have heard and known, and what our forefathers have told us,* we will not hide from their children. We will recount to generations to come the praiseworthy deeds and the power of the LORD,* and the wonderful works he has done. He gave his decrees to Jacob and established a law for Israel,* which he commanded them to teach their children; That the generations to come might know, and the children yet unborn;* that they in their turn might tell it to their children; So that they might put their trust in God,* and not forget the deeds of God, but keep his commandments; And not be like their forefathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation,* a generation whose heart was not steadfast, and whose spirit was not faithful to God.

Psalm 78:1-8

The Gloria

Glory be to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, so it is now and so it shall ever be, world without end. Alleluia. Amen.

The Small Verse

Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit; for you have redeemed me, O Lord, O God of truth. Keep me, O Lord, as the apple of your eye; hide me under the shadow of your wings.&#8224

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your Name. May your kingdom come, and 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. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for yours are the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

The Petition

Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight, and give Your angels and saints charge over those who sleep. Tend Your sick ones, O Lord Christ. Rest Your weary ones. Bless Your dying ones. Soothe Your suffering ones. Shield Your joyous ones, and all for Your love's sake. Amen.§

The Final Thanksgiving

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.