Compline (Night Prayer) - Reverent Lutheran

Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father, ✠ and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Versicle & Response

V: The Lord Almighty grant us a peaceful night and a perfect end.

R: Amen.

Night Psalm - Psalm 4 (KJV)

The ancient night psalm, sung or recited for peaceful rest

V: Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness:

R: Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

V: O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame?

R: How long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing?

V: But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself:

R: The LORD will hear when I call unto him.

V: Stand in awe, and sin not:

R: Commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still.

V: Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,

R: And put your trust in the LORD.

V: There be many that say, Who will shew us any good?

R: LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

V: Thou hast put gladness in my heart,

R: More than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.

V: I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep:

R: For thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Optional Psalm 91 (For Protection)

Psalm 91 may be added for God's protection through the night: "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty..."

Night Reading - 1 Peter 5:8-9 (KJV)

A reading for vigilance and trust in God's protection

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

Seasonal Readings (Optional)

Additional seasonal readings may be added according to the church year

The Song of Simeon (Luke 2:29-32, KJV)

The ancient canticle of peaceful departure

Antiphon: Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word.

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The Apostles' Creed

The ancient confession of the Christian faith

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, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth 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.

Confession of Sin *(Optional)*

Examination of conscience before rest

I confess unto Thee, almighty God, that I have sinned against Thee in thought, word, and deed, by what I have done and by what I have left undone. I have not loved Thee with my whole heart; I have not loved my neighbors as myself. I justly deserve Thy present and eternal punishment. For the sake of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on me. Forgive me, renew me, and lead me, so that I may delight in Thy will and walk in Thy ways to the glory of Thy holy name. Amen.

Assurance of Forgiveness: Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins. As a called and ordained servant of Christ, and by His authority, I therefore forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the ✠ Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Prayers and Intercessions

Night prayers for the Church and the world

For the Church

We thank Thee, O Lord, for Thy holy Church throughout the world. We remember with thanksgiving all Thy servants who have faithfully proclaimed Thy Word. We give thanks for the witness of Thy saints who have gone before us; grant that we may follow their faith and remain steadfast through the night and into the dawn of eternal day; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

We thank Thee, O Lord, for Thy holy Church throughout the world. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for the Church through the night. Saint Peter, pray for us. Saint Paul, pray for us. All ye holy apostles and evangelists, watch over the Church as we rest; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Protection Through the Night

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.

For Daily Needs

We thank Thee, O Lord, for all the blessings of this day. We remember with gratitude all Thy servants who have shown us examples of faithful service. Grant us peaceful rest, protect us through the night, and prepare us for faithful service in the day to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

We thank Thee, O Lord, for all the blessings of this day. Saint Joseph, patron of workers, pray for all who labor through the night. Saint Luke, pray for physicians and healers who tend the sick. All ye holy saints, watch over us as we sleep and intercede for our needs; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Departed

We give thanks, O Lord, for all who have died in the faith and now rest from their labors. We remember especially [names may be mentioned]. Grant that we may follow their example of faithfulness, and bring us at last to that eternal rest where there is no night, but only the light of Thy presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

We give thanks, O Lord, for all who have died in the faith and now rest from their labors. We remember especially [names may be mentioned]. May they rest in peace and rise in glory. All ye saints of God, pray for the faithful departed and for us who prepare for our final rest; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Lord's Prayer

The prayer our Savior taught us

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Collects

Traditional prayers for night and the seasons

General Night Collect

Be present, O merciful God, and protect us through the silent hours of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this life may rest in Thy eternal changelessness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Seasonal Collects

Advent Season

O Lord, raise up, we pray Thee, Thy power, and come among us, and with great might succor us; that whereas, through our sins and wickedness, we are sore let and hindered in running the race that is set before us, Thy bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Christmas Season

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the new birth of Thy only-begotten Son as man may set us free, who are held by the old bondage under the yoke of sin; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lenten Season

Almighty and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that Thou hast made and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Easter Season

Almighty God, who through Thine only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened unto us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by Thy life-giving Spirit; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Trinity Season

O God, the strength of all who put their trust in Thee: Mercifully accept our prayers; and because in our weakness we can do nothing good without Thee, give us the help of Thy grace, that in keeping Thy commandments we may please Thee both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Optional Hymn or Canticle

Traditional night hymns for peaceful rest

Te Lucis Ante Terminum (Before the Ending of the Day)

The ancient night hymn may be sung or recited

Before the ending of the day,

Creator of the world, we pray

That with Thy wonted favor Thou

Wouldst be our guard and keeper now.

From all ill dreams defend our eyes,

From nightly fears and fantasies;

Tread under foot our ghostly foe,

That no pollution we may know.

O Father, that we ask be done,

Through Jesus Christ, Thine only Son;

Who, with the Holy Ghost and Thee,

Doth live and reign eternally.

Other appropriate night hymns may be sung according to season and preference

Benediction

The blessing for peaceful rest

The almighty and merciful Lord, the Father, the ✠ Son, and the Holy Ghost, bless us and keep us. Amen.

Home Practice Suggestions

Adapting Compline for family and personal devotion

Materials Needed

Essential Items

Bible (KJV) for night readings
Lutheran hymnal or prayer book
Small candle or night light
Comfortable prayer space near bedroom

Study Resources

For Bible study resources, visit our Study Resources section.

Family Adaptations

With Children

Focus on core elements: Opening, Psalm 4, Nunc Dimittis, Lord's Prayer, and Blessing.

Allow children to participate by dimming lights, saying responses, or choosing a favorite night prayer.

Individual Use

Include all elements as time permits, with special attention to confession, Scripture reading, and intercessions.

Use the full office for deeper examination of conscience and preparation for rest.

Establishing a Sacred Rhythm

Consistency

Pray at the same time each night when possible (traditionally before sleep, 9:00-10:00 PM). Use your icon corner or bedside, lighting a small candle to create sacred atmosphere.

Seasonal Emphasis

Adapt collects and additional readings according to the church year. Use appropriate seasonal colors and decorations to enhance the liturgical experience.

Choosing Your Prayer Mode

Remembrance Mode

Focuses on thanksgiving and commemoration
Maintains Christ as sole mediator
Confessional Lutheran comfort
Biblical foundation emphasized

Full Intercessory Mode

Includes traditional invocation of saints
Draws from catholic heritage
Rich liturgical tradition
Patristic and medieval practice

Final Encouragement

Remember: The goal is consistent night prayer that draws you closer to Christ and provides peaceful rest in His protection. Whether in remembrance or intercessory mode, let Compline be a foundation of grace that sanctifies your evening and prepares your soul for rest in God's care.

Prayer Mode

Compline

Opening