A Service of Prayer at the End of Day (Wednesday, April 22,2020)

Night Prayer

This service is meant to be "quiet" and reflective. It is not a long or complicated service, but is best used at night (before bed?) as a quiet way to to end the day.

Here is a great video to settle down with and to prepare!

Dialogue

Almighty God grant us a quiet night and peace at the last.
Amen.

It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
to sing praise to your name, O Most High;

to herald your love in the morning,
your truth at the close of the day.

Night Hymn

“All praise to thee, my God, this night” may be sung.

Here is a choral version of the song (not sing-along)

Confession and Forgiveness

Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.

The assembly keeps silence for self-examination.

Holy and gracious God,
I confess that I have sinned against you this day.

Some of my sin I know—
the thoughts and words and deeds
of which I am ashamed—
but some is known only to you.

In the name of Jesus Christ I ask forgiveness.

Deliver and restore me,
that I may rest in peace.

By the mercy of God
we are united with Jesus Christ,
in whom we are forgiven.

We rest now in the peace of Christ
and rise in the morning to serve.

Psalmody
Psalm 4

Don't rush the psalmody. Let its words become your words. And prayer!

1Answer me when I call, O God, defender of my cause;
you set me free when I was in distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

2“You mortals, how long will you dishonor my glory;
how long will you love illusions and seek after lies?”

3Know that the Lord does wonders for the faithful;
the Lord will hear me when I call.

4Tremble, then, and do not sin;
speak to your heart in silence upon your bed.

5Offer the appointed sacrifices,
and put your trust in the Lord.

6Many are saying, “Who will show us any good?”
Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord.

7You have put gladness in my heart,
more than when grain and wine abound.

8In peace, I will lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O Lord, make me rest secure.

Song

A hymn or song appropriate to the time of day or the season may be sung.

When Peace like a River
It Is Well with My Soul

• You can join in singing along with this male chorus

• Here is a lovely version by Audrey Assad to sing along with

• Not a sing-along but a lovely version by the duet Sounds Like Reign

1. When peace like a river attendeth my way,
   when sorrows like sea billows roll,
   whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
   it is well, it is well with my soul.
   Refrain
   It is well (it is well)
   with my soul, (with my soul,)
   it is well, it is well with my soul.

2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
   let this blest assurance control,
   that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
   and has shed his own blood for my soul.  Refrain

3. He lives--oh, the bliss of this glorious thought;
   my sin, not in part, but the whole,
   is nailed to his cross and I bear it no more.
   Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!  Refrain

4. Lord, hasten the day when our faith shall be sight,
   the clouds be rolled back as a scroll,
   the trumpet shall sound and the Lord shall descend;
   even so it is well with my soul.  Refrain

Text: Horatio G. Spafford, 1828-1888

Reading: 
Matthew 11:28-30

Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.(Matthew 11:28-30)

The reading of scripture is followed by extended silence for reflection and meditation. The silence may conclude with the following responsory.

Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Into your hands I commend my spirit.

You have redeemed me, O Lord, God of truth.
Into your hands I commend my spirit.

Glory to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Into your hands, I commend my spirit.

Prayers

Hear my prayer, O Lord;
listen to my cry.

Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings.

In righteousness I shall see you;
when I awake, your presence will give me joy.

Be our light in the darkness, O God, and in your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

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, give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, comfort the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen.

Lord’s Prayer

Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen.

Now in peace I will lie down and sleep;
you alone, O God, make me secure.

Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.