V. God, come to my assistance.
R. Lord, make haste to help me.
V. Glory to the Father, and the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
R. as it was in the beginning, is now, and
will be for ever. Amen.
EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE
My brothers and sisters, let us call to mind our sins:
V. Lord have mercy
R. Lord have mercy
V. Christ have mercy
R. Christ have mercy
V. Lord have mercy
R. Lord have mercy
V. May Almighty God have Mercy on us,
forgive us our sins and bring us to everlasting life.
R. Amen.
HYMN
O radiant Light, O Sun divine
of God the Father's deathless face,
O image of the light sublime
that fills the heavenly dwelling place.
Lord Jesus Christ, as daylight fades,
as shine the lights of eventide,
we praise the Father with the Son,
the Spirit blest and with them one.
O Son of God, the source of life,
Praise is your due by night and day,
unsullied lips must raise the strain
of your proclaimed and splendid name.
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 Have mercy, Lord, and hear my prayer.
Psalm 4
When I call, answer me, O God of justice;
from anguish you released me;
have mercy an hear me!
O men, how long will your hearts be closed,
Will you love what is futile and seek what is false?
It is the Lord who grants favors to those whom
he loves;
the Lord hears me whenever I call him.
Fear him; do not sin:
ponder on your bed and be still.
Make justice your sacrifice and trust in the Lord.
"What can bring us happiness?" many say.
Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord.
You have put into my heart a greater joy
than they have from abundance of corn
and new wine.
I will lie down in peace and sleep comes at once
for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Glory to the Father, and the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit: as it was
in the beginning, is now, and
will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. 1 Have mercy, Lord, and hear my prayer.
Ant. 2 In the silent hours of night, bless the Lord.
Psalm 134
O come, bless the Lord,
all of you who serve the Lord,
who stand in the house of the Lord,
in the courts of the house of our God.
Lift up your hands to the holy place
and bless the Lord through the night.
May the Lord bless you from Zion,
he who made both heaven and earth.
Glory to the Father, and the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit: as it was
in the beginning, is now, and
will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. 2 In the silent hours of night, bless the Lord.
READING
Deuteronomy 6:4-7
Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone!
Therefore, you shall love the Lord, you God, with all
your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your
strength. Take to heart these words which I enjoin on
you today. Drill them into your children. Speak of
them at home and abroad, whether you are busy or
at rest.
RESPONSORY
V. Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.
R. Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.
V. You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth.
R. I commend my spirit.
V. Glory to the Father, and the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
R. Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.
GOSPEL CANTICLE
Ant. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over
us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch
with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace.
Luke 2: 29-32
Lord, now you let your servant go in peace;
your word has been fulfilled.
my own eyes have seen the salvation
which you have prepared in the sight of every people:
a light to reveal you to the nations
and the glory of you people Israel.
Glory to the Father, and the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit: as it was
in the beginning, is now, and
will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over
us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch
with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace.
PRAYER.
Lord,
be with us throughout this night.
When day comes may we rise from sleep
to rejoice in the resurrection of your Christ,
who lives and reigns ever and ever.
CONCLUSION
V. May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful
night and a peaceful death.
R. Amen.
ANTIPHON OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Loving mother of the Redeemer,
gate of heaven, star of the sea,
assist your people who have
fallen yet strive to rise again.
To the wonderment of nature
you bore your Creator,
yet remained a virgin after as before.
You who received Gabriel's joyful greeting,
have pity on us poor sinners.