Night Prayer

Confession

At the end of a day, this is the honest part. You tell God, in a few words, that you have done wrong and left good undone. You do not have to list everything or feel a certain way. When a man in the temple could only say “God, be merciful to me, a sinner,” Jesus said he went home right with God (Luke 18:13–14). The answer comes straight after the confession: you are forgiven.

Silence, then this together or alone.

I confess to God almighty that I have sinned, in thought, word, and deed, by what I have done, and by what I have left undone. God, who is faithful, forgives all who repent and believe.

Psalm

Verses of protection for the night.

In plain wordsA psalm for the night: whoever trusts God is under God’s care, like a young bird under its mother’s wings. It was quoted to Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:6), and he heard it as God’s promise, not a dare.

You who live in the shelter of the Most High,who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress;my God, in whom I trust.”he will cover you with his pinions,and under his wings you will find refuge;his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.You will not fear the terror of the night,or the arrow that flies by day,For he will command his angels concerning youto guard you in all your ways.

Psalm 91:1–2, 4–5, 11 · NRSV · Other translations

Reading

Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28 · NRSV · Other translations

The Creed

Said together, or read alone.

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
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;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Apostles’ Creed. Historic text of the Western church.

“Catholic” here means universal: the whole church, everywhere and in every time. It is not about the Roman Catholic Church. Some congregations pray “he descended to the dead” in place of “he descended into hell.” Both are the same article of the Creed; this page uses the wording most widely memorised.

The Song of Simeon

In plain wordsSimeon waited his whole life to see the one God promised. Holding the baby Jesus, he is ready to rest in peace.

Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,according to your word;for my eyes have seen your salvation,which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,a light for revelation to the Gentilesand for glory to your people Israel.

Luke 2:29–32 · NRSV · Other translations

Prayers

Add your own here, aloud or silently.

For those who will not sleep safely tonight — the persecuted, the homeless, and those in war. Lord, have mercy.

For those who work through the night: caregivers, the ill, and all who keep watch. Lord, have mercy.

The Lord’s Prayer

Together, or alone. Pray the form you learned; both are used in Lutheran churches.

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.

Matthew 6:9–13. Historic text of the Western church. English Language Liturgical Consultation. Read this in another translation

Both forms are in current use. Pray whichever one you learned.

Blessing

The Lord almighty grant us a quiet night and a peaceful end. Amen.