Tonight's Compline is one from the Methodist tradition; remembering that John Wesley was from a Catholic and evangelical tradition in the Anglican Church. It is very much based upon the Prayer book and even this form will be familiar to us.
PREPARATION OPENING RESPONSE AND CONFESSION OF SIN The Lord almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen. Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth. Brief silence Most merciful God, we confess to you, before the whole company of heaven and one another, that we have sinned in thought, word and deed and in what we have failed to do. Forgive us our sins, heal us by your Spirit and raise us to new life in Christ. Amen. Favour us, Lord, and deliver us. Lord, come quickly and help us. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen.
HYMN SEE THE LORD, THY KEEPER, STAND Charles Wesley See the Lord, thy keeper, stand, Omnipotently near; Lo! He holds thee by the hand, And banishes thy fear; Shadows with his wings thy head; Guards from all impending harms; Round thee and beneath are spread The everlasting arms. God shall bless thy going out, Shall bless thy coming in; Kindly compass thee about, And guard from every sin. Lean upon thy Father’s breast; He thy quiet spirit keeps; Rest in Him, securely rest; Thy Guardian never sleeps. O, my soul, unceasing pray, And in thy God confide! He our faltering steps shall stay, Nor suffer us to slide: He is still our sure defense, We his ceaseless care shall prove, Kept by watchful providence And ever-waking love.
THE WORD OF GOD PSALM 4
Refrain: I will lie down and fall asleep in peace. Answer me when I cry out, my righteous God! Set me free from my troubles! Have mercy on me! Listen to my prayer! How long, you people, will my reputation be insulted? How long will you continue to love what is worthless and go after lies? Know this: the Lord takes personal care of the faithful. The Lord will hear me when I cry out to him. So be afraid, and don’t sin! Think hard about it in your bed and weep over it! Bring righteous offerings, and trust the Lord! Many people say, “We can’t find goodness anywhere. The light of your face has left us, Lord!” But you have filled my heart with more joy than when their wheat and wine are everywhere! I will lie down and fall asleep in peace because you alone, Lord, let me live in safety. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen. Refrain: I will lie down and fall asleep in peace. PSALM PRAYER Give us today, O God, a glad heart and a clear conscience, that when we come to this day’s end we may rest in peace with Christ our Lord. AMEN
SCRIPTURE READING
ISAIAH 30:15
Therefore, the Lord God, the holy one of Israel, says: In return and rest you will be saved; quietness and trust will be your strength.
RESPONSE Lord, I entrust my spirit into your hands. Lord, I entrust my spirit into your hands. For you, Lord, God of faithfulness— you have saved me. I entrust my spirit into your hands. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Lord, I entrust my spirit into your hands. Watch me with the very pupil of your eye! Hide me in the protection of your wings. Silence may be kept. GOSPEL CANTICLE THE NUNC DIMITTIS (SONG OF SIMEON)
Refrain: Save us, O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ and asleep may rest in peace. Now, master, let your servant go in peace according to your word, because my eyes have seen your salvation. You prepared this salvation in the presence of all peoples. It’s a light for revelation to the Gentiles and a glory for your people Israel. Luke 2:29-32
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen. Refrain: Save us, O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ and asleep may rest in peace. Brief silence. PRAYERS
THANKSGIVING AND INTERCESSION Open prayer is offered. Silence may be kept.
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 fleeting world, may rest upon your eternal changelessness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
CONCLUSION We will lie down and fall asleep in peace because you alone, Lord, let us live in safety. Abide with us, Lord Jesus, for the night is at hand and the day is now past. As the night watch looks for the morning, so do we look for you, O Christ. The Lord bless us and protect us. The Lord make his face shine on us and be gracious to us. The Lord lift up his face to us and grant us peace. Amen.
Thanks to Colin for this stunning sunset.