The ancient office of Compline derives its name from a Latin word meaning ‘completion’ (completorium). It is above all a service of quietness and reflection before rest at the end of the day. It is most effective when the ending is indeed an ending, without additions, conversation or noise. If there is an address, or business to be done, it should come first. If the service is in church, those present depart in silence; if at home, they go quietly to bed.
Preparation
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.
A period of silence for reflection on the past day may follow.
The following or other suitable words of penitence may be used
Most merciful God
we confess to you before the whole company of heaven and one another
that we have sinned in thought and 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.
(Sometimes the words of penitence may be omitted and the service may begin here)
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.
Alleluia !
The following or another suitable hymn may be sung
Before the ending of the day,
Creator of the world, we pray
That you, with steadfast love, would keep
Your watch around us while we sleep
From evil dreams defend our sight,
From fears and terrors of the night;
Tread underfoot our deadly foe
That we no sinful thought may know.
Eastertide Doxology
All praise be yours, o risen Lord
From death to endless life restored;
Who, with the Father, we adore
And Holy Spirit evermore. Amen.
The Word of God
Psalm 4
1 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness; ♦
you set me at liberty when I was in trouble;
have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
2 How long will you nobles dishonour my glory; ♦
how long will you love vain things and seek after falsehood?
3 But know that the Lord has shown me his marvellous kindness; ♦
when I call upon the Lord, he will hear me.
4 Stand in awe, and sin not; ♦
commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still.
5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness ♦
and put your trust in the Lord.
6 There are many that say, ‘Who will show us any good?’ ♦
Lord, lift up the light of your countenance upon us.
7 You have put gladness in my heart, ♦
more than when their corn and wine and oil increase.
8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, ♦
for it is you Lord, only, who make me dwell in safety.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.
Scripture Reading
The servants of the Lamb shall see the face of God, whose name will be on their foreheads.
There will be no more night: they will not need a lamp or the light of the sun, for God will be their light, and they will reign for ever and ever
Revelation 22. 4,5
A period of silence for reflection on the reading may follow
Into your hands o Lord I commend my spirit.
Into your hands o Lord I commend my spirit. Alleluia ! Alleluia !
For you have redeemed me o Lord of truth.
Alleluia ! Alleluia !
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Into your hands o Lord I commend my spirit. Alleluia ! Alleluia !
Gospel Canticle
The Nunc dimittis (The Song of Simeon)
Alleluia ! The Lord is risen, Alleluia !
as he promised to you. Alleluia ! Alleluia !
1 Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace: ♦
your word has been fulfilled.
2 My own eyes have seen the salvation ♦
which you have prepared in the sight of every people;
3 A light to reveal you to the nations ♦
and the glory of 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 shall be for ever. Amen.
Alleluia ! The Lord is risen, Alleluia !
as he promised to you. Alleluia ! Alleluia !
Prayers
Intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered here.
Silence may be kept
Let us commend ourselves and all for whom we pray
to the mercy and protection of God.
One or more of the following Collects is said
Almighty Father,
whom truly to know is eternal life:
teach us to know your Son Jesus Christ
as the way, the truth and the life;
that we may follow the steps
of your holy apostles Philip and James,
and walk steadfastly in the way that leads to your glory;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Visit this place, O Lord, we pray,
and drive far from it the snares of the enemy;
may your holy angels dwell with us and guard us in peace,
and may your blessing be always upon us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Lighten our darkness Lord we pray
and in your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night,
for the love of your only Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
As we come to the ending of the day, let us pray as our Redeemer has 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,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
The Conclusion
In peace we will lie down and sleep;
for you alone, Lord, make us dwell 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.
May the risen Lord Jesus watch over us and renew us
as he renews the whole of creation.
May our hearts and lives echo his love.
Amen.
the people blow out their candles and log off in silence…….
© The Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England, 2000-2005
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