07.05.24
Welcome to Night Songs, which is being streamed via youtube (this link will be updated weekly).
Christians have gathered for prayer in the night time for hundreds of years to mark the completion of the day. This service draws on that tradition and from the ancient service of Compline, which derives its name from a Latin word meaning 'completion' (completorium). Traditionally the service was the last of the monastic ‘offices’ (set times of prayer) and was the beginning of the ‘Greater Silence‘ lasting until the first prayers of the following day.
The aspiration for this online service is to provide a relaxed, prayerful and reflective space at the end of the day that everybody can feel comfortable attending no matter what their familiarity with church services or the Christian tradition. You are welcome to follow the order of service below, but you are equally welcome simply to close your eyes and think, pray or reflect upon the day.
Once you have joined the stream, we suggest you take the time until the service begins to make yourself a bedtime drink (the Chaplain’s instructions for making the traditional Night Songs hot chocolate are here), and to get comfortable. You may wish to light a candle, if it is safe to do so.
Music before the service
Kreisleriana (4th mov't) by Schumann played by Giles Shaw
Preparation
The Lord almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end.
Amen.
A short time of silence is kept for reflection upon the day
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Praise ye the Lord.
The Lord’s name be praised.
The Psalm
The Psalm of the day is sung to a simple plainchant setting.
Scripture Reading
You, O Lord, are in the midst of us, and we are called by your name;
leave us not, O Lord our God.
The Silence
The reading is followed by a period of silence for reflection and prayer.
Responsory
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Gospel Canticle: The Nunc Dimittis
The Antiphon is repeated
Prayers
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come; thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
Let us pray.
Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord;
and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night;
for the love of thy only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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 repose upon thy eternal changelessness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Conclusion
Concluding Music
Quam pulchra es by John Dunstaple
Thank you for attending this service of Night Songs.
Details of all Chapel services (in person and online) are on the Chapel Services page.
The Chaplain is available to all members of the Catz community for pastoral care or spiritual support, prayer, or just a chat.
