Night Prayer from Liturgy of the Hours

The Night Prayer, also called Compline, is part of the Liturgy of the Hours. It is a simple way to end the day with God. Many priests and religious pray it every night, but lay people can pray it too. It gives us a quiet moment to speak with the Lord before we go to sleep.

The prayer helps us bring our worries and sins to God. It includes a short reading from Scripture, a psalm, and a Gospel canticle. Each part leads us to rest in God’s care. The words are peaceful and remind us that Jesus is always near, even as we sleep.

One of the most comforting lines is from the Gospel canticle:

It’s a simple prayer, but it brings great comfort. Children, teens, and adults can all pray this line together before bed.

If the full prayer feels too long, just using a small part is a good start. Many families begin with just one short line. Over time, more can be added. The important thing is to close the day by turning to God.

Night Prayer has been part of the Church for many centuries. Long ago, monks and nuns prayed it in their monasteries. They followed a daily schedule of prayer called the Liturgy of the Hours. Compline was the last prayer of the day, said right before going to bed. Over time, the Church made this prayer available for all the faithful.

The format of Night Prayer is simple and calming. It begins with a short examination of conscience. This is a moment to quietly think about the day and ask God’s forgiveness. Then there is a psalm or hymn, a short reading from Scripture, and the Gospel canticle. The canticle always includes the same comforting antiphon about resting in peace with Christ.

At the end, there is a closing prayer and a blessing. Many people also include a short Marian hymn like the “Salve Regina.” The whole prayer can be done in about ten minutes. It can be prayed alone or with others.

To read the whole prayer, you need a source for the daily readings. Try iBrevary which is available on Android and iOS. Laudate is another good app to use for the Divine Office and other Catholic prayers. It is also available on Android and iOS. These are free apps and an great alternative to purchasing the full Liturgy of the Hours in book format, which can be pretty expensive.

Though it started in religious communities, Night Prayer now brings peace to homes around the world. Whether you use a prayer book, an app, or just memorize a few lines, this prayer is a gentle way to say goodnight to the Lord.

Night Prayer connects deeply with Scripture. One strong theme is trust in God. The psalms remind us that God is our shelter and our rest. The Gospel canticle says we keep watch with Christ. This comes from Jesus’ words in the Garden of Gethsemane when He asked His disciples to stay awake and pray with Him. It reminds us to stay close to Jesus, even in quiet moments.

This prayer also speaks to our need for peace and safety. Young people often feel stress or fear. Night Prayer teaches them to turn to God with those feelings. It shows that God cares for them, even when they sleep. It connects well with lessons about prayer, mercy, and God’s presence.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “In the evening, before retiring, let prayer again rise up to him… Let all prayers rise up to God as incense in the evening” (CCC 2698). Night Prayer follows this tradition. It builds a habit of ending the day with God.

In youth ministry, this prayer is a tool for reflection. It fits well with retreats or faith nights. It helps teens slow down and notice how God is part of their daily lives. Even praying one part of it can spark good conversations about faith and trust.

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.

More Catholic Prayers

Looking for more ways to pray? Visit our Catholic Prayers page. You’ll find many simple prayers for different times and situations. The Night Prayer is one of the prayers listed there. It’s a great way to end the day in peace.

You’ll also find morning prayers, meal blessings, and short prayers for help or thanksgiving. These prayers can be used at home, with youth groups, or in classrooms. Check out the Catholic Prayers page and find the right prayer for your day.

What is Night Prayer?

Night Prayer, also called Compline, is the final prayer of the day in the Liturgy of the Hours. It is meant to be prayed before going to bed. It helps us end the day in peace and trust in God.

Can anyone pray Night Prayer?

Yes. Night Prayer is for everyone. Priests and religious pray it every day, but lay people can pray it too. Families, teens, and children can all take part.

How long does Night Prayer take?

Night Prayer usually takes about ten minutes. If that feels too long, you can start with just one part, like the Gospel canticle or a short psalm.

What is the key line in Night Prayer?

The most well-known line is: “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.” Many people say just this line before bed.

Do I need a special book to pray Night Prayer?

You can use a prayer book or a free app like iBreviary or Laudate. These include Night Prayer and other daily prayers. They are easy to use and available on phones and tablets.

Can I pray Night Prayer with children?

Yes. Night Prayer can be a calming bedtime prayer for children. You can start with a short part and slowly teach them more as they grow.

Is Night Prayer the same every day?

Night Prayer has a simple structure. Some parts stay the same, like the Gospel canticle. Other parts, like the psalm or reading, change each day. But it always ends with trust in God’s care.

Night Prayer, also known as Compline, is the last prayer of the day in the Liturgy of the Hours. It helps us quiet our minds and rest in God’s care. Many people find peace in this simple bedtime prayer. It is a way to hand the day over to the Lord.

The prayer includes a short reading from Scripture, a psalm, and the Gospel canticle. The words lead us to reflect, give thanks, and ask for protection as we sleep. A well-known line is: “Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep…” This line alone brings comfort.

Night Prayer is used by priests, religious, and lay people. It is a great prayer for families and youth groups. Even young children can learn and repeat a short part of it. It builds a daily habit of turning to God before bed.

In a busy world, this prayer reminds us to slow down and trust God. It is not long or hard to learn. Apps and prayer books make it easy to follow. Whether you pray the full prayer or just a short line, Night Prayer is a simple and peaceful way to end the day.

Have you prayed Night Prayer before? What part speaks to you the most? Maybe it’s the peace, the trust, or just the quiet time with God. We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Please share your experience in the comment section. Your ideas and stories might help others give Night Prayer a try too.