Parishes of St Philips and All Saints Kew with St Luke’s Kew
Where all God’s children are Welcome
An Order for Night Prayer (Compline)
Tuesday in Holy Week 2020
Note
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.
We confess to God almighty,
the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost,
that we have sinned in thought, word and deed,
through our own grievous fault.
Wherefore we pray God to have mercy upon us.
Almighty God, have mercy upon us,
forgive us all our sins and deliver us from all evil,
confirm and strengthen us in all goodness,
and bring us to life everlasting;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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.
Psalm 71: 1-14
1 In
you, O Lord, I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
2 In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;
incline your ear to me and save me.
3 Be to me a rock of refuge,
a strong fortress, to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
4 Rescue
me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked,
from the grasp of the unjust and cruel.
5 For you, O Lord, are my hope,
my trust, O Lord,
from my youth.
6 Upon you I have leaned from my birth;
it was you who took me from my mother’s womb.
My praise is continually of you.
7 I have been like a portent to many,
but you are my strong refuge.
8 My mouth is filled with your praise,
and with your glory all day long.
Scripture Reading
Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil is prowling round like a roaring lion, seeking for someone to devour. Resist him, strong in the faith. 1 Peter 5.8,9
Galatians 6: 11- end
See what large letters I make when I am writing in my own hand! It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that try to compel you to be circumcised—only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. Even the circumcised do not themselves obey the law, but they want you to be circumcised so that they may boast about your flesh. May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything! As for those who will follow this rule—peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
From now on, let no one make trouble for me; for I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Responsory
Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Into
thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
For thou hast redeemed me, O Lord, thou God of truth.
I
commend my spirit.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost.
Into
thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Keep me as the apple of your eye.
Hide
me under the shadow of your wings.
Gospel Canticle
The Nunc dimittis (The Song of Simeon) is said
1 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace: according to thy word.
2 For mine eyes have seen: thy salvation;
3 Which thou hast prepared: before the face of all people;
4 To be a light to lighten the Gentiles: and to be the glory of thy people Israel. Luke 2.29-32
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.
Prayers
Intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered here.
The Collect
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.
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.
The Lord bless us and watch over us;
the Lord make his face shine upon us and be gracious to us;
the Lord look kindly on us and give us peace.
Amen.
Copyright acknowledgment (where not already indicated above):
Some material included in this service is copyright: © The Archbishops’ Council 2000
Nunc dimittis (Traditional) © The Crown/Cambridge University Press: The Book of Common Prayer (1662)