God, + come to my assistance.

– Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

– as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Examination of conscience

A brief examination of conscience may be made. In the communal celebration of the office, a penitential rite using the formulas of the Mass may be inserted here.

Antiphon

Night holds no terrors for me sleeping under God’s wings.

Psalm 91

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High 

and abides in the shade of the Almighty

says to the Lord: “My refuge,

my stronghold, my God in whom I trust!”

It is he who will free you from the snare 

of the fowler who seeks to destroy you; 

he will conceal you with his pinions 

and under his wings you will find refuge.

You will not fear the terror of the night 

nor the arrow that flies by day, 

nor the plague that prowls in the darkness 

nor the scourge that lays waste at noon.

A thousand may fall at your side, 

ten thousand fall at your right, 

you, it will never approach; 

his faithfulness is buckler and shield.

Your eyes have only to look 

to see how the wicked are repaid, 

you who have said: “Lord, my refuge!” 

and have made the Most High your dwelling.

They shall bear you upon their hands 

lest you strike your foot against a stone. 

On the lion and the viper you will tread 

 and trample the young lion and the dragon.

Since he clings to me in love, I will free him;  

protect him for he knows my name.

When he calls I shall answer: “I am with you.”  

I will save him in distress and give him glory.

With length of life I will content him; 

I shall let him see my saving power.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Night holds no terrors for me sleeping under God’s wings.

READING

Revelation 22:4-5

They shall see the Lord face to face and bear his name on their foreheads. The night shall be no more. They will need no light from lamps or the sun, for the Lord God shall give them light, and they shall reign forever.

Antiphon

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.

Make sign of cross

Lord, now you let your servant go in peace; 

 your word has been fulfilled:

my own eyes have seen the salvation 

which you have prepared in the sight of every people:

a light to reveal you to the nations 

 and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

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.

Concluding Prayer

Let us pray.

Lord,

we have celebrated today

the mystery of the rising of Christ to new life. May we now rest in your peace,

safe from all that could harm us,

and rise again refreshed and joyful,

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful death.

Amen.