Prayers for all Occasions, Needs, and Intentions

THE LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Join with me in a Prayer of Praise

NIGHT PRAYER

The last prayer of the day said before retiring.

The Night Prayers begin with the verse "God, come to my assistance," concluding with the final prayer, then the blessing "May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful death. Amen." Completed with the recitation of one of the antiphons of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Verse

God, come to my assistance. Lord, make haste to help me.  

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Doxology

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.   

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A brief examination of conscience should be made at this point followed by the recitation of one of the following penitential prayers.

Penitential Prayer

I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do; and I ask blessed Mary, ever virgin, all the angels and saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.

Remember, Lord, your compassion and mercy which you showed long ago. Do not recall the sins and failings of my youth. In your mercy remember me, Lord, because of your goodness.   

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Hymn

O Christ, you are the light and day

Which drives away the night,

The ever shining Sun of God

And pledge of future light.

As now the evening shadows fall

Please grant us, Lord, we pray,

A quiet night to rest in you

Until the break of day.

Remember us, poor mortal men,

We humbly ask, 0 Lord,

And may your presence in our souls

Be now our great reward.   

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Psalmody

Antiphon 1

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

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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.

Upon you no evil shall fall, no plague approach where you dwell. For you has he commanded his angels, to keep you in all your ways.

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.   

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First Reading  

They will look upon his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. Night will be no more, nor will they need light from lamp or sun, for the Lord God shall give them light, and they shall reign forever and ever.    

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Second Reading

By meditating upon the incarnation, our devotion is kindled, and by remembering the example of God’s Mother, we are encouraged to lead a life of virtue. Such virtues are best achieved in the evening. We are weary after the day’s work and worn out by our distractions. The time for rest is near, and our minds are ready for contemplation.     

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Responsory

Into  your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.  

Your have redeemed us, Lord God of truth. I commend my spirit.   

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. 

Into  your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.      

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Antiphon 2

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.   

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Canticle of Simeon

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 forever. Amen.    

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Concluding Prayer

Father of holiness, for the journey of your pilgrim Church on earth, you have provided the Virgin Mary as a sign and beacon.

Through her intercession sustain our faith and enliven our hope, that no obstacle may divert us from the road which brings us to salvation.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.   

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Blessing

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

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Antiphon of Mary

Alma Redemptoris Mater

Loving mother of the Redeemer, gate of heaven, star of the sea, assist your people who have fallen yet strive to rise again.

To the wonderment of nature you bore your Creator, yet remained a virgin after as before.

You who received Gabriel’s joyful greeting, have pity on us poor sinners.   

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Ave Regina Caelorum

Hail, Queen of heaven;

Hail, Mistress of the Angels;

Hail, root of Jesse;

Hail, the gate through which the Light rose over the earth.

Rejoice, Virgin most renowned and of unsurpassed beauty.   

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Regina Caeli

Queen of heaven, rejoice, alleluia. The Son whom you merited to bear, alleluia, has risen as he said, alleluia.

Pray to God for us, alleluia. Rejoice and be glad, 0 Virgin Mary, alleluia. For the Lord has truly risen, alleluia.   

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Salve, Regina

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, hail, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To you we cry, the children of Eve; to you we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this land of exile. Turn, then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us; lead us home at last and show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus: O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.    

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Conclusion    

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