At The Close Of Day

The following or some other verse of Scripture is said

I will lay me down in peace, and take my rest;
for you, Lord, only, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)

PSALM 134
Ecce nunc

1 Behold now, praise the Lord, *
all you servants of the Lord,
2 You that stand by night in the house of the Lord, *
even in the courts of the house of our God.
3 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary *
and sing praises unto the Lord.
4 The Lord who made heaven and earth *
give you blessing out of Zion.

A READING FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE

You keep them in perfect peace whose minds are stayed on you,
because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord for ever,
for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. (Isaiah 26:3-4)

or this

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely,
and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless
at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

A period of silence may follow.

A hymn or canticle may be used.

Prayers may be offered for ourselves and others.
It is appropriate that prayers of thanksgiving for the blessings of the day, and penitence for our sins, be included.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

THE COLLECT

Visit this place, O Lord, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy;
let your holy angels dwell with us to preserve us in peace;
and let your blessing be upon us always; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

NUNC DIMITTIS
The Song of Simeon

Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, *
according to your word.
For my eyes have seen your salvation, *
which you have prepared before the face of all people;
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles, *
and to be the glory of your people Israel.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. (Luke 2:29-32)

CONCLUDING SENTENCE
The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
bless us and keep us, this night and evermore. Amen.