FRIDAY, December 3

Psalm 16. Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you.

Nighttime can be daunting. It’s so dark. If we are worried, the problem is often worse at night. Often if something is bothering me, it’s easier to cope in the daytime when it is light than in the dark nighttime.

But I am armed now with prayers and scripture. As this psalm says, “I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel; my heart teaches me, night after night.”

In the beautiful service of Compline (The Book of Common Prayer, page 127) there are many comforting prayers and lines: “The Lord Almighty grant us a peaceful night and a perfect end,” the service begins. And my favorite: “Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep.” And finally the antiphon, “Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep, we may rest in peace.” (2006)

If the glory of God is to break out in your service, you must be ready to go out into the night.

—Basilea Schlink

We must welcome the night. It’s the only time that the stars shine.

—Michael Quoist

PRAY for the Diocese of Kisangani (Congo)

Ps 16, 17 * 22; Isaiah 3:8-15; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12; Luke 20:41—21:4

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.

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Dec 03, 2010 at 5:35 am

Written by Craig Hoffman,

How appropriate. My mother passed away in her sleep this night at the age of 95. May the Lord keep her in the palm of his hand.

Blessing

Dec 03, 2010 at 6:50 am

Written by Stephen,

Condolences to Craig. I thank God my own father left this world quickly without prolonged illness at a time of peace in his life, although we all miss him tremendously. Bless those less fortunate and stru*gle with health and finances in later years as well as the issues of loss. Although I am one who can sleep through almost anything, I have had those nights when I could only turn to God; and mornings and days on edge my trust lacking.

...

Dec 03, 2010 at 7:49 am

Written by Paulletta,

Facing the overwhelming challenges of my life, it is Compline read before I go to bed that gives me peace and the reassurance I need to realize that God is with me

Abide with Me

Dec 03, 2010 at 9:44 am

Written by Tom P,

Our family always used to sing this hymn upon our evening returns from camp to home when I was growing up and, although it is in most hymnals, I never hear it used anymore. It does provide me with a sense of comfort when I think about it and listen to it in my mind.

...

Dec 03, 2010 at 10:22 am

Written by Barbara Summers,

Craig,

My deepest sympathy at the loss of your beloved mother.

Response to today's meditation

Dec 03, 2010 at 4:32 pm

Written by Julie Leak,

The day is almost over, at least about time for me to go home. Have never made an online response but today's meditation really struck a cord. My mother died after Thanksgiving in 1992 and yes, nighttime was the worse. She just laid down to take a nap after Christmas shopping and never woke up--a blessing for her but not for those left. When I would wake up in the morning it was as though I had a nightmare so it got to the point I would just stay up as late as possible and sometimes sleep in a chair--crazy now but that's the way it was. Perhaps it was during and after this time that I discovered Compline. And, yes, my favorite too is "Keep watch....We have a sung Compline at St. Michael's here in New York on Wednesday night with only a few people in attendance. I spread the word when I can -- it is a wonderful way to end the evening. Thanks for listening. Julie

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