Straight Outta Compline

In the practice of Christianity, canonical hours mark the divisions of the day in terms of periods of fixed prayer at regular intervals. 

This practice of daily prayers grew from the Jewish practice of reciting prayers at set times of the day known as zmanim. Psalm 119:164 states: "Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws".


 Compline, also known as "vespers" or "night prayer", is the final period of prayer during the day, occurring just before turning in for the night. The reading or reciting of compline typically takes less than 10 minutes. I often use this time as a way to settle the events that occurred during the day and get my mind and spirit ready for rest. Much in the way one might use a meditation, compline helps me transition from activity to sleep.

I was first exposed to compline in high school as it was often read at the end of the day at church retreats and, yes, even some lock-ins. I fell in love with both its simplicity and its depth. In times of great distress, I am often drawn to this prayer found in the Anglican Order for Compline:

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or
weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. 
Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless 
the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the 
joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.

Another favorite part of mine is this antiphon:

Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake
we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.

The word "compline" can be dated back to at least the 6th century and St. Benedict, but the Christian practice may be traced to the disciples. If you would like to explore compline as a way to end your day please watch the video or click the link below for the text. I would love for you to email me your thoughts or questions.

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