Praying at night, even briefly, allows us to make more room for God in our lives while expressing our gratitude for the past day and entrusting Him with the night to come. Often, a short time for prayer before sleep is enough to offer our worries to the Lord and to have Him fulfill our hearts with peace.
Below are three Catholic night prayers, written by two saints and a bishop from the XVIIth century. These prayers are very short and can nourish our evening prayer and help us remain steadfast in prayer, for we all know how difficult it is to persevere in prayer!
O eternal God and Ruler of all creation, You have allowed me to reach this hour. Forgive the sins I have committed this day by word, deed or thought. Purify me, O Lord, from every spiritual and physical stain. Grant that I may rise from this sleep to glorify You by my deeds throughout my entire lifetime, and that I be victorious over every spiritual and physical enemy. Deliver me, O Lord, from all vain thoughts and from evil desires, for yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Amen.
All praise to thee, my Lord, this night, for all the blessings of the light;
Keep me, O keep me, King of kings, beneath thine own almighty wings.
Amen.
Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight, and give Your Angels and Saints charge over those who sleep. Tend Your sick ones, O Lord Christ. Rest Your weary ones, Bless Your dying ones, Soothe Your suffering ones, pity Your afflicted ones, Shield Your joyous ones, And all for Your love's sake. Amen.
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