A Short Form of Prayer at Night

for peace and justice,
for the leaders of the nations
and for those in danger

This may form the basis for a short act of prayer in church or at home, at a regular time each day or week, at the start or conclusion of a silent vigil, or whenever people meet together to pray.

	Our help is in the name of the Lord
All:	Who has made heaven and earth.
The praise of God for light in the darkness of sin
All:	Blessed are you, God of compassion and mercy, to you be praise and glory for ever. In the darkness of our sin, your light breaks forth like the dawn and your healing springs up for deliverance. As we rejoice in the gift of your saving help, sustain us with your bountiful Spirit and open our lips to sing your praise: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Blessed be God for ever.
A hymn or canticle may be sung

Psalm

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High and abides under the shadow of the Almighty, Shall say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my stronghold, my God, in whom I put my trust.' He shall cover you with his wings   and you shall be safe under his feathers; his faithfulness and truth shall be your shield and buckler There shall no evil happen to you, neither shall any plague come near your tent. For he shall give his angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. They shall bear you in their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone. Psalm 91.1-2,4,10-12 Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.

Readings

One of these short readings, or any other suitable passage, may be used

	You, O Lord, are in the midst of us and we are called by your name; leave us not, O Lord our God Jeremiah 14.9
(or)
	Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil is prowling round like a roaring lion, seeking for someone to devour. Resist him, strong in the faith. 1 Peter 5.8, 9

Responsory

The following responsory may be said

All:	Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
All:	For you have redeemed me, Lord God of truth. I commend my spirit.
All:	Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
All:	Save us, O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ and asleep may rest in peace.

Prayers

Prayer may be introduced by this short Litany

All:	That you will give us a quiet night and a perfect end: we pray to you, O Lord.
All:	That you will have mercy upon us and grant us your salvation: we pray to you, O Lord.
All:	That you will keep us this night without sin: we pray to you, O Lord.
All:	That you will guard us and give us your blessing: we pray to you, O Lord.
All:	That you will bring us with [N and] all your saints   to glory everlasting: we pray to you, O Lord.

Prayers from the collection of Prayers and Further Prayers may be said.

Free prayer may be offered and silence is kept.

	Let us commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray, to the mercy and protection of God.
The Collect
All:	Lighten our darkness, Lord, we pray, and in your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night for the love of your only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.

We unite all our prayers in Christ's perpetual prayer to the Father

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Conclusion

We commend ourselves to God's mercy for his blessing

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all evermore. Amen.

Prayer may end with the exchange of the Peace

All:	May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.
All:	The peace of the Lord be always with you And also with you.
Let us offer one another a sign of peace, God's seal on our prayers.

At night, or in any danger, prayer may end with

Christaraksha - an Indian Prayer before sleep

May the cross of the Son of God, which is mightier than all the hosts of Satan, and more glorious than all the hosts of heaven, abide with us in our going out and our coming in. By day and night, at morning and at evening, at all times and in all places may it protect and defend us. From the wrath of evildoers, from the assaults of evil spirits, from foes visible and invisible, from the snares of the devil, from all passions that beguile the soul and body may it guard, protect and deliver us. Amen.

Prayers in time of conflict >>