E PRAY COMPLINE most nights together as a family. If we come home late, then we sometimes just say the closing prayers. If we were starting over again, introducing the prayer, I think this is where I would start.
Even when singing the office, this part doesn’t have any fancy tunes to learn. This part stays pretty constant all through the year. Invoking the angels to guard your house is beautiful—the same sentiment comes up in the blessing for pregnant mothers. Say it every night to plant it in your brain and it will be a comfort in any dark time.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto thee.
Let us pray.
Visit, we beseech thee, O Lord, this dwelling, and drive far from it the snares of the enemy; let thy holy angels dwell herein to preserve us in peace, and let thy blessing be always upon us.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.
R. Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto thee.
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
Benediction: The almighty and merciful Lord, ✠ the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us.
R. Amen.
I thought I’d check the internet to see if anyone had made a video on the Latin pronunciation for this prayer. I was blown away by the polyphonic setting by William Byrd. Maybe not the quickest way to finish your day, but it’s there for you to enjoy:
Read more about the Brandt Family Compline project at compline.brandt.id.au.
