5 Powerful Prayers To Close Your Day With The Benedictine Office

Opening the door to tranquility and inner peace at the end of each day can seem like a daunting task, especially when surrounded by the hustle and bustle of modern life. The Benedictine Office, a series of canonical hours or liturgical hours according to the Rule of Saint Benedict, offers a timeless structure to reflect, pray, and connect with the divine. In this article, we will explore 5 powerful prayers that can help you close your day with the serenity and purpose instilled by the Benedictine tradition.

Evening Prayer (Vespers) - 🙏

Evening Prayer, or Vespers, marks the sunset, a time when monks and those who follow the Benedictine Office pause to acknowledge the day's passing and reflect on the gifts received.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=evening%20prayer%20benedictine%20office" alt="Evening Prayer setting"> </div>

The Phos Hilaron

The opening of Vespers often includes the "Phos Hilaron" or "O Gladsome Light," one of the earliest known Christian hymns.

O gladsome light, pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven, O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!

<p class="pro-note">🌟 Note: This hymn celebrates the light of Christ, emphasizing His presence even in the darkness of evening.</p>

Compline - 🕊️

Compline, the final service of the day, brings to completion what was begun with Morning Prayer (Lauds). Here, the focus is on preparation for sleep, which symbolically represents our journey into the night of life, with the hope of awakening to eternal life.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=compline%20benedictine%20office" alt="Compline Benedictine office"> </div>

The Nunc Dimittis

This prayer, taken from the Gospel of Luke, is known as the "Song of Simeon," where Simeon, upon seeing the infant Jesus, proclaims:

Now let thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation...

The Nunc Dimittis is a profound reflection on the acceptance of death, peace, and the recognition of Jesus as the light for all nations.

Personal Examination - 🕯️

While not strictly part of the liturgical Office, a personal examination or Examen at the end of the day can be deeply enriching. This tradition, popularized by St. Ignatius Loyola, encourages reviewing the day's events, our reactions, and our feelings.

Examen Prayer

• Gratitude: Recall the moments you were grateful for.
• Grace: Ask for the light to see and understand your day.
• Review: Go through the day, hour by hour, reflecting on your interactions.
• Sorrow: Recognize where you fell short, seeking forgiveness.
• Commitment: Decide how to improve or act better in future situations.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=examen%20prayer" alt="Examen Prayer"> </div>

<p class="pro-note">💡 Note: Personal examination helps in spiritual growth by acknowledging the presence of God in everyday life.</p>

Psalm 91 - Shield of Faith - 🛡️

Psalm 91, known as the Psalm of Protection, is often recited or sung as part of Compline, offering comfort and security for the night ahead.

Psalm 91

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty...

This psalm invokes God's protection from terror by night, arrows that fly by day, and disease. It's a powerful assurance of divine safeguarding.

Bedtime Prayers - 🌙

Many close their day with simple prayers at bedtime, a practice that can be part of or in addition to Compline.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=bedtime%20prayers" alt="Bedtime Prayers"> </div>

Guardian Angel Prayer

Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here...

Or simply, reflecting on the day, ask for protection:

Lord, watch over me as I sleep, guide my dreams, and keep me safe until the morning light.

Integrating these prayers into your evening routine can help transition from the day's activities to rest, fostering a sense of peace and connection with the divine.

In closing, we've journeyed through five powerful prayers from the Benedictine Office to help you end your day with serenity. Each prayer, from the Phos Hilaron's celebration of Christ's light, to the Nunc Dimittis's acceptance of life and death, offers a way to reflect, seek forgiveness, find comfort, and ask for divine protection. May these prayers bring you closer to the peace and love of God, allowing you to rest well, knowing that you are watched over and blessed.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What is the purpose of Evening Prayer?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>The purpose of Evening Prayer, or Vespers, is to acknowledge the passing of the day, giving thanks for the gifts received and preparing spiritually for the night.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why is Compline considered important in the Benedictine Office?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Compline is significant as it concludes the day's liturgical prayer, reflecting on the day's end and the peace of sleep, symbolizing the soul's rest in God.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can non-Catholics participate in these prayers?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Absolutely, these prayers are not exclusive to Catholics; they can be adapted and used by anyone seeking a meditative and reflective way to end their day.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What is the significance of Psalm 91 in bedtime prayers?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Psalm 91 is often recited for its promises of protection, comfort, and deliverance from evil, making it a fitting prayer before rest.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>