DESCRIPTION:
Night Prayer (Compline) sung by the Benedictine monks of Ampleforth Abbey.

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0:00 Ringing of the bell
0:22 Opening verse & Penitential rite
1:41 Introductory verses
2:25 Psalm 4
4:03 Psalm 90
6:56 Psalm 133
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_____Liturgical gestures in Night Prayer_____

1) Sign of the Cross (The introductory verse: "O God ┼ come to my assistance", Canticle of Simeon: "Now ┼ Lord you have kept your word" & at the final blessing.
2) Striking the breast 3 times during the "I confess" when saying, "though my own fault, through my own fault, through my own most grievous fault".
3) Bowing profoundly at the words, "Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit" wherever they occur.

_____Opening verse & Penitential rite_____

Our help is in the Name of the Lord - who made Heaven and Earth.

I confess to Almighty God, to Blessed Mary ever Virgin, to Blessed Michael the Archangel, to Blessed John the Baptist, to the Holy Apostles, Peter & Paul, and to all the Saints, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word and deed; through my own fault, through my own fault, through my own most grievous fault.
Therefore I beseech Blessed Mary ever Virgin, Blessed Michael the Archangel, Blessed John the Baptist, the Holy Apostles, Peter & Paul, and all the Saints, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

May Almighty God ┼ have mercy on us, forgive us our sins and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.

_____Introductory verses________________

Convert us O God our Saviour - and turn away your anger from us.
┼ O God come to my assistance - O Lord make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father & to the Son & to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be; world without end. Amen. Alleluia.

_____Psalm 4_________________________

When I call, answer me O God of justice. From anguish you released me, have mercy and hear me.
O men, how long will your hearts be closed, will you love what is futile and seek what is false?

It is the Lord who grants favours to those whom He loves; the Lord hears me whenever I call Him.
Fear Him, do not sin; ponder on your bed and be still.

Make justice your sacrifice, and trust in the Lord.
"What can bring us happiness?", many say. Lift up the light of your face on us O Lord.

You have put into my heart a greater joy, than they have from abundance of corn and new wine.
I will lie down in peace and sleep comes at once, for you alone Lord make me dwell in safety.

Glory be to the Father...

_____Psalm 90_________________________

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, and abides in the shade of the Almighty,
Says to the Lord, "My refuge; my stronghold, my God in whom I trust".

It is He who will free you from the snare of the fowler, who seeks to destroy you;
He will conceal you with his pinions, and under His wings you will find refuge.

You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day;
nor the plague that prowls in the darkness, nor the scourge that lays waste at noon.

A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand fall at your right;
You it will never approach; His faithfulness is buckler and shield.

Your eyes have only to look, to see how the wicked are repaid;
You who have said, "Lord, my refuge" and have made the Most High your dwelling.

Upon you no evil shall fall; no plague approach where you dwell;
For you has He commanded His angels, to keep you in all your ways.

They shall bear you upon their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone;
On the lion and the viper you will tread, and trample the young lion and the dragon.

His love he set on me so I will rescue him; protect him for he knows my name.
When he calls I shall answer, I am with him. I will save him in distress and give him glory.

With length of life I will content him; I shall let him see my saving power.

Glory be to the Father...

_____Psalm 133__________________________

O come bless the Lord, all you who serve the Lord;
Who stand in the House of our Lord, in the courts of the House of our God.

Lift up your hands to the Holy Place, and bless the Lord through the night.
May the Lord bless you from Sion, He who made both Heaven and Earth.

Glory be to the Father...
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