The ancient office of Compline derives its name from a Latin word
meaning ‘completion’ (completorium). It is above all a service
of
quietness and reflection before rest at the end of the day. It is most
effective when the ending is indeed an ending, without additions,
conversation or noise. If there is an address, or business to be done,
it should come first. If the service is in church, those present depart
in silence; if at home, they go quietly to bed.
Preparation
The minister asks a blessing on the life of all God’s holy people.
Authorized Prayers of Penitence may be used.
A hymn may be sung.
The Word of God
This includes
¶ psalmody
¶ a short reading from Holy Scripture
¶ a responsory, committing oneself into the hands of God
¶ the Gospel Canticle: Nunc dimittis
Prayers
Intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered.
The Collect is said.
The Lord’s Prayer may be said.
The Conclusion
The service concludes with
¶ a calling on God for protection through the coming night
¶ a simple blessing
1 Daily, Seasonal and Other Variations
The Order for Night Prayer that follows may be used on any day
throughout the year. Alternatively, the psalm, Scripture reading and
Collect may be varied daily; and the hymn, the Scripture reading, the
refrain to the Gospel Canticle, the Collect and the blessing may
change seasonally and on Holy Days. Texts for daily and seasonal
variation and for use on Holy Days are provided.
2 Gospel Reading
On suitable occasions, particularly Saturday night and before other
festivals, the Gospel for the following day may be read before
Night Prayer or in place of the set reading.
3 Thanksgiving
Reflection on the past day may lead into thanksgiving in addition
to penitence. In such case one of the Prayers of Thanksgiving from
the seasonal forms of Morning and Evening
Prayer or the Prayer of Thanksgiving in Evening
Prayer on Sunday in Common
Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England may be used.
4 Penitence
When the confession is used, it may be replaced by another act of
penitence. However, all that precedes ‘O God, make speed to save
us’ may be omitted; this is particularly appropriate if Holy
Communion has been celebrated in the evening.
5 Alleluia
The Alleluias included in the Easter form of the Responsory are for
use from Easter Day until the Day of Pentecost, not at other times.
The Alleluia following the opening versicles and responses is always
used, except in Lent.
6 Conclusion
The response in square brackets [ ] is normally used only if Holy
Communion is to be celebrated the following morning.