Compline

What it is

Compline (Night Prayer) is the last hour of the Divine OfficeGlossaryThe Church's daily liturgy of psalms, hymns, and readings sanctifying the hours—also called the Liturgy of the Hours., prayed before sleep. It examines the day, entrusts the night to God, and classically includes the Nunc Dimittis ("Now you dismiss your servant, O Lord") and a Marian antiphonGlossaryA short scriptural or liturgical text sung or said before and after a psalm, canticle, or as a refrain in the Mass and Office. such as the Salve Regina. It is short, sober, and made for tired men who still intend to end the day as Catholics.

What it is not

Compline is not VespersGlossaryEvening Prayer of the Divine Office—psalms, a New Testament canticle, intercessions, and often a hymn at day's decline.. It is not an optional bedtime poem with no connection to the Church's liturgy—when you pray the approved Night Prayer, you pray with the Church. It is not a substitute for Confession after serious sin; examine your conscience, and if needed, resolve to confess.

How a Catholic encounters it

Keep a card or app for Night Prayer by the bed. Pray it even when exhausted—especially then. Sing or say the MarianGlossaryOf or directed to the Blessed Virgin Mary—her feasts, antiphons, hymns, and the Church's filial devotion to the Mother of God. antiphon. Sleep as a man who has handed the day back to God. Tomorrow's LaudsGlossaryMorning Prayer of the Divine Office—psalms of praise at daybreak, classically including the Benedictus. will find you already in the rhythm of the Office.