Dear Lovelies,
With Christ the King Sunday on November 23, the church year ends, before beginning again on November 30 with the first Sunday of Advent. As a thought to endings or conclusions before new beginnings, I wanted to share an excerpt from an evening compline – a vespers or evening prayer.
Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep may rest in peace.
Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace: your word has been fulfilled. My own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people: a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel. Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ and asleep we may rest in peace.
Hear my prayer, O Lord: listen to my cry. Keep me as the apple of your eye, hide me in the shadow of your wings. In righteousness I shall see you; when I awake, your presence will give me joy.
Be present, merciful God, and protect us through the hours of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of life may find our rest in you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gracious God, we give you thanks for the day, especially for the good we were permitted to give and to receive; the day is now past and we commit it to you. We entrust to you the night; we rest securely, for you are our help, and you neither slumber nor sleep; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Blessings, friends!
Traci Billman, Director of Christian Education
Last modified: October 26, 2025