Night Prayer
Jesus Christ, my God, I adore You and thank You for all the graces You have given me this day. I offer You my sleep and all the moments of this night. I place myself and all my loved ones, wherever they may be, in Your sacred side and under the mantle of Our Blessed Mother. Let Your holy angels stand watch and keep us in peace. Amen.
Quote of the Night
You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you. — St. Augustine
Today's Meditation
“We may understand how the cross can have been called a “bed of terror,” and how the contemplation of Jesus suffering this torment has made the mystics cry out with pity. Love is ingenious in constructing its scenes; and the lover reproduces with torment in fidelity every spasm of his suffering beloved. It was surely a mystic who inserted in the hymn “Vexilla Regis”: (“Soldiers of the King”) those supplications to the Cross which show how clearly the essential feature of that torture has been understood: “Bend thy branches, mighty tree, relax the body strained upon thee; be thy natural rigor softened, that the members of the sovereign King may rest more lightly on thy wood!” These words are the protest of a tender heart; they are the answer to the plaint of the Crucified spoken through the mouth of the prophet: “I am poured out like water; and all my bones are scattered … For many dogs have encompassed me… They have dug my hands and feet. They have numbered all my bones.” —A. G. Sertillanges, pg. 182
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Compline
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Examination of Conscience
The daily examination of conscience is an ancient Catholic practice. It’s very simple, and it’s designed to help us identify our sins and weaknesses so that we can improve and grow stronger in the spiritual life. Basically, it consists in taking a few minutes at the end of the day to prayerfully review our actions in the light of God’s commandments. The Act of Contrition is often said afterwards. The daily examination also serves as an excellent ongoing preparation for regular Confession.
Reflect on the victories and losses
Actively reflecting on the high and low points of the day can help you live more intentionally and bring a renewed sense of resolve into the following day.
- Review your actions, words, and thoughts today. Did you actively guard yourself against temptation? Where did sin creep in?
- In what moments did you practice virtue and moral courage?
- Were you attuned to the Holy Spirit’s promptings today? Where did you feel His inspiration?
- Ask Him for the graces necessary to follow His Will more purposefully tomorrow.
Act of Contrition
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, Who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.
Practice gratitude
It is God’s love that has brought you into existence and to this exact moment. Practice looking for His hand in your day.
- Where did you feel His loving gaze upon you today?
- What people or moments helped you see God in your life?
- Thank God for all these moments!
- Ask Him to help you recognize His blessings and providence tomorrow.
Renew your commitment to Christ
Remember our Faith is founded upon a Person—Christ! Renew your personal love and devotion to Him.
- Thank God for the gift of His Son Jesus and our call to be His disciples.
- Tell the Lord of your desire to know Christ more personally.
- If possible, set an intention for your day tomorrow. Ask Our Lord to guide you in this act.
- Pray a Hail Mary, Our Father, or another beloved prayer.
Rest With God
[He] made the Bear and Orion, the Plei′ades and the chambers of the south; Who does great things beyond understanding, and marvelous things without number. — Job 9:9-10