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
I was indeed happy when on the way to Loreto. Our Lady had chosen an ideal spot in which to place her Holy House. Everything is poor, simple, and primitive; the women still wear the graceful dress of the country and have not, as in the large towns, adopted the modern Paris fashions. I found Loreto enchanting. And what shall I say of the Holy House? I was overwhelmed with emotion when I realized that I was under the very roof that had sheltered the Holy Family. I gazed on the same walls Our Lord had looked on. I trod the ground once moistened with the sweat of St. Joseph’s toil, and saw the little chamber of the Annunciation, where the Blessed Virgin Mary held Jesus in her arms after she had borne Him there in her virginal womb. I even put my Rosary into the little porringer used by the Divine Child. How sweet those memories! — St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Today's Meditation
I encourage you to consider your own prayer life and to think about how you pray for your family. Like me, you might be a parent. Or perhaps you are a young adult who is not yet a parent. You might be a grandparent or even a great-grandparent. If the latter is the case, your role as a prayer warrior is perhaps different than it was previously, but it is no less important, for you now have an extremely crucial position and frame of reference for your extended family. I remember a priest once telling me that a grandparent’s prayers can be the saving “grace” of families. But in whatever phase of life you are in and in whatever role you currently play, prayer is essential. —Good Catholic Series, The Heavenly Table
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
In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for Thou alone, O Lord, makest me dwell in safety. — Psalm 4:8