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
He who walking on the sea could calm its bitter waves; He who gives life to dying seeds of the earth; He who was able to loose the mortal chains of death, and after three days’ darkness could bring forth the brother for his sister Martha; He, I believe, will make Damasus rise again from the dust. — Pope St. Damasus I
Today's Meditation
“The deeper sense of Advent,” wrote Fr. Alfred Delp earnestly in 1943, when Germany was racked with anti-Catholicism, is that “we scrutinize the center [of ourselves]…” He is reminding us that Advent is a season of repentance—a spiritual housecleaning for the coming of Christ. It’s a deliberate time in which we examine our relationship with God, our behavior towards others, our inner attitudes, dispositions, and desires. It is uncomfortable—and even frightening—to look within ourselves; we don’t know what we will find. But doing so will set us free. There is no need to examine ourselves with dread. Instead, we can ask Jesus Himself to help us, and bury ourselves in His embrace, for Advent is a “personal journey toward a meeting and dialogue with God.” —Good Catholic Digital Content Series, Great Advent
Compline
Read NowRecommended Products
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
Praise Him, sun and moon, praise Him, all you shining stars! — Psalm 148:3