Night prayer
It combines the traditional examination of conscience, the words of Jesus on the cross (Luke 23:46) and the blessing that closes Compline ("Visita, quaesumus, Domine").
Also known as: Evening Prayer · Catholic Night Prayer · Prayer before sleep
for life, for health, for bread and for the people I love.
Forgive what I did wrong and the good I failed to do.
Keep my home, my family and all who suffer safe this night.
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.
Visit this house, O Lord, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy;
let your holy angels dwell here to keep us in peace,
and may your blessing be always upon us.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
When to pray
Before sleep.
Origin
This 'Night Prayer' is a common devotional prayer recited by Catholics before sleep. Its simple structure includes elements of thanksgiving for the day, confession of sins, and a plea for divine protection during the night for oneself and loved ones. While not part of the official Liturgy of the Hours, its themes resonate with Compline (Night Prayer) and it is widely used in popular piety across various cultures. The specific wording can vary slightly, reflecting its organic development in popular devotion rather than a single author or fixed historical origin.
In other languages
Oração da noite (Português) · Oración de la noche (Español) · Preghiera della sera (Italiano) · Modlitwa na noc (Polski) · Panalangin sa Gabi (Tagalog)