Night Prayer
End your day in peace, entrusting yourself to God's care through the night.
Step One
Examination of Conscience
Briefly review your day, giving thanks for blessings and acknowledging failings.
Where did I encounter God today?
For what am I most grateful?
When did I fail to love God or neighbor?
What grace do I need for tomorrow?
Step Two
Act of Contrition
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee,
and I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of Heaven
and the pains of Hell;
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 confess my sins, to do penance,
and to amend my life.
Amen.
Step Three
Guardian Angel Prayer
Angel of God, my guardian dear,
to whom God's love commits me here,
ever this night be at my side,
to light and guard, to rule and guide.
Amen.
Step Four
Commendation
Visit, we beseech Thee, O Lord, this dwelling,
and drive far from it all snares of the enemy;
let Thy holy angels dwell herein,
who may keep us in peace;
and let Thy blessing be upon us,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Into Thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Marian Antiphon
Salve Regina
Conclude by honoring Our Lady with this ancient hymn.
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy,
our life, our sweetness, and our hope.
To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve;
to thee do we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn then, most gracious Advocate,
thine eyes of mercy toward us,
and after this our exile,
show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
Amen.