Compline

Compline, also known as Night Prayer, is the final prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours in Western Christian traditions. It is traditionally observed at the close of the day and is intended to commit the night to God, seeking protection from evil and guidance as one sleeps. The term comes from the Latin completorium, meaning completion, reflecting its place as the concluding office of the day.

Historically, Compline arose in early Christian and medieval monastic practice as part of the Divine Office. It was further developed in the Benedictine tradition and spread through Western monastic and parish life. In the Catholic Church, Compline remains part of the Liturgy of the Hours, though the form and emphasis have varied with liturgical reforms, including those of the Second Vatican Council. In Anglican and some Lutheran communities, Compline is also observed as a distinct service, often found in devotional books such as the Book of Common Prayer.

A typical Compline service includes a brief opening prayer, the singing or recitation of one or more psalms, a short Scripture reading, a responsory, and the Canticle of Simeon (the Nunc Dimittis). This is commonly followed by a Marian antiphon and a concluding prayer. Some traditions include a blessing or a simple dismissal. The exact wording and order can vary by tradition and local custom, but the core aim remains the same: to end the day in prayerful trust and to entrust the night to God.