To You Before the Close of Day

To you before the close of day, 

Creator of all things, we pray
that, in your constant clemency,
our guard and keeper you would be.

Save us from troubled, restless sleep;
from all ill dreams your children keep.
So calm our minds that fears may cease
and rested bodies wake in peace.

A healthy life we ask of you:
the fire of love in us renew,
and when the dawn new light will bring,
your praise and glory we shall sing.

Almighty Father, hear our cry
through Jesus Christ, our Lord, most high,
Whom with the Spirit we adore
forever and for evermore. Amen.

-- 6th century compline hymn

Psalm 4 (NZPB version)

Answer me when I call, O God,
      for you are the God of justice.
   You set me free when I was hard-pressed:
      be gracious to me now and hear my prayers.

Men and women, 
      how long will you turn my glory to my shame?
   How long will you love what is worthless and run after lies?

Know that God has shown me such wonderful kindness:
   when I call out in prayer, God hears me.

Tremble, admit defeat, and sin no more.
   Look deep into your heart before you sleep and be still.

Bring your gifts, just as you are, and put your trust in God.
   Many are asking, Who can make us content?

The light of your countenance has gone from us, O God.
   Yet you have given my heart more gladness
      than those whose corn and wine and oil increase.

I lie down in peace and sleep comes at once,
   for in you alone, O God, do I dwell unafraid.

-- from Night Prayer, A New Zealand Prayer Book | He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa, p. 169

Psalm 23 (NZPB version)

Dear God, you sustain me and feed me: 
    like a shepherd you guide me.

You lead me to an oasis of green,
   to lie down by restful waters.

You refresh my soul for the journey,
   and guide me along trusted roads.

The God of justice is your name.
   Though I must enter the darkness of death,
      I will fear no evil.

For you are with me,
   your rod and staff comfort me.

You prepare a table before my very eyes,
   in the presence of those who trouble me.

You anoint my head with oil,
   and you fill my cup to the brim.

Your loving kindness and mercy will meet me every day of my life,
   and I will dwell in the house of my God for ever.

-- from Night Prayer, A New Zealand Prayer Book | He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa, p. 170

Praying with Mary

Rejoicing with you,
grieving with you,

Mary, graced by God --
Love's Mystery did come to you --
of our race we deem you
most the blessed,

save but the Blessed One,
the Child
who came to birth in you.

Woman holy,

trembling at the Presence
of the Angel,

willing the rare
and marvellous exchange,

in the darkness
holding the Unseen,

bearing forth
the Word made flesh
for earth's redeeming,

hold to your heart our world,
and pray for humankind,

that we with you
be bearers of the Christ,

through this
and all our days,
and at the last.

--The Rev. Jim Cotter (1942-2014), English priest, poet, and contributor to the New Zealand Prayer Book, from Prayer at Night's Approaching, 1983