Night Prayer of St. Augustine

Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight, and give Your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend Your sick ones, O Lord Christ. Rest Your weary ones. Bless Your dying ones. Soothe Your suffering ones. Pity Your afflicted ones. Shield Your joyous ones. And all for Your love's sake. Amen.

— Attributed to St. Augustine of Hippo

Lord, this ancient prayer has been prayed by Christians for over fifteen hundred years. Tonight I add my voice to that chorus — millions upon millions of souls who have whispered these words in the dark and found comfort.

"When I remember you on my bed, and think about you in the night watches." — Psalm 63:6

WATCH WITH THOSE WHO WAKE:

Lord, someone tonight cannot sleep. A mother sits by a sick child's bed. A father worries about tomorrow's bills. A soldier stands guard in a dangerous land. An elderly person lies awake, alone. Watch over them, Lord. Be their companion in the sleepless hours.

TEND YOUR SICK ONES:

Someone I know is fighting an illness tonight. Someone is in a hospital bed, afraid and in pain. Tend to them, Great Physician. Let Your healing presence fill their room.

REST YOUR WEARY ONES:

For everyone who is exhausted tonight — not just physically, but emotionally, spiritually, mentally drained — grant deep, healing rest. The kind of rest that only comes from You.

SHIELD YOUR JOYOUS ONES:

And for those who go to bed tonight with joy in their hearts — new parents, newlyweds, those who received good news today — shield their joy, Lord. Do not let the enemy steal it in the morning.

Father, as I join this ancient chorus of evening prayer, I feel connected to something larger than myself. The communion of saints surrounds me. The prayers of the ages lift me. And You, who never sleep, keep watch over all.

In Your holy name. Amen.