Evening Prayers
Evening prayers — the rule prayed at the close of the day, before sleep.
The Usual Beginning
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth… come and abide in us, and cleanse us from every impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (Thrice)
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name…
Prayer of Confession at Day's End
O Lord our God, if during this day I have sinned, whether in word or deed or thought, forgive me all, for Thou art good and lovest mankind. Grant me peaceful and undisturbed sleep, and deliver me from all influence and temptation of the evil one. Raise me up again in proper time that I may glorify Thee; for Thou art blessed: with Thine Only-begotten Son and Thine All-holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer of St. John of Damascus
O Master, Lover of mankind, is this couch to be my coffin, or wilt Thou enlighten my wretched soul with another day? Behold, the coffin lieth before me; behold, death confronteth me. I fear, O Lord, Thy judgment and the endless torments, yet I cease not to do evil.
My mind I continually anger Thee, my Lord and God, and Thy most pure Mother, and all the Heavenly Hosts, and my holy Guardian Angel. I know, O Lord, that I am unworthy of Thy love for mankind, but worthy of every condemnation and torment. But, O Lord, whether I will it or not, save me.
At the Hour of Sleep
Into Thy hands, O Lord Jesus Christ, my God, I commend my spirit. Bless me, save me, and grant unto me life eternal. Amen.