[neocon]

Several months ago, some FR friends expressed to me an interest in the Liturgy of the Hours, the broader use of which the Second Vatican Council recommended to the laity. While the full Divine Office is rather complex, with many variations according to the feast of the day, traditionally the 7th hour of prayer, the Office of Compline ("to make the day complete") or Night Prayer has been (almost) the same every evening, incorporating the same three Psalms, Scripture reading, Gospel canticle, etc. As such, it was easily memorized, and could be recited in the dark or, perhaps, by candelight. The modern office incorporates greater variety, but is by that fact more difficult to memorize.

So, to serve as an introduction to the Liturgy of the Hours, I have put together a (slightly) simplified Office of Compline, which is fairly easily memorized, and can be said in bed, with the lights out, just before falling asleep, if desired. Since music is a great mnemonic aid, I have pointed the texts of the Latin Psalmody for use with Gregorian mode VIII-G (with incipit). The English Psalm texts are of the Grail translation, approved for liturgical use in the US and the UK, and are pointed for use with the Gelineau, Bevenot, or Murray tones. (It should be noted that the goal of the Grail translation was to preserve the rhythm and emphasis of the original Hebrew.)

This version of Compline will not satisfy the canonical requirement encumbent upon those in Holy Orders or living the consecrated life. I put it forth only as an informal means of introduction to the Liturgy of the Hours for those who have little acquaintance with this great source of spiritual riches in the heritage of the Church. My hope is that by doing so Christians who find this simple hour of prayer fruitful will be encouraged to a deeper participation in the Liturgy of the Hours.

[neocon]

Since you have been doing yeo-person work in posting the daily readings for Holy Mass, would you be so kind as to ping the appropriate people who might be interested in this thread? TIA.

[sinkspur]

This version of Compline will not satisfy the canonical requirement encumbent upon those in Holy Orders or living the consecrated life.

I suspect it would.

You'd be surprised at how few priests celebrate the Liturgy of the Hours outside a communal setting.

[St.Chuck]

bump

[Siobhan]

Thank you for posting this, neocon.

[kstewskis]

pinging my most humble and obedient! thought you'd enjoy this.

thank you for posting this, neocon

[Romulus]

I want to give you my special thanks for this splendid product. I've printed it out and brought a copy home; it'll live in the table next to my bed. Gratias ago tibi.