Compline is the hour that signifies completion. As David Steindl-Rast explains, "Compline completes the circle of the day...connecting the end of the day with the end of life itself..." At Compline, bells call the community to bring the day to a proper close.
In our home, the call to our community of girls is one that I usually make personally each night. Wherever my girls may be in our home, I wonder in and make the profound announcement of the close of another day. This might be met with quiet resignation or with groans of "...one more minute, pleaseeeee..." But most often, they welcome the night. Welcome the rest, peace, and relaxation that comes from laying down our tasks at hand and submitting to the pull of gravity to our beds.
Evening comes to every day, every task, every phase, and every relation. As a day comes to a close, their most heartfelt questions may be Am I safe? Am I loved? Do I have a true home in this universe?
May this be our prayer...
Then you will say to the LORD,
"You are my fortress, my place of safety; you are my God, and I trust you.
The Lord will keep you safe from secret traps and deadly diseases.
He will spread his wings over you and keep you secure.
His faithfulness is like a shield or a city wall.
You won't need to worry about dangers at night or arrows during the day.
You will not be harmed, though thousands fall all around you.
You will not be harmed, though thousands fall all around you.
The LORD Most High is your fortress. Run to him for safety...
God will command his angels to protect you wherever you go.
He will carry you in his arms, and you won't hurt your feet on the stones. When you are in trouble, call out to me. I will answer and be there to protect and honor you."
--excerpts from Psalm 91
The Lord Almighty grant us a peaceful night and a perfect end.
Amen.
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