NO. 10 | night prayer (2022)

A New Liturgy No 10: Night Prayer is a contemplative, music-carried version of Compline, the final “prayer office” of the day. Meant to be prayed right before bed, Compline helps us slow down, exhale, and release the day back into our Creator’s hands. It is a tender invitation into the peace of entrusting ourselves to the care of the One who sustains us as we rest.

This particular liturgy came together in the fall of 2021, as the St Peter’s community immersed ourselves in the themes and practice of Compline. Tish Harrison Warren’s wonderful book Prayer in the Night inspired us deeply.

Credits:

Produced by Aaron Niequist
Recorded at GTS and many places
Mixed by Nathan Yaccino.

“Call to Worship” and “Unforced Grace” written by Aaron Niequist. “Be Thou My Vision” written by Eleanor Hull.

Compline text compiled from The Book of Common Prayer and especially from The New Zealand Book of Common Prayer.

Musicians:

Aaron Niequist — piano, keyboards, guided invitation, percussion, BGVs
Dr Dave Campbell — cello
Becky Ykema — vocal on “Be Thou My Vision”
Ethan Nickerson — vocal on “Call to Worship” and “Unforced Grace”
Lisha Epperson — Scripture reading
Christine Lee, Lisha Epperson, Ian Trevethan, Michael DeLashmutt — group spoken prayers

LYRICS

unforced grace | Aaron Niequist

All who are weary
All who are tired of the fight 
Retreat completely
Come and recover your life

Walk with me humbly
Join in my work in my way
Watch how I do it
Come learn the mystery of Grace

Teach us, Lord, your way
Unforced flow of Grace
Heal us, Lord, we pray
Unforced flow of Grace

You can download all the lyrics, the formatted night prayer liturgy, and sheet music for “Call to worship” and “unforced grace”.