Evening Prayers

DAILY PRAYERS FOR THE END OF THE DAY

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Lord, as we come to the end of this day, we ask that you forgive us our sins and give us a peaceful evening as we pray.

ACT OF ADORATION

Almighty, eternal God, I acknowledge You as my first beginning and my last end, my creator and redeemer, my sanctification and my consummation, my God and my all. I thank you for your lavish gifts to me, to the whole human race, and to all creation.

THE GIFT OF LIFE

Lord, teach me not to hold on to life too tightly. Teach me to take it as a gift. To enjoy it, to cherish it while I have it, but to let go gracefully and thankfully when the time comes. The gift is great, but the giver is greater still. You are the giver and in You is a life that never ends.

THE JESUIT EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE

1. Thanksgiving

Lord, I realize that all, even myself, is a gift from you.

- Today, for what things am I most grateful?

2. Intention

Lord, open my eyes and ears to be more honest with myself.

- Today, what do I really want for myself?

3. Examination

Lord, show me what has been happening to me and in me this day.

- Today, in what ways have I experienced your love?

4. Contrition

Lord, I am still learning to grow in your love.

- Today, what choices have been inadequate responses to your love?

5. Hope

Lord, let me look with longing toward the future.

- Today, how will I let you lead me to a brighter tomorrow?

MEMORARE

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence we fly to you, O Virgin and virgins, our Mother; to you we come; before you we stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate despise not our petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer us.

FOR THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED

God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, give to your servants departed the full remission of all our sins, that they may obtain the pardon they have always desired, You, who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. Amen.

TAKE AND RECEIVE

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding and my entire will – all that I have and call my own. You have given it all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace. That is enough for me.

ANIMA CHRISTI

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.

Body of Christ, save me.

Blood of Christ, inebriate me.

Water from the side of Christ, wash me.

Passion of Christ, strengthen me.

Good Jesus, hear me.

Within your wounds hide me.

Permit me not to be separated from you.

From the wicked foe defend me.

At the hour of my death call me.

And bid me come to you,

That with your saints I may praise you

For ever and even. Amen.

CONCLUSION

Father, give our bodies rest and health, and let what we have done today bear fruit in the life to come. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful death.

Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

From the Jesuits, www.norprov.org