Holy Thursday Night Prayer

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Night Prayer
Thursday of the Lord’s Supper

Night Prayer is celebrated after the evening Mass on Holy Thursday. If you cannot stay for Night Prayer at the church, this simplified version can be prayed at home.

Begin by making the Sign of the Cross

Psalm

Psalm 91

If two or more people are praying together, then the stanzas of the psalm can be recited aloud alternately between two groups

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
and abides in the shade of the Almighty
says to the Lord: “My refuge,
my stronghold, my God in whom I trust!”

It is he who will free you from the snare
of the fowler who seeks to destroy you;
he will conceal you with his pinions
and under his wings you will find refuge.

You will not fear the terror of the night
nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the plague that prowls in the darkness
nor the scourge that lays waste at noon.

A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand fall at your right,
you, it will never approach;
his faithfulness is buckler and shield

Your eyes have only to look
to see how the wicked are repaid,
you who have said: “Lord, my refuge!”
and have made the Most High your dwelling.

Upon you no evil shall fall,
no plague approach where you dwell.
For you has he commanded his angels,
to keep you in all your ways.

They shall bear you upon their hands
lest you strike your foot against a stone.
On the lion and the viper you will tread
and trample the young lion and the dragon.

Since he clings to me in love, I will free him;
protect him for he knows my name.
When he calls I shall answer: “I am with you,”
I will save him in distress and give him glory.

With length of life I will content him;
I shall let him see my saving power.

Reading

Revelation 22:4-5

If a group is praying together, then one person should read the reading aloud

They will see the Lord face to face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. It will never be night again and they will not need lamplight or sunlight, because the Lord God will be shining on them. They will reign for ever and ever.

Pause for silent reflection after the reading

Canticle

Luke 2:29-32

All recite together

At last, all-powerful Master,
you give leave to your servant
to go in peace, according to your promise.

For my eyes have seen your salvation
which you have prepared for all nations,
the light to enlighten the Gentiles
and give glory to Israel, your people.

Save us, Lord, while we are awake; protect us while we sleep;
that we may keep watch with Christ and rest with him in peace.

Conclude by making the Sign of the Cross