2 When I call, answer me, O God óf justice;
from anguish you released me, have mercy ánd hear me!

3 You rebels, how long will your hearts bé closed;
will you love what is futile and seek whát is false?

4 It is the LORD who grants favors to those who áre merciful;
the LORD who hears me whenevér I call.

5 Tremble; do not sin: ponder on your bed and bé still.
6 Make justice your sacrifice and trust ín the LORD.

7 “What can bring us happiness?” many´ say.
Lift up the light of your face on ús, O LORD.

8 You have put into my heart a greatér joy
than they have from abundance of corn ánd new wine.

9 I will lie down in peace and sleep comes át once
for you alone, LORD, make me dwéll in safety.

Praise the Father, the Son, and the Holy´ Spirit
both now ánd forever.

The God who is, who was, and is tó come
at the end óf the ages.

Silent Reflection

1 Those who dwell in the shelter of the Móst High
and abide in the shade of thé Almighty

2 say to the LORD: “My´ refuge,
my stronghold, my God in whóm I trust!”

3 It is God who will free you from thé snare
of the fowler who seeks tó destroy you;

4 God will conceal you with hís pinions,
and under his wings you wíll find refuge.

5 You will not fear the terror of thé night
nor the arrow that fliés by day,

6 nor the plague that prowls in thé darkness
nor the scourge that lays wáste at noon.

7 A thousand may fall at yóur side,
ten thousand fall át your right,

you, it will never ápproach;
God’s faithfulness is bucklér and shield.

8 Your eyes have only tó look
to see how the wicked áre repaid,

9 you who have said: “LORD, my´ refuge!”
and have made the Most Hígh your dwelling.

10 Upon you no evil sháll fall,
no plague approach whére you dwell.

11 For you God has commanded thé angels,
to keep you in áll your ways.

12 They shall bear you upon théir hands
lest you strike your foot agaínst a stone.

13 On the lion and the viper you wíll tread
and trample the young lion ánd the dragon.

14 You set your love on me so I wíll save you,
protect you for you knów my name.

15 When you call I shall answer: “I ám with you,”
I will save you in distress and gíve you glory.

16 With length of days I will cóntent you;
I shall let you see my sáving power.

Praise the Father, the Son, and the Holy´ Spirit
both now ánd forever.

The God who is, who was, and is tó come
at the end óf the ages.

Silent Reflection

One: Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
Many: The light no darkness can overcome.

One: Stay with us, Lord, for it is evening.
Many: The day is almost over now.

One: Let your light shine and scatter the darkness.
Many: Lord come to us and enlighten your church!

One: May our prayer rise before you as incense,
Many: the raising of our hands as an evening oblation.

Lord who is the light of the world:
You are the Sovereign over day and night — of morning brilliance & the warm glow of vesper-light — and now as the world is clothed in twilight we give thanks that you have graced us today with light.  We thank you for the ways you have illumined our path and enlightened our minds.  For new insight and deeper understanding,  for instruction and intuition,  for imagination and vision, we give you thanks.
At the hinge of evening we open our hearts and minds to an examination of the day, trusting that you can be found in both our consolations and desolations.

— two minutes of silence are observed for the practice of the examen —

For the the errors which our examination has revealed we seek your forgiveness even as we forgive others at this hour.  For our consolations over moments of enlightened discipleship we offer you thanks.  Aware of our own propensity to choose the darkness and of the even greater strength of your redeeming love and light we pray for a world in shadow.
As the daylight fades and we approach the dark of night, send your Spirit to calm any restlessness which churns deep within us.  Let your Spirit sweep over us giving form and substance to your love and granting us your deep and abiding peace.  We ask this in the name of the one who comes — a light shining in darkness.  Amen.

Now may the God whose love conquers even death hold you in a compassionate embrace.  
May every fear find its solace, every joy be made complete,
and may the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful death.  Amen.