Reflection
Fixed prayer times have been around since ancient days. The practice of “Praying the Hours” – praying at set times of the day – still exists in many spaces in Christianity today. There are usually set prayers or scripture and a very general idea might historically has been to pray every three hours – beginning at 3 am and going on throughout the day. Praying in this way can help us to pause and be attentive to God throughout the day.
Today we invite you to set a time to pause at night – just as you’re going to sleep. Pray Psalm 23 as your compline, or night prayer. Perhaps reading and praying it through at least twice or more.
Psalm 23
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
3 he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
my whole life long.