Dear friends,
“What has been done has been done; what has not been done has not been done; let it be.”
That line from the New Zealand prayer book’s service of Night Prayers (comparable to our prayer book’s Compline) is one of my very favorites. So much so that I have incorporated this prayer (which is printed below) into our streamed service of night prayers each evening (at 8), even when the service is primarily from our prayer book. It is a daily reminder that we are not in charge and don’t have to be perfect.
I also want to share another favorite prayer from our Book of Common Prayer, one with which it you might want to start your days.
This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, help me to do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.
“See” you tonight at 8 for Compline.
Lord, it is night. The night is for stillness. Let us be still in the presence of God. It is night after a long day. What has been done has been done; what has not been done has not been done; let it be. The night is dark. Let our fears of the darkness of the world and of our own lives rest in you. The night is quiet. Let the quietness of your peace enfold us, all dear to us, and all who have no peace. The night heralds the dawn. let us look expectantly to a new day, new joys, new possibilities. In your name we pray. Amen