Nearer My God: Your Night Prayer

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A Night Prayer

Jesus Christ, my God, I adore You and thank You for all the graces You have given me this day. I offer You my sleep and all the moments of this night. I place myself and all my loved ones, wherever they may be, in Your sacred side and under the mantle of Our Blessed Mother. Let Your holy angels stand watch and keep us in peace. Amen.

Quote of the Night

Mary was pleasing to God because of her docile humility. To the heavenly messenger, she replied, 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to your word,' (Lk 1,38). It is with the same interior disposition that believers are called to accept the divine will in every circumstance.— Pope St. John Paul II

Tonight’s Meditation

The proper order is for the lower faculties of our soul (our appetites and passions) to obey the higher (our reason and will) in submission to the will of God. However, when we sin, the opposite happens: our appetites and passions suppress the use of our reason, and our will turns away from God. This results in the powers of our soul becoming weaker and more disordered. Practicing the virtues is our way out of this weakness and disorder. We become more holy each time we choose to do the good and virtuous action in a particular instance when acting badly—or sinning—would be easier. In fact, the classical definition of virtue is “manly strength” of character. Just as muscles strengthen by enduring resistance, virtues strengthen by enduring trials and conflicts. As God told St. Catherine of Siena, “…a man proves his patience on his neighbor, when he receives injuries from him.” Once we understand that the virtues can only grow in us through conflict and overcoming the temptation to sin, we can readily see that God intentionally brings specific situations into our lives that are perfectly suited to help us grow in the virtues we most need to sanctify our soul. —Good Catholic Series, Thy Will Be Done

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Examination of Conscience

The daily examination of conscience is an ancient Catholic practice. It's very simple, and it's designed to help us identify our sins and weaknesses so that we can improve and grow stronger in the spiritual life. Basically, it consists in taking a few minutes at the end of the day to prayerfully review our actions in the light of God's commandments. The Act of Contrition is often said afterwards. The daily examination also serves as an excellent ongoing preparation for regular Confession.

Reflect on the victories and losses

Actively reflecting on the high and low points of the day can help you live more intentionally and bring a renewed sense of resolve into the following day.

Review your actions, words, and thoughts today. Did you actively guard yourself against temptation? Where did sin creep in?
In what moments did you practice virtue and moral courage?
Were you attuned to the Holy Spirit's promptings today? Where did you feel His inspiration?
Ask Him for the graces necessary to follow His Will more purposefully tomorrow.

Act of Contrition

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, Who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.

Practice gratitude

It is God's love that has brought you into existence and to this exact moment. Practice looking for His hand in your day.

Where did you feel His loving gaze upon you today?
What people or moments helped you see God in your life?
Thank God for all these moments!
Ask Him to help you recognize His blessings and providence tomorrow.

Renew your commitment to Christ

Remember our Faith is founded upon a Person—Christ! Renew your personal love and devotion to Him.

Thank God for the gift of His Son Jesus and our call to be His disciples.
Tell the Lord of your desire to know Christ more personally.
If possible, set an intention for your day tomorrow. Ask Our Lord to guide you in this act.
Pray a Hail Mary, Our Father, or another beloved prayer.