Keeping Watch

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 end 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. 

-A New Zealand Prayer Book