#10 Compline

Last night my parents and went to the Compline at Christ Church http://www.christchurchrochester.org/compline/. It was a blustery winter evening, but we braved the elements for this first Sunday of the month when they have a Candlelight concert preceding the Compline. The concert last night was "Cello Divas" whose music was indeed heavenly.

The church was dark and only lit by candlelight. Reminiscent of days gone by when people would have gone to church with no electricity (it was also VERY cold). The smell was heavy of pine and fir. The Cello music was Baroque and soothing. Then the Schola Cantorum file out to start the Compline. I was not sure what to expect, but I expected more chanting, but there was only a little of the chanting/reading and more singing of prayers. They actually go through a whole little service type thing as the Compline marks the close of the "Hours of the Divine Office", and its origins date back to the 4th Century monastic custom of private prayer and devotion before retiring.

I think what touched me most was the Hymn in the middle. It is a hymn that we have all heard many times in Latin. "Telucis and Terminum" but in the program were the words in english and I was touched by it.
"To you before the close of day,
Creator of all things we pray.
That in your constant clemency,
Our guard and keeper you would be.
Save us from troubled, restless sleep,
From all ill dreams your children keep;
So calm our minds that fears may cease
And rested bodies wake in peace.
A healthy Life we ask of you,
The fire of love in us renew.
And when the dawn new light will bring,
Your praise and glory we shall sing.
Almightly Father hear our cry,
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord Most High.
Whom With the Spirit we adore,
Forever and for evermore."

Needless to say...........I slept pretty well last night.