Compline: An Evening Liturgy for Anxious Souls

I came looking for something that would give a bit of guidance and structure and perhaps wisdom to my evenings, a compline service that would lead me in prayer at the close of day, and came upon this gem. I had never known or heard of this organization, but I am very pleased to have found them. This is a very calming, straightforward, digestible “devotional” — a shortened church liturgy, really (no Eucharist, but basically everything else) — that walks you through a bit of scripture, a few forms of prayer, and a short song. It’s all done in a fairly modern-sounding manner, yet it avoids being “contemporary” (which I’m happy about); it’s got a fresh feel and is led by young voices, and at the same time honors the ancient traditions of the faith. In a word, I love it.

What in the world is that super annoying background beeping?!?!? It never stops! It’s a tortuous noise behind the otherwise lovely music, voice & words. PLEASE stop using that terrible background noise! It absolutely ruins this favorite time of prayer.

Enough said!!!

I have always preferred compline over evening prayer, and I love that this used music and sounds to ground and focus the listener. It’s like the perfect combination of prayer and guided meditation, and helps me focus and slow down to listen to what is being said.