Compline

Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked

or take the path that sinners tread or sit in the seat of scoffers,

but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night.

Psalm 1:1-2

For those blessed with the ease of falling asleep, hitting the pillow after an exhausting day brings instant rest. However, if you struggle with an active mind and body, sleep can be a source of dread, marked by hours of restless waiting. 

It is a loss to end the day without a routine that examines the moments that brought you there. While I would not go as far as Socrates to say that "the unexamined life is not worth living," I would argue that examining your days, while mindful of God's presence, contributes to a well-lived life. Death can come suddenly, much like falling asleep, or it can be a long and painful process. Still, we need not dread it. 

Compline offers a template to examine our days, so at the time of death, we can offer back to God the completeness of our life.

Compline comes from a Latin word meaning "complete" and serves as the punctuation mark for each day. It is intended to be prayed just as you fall asleep. Just as we fall asleep each night, we must also be prepared for the possibility of not waking in the morning. By collecting our days with Compline, we practice how to gather our lives at the very end. 

Compline reminds us of the fragility of our lives. In my opinion, it is beautiful that the Scriptures used in this Office are central to an Anglican burial service. Notably, the Nuc Dimittus, or the Song of Simeon, expresses a deep sense of satisfaction. This canticle,  or scriptural song, affirms that you have seen the Lord, which brings peace. Undeniably, each day, and each life, is sustained by the presence of God. Both at the end of our days, and lives, God was there, and we did see Him.

Nicole Kallsen, Curate