One couple has prominently placed the calligraphy script over their bed, “Give it to God and go to sleep.” My sentiments entirely! If only it was so simple. Evening prayer is a time-honored Christian tradition. The practice of morning and evening prayer was faithfully observed in the early church.
When Thomas Cranmer compiled The Book of Common Prayer in 1549, the observance of morning and evening prayer was prominently featured in this prayer book. Evensong was Cranmer’s word for it, since singing often accompanied evening prayers. Compline and vespers are comparable terms. Consider taking the words of Psalm 4 to bed with you, “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4.8). We can rest, knowing God will be vigilant on our behalf all night long. Victor Hugo said it well, “Go to sleep in peace. God is awake.”
Anatolius of Constantinople (?-458) lived during a tumultuous period of church history. He presided over the contentious Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD. His predecessor, Flavian, was attacked by an angry mob of monks and died three days later. Strange as it seems to us today, Christians fought to the death over Jesus’ humanity and divinity.
“The Day is Past and Over” is a prayer attributed to Anatolius. It was later set to music and is still sung in churches today. Confession and rest feature prominently in his prayer. He prays for forgiveness and entrusts himself to God’s safekeeping. Note the repetition of the words, “O Jesus, keep me in thy sight and guard me through the coming night.” Give it to God and go to sleep!