The ancient office of Compline or Night Prayer is one of the real gems of the Christian tradition. The service derives its name from a Latin word meaning ‘completion’ (completorium). It is above all a service of silence, recollection and reflection at the end of the day.

This last Thursday evening, we sang Compline in St Mary's. The shadows of the evening were dispelled by flickering candlelight and as our voices filled the beautiful space of the Chancel. At the heart of the service is the singing of the Nunc Dimittis, the Song of Simeon, which records the moment when Jesus was presented in the Temple in accordance with the Jewish Law. St Luke records that the old prophet Simeon responded with words describing the long-awaited Messiah as ‘a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel’ (Luke 2.32). This is the light which overcomes all darkness. 

This term, that same light will illuminate different corners of the parish of the University Church. For the rest of term, we will sing Compline on Thursday evenings in some of the hidden parts of Oxford. Occasionally, numbers will need to be limited, at other times, we may find ourselves singing Compline outdoors. This coming Thursday we will be singing Compline not far from St Mary’s - in the Chapel of All Souls' College. If you want to join us, please enter the College by the High Street entrance between 8.45-9.00pm. We are grateful to the College authorities for allowing us to do this. The service itself lasts for approximately 15 minutes and everyone is welcome. 

Details about further venues will be announced in the Epistle and on Twitter.

Lighten our darkness,
Lord, we pray,
and in your great mercy
defend us from all perils and dangers of this night,
for the love of your only Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Revd Dr William Lamb

Vicar