Sunday evening is a threshold. One week is behind you, the next has not started yet. An evening prayer on Sunday gathers what was, lets go of what was heavy and turns you gently towards the days ahead.
The short version: choose one of the prayers below, say it slowly, then sit in silence for a few minutes and think of one person you wish peace. Every Sunday at 8 PM your local time, people who join Cosmic Peace Prayers do exactly this for eight minutes.
Evening prayers from the tradition
From Psalm 4
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8 (King James Version). A single sentence, easy to learn by heart.
The collect for aid against all perils
Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord; and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of thy only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
From the order for Evening Prayer in the Book of Common Prayer (1662). It has been prayed in English at the end of the day for centuries.
Keep watch, dear Lord
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.
A prayer from the service of Compline in the Book of Common Prayer (1979), often attributed to St. Augustine, though it is not found in his writings. It turns the evening outward, towards everyone who is awake tonight.
The Song of Simeon
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word.
Luke 2:29 (King James Version), known as the Nunc Dimittis and sung at evening prayer in many churches.
A Sunday evening prayer for peace
The week is over.
I set down what was heavy
and keep what was good.
I think of those who will not sleep in peace tonight.
Peace in the universe, peace in me, peace right here.
The last line is the prayer Cosmic Peace Prayers begins with every Sunday. More texts like it are in our collection of prayers for world peace.
A Sunday evening reflection without religion
I stop.
I give thanks for one thing that went well this week.
I let go of one thing I cannot change.
I wish one person a quiet evening.
Tomorrow I begin again.
Even if you do not pray, you can close the week with intention: thank, let go, wish others well.
Eight minutes on Sunday at 8 PM
- Arriving (1 min). Sit. One slow breath.
- Presence (1 min). Feel your feet, your hands, the light around you.
- A name (1 min). Bring one person to mind.
- Kindness (2 min). Wish them well. Then your city, then the world.
- Giving (1 min). One long exhale.
- Silence (1 min). Sit in what remains.
- Closing (1 min). A small thank you.
One of the prayers above fits well at the beginning or the end. The timer on our home page rings a soft bell at the start and at the close.
Questions about Sunday evening prayer
What is a short Sunday evening prayer?
Psalm 4:8: "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety." Or, without religious language: "Peace in the universe, peace in me, peace right here."
What is Compline?
Compline is the last prayer service of the day in the Christian tradition, prayed before sleep. It includes psalms, the Song of Simeon and short prayers for protection during the night.
Is there a shared Sunday evening prayer I can join?
Yes. Every Sunday at 8 PM your local time, Cosmic Peace Prayers invites anyone to pause for eight minutes of prayer or meditation for peace. It is free and needs no registration. The free Sunday Letter brings a short text for the evening once a week.