Vesper Light

From where the sun rises to where it sets, the name of the LORD is praised. —Psalm 113:3 NAB

 
What do we each think about as the light fades each day? The problems we face? Our to-do list for tomorrow? Do we take time to review the hours that have passed since sunrise? Do we make an effort to purposefully close out the day with our eyes on the Lord?

Vespers, also known as Evening Prayer, is part of the Liturgy of the Hours and is typically prayed at sunset to mark the closing of the day. Praying in this way helps to settle our minds and hearts in a faith-filled way.

The peaceful beauty of the sunset creates a fitting backdrop as we take some time to reflect upon the Lord and review our day.

QUOTE
“At the setting of the sun, when night comes on, we ought to pray that our rest may be without offense… giving thanks for the blessings of the day now past.”  
— St. Basil the Great, Longer Rules, Q. 37

PRAYER

O Gracious Light,
pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven,
O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!

Now as we come to the setting of the sun,
and our eyes behold the vesper light,
we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Thou art worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices,
O Son of God, O Giver of Life,
And be glorified through all the worlds.

Want to go deeper? For the complete "Vesper Light" devotion, visit Lisa'a Substack page where you will find:

• Interesting history about the above prayer
• An alternate, related prayer
• A question for journaling
• PRISM™ Visio Divina (Divine Sight) exercise
• Meditative music
  
  
  
  
  

Check out devotions.life to see Lisa's offerings and publications. Go to ncregister.com and type in Lisa Livezey in the search bar to see her contributions to the National Catholic Register.