Day 8

A reading from the Book of Job (19:1,23-27a)

Job answered Bildad the Shuhite and said:
Oh, would that my words were written down!
     Would that they were inscribed in a record:
That with an iron chisel and with lead
     they were cut in the rock forever!
But as for me, I know that my Vindicator lives,
     and that he will at last stand forth upon the dust;
Whom I myself shall see:
     my own eyes, not another's, shall behold him;
And from my flesh I shall see God;
     my inmost being is consumed with longing.

In the Sleep of Final Rest by St Ephrem the Syrian (+373)

In that night when all sound, all human activity shall be silent, when the voices of all peoples and nations are still, may my soul through its good works shine out in You, O Jesus, Light of the Just. In that hour when darkness like a cloak shall be spread over all things may your grace, O Lord, shine on us in place of the earthy sun. In that night which brings to an end the course of this world and all its activities, may our souls behold your wonders in that quiet which is more than silence. In that hour, refreshing the weary through the sleep that lies over all, may our minds be inebriated with your delights, O Delight of all the Saints! In that time of dark night, may a New Sun arise for us. Then let us take wing in that hope which was laid up for us in your Resurrection.

Grant us O Lord, to imitate the watchfulness of those who waited for your Resurrection, so that day and night O Lord, we may be turned towards you. In that hour when we shall be separated from others and from the business of the world, be to us O Lord, a Giver of good things, bringing joy to our sadness. When confiding in your grace we have gone forth from this world, so that we are alone, may we behold O Lord, clearly and in deed the power of your help. Pour your peace into our hearts, and give your rest to all our striving that the darkness of that night may be to us as the day.

In that hour when we shall have been deprived of life, and night has hidden us in its darkness and we have been separated from others, may our consolation in you O Lord, increase. In that place that is empty of all things, where the voice of comfort is no more heard, awaken in our souls O Lord, a watchfulness free of all distraction. In that time when we lie in the sleep of final rest, may our minds not be sunk in the sleep of evil desires.

Grant us by your graces O Lord, that like the wise virgins who were ready by their good works, our way of life shall also be watchful, that we shall not sit in darkness with darkened souls, in darkness of mind, but that through prayer we may look for ever on the shining splendor of your grace. Expel, O Lord, by the daily light of your knowledge the nocturnal darkness of our mind, that being enlightened it may serve you in the purity of its regeneration.

Grant us with the just to watch by night in prayer, that in your revelations our lamps may burn brightly before your sun. In that time of night give consolation to our need, for the gloom of the night darkens us; through you may we be comforted in our sadness. Grant that our minds may labor in the remembrance of your revelations, while our souls burn in the fire of your love. In that hour when the Saints were wont to give themselves to prayer; grant us, O Lord, to share in their watchfulness.

Prayer

O God,

to whom mercy and forgiveness belong,

hear our prayers on behalf of your servants

whom you have called out of this world;

and because they put their hope and trust in you,

command that they be carried safely home to heaven

and come to enjoy your eternal reward.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God for ever and ever. Amen.