St. Augustine’s Evening Prayer is a beautiful prayer composed by St. Augustine asking God to be present during the night hours, in particularly those who are awake (perhaps from insomnia or by choice), those who are “watching” (keeping vigil – whether in prayer, caring for the sick, or standing guard), and those who are weeping or in distress.
In Christian tradition, “watching” or “keeping watch” carries profound spiritual significance, echoing Jesus’s instruction to his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane to “watch and pray” (Matthew 26:41). This concept of watchfulness represents spiritual alertness, readiness in faith, and attentiveness to God’s presence and will.
Video — St. Augustine’s Evening Prayer
Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch or weep tonight, and give Your angels and saints charge over those who sleep. Tend Your sick ones, O Loving Lord; rest Your weary ones; bless Your dying ones; soothe Your suffering ones; pity Your afflicted ones; shield Your joyous ones. And all for Your love’s sake. Amen.