As night falls on 2022...

So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.

John 13. 20-25

Today we remember the evangelist St. John, of the eponymous fourth gospel and the Book of Revelation. The gospel reading appointed for today tells the story of the last supper and Jesus' prophecy of Judas' betrayal.

As I read this morning, I was struck by that last line, "It was night." It reminded me of the first line of one of my favorite prayers from the New Zealand Prayer Book service of Compline (the last service of the day.) I am sure Jesus would have liked it as well. (See below)

I think I will pray these words in preparation for the new year, for Epiphany and all the aha moments that go along with seeing the world with new eyes. What has been done has been done and now let the quietness of God's peace go with me as I look expectantly to "a new day, new joys and new possibilities."

Lord, it is night.

The night is for stillness. Let us be still in the presence of God.

It is night after a long day. What has been done has been done; what has not been done has not been done; let it be.

The night is dark. Let our fears of the darkness of the world and of our own lives rest in you.

The night is quiet. Let the quietness of your peace enfold us, all dear to us, and all who have no peace.

The night heralds the dawn. Let us look expectantly to a new day, new joys, new possibilities.

In your name we pray. Amen.