Protests. Vitriole. Tears. Hurt. As the reality of a new U.S. president-elect played out on our screens this week, I thought Boisil’s evening prayer appropriate and wise. In Psalm 25, the author begs us to bring our whole lives to God. With this prayer, we do.

O Lord, You will keep us safe
and protect us forever.
I am placing my soul and my body
 in Thy safe keeping this night, O God,

in Thy safe keeping, O Jesus Christ,

in Thy safe keeping, O Spirit of perfect truth.

The Three who would defend my cause

be keeping me this night from harm.

I call on You, O God,
for You will answer me;

give ear to me and hear my prayer.
Show the wonder of Your great love,

You who save by Your right hand

those who take refuge in You from their foes.

Keep me as the apple of Your eye;

hide me in the shadow of your wings.
Lighten my darkness, Lord.

Let the light of Your presence
 dispel the shadows of night.

Christ with me sleeping,

Christ with me waking,

Christ with me watching,

each day and each night.

Save us, Lord, while we are awake,

guard us while we are asleep;

that, awake, we may watch with Christ,

and,asleep, may rest in His peace.

God with me protecting,

the Lord with me directing,

the Spirit with me strengthening

for ever and for evermore.

Amen.

Boisil, Prior of Melrose Abbey, died in 661. Bede described him as a ‘priest of great virtue and prophetic spirit.’