In peace I will lie down and sleep…—Psalm 4:8 (NIV)

A neighbor teen with special needs calls several times a day. Sometimes with a request for transportation. Sometimes with a school question: “How do you spell—?” Most often she just wants to make a connection. In the morning, “What’s your plan for the day?” Early afternoon, “What did you have for lunch?” On summer afternoons, “I’m bored.” I might suggest an activity or commiserate. (I remember August doldrums.) Then, at about six, she often phones with a mail report. “I got a card today, from Ms. Julia”—in response to her recent enthusiasm for making and sending cards. Before saying our goodbyes, one of us asks, “Do you want to say Compline?” 

I’m not sure she knows what the word means. A form of complete, it is the traditional name of the last liturgical evening prayer. Some years ago at vacation Bible school, we were introduced to a modified children’s version: five minutes of invocation, confession, select Scripture verses, praises, the Lord’s Prayer, amen. We brought home handouts. I still have mine. She has misplaced hers, though it doesn’t seem to matter. 

“Compline now?” Yes, she says, and then leads out. “Lord God, be with us and give us a peaceful night.” She’s memorized some lines. I prompt her on others, which I myself am learning to recite. “Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.” We sign off with “thanks be to God.” And an informal “good night.” 

I don’t hear from her again until morning. Our evening connection is complete.