In the Catholic tradition, evening prayer holds a special place. It is a time to reflect and connect with God, seeking solace and guidance in the evening hours. This guide offers a collection of traditional Catholic prayers that have been recited for generations, providing comfort and spiritual nourishment at the end of the day.
Key Takeaways:
Evening prayer is a cherished tradition in the Catholic faith, providing an opportunity for reflection and connection with God.
Traditional Catholic prayers offer comfort and spiritual nourishment at the end of the day.
Through evening prayer, individuals can seek solace, guidance, and forgiveness.
Evening prayer is a time to express gratitude, seek forgiveness, and find peace in the presence of God.
By incorporating traditional prayers into their evening routine, Catholics can deepen their spiritual connection and foster a closer relationship with God.
The Significance of Evening Prayer in the Catholic Faith
Evening prayer holds great importance in the Catholic faith, serving as a sacred time for individuals to engage in prayerful reflection and connect with their spirituality. It signifies a moment to express gratitude, seek forgiveness, and find solace in the presence of God, providing a sense of peace and tranquility at the end of the day.
Through the practice of evening prayer, Catholics deepen their connection to their faith and establish a stronger bond with their Creator. The traditional prayers recited during this time encompass the rich history and spiritual heritage of the Catholic Church, allowing individuals to tap into the collective wisdom and devotion of generations past.
“Prayer is the key which opens God’s heart.” – St. Padre Pio
By engaging in traditional Catholic prayers during evening prayer, individuals participate in a time-honored ritual that promotes a sense of continuity with the broader Catholic community. These prayers, passed down through generations, serve as a unifying force among believers, reinforcing their shared values, beliefs, and spiritual aspirations.
The Power of Tradition
Traditional prayers hold a unique power and significance in the Catholic faith, guiding believers towards a deeper connection with God. The repetition and familiarity of these prayers create a comforting and meditative atmosphere, allowing individuals to enter into a state of prayerful contemplation and open themselves to divine presence and guidance.
Through the act of reciting traditional prayers during evening prayer, Catholics engage in a form of spiritual communion with their fellow believers across time and space. They join in a collective expression of faith, drawing strength and inspiration from the shared convictions and devotion of millions who have come before them.
“Give me grace to persevere in striving for perfection. Grant me the will to seek Your glory, Your kingdom, and eternal happiness.” – St. Gertrude the Great
As individuals participate in evening prayer, they immerse themselves in a sacred tradition that spans centuries, finding solace, inspiration, and guidance in the timeless words of these traditional prayers. The rhythmic cadence and profound meaning of these prayers create a spiritual rhythm that aligns hearts and minds with the divine, fostering a profound sense of connectedness and harmony.
Evening Prayer: A Pathway to Inner Peace
By engaging in evening prayer, Catholics create an intentional space for reflection, introspection, and renewal. This dedicated time of prayer allows them to release the burdens of the day, seek forgiveness for any shortcomings, and surrender their worries and anxieties to God’s care.
The beauty of evening prayer lies in its ability to restore a sense of inner peace and tranquility, enabling individuals to align their minds and hearts with the divine. Through the repetition of traditional prayers, Catholics find comfort in the familiar words and connect with the spiritual wisdom embedded within these timeless texts.
By engaging in evening prayer, Catholics embrace a sacred tradition that nourishes their souls, nurtures their faith, and brings them closer to God. It is a practice that offers solace, guidance, and a sense of communion with the broader Catholic community, fostering a deepening of the spiritual journey.
Benefits of Evening Prayer in the Catholic Faith
1. Provides an opportunity for prayerful reflection and connection with God
2. Allows for the expression of gratitude and seeking of forgiveness
3. Deepens the connection to the Catholic faith and spiritual heritage
4. Fosters a sense of unity with the broader Catholic community
5. Promotes a state of inner peace and spiritual tranquility
6. Offers a pathway to renewal, introspection, and surrender
The Importance of Preparatory Prayers
Preparatory prayers play a significant role in evening prayer within the Catholic tradition. These prayers serve as an essential foundation, helping individuals focus their minds and hearts on God, and creating an atmosphere conducive to a meaningful and intentional prayer experience.
Through preparatory prayers, Catholics invite God’s presence and guidance in all their actions, ensuring that each prayer and work begins and ends with Him. These prayers act as a spiritual invitation, preparing the soul to communicate with the divine and fostering a deeper connection with God.
By engaging in preparatory prayers, Catholics set a reverent tone for their evening prayer time, allowing them to enter into a state of reflection, humility, and openness to God’s will. These prayers create a mindset of receptivity and surrender, enabling individuals to fully embrace the transformative power of prayer and experience a profound spiritual encounter.
As the day draws to a close, the practice of preparatory prayers offers an opportunity to let go of earthly concerns and distractions, centering one’s attention and intention on God. Through the recitation of these sacred words, the faithful align their hearts and minds with the divine, preparing to embark on a journey of communion and contemplation in the evening prayer.
“Preparatory prayers are like laying a solid foundation before constructing a sacred edifice. The more deliberate and sincere our preparations, the deeper and more fulfilling our connection with God becomes.”
Imagery beautifully represents the importance of preparatory prayers and their ability to create a sacred space within the heart, enabling individuals to enter into a deeper communion with God.
Benefits of Preparatory Prayers
Scriptural Reference
Creates a focused and receptive mindset
Psalm 119:18 – “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”
Invites the presence of the Holy Spirit
John 14:26 – “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
Deepens the spiritual connection with God
James 4:8 – “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”
Facilitates a humble and contrite heart
Psalm 51:17 – “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”
Opening Prayers for the Evening
As we prepare for evening prayer, it is essential to begin with opening prayers that set the tone for a sacred and reflective time. These opening prayers encompass different aspects of our lives, expressing our desires for protection, blessings, reparation, and self-reflection.
Prayer for Protection
Heavenly Father, we humbly come before you seeking your divine guidance and protection. Watch over us as we rest and keep us safe from all harm and danger. Guard our minds, bodies, and spirits, surrounding us with your loving embrace. Shield us from evil and grant us the courage to face any challenges that may come our way. In your name, we pray. Amen.
Prayer for the Home
Lord, bless this home with your divine presence. May this place be a sanctuary of love, peace, and joy. Protect this dwelling from harm, both seen and unseen, and fill it with your abundant blessings. Grant strength and unity to all who reside here, and may it be a refuge for all who seek solace and comfort. We offer this prayer in gratitude and faith. Amen.
Prayer of Reparation
Merciful Father, we come before you with contrite hearts, acknowledging our sins and seeking your forgiveness. We are deeply sorry for the times we have strayed from your path and hurt others through our actions and words. Grant us the grace to make amends and to live in accordance with your teachings. Guide us on the path of righteousness and give us the strength to resist temptation. In your infinite mercy, cleanse us and fill our hearts with your love. Amen.
Examination of Conscience
O Lord, as we enter into this time of evening prayer, help us to examine our actions, thoughts, and intentions. Show us where we have fallen short and guide us in making amends. Give us the wisdom to recognize areas in our lives that need improvement and the humility to seek forgiveness from those we have wronged. Grant us the grace to grow in virtue and to demonstrate your love to others. We humbly offer ourselves for your mercy and transformative grace. Amen.
Prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The Sacred Heart of Jesus holds a special place in the Catholic tradition. The evening prayers in the Catholic faith often include specific prayers dedicated to the Sacred Heart, expressing deep devotion and seeking divine guidance and protection. These prayers serve as a heartfelt plea for forgiveness, assistance, and peace, acknowledging the profound presence of Jesus in one’s life.
“Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in You.”
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One of the notable prayers to the Sacred Heart is the prayer of St. Alphonsus. This heartfelt prayer expresses the sincere desire for forgiveness, assistance, and peace from the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is a personal acknowledgment of Jesus’ loving presence and the profound impact He has on individuals’ lives.
“My Lord Jesus Christ, who, because of Your immense love for humanity, remains night and day in this sacrament, full of compassion and love, awaiting, calling, and welcoming all who come to visit You. I believe that You are present in the sacrament of the altar. I adore You from the abyss of my nothingness and give You thanks for all the graces You have given me until now, and, in particular, for having given me Your most holy Mother Mary as my advocate and for having called me to visit You in this church.”
Spiritual Communion and Prayers for Priests
In the Catholic faith, spiritual communion is a practice that allows individuals to invite Jesus into their hearts when they cannot physically receive the Eucharist. It is a moment of deep connection with Christ, where believers can experience His presence and receive His grace.
To engage in spiritual communion, one can recite a prayer that expresses the desire to unite with Jesus spiritually. This prayer becomes a means of experiencing the spiritual nourishment and communion with Christ, even in the absence of the sacrament.
Evening prayers often include a spiritual communion prayer, providing a powerful opportunity for individuals to connect with Jesus and strengthen their faith. Through this spiritual communion, believers can find solace, guidance, and renewal of their spiritual journey.
Furthermore, it is essential to remember the crucial role that priests play in the Catholic community. They are instrumental in guiding the faithful, celebrating the sacraments, and providing spiritual support. As such, praying for priests and the Holy Father is an important practice in the Catholic tradition.
Offering prayers for priests acknowledges their tireless service, asking for God’s blessings, strength, and protection upon them. It is a way to show support, gratitude, and unity within the Church.
One of the most well-known prayers for priests is the Hail Mary. This prayer, rooted in Scripture, is a common invocation seeking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. By praying the Hail Mary for priests, believers ask for her motherly protection and guidance in their sacred responsibilities.
Prayers for Priests
Here are a few prayers that can be recited for priests:
A prayer seeking God’s guidance, wisdom, and protection for the Pope, the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church.
A Prayer for the Ordination of Priests
A prayer asking for God’s blessings, grace, and strength upon newly ordained priests as they begin their sacred ministry.
A Prayer for Priestly Vocations
A prayer imploring God to call more men to serve as priests, answering the need for spiritual leaders in the Church.
A Prayer for Strength and Protection
A prayer seeking God’s strength, guidance, and protection upon all priests, sustaining them in their vital work.
Praying for priests and reciting spiritual communion prayers adds depth and meaning to evening prayer. It fosters a stronger connection with Jesus and expresses support for those entrusted with spiritual guidance. Through these powerful prayers, believers can grow in their faith, seek divine blessings, and contribute to the spiritual well-being of the Catholic community.
Pious Invocations and Prayers of Reparation to the Blessed Virgin Mary
Pious invocations are powerful expressions of devotion in the Catholic faith. They serve as heartfelt prayers seeking intercession from saints and holy figures, invoking their protection and blessings. Among these invocations, the Blessed Virgin Mary holds a central place, being revered as the Mother of Jesus and the Queen of Paradise.
Praying to the Blessed Virgin Mary is an act of deep devotion and trust, as Catholics acknowledge her special role as a compassionate advocate and protector. Her intercession is sought for a variety of intentions, including protection, guidance, and spiritual healing. In the evening hours, invoking the Blessed Virgin Mary brings comfort and solace, recognizing her maternal care and unwavering love.
The following pious invocations and prayers of reparation to the Blessed Virgin Mary can be included in evening prayer:
“Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”
This beloved prayer, commonly known as the Hail Mary, is a central invocation to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It expresses reverence and seeks her intercession for sinners, emphasizing her role as the Mother of God and our spiritual guide.
“Mother of Mercy, help me in my weaknesses and guide me on the path of righteousness. Shield me from all harm and protect me from evil. Blessed Virgin Mary, I entrust myself to your intercession, seeking your motherly care and grace. Amen.”
This heartfelt invocation acknowledges the Blessed Virgin Mary as a source of mercy and guidance, asking for her protection from harm and evil. It is a prayer of trust and surrender, seeking her intercession for strength and spiritual well-being.
Prayer for Protection
Include a prayer for protection to the Blessed Virgin Mary:
“O Blessed Virgin Mary, powerful and compassionate Mother, I place myself under your protection. Shield me from all dangers, physical and spiritual. Defend me against the snares of the enemy and lead me closer to your Son, Jesus. I trust in your intercession and seek your maternal guidance in all aspects of my life. Amen.”
This prayer acknowledges the Blessed Virgin Mary as a powerful protector, seeking her intercession for safety and well-being. It expresses confidence in her ability to defend against spiritual adversaries and guides individuals to a closer relationship with Jesus.
Pious Invocations to the Blessed Virgin Mary
Meaning and Intent
“Hail Mary”
An invocation expressing reverence and seeking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“Mother of Mercy”
An invocation acknowledging Mary as a source of mercy and guidance, seeking her protection and grace.
“Prayer for Protection”
A prayer seeking the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary from physical and spiritual harm.
Prayers for Protection and Repentance
Evening prayers provide a sacred space to seek protection and repentance, inviting God’s divine guidance and deliverance from evil. These heartfelt prayers offer individuals an opportunity to reflect on their actions, seek forgiveness, and recommit themselves to the path of righteousness.
Prayer for Protection
“O Lord, surround us with Your divine protection. Shield us from harm and guard us from the snares of the enemy. We place our trust in Your mighty power and seek refuge in Your loving embrace. Protect our minds, bodies, and souls as we navigate the challenges of life. Amen.”
Prayer of Repentance
“Merciful Father, we humbly come before You, acknowledging our shortcomings and pleading for Your forgiveness. We repent for the times we have strayed from Your path and ask for the strength to turn away from sin. Grant us the grace to reconcile with You, our neighbors, and ourselves. May Your boundless love cleanse our hearts and lead us to everlasting peace. Amen.”
Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel
“Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. With unwavering faith, we call upon your intercession, seeking protection and deliverance from all spiritual adversaries. Stand by our side as we wage the spiritual warfare, and through your guiding presence, let evil be cast away. Amen.”
Prayer for Protection
Prayer of Repentance
Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel
“O Lord, surround us with Your divine protection…”
“Merciful Father, we humbly come before You…”
“Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle…”
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Adoration
In the realm of evening prayers, expressions of thanksgiving and adoration serve as integral components of the Catholic tradition. These prayers hold the power to convey heartfelt gratitude for God’s abundant blessings while praising His divine nature. By engaging in evening prayers, individuals seize the opportunity to acknowledge the boundless mercy, love, and guidance bestowed upon them, thus fostering a profound and unbreakable connection with the Almighty.
Gratitude takes center stage in prayers of thanksgiving during evening devotion. It is a time to reflect on the numerous blessings and grace received throughout the day. Through prayer, believers express their sincere appreciation for God’s providence, transformative power, and unconditional love. With every prayer of thanksgiving spoken, hearts are uplifted, and spirits are renewed in recognition of the countless gifts bestowed by the divine.
“O God, our Heavenly Father, we offer you our thanks and praise for the countless blessings you have bestowed upon us. You have filled our lives with abundance, love, and grace. In this sacred moment of evening prayer, we come before you with joyous hearts, expressing our gratitude for your unwavering presence and unwavering love.”
Adoration, on the other hand, encompasses prayers that extol the wondrous nature of God. It is an opportunity to dwell in the magnificence of the divine, acknowledging His power, wisdom, and boundless glory. Through each prayer of adoration, believers find solace and humility, as they recognize the majesty of God and their own smallness in comparison.
“O Lord, how magnificent are your ways! Your creation reveals the beauty, splendor, and wisdom that flows from your divine hand. As we gather in evening prayer, we humbly adore you, O God, for the greatness of your being.”
Whether expressed through words, thoughts, or silent contemplation, prayers of thanksgiving and adoration enrich evening prayer experiences. They serve as a conduit through which individuals come closer to God, finding solace, awe, and inspiration in His infinite goodness. By engaging in these prayers, believers truly understand the depths of God’s love and receive the blessings that come from a heart filled with gratitude and adoration.
In the image above, believers join in the evening prayer of thanksgiving and adoration, expressing their gratitude and devotion to God.
Prayers for Guidance and Petitions
Evening prayers offer a sacred space to seek guidance and present heartfelt petitions before God. In the quiet of the evening, when the day’s distractions fade away, these prayers serve as a beacon of hope, inviting divine wisdom and intervention into our lives.
In our moments of uncertainty, we turn to God, trusting in His guidance to illuminate our paths. With humble hearts, we seek His direction in making important decisions, knowing that He sees what we cannot and will provide the clarity we seek.
As the day draws to a close, we also bring our intentions to the forefront of our prayers. We offer petitions for ourselves, our loved ones, and our world, knowing that God’s love and mercy extend to all. In these moments, we align our heartfelt desires with the infinite wisdom of our Creator, trusting that He hears and answers our heartfelt pleas.
Whether it is seeking guidance for a life-altering decision, comfort for a troubled heart, or healing for a loved one, the evening prayer becomes a sanctuary where we can lay our burdens before God. In doing so, we surrender our worries and trust in His divine providence.
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4
The evening prayer is an opportunity to deepen our faith and strengthen our connection with the divine. As we offer our prayers for guidance and present our petitions, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God’s love and grace. In these sacred moments, we find comfort, assurance, and the unwavering belief that God hears our prayers and responds to them in His perfect timing.
Let us now take a moment to pray for our intentions and seek God’s guidance, knowing that He is ever-present, loving, and faithful.
Prayers for Guidance and Discernment
A Prayer for Wisdom: “Heavenly Father, grant me wisdom and discernment in all the decisions I face. Guide me along the path of righteousness and lead me in alignment with Your will. Amen.”
A Prayer for Clarity: “Loving God, in moments of confusion, I turn to You. Illuminate my mind and heart, that I may understand Your plan for me. Grant me clarity and peace as I seek Your guidance. Amen.”
Prayers for Personal Intentions
A Prayer for Healing: “Merciful Father, I lift up the name of [Name] to You. Please pour Your healing light upon them, body, mind, and spirit. May Your loving touch bring restoration and wholeness. Amen.”
A Prayer for Comfort: “God of compassion, be with [Name] in their time of sorrow. Surround them with Your comforting presence, assuring them of Your love and the promise of eternal peace. Amen.”
A Prayer for Guidance in Relationships: “Heavenly Father, bless my relationships with Your divine wisdom. Help me to love and understand others, to forgive and be forgiven, and to build relationships rooted in Your grace. Amen.”
May our evening prayers be a source of strength, guidance, and hope as we navigate life’s journey. Through these prayers, we surrender our will to God’s divine plan, trusting that His guidance will lead us to the path of righteousness and blessings beyond measure.
Prayers for Peace and Communion with God
Evening prayers provide a unique opportunity to find peace and deepen our communion with God. These heartfelt prayers encompass our desires for inner tranquility, global harmony, and a closer relationship with the divine. Through evening prayer, Catholics can find solace, comfort, and strength, experiencing a deeper sense of connection with God.
“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.”
During evening prayer, we have the opportunity to surrender our worries and burdens to God, seeking His peace that surpasses all understanding. By focusing our hearts and minds on Him, we can experience a sense of calm and tranquility amidst the challenges of life.
Prayers for Inner Peace
During our evening prayers, we can offer specific prayers for inner peace, asking God to grant us a serene heart and mind. These prayers may include:
A prayer for calmness and serenity in times of stress
A prayer for the release of anxiety and worry
A prayer for healing from past hurts and emotional wounds
By surrendering our fears and concerns to God, we invite His peace to dwell within us, fostering a sense of tranquility and well-being.
Prayers for Global Peace
Evening prayers also provide an opportunity to pray for peace in our world. These prayers may include:
A prayer for an end to violence and conflict
A prayer for unity and understanding among nations
A prayer for justice and compassion to prevail
Through our prayers, we acknowledge our responsibility as individuals to work towards peace and harmony, promoting love, tolerance, and reconciliation in our interactions with others.
Prayers for Communion with God
Evening prayer is a sacred time to connect with God and deepen our relationship with Him. We can offer prayers for communion, expressing our longing for a closer walk with Him. These prayers may include:
A prayer for a greater understanding of God’s will
A prayer for a deeper sense of His presence in our lives
In communion with God, we find solace, guidance, and strength. Evening prayer provides a space for us to open our hearts to His love and grace, nurturing our spiritual journey.
Conclusion
Evening prayer holds a special place in the Catholic faith, providing a sacred time for reflection, connection, and spiritual nourishment. Through a collection of traditional prayers, Catholics can express their devotion, seek forgiveness, and find solace in the evening hours. These prayers, passed down from generation to generation, offer a guide and a source of comfort on one’s spiritual journey.
By engaging in evening prayer, individuals have the opportunity to find solace and guidance, allowing them to connect with God on a deeper level. These moments of reflection foster a sense of peace, gratitude, and renewal. Whether reciting prayers of thanksgiving, seeking forgiveness, or offering personal intentions, evening prayer invites individuals to experience a profound connection with the divine.
As Catholics engage in evening prayer, they enter into a rich tradition that encapsulates the essence of their faith. Through the recitation of these traditional prayers, individuals can find strength, healing, and inspiration. May the guide provided in this article accompany and uplift individuals on their spiritual journey, aiding them in expressing their devotion, finding forgiveness, and experiencing the solace and peace that evening prayer brings.
FAQ
What is the significance of evening prayer in the Catholic faith?
Evening prayer in the Catholic tradition allows individuals to close the day in prayerful reflection, expressing gratitude, seeking forgiveness, and finding comfort in the presence of God.
Why are preparatory prayers important before evening prayer?
Preparatory prayers help individuals focus their minds and hearts on God, preparing them for a meaningful and intentional prayer experience, ensuring that every prayer and work begins and ends with Him.
What are the different types of opening prayers for the evening?
Opening prayers for the evening include prayers for protection, prayers for the home, prayers of reparation, and an examination of conscience.
Why are prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus included in evening prayer?
Prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus express devotion, seeking His guidance and protection. The prayer of St. Alphonsus is a heartfelt plea for forgiveness, assistance, and peace, acknowledging Jesus’ presence in one’s life.
What is the significance of spiritual communion in evening prayer?
Spiritual communion allows individuals to connect deeply with Christ when they cannot physically receive the Eucharist. Prayers for priests and the Holy Father express support and blessings for their crucial roles in guiding the Catholic community.
What are pious invocations in evening prayer?
Pious invocations are short prayers that express devotion and seek intercession from saints and holy figures. Prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary ask for her protection and blessings, acknowledging her role as the Mother of Jesus and Queen of Paradise.
Why are prayers for protection and repentance included in evening prayer?
Prayers for protection express a desire for God’s guidance and deliverance from evil. The prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel, in particular, is a powerful invocation seeking protection against spiritual adversaries. Prayers of repentance offer individuals an opportunity to seek forgiveness and recommit themselves to the path of righteousness.
What is the importance of prayers of thanksgiving and adoration in evening prayer?
Prayers of thanksgiving express gratitude to God for His blessings, while prayers of adoration praise His divine nature. Evening prayers offer an opportunity to acknowledge God’s mercy, love, and guidance in one’s life, fostering a deeper connection with Him.
Why are prayers for guidance and petitions included in evening prayer?
Prayers for guidance seek God’s wisdom and assistance in making decisions, while personal intentions offer a chance to lay one’s burdens before Him and seek His intervention in various aspects of life.
How do evening prayers provide peace and communion with God?
Evening prayers offer a moment of peace and communion with God, expressing a desire for inner peace, global peace, and a closer relationship with the divine. Through evening prayer, individuals can find solace, comfort, and strength, experiencing a deeper sense of connection with God.
What is the significance of evening prayer in the Catholic faith?
Evening prayer is a cherished tradition in the Catholic faith, offering individuals an opportunity for reflection, connection, and spiritual nourishment. Through a wide range of traditional prayers, Catholics can express their devotion, seek forgiveness, and find solace in the evening hours.
