What is Compline?
The term Compline comes from the Latin word ‘completorium’ or ‘completion’. Compline is also known as Night Prayer and is a contemplative service performed at the end of the day.

An ancient tradition
The tradition of saying or singing Compline goes back to at least the 6th century, possibly earlier. The early Church observed the practice of praying seven times a day. The Rule of Saint Benedict introduces compline as an additional final ‘hour’ for prayer, fixing the number of ‘offices’ or ‘hours’ observed in the monastic tradition at eight.

Compline after the Reformation
After the Reformation in England, the Book of Common Prayer reduced the eight canonical hours to two (Mattins and Evensong) some elements of Compline were absorbed into Evensong. Although officially abolished, there is evidence that some form of night prayer continued in some places of worship beyond the Reformation.
Over the last century, perhaps owing to its reflective and introspective nature, there has been an increased interest in Compline within the Anglican Church. The service is included in the Church of England’s Common Worship as well as in service books of other Anglican traditions across the globe. Compline does not require a priest and can be observed anywhere with any number of people. It is primarily a service of quiet contemplation.

The Great Silence
In monastic traditions, Compline marks the beginning of the ‘Great Silence’, during which monks and nuns remain silent until the first service of the following day. In recognition of this, it is traditional to leave the service in silence.