Her book is built around what, in the Book of Common Prayer, is called “The Compline.”
It was like a foreign language to me. I didn’t even own a Book of Common Prayer, nor have I seen one in years! So, of course, I Googled it…
Not an easy solution. I missed what denomination she was, and there are a whole bunch of different “Compline.” Then I did the obvious and looked in her book, even before the table of contents, and found it there.
“Keep watch, dear Lord,
with those who work, or watch, or weep this night,
and give your angels charge over those who sleep
Tend the sick, Lord Christ;
give rest to the weary, bless the dying,
soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted,
shield the joyous;
And all for your love’s sake. Amen.”
Now I knew what we were working with! I began to see the outline of what she would be writing. And it is beautiful…and mysterious…and comforting…and perplexing. I hope you’ll come along with me as I work my way through Trish’s book. I’ll highlight a thought or two from each chapter, but the river runs so much deeper. I want to encourage you to purchase the book so that we can travel together.
