A Very Little Office of Compline: Night Prayer for Children by Bo Bonner

A Very Little Office of Compline: Night Prayer for Children

By B.G. "Odo" Bonner · Published by TAN Books

Overview

End each day by placing your child in God's loving care through the timeless tradition of the Church's night prayer. A Very Little Office of Compline: Night Prayer for Children is a beautifully illustrated adaptation of Compline—the final hour of the Divine Office—carefully crafted to introduce young children to the peaceful rhythm of liturgical prayer. Adapted by Bo Bonner and illustrated by Gwyneth Thompson-Briggs, this charming volume transforms bedtime into a sacred moment of trust, thanksgiving, and rest in God's providence.

Featuring simplified prayers, psalms, and hymns inspired by the Church's ancient tradition, this little book gently forms children in the habit of daily prayer while preparing them to one day participate more fully in the Liturgy of the Hours. Whether read together as a family or used as part of a child's nightly routine, it offers a beautiful way to cultivate peace, reverence, and confidence in God's constant protection.

• Create a Peaceful Bedtime Routine: Establish a nightly habit of prayer that brings comfort and consistency.
• Grow in Liturgical Life: Introduce children to one of the Church's oldest and most beautiful prayer traditions.
• Build Trust in God's Care: Teach children to end each day with confidence in the Lord's protection.
• Pray Together as a Family: A wonderful resource for parents seeking meaningful evening devotions with their children.
• Encourage Lifelong Prayer: Lay a foundation for a lifetime of participation in the Church's liturgical prayer.

From the Book

"Into Your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit."

Intended Audience

This book is ideal for Catholic families with young children who wish to establish a faithful bedtime prayer routine rooted in the Church's liturgical tradition. It is equally well suited for homeschool families, parish libraries, and anyone introducing children to the beauty of the Divine Office.

FAQs

What is Compline?
Compline is the Church's Night Prayer—the final hour of the Liturgy of the Hours—offering prayers of thanksgiving, trust, and protection before sleep.

Is this the full Divine Office?
No. It is a simplified adaptation designed specifically for children while remaining faithful to the spirit and structure of the Church's traditional Night Prayer.

Can families pray this together each evening?
Absolutely. Its concise format and beautiful illustrations make it ideal for nightly family prayer and establishing a peaceful bedtime routine.