How was the Messenger's night vigil prayer and what did he recite in it?

The Prophet's prayer (peace be upon him) settled at the end of the night, and he would not exceed eleven or thirteen rak'ahs, whether in Ramadan or other months. He would prolong the recitation, bowing (rukūʿ), and prostration (sujūd). Among the hadiths indicating this is what Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated, that the Prophet's Witr prayer would conclude at dawn (Sahar). Ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) prayed with the Prophet one night, and the Prophet continued standing until Ibn Mas'ud considered sitting down. Hudhayfah (may Allah be pleased with him) also prayed with the Prophet one night, and the Prophet began reciting Surat Al-Baqarah, then An-Nisa, and then Al-Imran. He recited slowly and deliberately, and his bowing and prostration were nearly as long as his standing.