Sink not yet, my soul, to slumber, Wake, my heart, go forth and tell All the mercies without number That this bygone day befell; Tell how God hath kept afar All things that against me war, Hath upheld me and defended, And His grace my soul befriended. | Father, merciful and holy, Thee to-night I praise and bless, Who to labour true and lowly Grantest ever meet success; Many a sin and many a woe, Many a fierce and subtle foe, Hast Thou check'd that once alarm'd me, So that nought to-day has harm'd me, | Now the light, that nature gladdens, And the pomp of day is gone, And my heart is tired and saddens; As the gloomy night comes on; Ah then, with Thy changeless light Warm and cheer my heart to-night, As the shadows round me gather Keep me close to Thee, my Father. | Have I e'er from Thee departed, Now I seek Thy face again, And Thy Son, the loving-hearted, Made our peace through bitter pain. Yes, far greater than our sin, Though it still be strong within, Is the Love that fails us never, Mercy that endures for ever. | Brightness of the eternal city! Light of every faithful soul! Safe beneath Thy sheltering pity, Let the tempests past me roll: Now it darkens far and near, Still, my God, still be Thou here; Thou canst comfort, and Thou only, When the night is long and lonely. | E'en the twilight now hath vanish'd, Send Thy blessing on my sleep, Every sin and terror banish'd, Let my rest be calm and deep. Soul and body, mind and health, Wife and children, house and wealth, Friend and foe, the sick, the stranger, Keep Thou safe from harm and danger. | O Thou mighty God, now hearken To the prayer Thy child hath made; Jesus, while the night-hours darken Be Thou still my hope, my aid; Holy Ghost, on Thee I call, Friend and Comforter of all, Hear my earnest prayer, oh hear me! Lord, Thou hearest, Thou art near me. | |