Sink not yet, my soul, to slumber,

Wake, my heart, go forth and tell

All the mercies without number

That this by-gone 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.

Yes, our wisdom vainly ponders,

Fathoms not Thy loving thought;

Never tongue can tell the wonders

That each day for us are wrought;

Thou hast guided me to-day

That no ill hath cross'd my way,

There is neither bound nor measure

In Thy love's o'erflowing treasure.

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.

Of Thy grace I pray Thee pardon

All my sins, and heal their smart;

Sore and heavy is their burden,

Sharp their sting within my heart;

And my foe lays many a snare

But to tempt me to despair,

Only Thou, dear Lord, canst save me,

Let him not prevail to have me.

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.

When 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.

Keep me safe till morn is breaking,

Nightly terrors drive Thou hence,

Let not sickness keep me waking;

Sudden death and pestilence,

Fire and water, noise of war,

Keep Thou from my house afar;

Let me die not unrepented,

That my soul be not tormented.

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.