Unknown*, c. 600, tr. by John Neale, 1853

The day is past and over; All thanks, O Lord, to Thee! I pray Thee now that sinless The hours of dark may be. O Jesus, keep me in Thy sight And save me through the coming night. 2. The joys of day are over; I lift my heart to Thee And ask Thee that offenseless The hours of dark may be. O Jesus, keep me in Thy sight And guard me through the coming night.

3. The toils of day are over: I raise the hymn to Thee And ask that free from peril The hours of dark may be. O Jesus, make their darkness light And guard me through the coming night. 4. Lord, that in death I sleep not, And lest my Foe should say "I have prevailed against him," Lighten mine eyes, I pray. O Jesus, keep me in Thy sight And guard me through the coming night.

5. Be Thou my Soul's Preserver, O God, for Thou dost know How many are the perils Through which I have to go. Lover of men, oh, hear my call And guard and save me from them all.

¶ Thursday, February 16, 2006