Latin text

1.

Christe qui lux es et dies,

Noctis tenebras detegis,

Lucisque lumen crederis,

Lumen beatum praedicans.

2.

Precamur Sancte Domine,

Defende nos in hac nocte,

Sit nobis in te requies,

Quietam noctem tribue.

3.

Ne gravis somnus irruat,

Nec hostis nos surripiat,

Nec caro illi consentiens,

Nos tibi reos statuat.

4.

Oculi somnum capiant,

Cor ad te semper vigilet,

Dextera tua protegat

Famulos qui te diligunt.

5.

Defensor noster aspice,

Insidiantes reprime,

Guberna tuos famulos,

Quos sanguine mercatus est.

6.

Memento nostri Domine

In gravi isto corpore,

Qui es defensor animae,

Adesto nobis Domine.

7.

Deo Patri sit gloria,

Ejusque soli Filio,

Cum Spiritu Paraclyto,

Et nunc et in perpetuum. Amen.

English translation

1.

Christ, who art the light and day,

You drive away the darkness of night,

You are called the light of light,

For you proclaim the blessed light.

2.

We beseech you, Holy Lord,

Protect us this night.

Let us take our rest in you;

Grant us a tranquil night.

3.

Let our sleep be free from care;

Let not the enemy snatch us away,

Nor flesh conspire within him,

And make us guilty in your sight.

4.

Though our eyes be filled with sleep,

Keep our hearts forever awake to you.

May your right hand protect

Your willing servants.

5.

You who are our shield, behold;

Restrain those that lie in wait.

And guide your servants whom

You have ransomed with your blood.

6.

Remember us, O Lord,

Who bear the burden of this mortal form;

You who are the defender of the soul,

Be near us, O Lord.

7.

Glory be to God the Father,

And to his only Son,

With the Spirit, Comforter,

Both now and evermore. Amen.

A second translation

1.

O Christ, You are both light and day,
You drive away the shadowed night;
As Daystar you precede the dawn,
The Herald of the light to come.

2.

We pray you, O most holy Lord,
To be our guardian while we sleep;
Bestow on us who rest in you
The blessing of a quiet night.

3.

Although our eyes in sleep be closed,
Let hearts in constand vigil watch;
With Your right hand you will protect
Those who believe and trust in You.

4.

Defender of us all, look down;
Repel our dread, malicious foe;
Direct your faithful household, Lord,
Whom You have purchased with Your blood.

5.

O Christ, Redeemer of the world,
O God, our Maker and our end,
O Spirit, bond of peace and love,
To you be thanks and endless praise.

English translation

1.

O Christ, you are the light and day,

You drive gloom of night away

Grant, Light of light, your Word to show

The light of hea

2.

Arise, O God, our shield, repel

The darts and subtleties of hell;

Let your right hand, our stretched above

Guard those who serve the Lord they love.

3.

All holy Lord, in humble prayer

We ask tonight your watchful care

And pray that our repose may be

A quiet night, from perils free

4.

To God the Father and the Son

And Holy Spirit, Three in One

Be glory in the highest giv'n

By all on earth and all in heav'n