Laudes Domini ‎#113

113. The evening hour

1 Father, by thy love and power,
Comes again the evening hour:
Light has vanished, labors cease,
Weary creatures rest in peace;
Thou, whose genial dews distil
On the lowliest weed that grows,
Father, guard our couch from ill,
Grant thy children to repose:
We to thee ourselves resign,
Let our latest thoughts be thine.

2 Saviour, to thy Father bear
This our feeble evening prayer:
Thou hast seen how oft to-day
We like sheep have gone astray;
Worldly thoughts and thoughts of pride,
Wishes to thy cross untrue,
Secret faults and undescried
Meet thy spirit-piercing view;
Blessèd Saviour, yet through thee
Pray that we may pardoned be.

3 Holy Spirit, breath of balm,
Fall on us in evening’s calm;
Yet awhile, before we sleep,
We with thee will vigils keep.
Lead us on our sins to muse,
Give us truest penitence;
Then the love of God infuse,
Breathing humble confidence;
Melt our spirits, mold our will,
Soften, strengthen, comfort still.

4 Blessèd Trinity, be near
Through the hours of darkness drear;
Then, when shrinks the lonely heart,
Thou, O God, most present art.
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
Watch o’er our defenceless head;
Let thy angels’ guardian host
Keep all evil from our bed;
Till the flood of morning rays
Wake us to a song of praise.

Text Information

• First Line: Father, by thy love and power
• Title: The evening hour
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1884
• Topic: Evening; Family; Prayer
• Notes: Public Domain.

Tune Information

• Name: PHILIPPI
• Meter: 7s, 101
• Key: F Major or modal
• Notes: Public Domain.