Methodist Hymn and Tune Book ‎#207

207. The shadows of the evening hours

1 The shadows of the evening hours
Fall from the darkening sky;
Upon the fragrance of the flowers
The dews of evening lie:
Before Thy throne, O Lord of heaven,
We kneel at close of day;
Look on Thy children from on high,
And hear us while we pray.

2 The sorrows of Thy servants, Lord,
O do not Thou despise,
But let the incense of our prayers
Before Thy mercy rise:
The brightness of the coming night
Upon the darkness rolls;
With hopes of future glory chase
The shadows on our souls.

3 Slowly the rays of daylight fade:
So fade within our heart
The hopes in earthly love and joy,
That one by one depart:
Slowly the bright stars, one by one,
Within the heavens shine;
Give us, O Lord, fresh hopes in heaven,
And trust in things divine.

4 Let peace, O Lord, Thy peace, O God.
Upon our souls descend;
From midnight fears and perils Thou
Our trembling hearts defend;
Give us a respite from our toil,
Calm and subdue our woes;
Through the long day we labour, Lord,
O give us now repose.

Text Information

• First Line: The shadows of the evening hours
• Author: Miss Adelaide A. Procter, 1825-1864
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1917
• Topic: The Church and the Kingdom of God: Evening; Prayer: Evening

Tune Information

• Name: ST. LEONARD'S
• Composer: Dr. H. Hiles, 1826-1904
• Meter: C.M.D.
• Key: G Major or modal