30. Since now the day has reached its close

Hymn Text

Text and metadata are organized from Hymnary’s ELHB index pages and ELHL1918 instance pages.

1 Since now the day hath reached its close,
And sunlight shines no more,
In sleep the toil-worn find repose,
And all who wept before.

2 But Thou, my God, no rest dost know,
No slumber dims Thy sight;
Thou hatest darkness as Thy foe,
Since Thou Thyself art light.

3 O Lord, I pray remember me
Throughout the shades of night,
And grant to me most graciously
The shield of Thy great might.

4 Turn from me Satan's tyranny
Through many an angel arm,
Then shall I be from danger free,
And safe from every harm.

5 I know the evil I have done
Doth cry aloud to Thee;
But yet the mercy of Thy Son
Hath full atoned for me.

6 Him I present Thee as my bail,
While suppliant at Thy feet;
With such assurance I'll not fail
Before Thy judgment seat.

7 And therefore now I close my eyes
And sleep with tranquil breast;
Why waste the time in fears or sighs?
God watches o'er my rest.

8 Away, vain, idle thoughts depart!
Roam not, my soul abroad!
For now I build within my heart
A temple to my God.

9 Should this night prove the last for me
In this dark vale of tears,
Then lead me, Lord, in heaven to Thee
And my elect compeers.

Source noted on Hymnary: Evangelical Lutheran Hymn-book #30