¹ Creator of the earth and sky,
ruling the heavens on high,
clothing the day with robes of light,
blessing with gracious sleep the night.

² That rest may comfort weary men
and strenghten to useful work again,
and soothe awhile the harassed mind,
and sorrow’s heavy load unbind.

³ Day sinks; we thank You for Your gift;
night comes; and once again we lift
our prayer and vows and hymns, that we
against all ills may shielded be.

⁴ You let the secret heart acclaim,
You let our tuneful voices name,
around You our pure affections cling,
Your sober reason own as King.

⁵ That when black darkness closes day,
and shadows thicken round our way,
faith may no darkness know, and night
from faith’s clear beam may borrow light.

⁶ Rest not, my heaven-born mind and will;
rest, all your thoughts and deeds of ill;
may faith its watch unwearied keep,
and cool the dreaming warmth of sleep.

⁷ From cheats of sense, Lord, keep me free,
and let my heart’s depth dream of Thee;
let not my envious foe draw near,
to break my rest with any fear.

⁸ Pray we the Father and the Son,
and Holy Ghost: O Three in One,
blessed Trinity, whom all obey,
guard you your sheep by night and day.