March 30, 2005

Now the Day is Over

William Sabine Baring-Gould, 1834-1924

    I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8.

    Now the Day is Over was written by Sabine Baring-Gould. The author, a minister in the Anglican church, was recognized as one of England's most prolific writers of his time. Baring-Gould wrote this charming text for the children in his parish at Horbury Bridge, near Wakefield, England. It was based on Proverbs 3:24, "When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid; yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet." The hymn first appeared in the Church Times on March 16, 1865. It is still a favorite with children everywhere.

Now the day is over
Night is drawing nigh
Shadows of the evening
Steal across the sky

Jesus, give the weary
Calm and sweet repose
With Thy tenderest blessing
May mine eyelids close

Grant to little children
Visions bright of Thee
Guard the sailors tossing
On the deep, blue sea

Comfort those who suffer
Watching late in pain
Those who plan some evil
From their sin restrain

When the morning wakens
Then may I arise
Pure, and fresh, and sinless
In Thy holy eyes

Now the darkness gathers
Stars begin to peep
Birds, and beasts and flowers
Soon will be asleep

Through the long night watches
May Thine angels spread
Their white wings above me
Watching round my bed

Glory to the Father
Glory to the Son
And to Thee, blest Spirit
While all ages run