Father, in high heaven dwelling,
May our evening song be telling
Of thy mercy large and free;
Through the day thy love has fed us,
Through the day thy care has led us,
With divinest charity.

This day's sins, O pardon, Saviour -
Evil thoughts, perverse behaviour,
Envy, pride and vanity;
From the world, the flesh, deliver,
Save us now, and save us ever,
O thou Lamb of Calvary!

From enticements of the devil,
From the might of spirits evil,
Be our shield and panoply;
Let thy power this night defend us,
And a heavenly peace attend us,
And angelic company.

While the night-dews are distilling,
Holy Ghost, each heart be filling
With thine own serenity;
Softly let our eyes be closing,
Loving souls on thee reposing,
Ever-blessed Trinity.


George Rawson (1807-89)