An Evening Prayer

 In St. Jacobs, Ont. the church bells peal out across the town, those precious, timeless hymns. (at 12:00 noon and 6:00 p.m.)

Dear Lord, before I lay me down to sleep

A thousand thoughts un-uttered press and plead

And though my soul is safe within Thy keep

And though I know Thou knowest every need

I have of Thee;  let me not seek slumber’s release

Without first lifting up my heart to Thee

In humble gratitude; Thy mercies never cease

In spite of vile, wretched humanity

In spite of mankind’s crass ingratitude

In spite of our vanity and lust

Each morning still Thy mercy is renewed

And love forgives our scrimmages of dust

Like dazzling dew, grace spills its mystery

In rampant glory on earth’s dark facade

Thou dost not leave us fumbling hopelessly

Lighting the Way that leads to Thee, oh God

Seasons do not resist Thee nor rebel

Nature submits to Thy holy command

Time labors on earth’s harsh four-season swell

And man will choose to trust or test the Hand

That holds all things in pure, perfect control

And though we do not do the good we should

Still, Thou hast made a way for every soul

To be saved by the power in Thy blood

The rich, the poor, Lord, none escapes Thy gaze

There is no good or evil hid from Thee

Though we will never understand Thy ways

Lord, teach us how to trust unwaveringly

And Lord, before I lay me down to sleep

I pray that all would come to know Thy love

And rest assured within Thy tender keep

Until we meet in glory-lands above

© Janet Martin