In The Night Watches

Tis' the time of day

To lay down again

And rest in the night watches

It is hard to accept Thy forgiveness,

Given in the stillness of dusk

Wilt Thou receive me gladly, O Lord,

Lest I leave this world to night?

If the beat of mine heart

Ceases for ever more?

In Thy presence I sit with knees bowed low,

Will this prayer reach heaven's door,

Up into Thine ear?

Or will it remain here,

In the darkness of the earth,

Because mine heart

Is encrusted in pride?

Whatever be Thy will, Jesus,

I know that Thou hearest me

And that Thou cleanses me in Thy blood

For I rest upon Thy promises

The counsel Thou hast given me to day,

Shall I carry to morrow

And the strength Thou showered on me,

Shall be renewed with the sunrise

I give Thee mine life

As I lay me down to sleep

Keep all Thy children safe in Thine hand

And shelter us

With Thy blanket of love

Now I go in peace

Until the morrow,

Lord willing

For ever in His love,

Amen.

-Noémie H.