Sunk is the sun's last beam of light, And now the world is wrapt in night. Christ, light us with Thy heavenly ray, Nor let our feet in darkness stray. Thanks, Lord, that Thou throughout the day Hast kept all grief and harm away; That angels tarried round about Our coming in and going out. Whate'er of wrong we've done or said, Let not the charge on us be laid; That, through Thy free forgiveness blest, In peaceful slumber we may rest. Thy guardian angels round us place All evil from our couch to chase; Our soul and body, while we sleep, In safety, gracious Father, keep. Nicolaus Hermann, 1560. Tr. Frances Elizabeth Cox, 1841. Prayer for Saturday Morning. O Thou Very and Eternal God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. To Thee do I lift up my heart in dutiful gratitude. I will not hide Thy righteousness within my heart. I will declare Thy salvation. I will not conceal Thy loving kindness and Thy truth from the great congregation, and all the good that Thou hast shown me will I not keep silent. For it is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto Thy name, O Most High: to shew forth Thy loving kindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness every night. Therefore my soul doth magnify Thee, that Thou in Thy immeasurable grace hast kept me during the night now past. Blessed be Thou, Lord God Sabaoth, who art merciful unto all, that seek Thee and love Thy salvation. Blessed is Thy holy name in all the earth, who art our refuge and our help! Blessed are all Thy works which Thou doest for the children of men! I beseech Thee, protect me this day, that the Evil One may not harm me, and the hands of the wicked touch me not. Lord God, my Savior, early will I seek Thee, early do I cry unto Thee. Grant, that I may fulfill the duties of my calling and all that is committed unto me with diligence and trust to the glory of Thy name and the betterment of my fellowman, so that I may not misuse the light of this day, neither any of Thy creatures in the service of sin and vanity, neither grieve Thee, nor transgress the covenant of my Baptism with anything I do or leave undone. Vouchsafe unto me Thy grace, that I may guard myself against the six things which Thou dost hate, yea, seven which are an abomination unto Thee: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that are swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. From such and the like vices preserve me, O God, that I may nevermore be led nor consent to them, but teach me to do Thy will; for Thou art my God: Thy Spirit is good. Lead me into the land of uprightness, that I may serve Thee in a life that is without blame, and my deeds and all my conduct be