Morning and Evening
Prayers
for All Days of the Week

By
DR. JOHN HABERMANN.
Together With

Confessional, Communion, and Other
Prayers and Hymns for Mornings
and Evenings, and
Other Occasions

Done in English
By
EMIL H. RAUSCH.
Editor Lutheran Herald

Chicago, Illinois.
WARTBURG PUBLISHING HOUSE.

March, 1918, 3M. September, 1918, 5M. January, 1920, 5M.

Translator’s Preface

This little manual of prayers herewith offered to English speaking Christians in their own language, has long been one of the treasures of the German people. With the exception of a few prayers, as hereinafter noted, it was originally written by one of God’s noblemen, by one who “lived and moved and had his being” in the things of the Kingdom of God. Dr. John Habermann (known also as Avenarius, Latinized form of Habermann) died 1590 as superintendent at Zeitz, was a famous preacher and a distinguished scholar of his day. He was noted for his profound knowledge of oriental languages especially of the Hebrew. Still it is not this but the fact of his little prayer book that has endeared him to his fellow Christians. And this manual of prayers is the mature product of an inner life rich in the grace of God. On every page it bears the stamp of one for whom the communion with the eternal Father in heaven through the faith in Jesus Christ, the Savior, is a blessed reality. Nothing more natural therefore also than that he should “live and move and have his being” in the language of the Word of God. And this is quite apparent in his prayer language. God’s Word give him the terms to express his thoughts. Especially the Psalter, the prayer and hymn book of Israel, proves a veritable thesaurus of prayer terms and of these he makes a copious use.

The present little volume presents the Englished edition of “Wachet und Betet,” as issued by the Synod of Iowa and other States. Owing to the exigencies of the times, with the great world war raging in all its fury, a special set of prayers for times of war has been added by the translator, in the hope that they will add to the usefulness of the book. These are found on [pages 131-138]. The hymns as far as possible are given in the form as found in the new Common Service Book with Hymnal. Many of them however are new translations that here appear in print for the first time. For these we are indebted especially to Prof. Alfred Ramsey of the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Maywood, Chicago, and the Rev. H. Brueckner of Iowa City, Iowa, a fact which is here gratefully acknowledged.

The labor of clothing these little gems of prayer into the language of the land has been done as a labor of love, albeit the stress of other work often precluded the continued effort. The work was done a bit at a time. This little volume is herewith issued with the fervent hope and prayer, that it may long continue on its course of blessing, and lead many lives into the closer communion with God, through Jesus Christ. Soli Deo Gloria!

E. H. R.

Waverly, Iowa, during the blessed season of Epiphany, 1918.

EXHORTATION TO PRAYER

Arise, dear soul, and carefully reflect who He is with whom thou speakest and before whom thou standest when thou prayest. Behold, thou speakest with God, thy Maker, and standest in the presence of Him, the eternal Majesty, whom thousand times thousand holy angels and arch-angels attend. Therefore, O Christian, enter thou into the closet of thy soul, and beware, lest thou failest to put from thee all sluggishness of heart, and liftest up to thy God a countenance free from blame. Then wilt thou delight in the Lord and have power with Him, and prevail. Yea, thou wilt conquer the unconquerable God and bear away the blessing through Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven; Hallowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Benediction

The Lord bless thee, and keep thee.

The Lord make His face to shine upon thee,

and be gracious unto thee.

The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee,

and give thee peace. Amen.

Morning and Evening Prayers

Prayer for Sunday Morning.

Lord, our Heavenly Father, Eternal God! Blessed be Thy divine power and might; magnified Thy fathomless goodness and mercy; praised Thine eternal wisdom and truth. For Thou hast shielded me with Thy hand against the perils of this night, and hast suffered me to rest and slumber in peace under the shadow of Thy wings. Thou hast kept and safeguarded me with a father’s care against the Evil One and all his wicked designs and purposes. Therefore, I magnify Thy goodness and the wonders which Thou doest for the children of men. I will exalt Thee in the congregation. Thy praise shall evermore be in my mouth. My soul shall bless Thee, O my Lord, all that is within me shall bless Thy holy name, and nevermore will I forget Thy benefits. May the praises of my lips, which in singleness of heart I bring before Thee at this early hour, be acceptable in Thy sight. I call upon Thee with all my heart to preserve me this day against all danger of body and soul. May Thy holy angels have charge over me and keep me in all my ways. Encompass me with Thy shield and lead me on the paths of Thy commandments that, like the children of light, I may be blameless in Thy service, to Thy good pleasure. Stay the Evil One and all wickedness of this world. Restrain mine own flesh and blood that I be not overcome by them. Lead me with Thy Holy Spirit that I attempt, do, speak, or think nothing except what is well-pleasing in Thy sight and conducive to the glory of Thy divine Majesty. Behold, O God, I consecrate and dedicate myself entirely to Thy holy will, with body and soul, all my powers and abilities, inwardly and outwardly. Make me a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto Thee, so that I may render Thee a reasonable and pleasing service. Therefore, Most Holy Father, Almighty God, let me be wholly Thine. Govern Thou my heart and soul, and all my emotions that I know and understand none but Thee. O Lord, in the morning wilt Thou hear my voice. Early will I seek Thee and look up to Thee. Early will I praise Thee, and will not cease when evening comes. Through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Gott des Himmels und der Erden.

God, Who madest earth and heaven,—

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,

Who the day and night hast given,

Sun and moon, and starry host,

Thou Whose mighty hand sustains

Earth and all that it contains;

Praise to Thee my soul shall render,

Who this night has guarded me,

My omnipotent Defender,

Who from ill doth set me free;

Free from danger, anguish, woe,

Free from the infernal foe.

Let the night of my transgression

With night’s darkness pass away;

Jesus, into Thy possession

I resign myself to-day.

In Thy wounds I find relief

From my greatest sin and grief.

Let my life and conversation

Be directed by Thy Word;

Lord, Thy constant preservation

To Thy erring child afford.

Nowhere but alone in Thee

From all harm can I be free.

Wholly to Thy blest protection

I commit my heart and mind;

Mighty God! to Thy direction

Wholly may I be resigned.

Lord, my Shield, my Light divine,

O accept, and own me Thine.

Heinrich Albert, 1643.

Tr. John Christian Jacobi, 1720.

Arthur Tozer Russell, 1848.

Catherine Winkworth, 1855.

Prayer for Sunday Evening.

Eternal God, Merciful Father, I lift up my hands unto Thee as an evening sacrifice, and render Thee most hearty thanks, praise, and glory, that Thou hast protected me this day and all the days of my life from all evil and calamity, and through the ministrations of Thy holy angels hast graciously guarded me against the Evil One. I pray Thee to forgive me all my sins, wherever I have done wrong. Surround me this night with Thy holy angels. May thou compass me round and cast a trench about me, that I may escape the snares and evil cunning of the enemy. I commend myself to Thy goodness and mercy. Protect me with Thine outstretched arm; for from my heart do I pant after Thee in the nightwatches, and with my spirit within me do I watch for Thee at all times. I wait upon Thy goodness, and my soul trusts in Thee, the living God, for Thou art my refuge and my Savior. Behold, O Lord, whether we sleep or wake, we are Thine: whether we live or die, Thou art our God who hast called us into being. Therefore, I cry unto Thee: let Thy grace be not far from me. Shelter me with Thy shield. Keep me, that I lie in quiet, sleep in peace, and awake again in health. Hide me in Thy pavilion in the time of trouble, in the secret of Thy tabernacle hide me, set me upon the rock, and I will fear no evil. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Grant me grace, that though my body sleep, my soul may ever wake for Thee, that I may ever have Thee in my heart and before my mind, and be not overcome by the night of sin. Keep me from all wicked and evil dreams, from restless wakings and useless anxieties, from depraved and hurtful thoughts, from all grief. My Lord and God, into Thy gracious care do I commend my body and soul, my brothers and sisters, and all my kin and loved ones. May it please Thee, O Lord, to save us, and turn not Thy mercy from us. May Thy grace and fidelity protect us alway. Cover us this night with Thy goodness, and encompass us with Thy mercy, that we be safe-guarded in body and soul. Amen.

Christe, du bist der helle Tag.

O Christ, who art the sun-lit day,

Before Thee night must flee away,

Thou dost reflect the Father’s light

And teachest us His will aright.

Dear Lord, as night is drawing near,

Fill Thou our hearts with light and cheer,

Let us securely rest in Thee

And from the foe’s attacks stay free.

And while our eyes in slumber close,

Grant that our hearts may find repose;

But let them be to Thee awake

And of Thy saving grace partake.

Protect us from the wily foe

Who seeks to harm our souls, we know.

Be Thou our shield, our staff, and stay,

Lord Jesus Christ, for this we pray.

For Thou hast made us, Lord, Thine own,

We as Thy heritage are known.

Thy blood was shed, that we might be

The Father’s precious gift to Thee.

So let Thy holy angel stay

Around us both by night and day.

Place Thou a watch beside our bed,

And guardian angels overhead.

Thus in Thy name we fall asleep,

While angels o’er us watch must keep.

To Thee, O Holy One in Three,

Be praise to all eternity.

Latin, 7 Century.

Erasmus Alber, 1555.

Tr. H. Brueckner, 1918.

Prayer for Monday Morning.

O Thou Eternal and Merciful God! Thou hast commanded Thy people in Thy law each morning to offer Thee a burnt offering, thereby to praise and thank Thee for Thy merciful protection: thus I too would bring unto Thee my offering of praise, that is the fruit of my lips, and magnify Thy holy name. For by Thy grace and mercy Thou hast kept me this night from all evil and harm in body and soul, and hast graciously protected me. If Thou hadst not been my shield and my help, manifold calamities would have engulfed me, and I could not have risen in health and safety. Therefore, I thank Thee for Thy protection. But I continue to call to Thee from the depths of my heart, and my supplication ascends to Thee in the early hour. Early do I seek Thy countenance and pray Thee to safeguard me and mine from the wiles and power of the devil, from sin and disgrace and all wickedness. Visit Thou me in this early hour with Thy grace, as without Thee I can do nothing, and grant that I may this day begin all my work in Thy name and end it joyously, to the glory of Thy divine majesty and the betterment of my neighbor. Preserve my soul, mind, reason, senses, and thoughts, all that I do and leave undone, that the prince of darkness do me no injury. Safeguard me against the destruction that wasteth at noonday. Defend me against mine enemies that neither secretly nor openly they harm or injure me with their craft and cunning, violence or malice. O God, Father and Lord of my life, shield me from all impurity and disorderly conduct. Keep me from all intemperance and unchastity, and turn from me shameless thoughts. Help me by Thy grace to pluck out the eye that offends me and cast it away, and renounce all wicked and impure desires of the heart. Grant whatever is pleasing to Thee and useful to me, that I may serve Thee in the true faith. Look upon me with the eyes of Thy mercy, Thou Savior of the world, and enlighten my heart and eyes, that I may walk in the light of Thy grace, which rises above me, and never lose Thee, the Eternal Light. Amen.

Ach bleib mit deiner Gnade.

Abide with grace unbounded,

Lord Jesus, with us still,

That Satan’s craft confounded

May no more work us ill.

Abide with us, dear Savior,

Both with and in Thy Word:

To us both now and ever

Thy saving health afford.

Abide with all Thy brightness,

Thou brightest Light of all;

And lest we stray from rightness,

Make Thou Thy truth our wall.

Abide with us and bless us,

Thou Lord whose riches ’bide;

With growing grace possess us

And all things best provide.

Abide with Thy protection,

Great Captain, clothed with might;

O’ercome our world affection

And vanquish Satan’s spite.

Abide with care untiring,

Our God and Lord indeed;

All steadfastness inspiring,

Help, Lord, our every need.

Josua Stegmann, 1630.

Tr. A. Ramsey, 1916.

Prayer for Monday Evening.

O Thou Mighty and Everlasting God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I thank Thee that by Thy divine power Thou hast this day preserved me from all injury and danger of body and life. I owe it to Thy mercy alone that Thou didst protect me on all my paths. I pray Thee to forgive me all my sins which I have committed against Thee, and this night and during our entire lives mercifully to defend me and my loved ones against all sorrow and anxiety, and against the craft and power of the devil, wherewith day and night he seeks to ensnare us. Preserve us from the deadly pestilence that walketh in the darkness, and deliver us from the snare of the enemy. Protect us from the temptation and terror of Satan, from all evils of body and soul. For Thou art our strong fortress, our sword and buckler. All our hope and trust rests in Thee. Therefore, O faithful God, may Thine eyes be upon us and we be safeguarded this night against all violence and assault of the enemy. Be Thou our keeper and protector. Encompass us with Thy shelter, for in Thee is our salvation. Unto Thee only, from whom cometh my help, do I lift up mine eyes. My help cometh from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hands of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until that He have mercy upon us. Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy, for we are poor and needy. Lift upon me the light of Thy countenance lest I sleep the sleep of death. Amen.

Nun ruhen alle Waelder.

Now under night’s dark shadow

Rest woodland, field, and meadow,

The world in slumber lies.

But thou, my soul, awake thee,

To song and prayer betake thee,

Give praise to Him who rules the skies.

The sun’s fair light hath vanished,

The night its rays hath banished,

The night, the foe of day.

’Tis well: my heart containeth

A sun whose light ne’er waneth,

Since Jesus there holds constant sway.

The reign of day is over,

And golden stars now cover

The canopy so blue.

Thus I shall shine in heaven,

Where golden crowns are given

To all who faithful stay and true.

My body is divested

Of garments that have rested

Upon its form of clay.

Thus I at heaven’s portal

Shall lose all that is mortal

And with the Lord forever stay.

Head, feet, and hands are taking

Sweet rest from toil and waking,

Released from ev’ry pain.

O heart of mine, why borrow

The troubles of tomorrow?

Thou rest from sin and woe shalt gain.

Ye members weak and tired,

By joy no more inspired,

Betake yourselves to bed.

The time and hour for sleeping

In God’s own faithful keeping

Will come when you are cold and dead.

My tired eyes are closing,

And while I am reposing,

Where doth my soul remain?

To Thee be it commended

Until the night is ended,

Let me Thy gracious favor gain.

Lord Jesus, who dost love me,

Spread both Thy wings above me,

Thus shielding me from harm.

If Satan should draw near me,

Let angels come to cheer me

And so the wily foe disarm.

My loved ones, rest securely,

Since God will guard you surely

From pain and perils sore.

May you in safety slumber,

While angels without number

Attend you now and evermore.

Paul Gerhardt, 1648.

Tr. H. Brueckner, 1918.

Prayer for Tuesday Morning.

Blessed be God, the maker of heaven and earth, blessed be the Lord, who only doeth wondrous things, and blessed be His glorious name for ever who hath made both day and night through His glorious wisdom, and so ruled, that while the earth remaineth, they shall not cease, that man may rest by night, and proceed again to his labors by day. O Lord, how manifold are Thy works! In wisdom hast Thou made them all: the earth is full of Thy riches. For such Thy gifts we should thank Thee ere the sun rises, and come into Thy presence when the light breaks forth. Therefore I bless Thee now also, for Thou hast suffered me securely to rest and sleep this night, and again awakened me to the joy of living. Thou hast mercifully sheltered me from the assaults and malice of enemies. I supplicate Thy grace: grant that my soul may repose in Thy hands, my body continue in health according to Thy good pleasure, and be kept from all injury and peril. Be Thou my mighty protection and strong stay, a defence from heat, and my cover from the sun at noon, my preservation from stumbling, and my help from falling, that no harm may come unto me. O Merciful God, knowing the hour is come to awaken out of the sleep of sin and iniquity, for now is our salvation so near, the night is far spent, the day is at hand: so help us to cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armour of light, that we may walk honestly as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying, but putting on the Lord Jesus Christ in the true faith and a Christian conduct. Thus awaken us each morning. Open Thou my ears that I may hear Thy holy Word with a believing heart and keep the same in my memory. Let my ears incline to the entreaties and prayers of the needy, not to forsake them in their distress. And when in my distress I cry unto Thee, hear Thou the voice of my supplications, and despise not my sighings in the hour of death. Let my prayers come before Thee early. Incline Thine ears to my entreaties. Satisfy us early with Thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Amen.

Wach auf, mein Herz, und singe.

Awake, my heart, rejoicing,

Thy Maker’s praises voicing,—

The Giver, good gifts sending;

Their Shield, His folk defending.

All night while darkness ’bound me

In deepest gloom around me,

By Satan craved while sleeping

God had me in His keeping.

Thou spak’st me words endearing;

Sleep now, my child, unfearing;

Sleep well, night’s terrors spurning;

Thou’lt see the sun returning.

Thy word performed, now waking,

I see the bright dawn breaking,

Safe kept from ills unnumbered

While ’neath Thy care I slumbered.

An off’ring Thou desirest.

Behold what Thou requirest.

Nor lamb nor incense bringing,

I come with prayer and singing.

Nor wilt Thou now despise them,

But in Thy heart wilt prize them,

Well knowing, yea, and surely

My best I offer purely.

Approve my works when shown Thee.

Help Thou good councils only;

Beginning, middle, closing,

Lord, for the best disposing.

With blessings guard me waking,

My heart Thy dwelling making,

And with Thy Word, Lord, feed me

Whilst heavenward Thou dost lead me.

Paul Gerhardt, 1648.

Tr. A. Ramsey, 1916.

Prayer for Tuesday Evening.

Lord, Merciful God, Holy Father, in the daytime do I cry unto Thee with my voice, in my distress I call upon Thee, and at eventime I remember Thy goodness and mercy, which Thou hast wrought for me. And especially do I magnify Thee now, that purely out of fatherly grace and mercy, without any merit or worthiness on my part, Thou hast this day preserved me from all harm and danger and kept me from sudden death. Therefore do I now and at all times render unto Thee praise and thanksgiving, and pray Thee, for the sake of the bitter sufferings of Jesus Christ, to forgive me wherever I have sinned against Thee this day. Mercifully protect me during the night against my adversary, the devil, and against the fears and terrors of the night. Suffer me to rest without anxieties and worries, and may the eyes of my faith ever behold the lustre of Thy countenance even during the shades of night. For Thou art that shining and true light, which dispels all darkness that surrounds us. Thou, O Lord, art ever with me. Thou art my rock, and my fortress, my deliverer, my strength, in whom I will trust, my buckler, the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Lord, my God, at eventime do I lift up my hands unto Thee. Come unto me as the latter rains that make the earth fruitful. Abide with us, for the day is far spent and in the darkness there is none to defend us save Thou alone, our God. Hasten to uphold us. Defend us this night, lest our souls fall into the sleep of sin and our bodies be overcome with evil. Awake us again in due time, and make us to hear joy and peace, for we love Thy word and Thy testimonies, which are the delight of our souls. May our ears be saved from all messages of sorrow, and all anguish be turned from our souls; for Thou canst prosper all that liveth, and fill my life with Thy blessing; in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Die Nacht ist kommen, drin wir ruhen sollen.

Now God be with us, for the night is closing;

The light and darkness are of His disposing;

And ’neath His shadow here to rest we yield us,

For He will shield us.

Let evil thoughts and spirits flee before us;

Till morning cometh, watch, O Master, o’er us;

In soul and body Thou from harm defend us,

Thine angels send us.

Let holy thoughts be ours when sleep o’ertakes us;

Our earliest thoughts be Thine when morning wakes us;

All day serve Thee, in all that we are doing

Thy praise pursuing.

As Thy beloved, soothe the sick and weeping,

And bid the prisoner lose his griefs in sleeping;

Widows and orphans, we to Thee commend them;

Do Thou befriend them.

We have no refuge, none on earth to aid us,

Save Thee, O Father, Who Thine own hast made us;

But Thy dear presence will not leave them lonely,

Who seek Thee only.

Father, Thy name be praised, Thy kingdom given;

Thy will be done on earth as ’tis in heaven;

Keep us in life, forgive our sins, deliver

Us now and ever.

Petrus Herbert, 1566.

St. 5, Anon., 1627.

Tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1863.

Prayer for Wednesday Morning.

Almighty, All-gracious God! All Thy creatures should praise and glorify Thee. The birds under the heavens magnify Thee with lovely songs early in the morning as their Lord and Maker. So will I too heartily thank Thee, that Thou hast preserved me under Thy shelter and protection during the night now past, and all my life even to the present hour, and awakening me from the sleep of the darkness of this night, hast suffered me to arise again in health and joy. I pray Thee for the sake of the saving resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, that Thou wouldst ever keep me together with all my loved ones from all danger and evil. O Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever. Fill me also at this early hour with Thy grace, that I may pass this day rejoicing in Thy commandments, and free from mortal sin. Let me experience Thy grace as a dew from the womb of the morning, and as the refreshing moisture that diffuses at the break of day, making the land fruitful. Thou wouldest spread Thy goodness over me, that I may gladly and zealously do Thy will. Govern me with Thy Holy Spirit that I may serve Thee in righteousness and holiness of truth, well pleasing in Thy sight. Guard me that I sin not against Thee, nor defile my conscience with carnal lusts that militate against the soul. Keep my tongue from evil, and my lips from speaking guile. Foolish talking or jesting, unbecoming of Christians, be ever far removed from me. Grant, that I offend none with my lips, nor backbite, judge nor condemn, defame nor vilify. O that I might put a lock to my lips and seal them with a strong seal, that they bring me not to naught, nor my tongue destroy me. Give me grace that I may know my shortcomings and correct them, and not fall into Thy righteous judgment and condemnation. Grant my prayer, O Eternal God, for the sake of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Morgenglanz der Ewigkeit.

Dayspring of Eternity,

Light from endless Light proceeding,

Let Thy beams upon us shine

As the shadows are receding;

And dispel by Thy great might

Our dark night.

As the soft refreshing dew

Falls upon the drooping flower,

So our fainting hearts renew

By Thy Spirit’s quickening power;

Ne’er Thy bounteous grace withhold

From Thy fold.

Let the glow of Thy pure love

All our icy coldness banish;

In the radiance from above

May our doubts and fears all vanish,

That ere dying we may be

Found in Thee.

O Thou glorious Sun of grace,

May Thy light be ne’er denied us!

Till we reach the heavenly place

Shine upon our way to guide us,

That at last among the blest

We may rest.

Christian Knorr v. Rosenroth, 1684.

Tr. J. F. Ohl, 1915.

Prayer for Wednesday Evening.

Most Holy Trinity, One in essence, Three in person, who art my life, salvation, and eternal joy, I praise and thank Thee with mouth and heart that Thou hast so graciously protected me throughout this day. I pray Thy divine goodness to cover up all my shortcomings, and especially where this day, with my tongue, with vain and unprofitable words, slander or otherwise, I have sinned against Thee and Thy holy commandments. According to Thy name, O God, so is Thy praise unto the ends of the earth: Thy right hand is full of righteousness. Therefore I commend my body and my soul into Thy hands. Thy divine Majesty bless me; Thy holy Trinity shelter me; Thy eternal Unity preserve me. May Thy unbounded mercy protect me; Thy inexpressible benevolence defend me, the sublime truth of God cover me; profound knowledge of Christ strengthen me; the unfathomable goodness of the Lord keep me. The grace of the Father govern me; the wisdom of the Son refresh me; the power of the Holy Spirit enlighten me. My Creator aid me, my Redeemer quicken me, my Comforter abide with me. The Lord bless me and keep me. The Lord make His face shine upon me and be gracious unto me. The Lord lift up His countenance upon me and give me peace. The protection and blessing of the one and eternal Godhead be between me and all mine enemies, visible and invisible, today and always, that they may not approach nor injure me. As the pillar of the cloud went between the army of the Egyptians and the army of Israel, so that they could not come together, and no harm befall the children of Israel, so mayest Thou be a pillar of fire and a wall of separation between me and mine enemies, that no harm come over me. Keep me also in my last hour. When mine eyes no longer see, mine ears no longer hear, my tongue no longer speak, be Thou with me, O blessed Trinity, that the Evil One have no power over me. Amen.

Hirte deiner Schafe.

Shepherd never sleeping,

In Thy gracious keeping

I have been today.

Thou art my Defender,

So in mercy tender

Come and with me stay;

All this night

Keep me in sight,

Send Thine angels to attend me

And protection lend me.

While I lie and slumber,

Let Thine hosts outnumber

All my raging foes.

Be of grace the Giver,

And Thy child deliver

From guilt’s painful throes.

For Thy Son

My soul hath won;

By His wounds, so sorely stricken,