Before I close my eyes in sleep, Lord, hear my evening prayer, And deign a helpless child to keep With Thy protecting care. Though young in years, I have been taught Thy name to love and fear, Of Thee to think with solemn thought, Thy goodness to revere. That goodness gives cach simple flower Its scent and beauty too; And feeds it in night's darkest hour With heaven's refreshing dew. Nor will Thy mercy less delight The infant's God to be, Who, through the darkness of the night, For safety trusts to Thee. The little birds that sing all day In many a leafy wood, By Thee are clothed in plumage gay, By Thee supplied with food. And when at night they cease to sing, By Thee protected still, Their young ones sleep beneath their wing, Secure from every ill. Thus mayst Thou guard with gracious arm The bed whereon I lie, And keep a child from every harm By Thine all-watchful eye. For night and day to Thee are one; The helpless are Thy care; And, for the sake of Thy dear Son, Thou hearest my childish prayer. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ON PARTING by GEORGE GORDON BYRON CONTINENT'S END by ROBINSON JEFFERS THE LOST WAR-SLOOP by EDNA DEAN PROCTOR BUDDHA AND BRAHMA by HENRY BROOKS ADAMS LYRICS AND EPICS by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH THE GROANS OF THE TANKARD by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD |