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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

AN EVENING PRAYER, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Before I close my eyes in sleep
Last Line: Thou hearest my childish prayer.
Alternate Author Name(s): Quaker Poet
Subject(s): Prayer


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.





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