1 To thee, O Christ, we ever pray,
And blend our prayer with tears:
Thou pure and holy One, alway
Protect our night of years!

2 Our hearts shall be at rest in thee,
In sleep they dream thy praise;
And to thy glory faithfully
They hail the coming days.

3 Give us a life that cannot fail!
Refresh our spirits then;
Let blackest night before thee pale;
And bring thy light to men.

4 Our vows in song we pay thee still,
And, at this evening hour,
May all that we have purposed ill
Be right through perfect power.