Evening Prayer | AdventAI

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 10, 1865

Evening Prayer.

I COME to Thee, to night, In my lone closet where no eyes can see, And dare to crave an interview with Thee, Father of love and light.

Softly the moonbeams shine On the still branches of the shadow trees, While all sweet sounds borne on the evening breeze, Steal through the slumbering vine.

Thou gav'st the calm repose That rests on all—the air, the birds, the flowers, The human spirit in its weary hour, Now at the bright day's close.

With them my soul would bend In humble reverence at Thy holy throne, Trusting the merits of the Son alone, Thy scepter to extend.

If I this day have striven With thy blest Spirit, or have bowed the knee To aught of earth, in weak idolatry, I pray to be forgiven.

If in my heart has been An unforgiving thought, or word, or look, Though deep the malice which I scarce could brook, Wash me from the dark sin.

If I have turned away From grief or suffering which I might relieve, Careless the cup of water e'en to give, Forgive me, Lord, I pray.

And teach me how to feel My sinful wanderings with a deeper smart, And more of mercy and of grace impart, My sinfulness to heal.

Father! my soul would be Pure as the drops of eve's unsullied dew; And as the stars whose nightly course is true, So would I be to Thee.

Not for myself alone, Would I these blessings of Thy love implore, But for each penitent the wide world o'er, Whom Thou hast called Thine own.

And for my heart's best friends, Whose steadfast kindness o'er my painful years Has watched to soothe afflictions, grief and tears, My warmest prayer ascends.

Should o'er their path decline The light of gladness, or of hope or health, Be Thou their solace, thou their joy and wealth, As they have long been mine.

And now, O Father, take The heart that's cast with humble faith on Thee, And cleanse its depths from each impurity, For my Redeemer's sake.