The Night Prayer

THE BANDS of sleep fall on mine eyes,

My lids in slumber close.

O Lord our God! I pray to Thee

To guard me in repose.

O grant that I may lay me down

In peace at fall of night,

And that in peace I may rise up

To greet the rising light.

Let not my thoughts or evil dreams

Or fancies trouble me,

Safe in Thy ever-watchful care

My rest will perfect be.

Enlighten Thou mine eyes, O God!

Lest I sleep the sleep of death;

O Thou, who givest life to all,

From Thee we draw each breath.