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Now Rest Beneath Night's Shadow

Words and music by Paul Gerhardt · tr. composite · 1648

Key of G · 84 BPM · 4/4 · Christian Life,Evening,Gratitude · Ps 19:1

Verse 1

Now rest beneath night's shadow The woodland, field, and meadow,
The world in slumber lies; But Thou, my heart, awake thee,
To prayer and song betake thee; Let praise to thy Creator rise.

Verse 2

The radiant sun hath vanished, His golden rays are banished
By night, the foe of day; But Christ, the Sun of gladness,
Dispelling all my sadness, Within my heart holds constant sway.

Verse 3

The rule of day is over And shining jewels cover
The heaven's boundless blue. Thus I shall shine in heaven,
Where crowns of gold are given To all who faithful prove and true.

Verse 4

To rest my body hasteth, Aside its garments casteth,
Types of mortality; These I put off and ponder
How Christ will give me yonder A robe of glorious majesty.

Verse 5

Lord Jesus, who dost love me, Oh, spread Thy wings above me
And shield me from alarm! Though evil would assail me,
Thy mercy will not fail me: I rest in Thy protecting arm.

Public domain — free for any use, anywhere, forever.