"Now that the Day Hath Reached Its Close"
                     by Johann F. Hertzog, 1647-1699               
                              Text From:
                 THE HANDBOOK TO THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL
         (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1942)p.400



	1. Now that the day has reached its close,
	The sun doth shine no more,
	In sleep the toil-worn find repose
	And all who wept before.

	2. But Thou, my God, dost never sleep,
	For Thou Thyself art Light;
	No darkness, howsoever deep,
	Can dim Thy perfect sight.

	3. Therefore, O Lord, remember me
	Throughout the gloom of night,
	Protect Thou me most graciously
	And shield me with Thy might.

	4. Keep satan's fury far from me
	By many an angel arm;
	Then shall I be from worry free
	And safe from every harm.

	5. I know the evil I have done
	Doth cry aloud to Thee;
	But yet in mercy Thy dear Son
	Hath full atoned for me.

	6. In Him accepted I shall be
	When suppliant at Thy feet,
	He is my Surety and my Plea
	Before Thy judgment-seat.

	7. And so I close my weary eyes,
	Sweet peace within my breast,
	Why toss about in fears or sighs?
	God watches while I rest.

	8. Should this night prove the last for me
	In this sad vale of cares,
	Then lead me, Lord, to dwell with Thee
	And all Thy chosen heirs.

	9. And thus I live and die to Thee,
	Strong Lord of hosts indeed.
	In life, in death, deliver me
	From every fear and need.

       

        Notes:
        Hymn #561 from _The Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal_
        Text: Ps. 139:12
        Author: Johann F. Hertzog, 1670, ab.
                St. 9, author unknown, 1693
        Translated by: composite
        Titled: "Nun sich der Tag geendet hat"
        Composer: Adam Krieger, 1667
        Tune: "Nun sich der Tag geendet hat"