1 Now, God, be with us, for the night is closing;
the light and darkness are of your disposing,
and 'neath your shadow here to rest we yield us,
for you will shield us.
2 Let evil thoughts and spirits flee before us;
till morning's dawning, watch, Protector, o'er us;
in soul and body from all harm defend us;
your angels send us.
3 Let holy thoughts be our when sleep o'ertakes us;
our earliest thoughts be yours when morning wakes us,
serving you only, and in all our doing
your praise pursuing.
4 We have no refuge; none on earth to aid us
save you, Creator, who your own have made us;
but your dear presence will not leave them lonely
who seek you only.
5 Your holy name be praised, your kingdom given,
your will be done on earth as 'tis in heaven;
keep us in life, forgive our sins, and from ill
deliver us now and ever.
Source: Common Praise (1998) #23
Catherine Winkworth (b. Holborn, London, England, 1827; d. Monnetier, Savoy, France, 1878) is well known for her English translations of German hymns; her translations were polished and yet remained close to the original. Educated initially by her mother, she lived with relatives in Dresden, Germany, in 1845, where she acquired her knowledge of German and interest in German hymnody. After residing near Manchester until 1862, she moved to Clifton, near Bristol. A pioneer in promoting women's rights, Winkworth put much of her energy into the encouragement of higher education for women. She translated a large number of German hymn texts from hymnals owned by a friend, Baron Bunsen. Though often altered, these translations continue to be used i… Go to person page >
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