Rees Prichard

1579-1644 / Wales

A Hymn, To Be Sung Before One Goes To Sleep

My gracious God, and faithful guard!
Who, night and day, dost watch and ward
Thy servant, be thou ever blest,
Who dost protect me, whilst I rest!

This day I'm circl'd by a band
Of angels, who at thy command
Are charg'd to bear me, ev'ry one,
Lest I shou'd stumble at a stone.

Thou hast preserv'd me, by thy care,
From the infernal serpent's snare,
Who, night and day, seeks to decoy
Me to his toils, and then destroy.

This day thou gavest me to eat
Rock-honey, and the flow'r of wheat,
And filled'st me a flowing bowl
To quench the thirst, that parch'd my soul.

Thou didst preserve me from each cross,
From trouble, injury, and loss,
From ill-success, disease, and shame;
Whence, from my heart, I praise thy name!

Thou took'st of me, Almighty Sire!
More care, than I cou'd well require,
As if thou hadst no other son
To take care of, but me alone.

Bless'd be the lifter of my head,
Who nightly watches near my bed,
And does to me such favour shew
By day and night, where-e'er I go!
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