Now the Day Is Over (ELW 570)
1 Now the day is over;
night is drawing nigh;
shadows of the evening
steal across the sky.
2 Jesus, give the weary
calm and sweet repose;
with your tend’rest blessing
may our eyelids close.
3 Comfort ev’ry suff’rer
watching late in pain;
those who plan some evil,
from their sin restrain.
4 Through the long night-watches
may your angels spread
their bright wings above me,
watching round my bed.
5 When the morning wakens,
then may I arise
pure and fresh and sinless
in your holy eyes.
6 Glory to the Father,
glory to the Son,
and to you, blest Spirit,
while the ages run.
Devotion
I remember family vacations on the beach at La Push, Washington, with three or four of my dad’s pastor friends and their families all camped behind the sand dunes. I remember fondly the songs around those evening campfires, and especially my dad singing the bass line to this hymn. It was a benediction to my elementary school mind.
At this evening end of my life, I look back on all the wonders and blessings I have experienced—all the ministry I have been able to do. From my baptism on, God has blessed me, carried me, loved me—and forgiven me. I want nothing more than to sing the bass line of this precious song until my dying breath. Shadows of the evening I do not fear. With joy I will lay me down to sleep, wrapped in the comfort of my dad’s bassline and held gently by the tender mercies of a loving God.
Prayer
God of our evening years, hold us close to your heart. Holy Spirit breathe you breath of hope and renewal into us so that strengthened and renewed we might continue the race set before us in confidence and hope. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.