Almighty and Merciful God! at the close of another day which thou hast graciously permitted me to spend in the enjoyment of many blessings, I would return thee humble thanksgivings from a grateful heart. Conscious of the many errors I am continually committing, I would earnestly implore thy pardon for whatsoever has been amiss in my conduct this day. Forgive me, O Lord, every foolish and angry word I have spoken, every perverse thought I have indulged, all I have done that I ought not to have done, and all I have left undone that I ought to have done. O may I truly repent of these my past faults, and strive to amend my future life. Bless my relations and friends; pardon all their past transgressions, and if it please thee to preserve us through the night, may we arise in the morning to do thy will. Above all the other blessings thou hast granted me, I would value that of having become early acquainted with the religion of Jesus. May his example be my guide, and, with a thankful remembrance of all he did and suffered for our sakes, I sum up my petitions for the whole human race in the prayer himself taught us, saying,
Lord of my life! O may thy praise Employ my noblest powers. Whose goodness lengthens out my days, And fills the circling hours!
Preserved by thine almighty arm, I pass the shades of night, Serene, and safe from every harm, And see returning light.
While many spent the night in sighs, And restless pains and woes; In gentle sleep I clos'd my eyes, And undisturb'd repose.
When sleep, death's semblance o'er me spread, And I unconscious lay, Thy watchful care was round my bed, To guard my feeble clay.
O let the same almighty care My waking hours attend; From every danger, every snare, My heedless steps defend.
Smile on my minutes as they roll, And guide my future days; And let thy goodness fill my soul With gratitude and praise.
Great God! to thee my ev'ning song, With humble gratitude, I raise; O let thy mercy tune my tongue, And fill my heart with lively praise?
My days unclouded, as they pass, And ev'ry gently rolling hour, Are monuments of wond'rous grace, And witness to thy love and power.
Thy love and power, celestial guard, Preserve me from surrounding harms: Can danger reach me, while the Lord Extends his kind protecting arms?