An Evening Prayer

1. Before the ending of the day,
Creator of the world, we pray
That with that wonted favour, thou
Would’st be our guard and keeper now.

2. From all thy servants chase away,
Whate’er of thought impure today,
Hath mingled with the heart’s intent,
Or with the actions hath been blent.

3. In heaven, thine endless joys bestow,
But grant thy gifts of grace below:
From chains of strife our souls release;
Bind fast the gentle bands of peace.

4. O Father, this we ask be done
Through Jesus Christ, thine only Son,
Whom with the Spirit we adore
Forever and forever more.

These words were written by Ambrose of Milan (AD circa 340 - AD 397). He is considered an early “church father.” In this capacity he opposed the teachings of Arius, resisted the efforts of Roman emperors to control the churches, as well as influencing Augustine of Hippo.

John Mason Neale (1818 - 1866) translated the words of Ambrose into English circa 1852. “Te Lucis Ante Terminum,” originally written in Latin, has appeared with various tunes, including Night Watch. The hymn is in Long Meter, so can be rendered with most any fitting long meter tune.