20 When we enter that bright city, Jesus and our brethren pace them; There the dear ones who have left us Evening. J. Purchas. As darker, darker, fall around The shadows of the night, We gather here, with hymn and prayer, Father in heaven, to Thee are known Our heavy weight of mortal toil, Our bitterness of tears. We pray Thee for our absent ones, C.M. 21 For weary eyes, and aching hearts, The sick, the poor, the tried, the fallen, We pray Thee for the little bark Just launched upon life's sea; Are not the depths of parents' love, We bring to Thee our hopes and fears, And, Father, Thou who lovest all Wilt hear us as we pray. Anon. Evening. AGAIN, as evening's shadow falls, L.M. May struggling hearts that seek release O God, our Light, to Thee we bow; Life's tumult we must meet again, S. Longfellow. 22 Evening. IOS. ABIDE with me; fast falls the eventide, The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide; Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day; I need thy presence every passing hour; me. I fear no foe with Thee at hand to bless ; I triumph still, if Thou abide with me. Hold Thou the cross before my closing eyes, Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies ; Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain. shadows flee; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me. 23 Evening. THE hills and vales grow dark, The shades descend; Let prayer of human hearts With nature's vespers blend. H. F. Lyte. 6.4.6.6. THE twilight falls, the night is near; And kneel to Him who bends to hear The common story; yet we kneel And cares grow lighter when we feel Yes, all the morning and the night, Thou knowest all: we lean our head, And He has loved us! all our heart So here we lay us down to rest, Who knows and pities all; And holds the morrows, far and near, Within his love alway: Let come what will, He bends to hear C.M. Anon. |