1 The day you gave us, Lord, has ended;
the darkness falls at your behest;
to you our morning hymns ascended,
your praise shall sanctify our rest.

2 We thank you that your Church unsleeping,
while earth rolls onwards into light,
through all the world her watch is keeping,
nor rests from worship day or night.

3 As o'er each continent and island
the dawn leads on another day,
the voice of prayer is never silent,
nor dies the song of praise away.

4 The sun that bids us rest is waking
your children 'neath the western sky,
and hour by hour fresh lips are making
your wondrous deeds resound on high.

5 So be it, Lord! your throne shall never,
like earths proud empires, pass away;
your kingdom stands and grows for ever,
till all your creatures own your sway.