Poem: “Three Prayers for Sleep and Waking” by Henry Van Dyke

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American Literature – Children Books – American Poetry – Henry Van Dyke – Poems by Henry Van Dyke
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Three Prayers for Sleep and Waking

I

BEDTIME

Ere thou sleepest gently layEvery troubled thought away:Put off worry and distressAs thou puttest off thy dress:Drop thy burden and thy careIn the quiet arms of prayer.

Lord, Thou knowest how I live,All I’ve done amiss forgive:All of good I’ve tried to do,Strengthen, bless, and carry through,All I love in safety keep,While in Thee I fall asleep.

II

NIGHT WATCH

If slumber should forsake Thy pillow in the dark, Fret not thyself to markHow long thou liest awake.There is a better way; Let go the strife and strain, Thine eyes will close again,If thou wilt only pray.

Lord, Thy peaceful gift restore,Give my body sleep once more:While I wait my soul will restLike a child upon Thy breast.

III

NEW DAY

Ere thou risest from thy bed,Speak to God Whose wings were spreadO’er thee in the helpless night:Lo, He wakes thee now with light!Lift thy burden and thy careIn the mighty arms of prayer.

Lord, the newness of this dayCalls me to an untried way:Let me gladly take the road,Give me strength to bear my load,Thou my guide and helper be—I will travel through with Thee.

The Mission Inn, California, Easter, 1913.

< < < Ode to Peace
Portrait and Reality > > >

American Literature – Children Books – American Poetry – Henry Van Dyke – Poems by Henry Van Dyke

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Three Prayers for Sleep and Waking

I

BEDTIME

II

NIGHT WATCH

III

NEW DAY

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