HYMN: Oh, Be Present, God of Mercy

I’ve been thinking a lot about Compline, that prayer office in the hymnal which is meant to be prayed right before the Christian goes to sleep. It’s one of my favorite services, though I’d never encountered it before my first weekend in seminary, when students and faculty gathered in retreat before we officially began the school year. The opening words, “The Lord Almighty grant us a quiet night and peace at the last,” prepare us both for the night’s slumber and for the slumber of our bodies in death. If you’re not familiar with the service, I highly recommend it to you. 

Near the close of the service, the liturgist leads the gathered in a series of prayers which call upon God to be present with us as we seek our rest. These are beautiful prayers, and I commend them to your consideration. They’re found on page 257 of Lutheran Service Book. I’ve wanted to adapt them for metric singing with a suitable, contemplative tune, and I finally finished assembling such a text early this morning. The suggested tune is Picardy, which is the tune most know best for the text “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence.” The text is a little rough, as most of my texts usually are at this point, but I’d like to know what you think of it and how you might suggest improving it. As always, feedback is love.

Oh, Be Present, God of Mercy

1. Oh, be present, God of mercy.

Night has come. The day is done.

Watch us as we sleep, and guard us

As the hours of darkness run.

We, all wearied by life’s changes,

Rest in You, the holy One.

2. Holy Lord, the world is busy.

Oh, support us all the day.

Evening comes. The work is finished.

Guard us on our homeward way.

Then, until the night is over,

Grant us holy rest, we pray.

3. Shine, O Christ, into the darkness.

Quell the dangers of the night.

Shine into our humble dwellings.

Drive the devil from our sight.

Let Your blessing be upon us,

God of God and Light of Light.

4. Dwell with those who strive and labor

In the dark while others dream.

Safeguard all who seek our welfare

While the wicked plot and scheme.

Keep them competent and faithful

Whom we honor and esteem.

5. Stay with us, O gracious Savior:

With Your Church, Your holy Bride.

Through Your Word and gifts be present.

In Your wings Your people hide.

Face with us the night’s affliction;

Now and evermore abide.

(c) 2018 Alan Kornacki, Jr.

87 87 87 

Tune: Picardy (LSB 621)

Occasion: Compline, Night, Prayer