Scripture Verse

Hide me in the shadow of Your wings. Psalm 17:8

Introduction

portrait
Herbert S. Oakeley
1830–1903

Words: Sam­u­el Long­fel­low, Ves­pers 1859.

Music: Ab­ends Her­bert S. Oak­e­ley, 1874 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

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Samuel Longfellow
1819–1892

Lyrics

Again, as evening’s shadow falls,
We gather in these hallowed walls;
And vesper hymn and vesper prayer
Rise mingling on the holy air.

May struggling hearts that seek release
Here find the rest of God’s own peace;
And, strengthened here by hymn and prayer,
Lay down the burden and the care.

O God, our light! to Thee we bow;
Within all shadows standest Thou;
Give deeper calm than night can bring;
Give sweeter songs than lips can sing.

Life’s tumult we must meet again,
We cannot at the shrine remain;
But in the spirit’s secret cell
May hymn and prayer forever dwell.