Music by Clement A. Schofield, words by John Ellerton
The day You gave us, Lord, is ended,
The darkness falls at Your behest;
To You our morning hymns ascended,
Your praise shall hallow now our rest.
We thank You that Your church, unsleeping,
While earth rolls onward into light,
Through all the world her watch is keeping,
And rests not now by day or night.
As o'er each continent and island
The dawn leads on another day,
The voice of prayer is never silent,
Nor die the strains of praise away.
The sun that bids us rest is waking
Our brethren 'neath the western sky,
And hour by hour fresh lips are making
Your wondrous doings heard on high.
So be it, Lord; Your throne shall never,
Like earth's proud empires, pass away;
Your kingdom stands and grows forever,
Till all Your creatures own Your sway.