God takes care of His own, even while they sleep.
Psalm 127:2
Words: R. Jay Powell, in Crown of Gold, edited by William T. Giffe & Frank M. Davis (Logansport, Indiana: Home Music, 1892), number 9.
Music: Sibiu R. Jay Powell, 1892 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Powell (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Darkness falls upon our pathway,
Nature’s eyes are closed in sleep;
Phantom ships in noiseless motion
Rock upon the quiet deep.
Refrain
Gracious Father, guard our slumbers,
May our waking thoughts be pure;
Pure because these frail clay vessels
Rested in Thine arms secure.
Light in darkness, joy in sorrow,
Peace in trouble, love in fear;
These the fruits of Thy sweet Spirit,
Naught alarms when Thou art near.
Refrain
Thus our days are filled with gladness,
Thus our nights devoid of gloom,
Though perchance a touch of sadness
Comes, enriching love’s perfume.
Refrain