O Lord, in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee.
Psalm 5:3
Words: Attributed to Ambrose of Milan (340–397) (Iam lucis orto sidere). Translated from Latin to English by John M. Neale in The Hymnal Noted, 1852. Dozens of translators have converted the Latin lyrics to English, but Neale’s version has been the most popular.
Music: Warrington Ralph Harrison, 1784 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good picture of Harrison (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Now that the daylight fills the sky,
We lift our hearts to God on high,
That He, in all we do or say,
Would keep us free from harm today.
May He restrain our tongues from strife,
And shield from anger’s din our life,
And guard with watchful care our eyes
From earth’s absorbing vanities.
O may our inmost hearts be pure,
From thoughts of folly kept secure,
And pride of sinful flesh subdued
Through sparing use of daily food.
So we, when this day’s work is o’er,
And shades of night return once more,
Our path of trial safely trod,
Shall give the glory to our God.
All praise to God the Father be,
All praise, eternal Son, to Thee,
Whom with the Spirit we adore
Forever and forevermore.