Scripture Verse

When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on Thee in the night watches. Because Thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of Thy wings will I rejoice. Psalm 63:6–7

Introduction

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Isaac Watts (1674–1748)

Words: Is­aac Watts, The Psalms of Da­vid 1719. Mid­night thoughts re­col­lect­ed.

Music: Kings­fold, Eng­lish tune. Ar­ranged by Ralph Vaugh­an Will­iams, 1906 (🔊 pdf nwc).

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Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958)

Lyrics

’Twas in the watches of the night
I thought upon Thy power,
I kept Thy lovely face in sight
Amidst the darkest hour.

My flesh lay resting on my bed,
My soul arose on high:
My God, my life my hope, I said,
Bring Thy sal­va­tion nigh.

My spirit labors up Thine hill,
And climbs the heav’nly road;
But Thy right hand upholds me still,
While I pursue my God.

Thy mercy stretches o’er my head
The shadow of Thy wings;
My heart rejoices in Thine aid,
My tongue awakes and sings.

But the destroyers of my peace
Shall fret and rage in vain;
The tempter shall for ever cease,
And all my sins be slain.

Thy sword shall give my foes to death,
And send them down to dwell,
In the dark caverns of the earth,
Or to the depths of hell.