1 My God, I now from sleep awake,
The sole possession of me take;
From midnight terrors me secure,
And guard my heart from thoughts impure.
2 Blest angels, while we silent lie,
Your hallelujahs sing on high;
You joyful hymn the ever-blest,
Before the throne, and never rest.
3 I with your choir celestial join,
In offering up a hymn divine;
With you in Heav’n I hope to dwell,
And bid the night and world farewell.
4 My soul, when I shake off this dust,
Lord, in Thy arms I will entrust;
O make me Thy peculiar care,
Some mansion for my soul prepare.
5 Give me a place at Thy saints’ feet,
Or some fall’n angel’s vacant seat;
I’ll strive to sing as loud as they,
Who sit above in brighter day.
6 O may I always ready stand,
With my lamp burning in my hand;
May I in sight of Heav’n rejoice,
Whene’er I hear the Bridegroom’s voice.
7 All praise to Thee, in light arrayed,
Who light Thy dwelling place hast made:
A boundless ocean of bright beams
From Thy all glorious Godhead streams.
8 Blest Jesus, Thou on Heav’n intent,
Whole nights hast in devotion spent;
But I, frail creature, soon am tired,
And all my zeal is soon expired.
9 Shine on me, Lord, new life impart,
Fresh ardors kindle in my heart;
One ray of Thy all quickening light
Dispels the sloth and clouds of night.
10 Lord, lest the tempter me surprise,
Watch over Thine own sacrifice;
All loose, all idle thoughts cast out,
And make my very dreams devout.
11 Praise God, from all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Source: The Cyber Hymnal #12075
Thomas Ken (b. Berkampstead, Hertfordshire, England, 1637; d. Longleat, Wiltshire, England, 1711) studied at Winchester College, Hart Hall, and New College, Oxford, England. Ordained in the Church of England in 1662, he served variously as pastor, chaplain at Winchester College (1669-1679), chaplain to Princess (later Queen) Mary in The Hague, and bishop of Bath and Wells (1685-1691). He was a man of conscience and independent mind who did not shirk from confrontations with royalty. When King Charles II came to visit Winchester, he took along his mistress, the famous actress Nell Gwynne. Ken was asked to provide lodging for her. The story is told that Ken quickly declared his house under repair and had a builder take off the roof! He later… Go to person page >
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