558 Darkness o'er the earth is stealing

1 Darkness o'er the earth is stealing, In my lonely chamber kneeling, I will say my evening prayer, Longing for a close communion, With my God I hold communion And commit me to His care. 2 Yes, it is a blessed favor To commune with Thee, my Savior, Filled with hope and faith sincere; Cheer my heart, my burden lighten, May Thy word my pathway brighten, To my prayer incline Thine ear! 3 Thee, my God, I fain would follow, Love and honor, but how shallow And inconstant is my love! Spread the veil of mercy over All my sins, my errors cover With compassion from above! 4 Let Thine eye be vigil keeping Over me while I am sleeping And my waking moments heed; May Thy love be unabated, Be with those who are elated, And with those who are in need! 5 Help the wanderer, cold and weary, On the highway dark and dreary, May he find an open door! Those who on the stormy ocean Ply their trade 'mid wild commotion, Guide them safely to the shore! 6 Hear the sick who are imploring Thee for aid, their health restoring, To the dying comfort bring! Christ, who bore our sin and sorrow, Grant them that the dawning morrow Come with healing on its wing! 7 When at last the shadows darken, Come and to my prayer, O hearken, Set us all from bondage free: Then, beyond this vale of sorrow, There shall dawn a brighter morrow, When Thy face in heaven we see.