A Mother’s Evening Prayer

O Lord God Almighty! How shall I sufficiently thank Thee for the love and faithfulness which Thou hast revealed toward me today? I have spent this day under Thy protection, and have reached the evening unharmed. Thou hast helped me to endure the pain and discomfort of my condition. Thou hast guarded and preserved me. Thou hast been a gracious Father, Protector, and Stay to me and my child. Lord when I cried unto Thee, Thou didst make me whole. Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing; Thou hast given me beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Lord, my God. I will thank Thee to all eternity.

And since Thou hast spread Thy gracious wings over me during the day, let Thy goodness keep me during the night, and defend me and mine and my house against misfortune, danger, and harm. Mercifully forgive me all the sins which I have committed against Thee today by thoughts or words or deeds. I will now, O God of grace and mercy, lay myself in Thy arms, and say: “I will both lay me down in peace and sleep: for Thou, Lord only makest me dwell in safety.” Command Thy angel to come and guard me, that Satan may not disturb or harm me. In Thy name I will close my eyes. Do Thou watch over my bed, and chase away whatever might disturb my repose. And though the body sleeps, my soul shall wake to Thee, be with Thee, and find its delight in Thee.

O Lord God the Father, let Thy mercy be over me this night, that I may rejoice in Thy almighty power, goodness, and love, even in sleep. Lord Jesus, Thou Light of my soul, let the light of Thy grace shine around me this night, that I may comfort myself with Thy wounds and blood, and preserve Thy image in my heart. O blessed Holy Spirit, awake in me holy desires and longings; sing and pray within my heart, and seal upon me the assurance that I am a child of God.

Thou Triune God, let me thus fall asleep in Thy love, repose softly in Thy grace, and, when I awake, be still with Thee. Let me behold the morrow well and happy. Then will I thank Thee for all the benefits which Thou hast bestowed upon me in body and soul. The mercy of the Father defend me, the love of Jesus shield me, the grace of the Holy Spirit strengthen and support me. Amen.