Evening Exhortations

Fits tune: Tallis' Evening Hymn

('All praise to Thee, my God, this night')

Psalm 4

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Hear me, O God, now when I call

You God of my righteousness all

When in distress me you enlarged

My prayer to you you have not barred

 

You sons of men, turn not for me

My glory, that it then shame be

And how long will you here vainly

Live, and seek stealing, cease, my plea

 

But know you that the Lord has set

Apart for Himself, even yet

The godly, they shall be His choice

Will call on Him, in Him rejoice

 

Stand in awe, sin not, here commune

With your heart on your bed, some tune

To praise your Lord, and then be still

He will guard you from all evil

 

Offer Him righteous sacrifice

And trust in Him, He will suffice

Many say, 'Who us good will show'?

Lord, lighten them, that they may know

 

May know when you, your countenance

Lifted upon them, they you sense

Gladness you have put in my heart

A well-spring that shall not depart

 

More gladness than in harvest time

When in the course of life's year's rhyme

The corn and wine it does increase

Thus you provide and give us peace

 

For in peace I will lay me down

And sleep, fearing not my foes frown

For you Lord, you alone, do make

Me to dwell safely for your sake