“OLORD, support us all the day long, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in thy mercy grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last. Amen” (The Book of Common Prayer).

This is meant to be a family prayer for nighttime, but it could very easily work for someone who is nearing the end of life. It also makes me think of Father Tim Cavanaugh from the Mitford series by Jan Karon (which is adding another book to the series in October, by the way).

I love the idea that God supports us all day long until at the end of the day. In the Psalms, it says that He never slumbers nor sleeps but watches over His children all through the night. The old bedtime prayer about God keeping my soul reminds me that there is never a time when God is not mindful of me nor of my needs.

I found a version that is similar if not quite the same as I remember from when I was a wee little. It goes something like this:

“Thank you Lord for another day,
The chance to learn, the chance to play.

Now as I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
Please, guard me Jesus through the night,
And keep me safe till morning’s light.

But if I should I die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take.
And should I live for other days,
I pray that God will guide my ways.

                      Amen.“