Classic Poem

I.

Lord of my life, O may thy praise
Employ my noblest powers,
Whose goodness lengthens out my days,
And fills the circling hours.

II.

Preserv'd by thy almighty arm,
I pass'd the shades of night,
Serene, and safe from every harm,
And see returning light.

III.

While many spent the night in sighs,
And restless pains, and woes;
In gentle sleep I clos'd my eyes,
And undisturb'd repose.

IV.

When sleep, death's semblance o'er me spread,
And I inconscious lay,
Thy watchful care was round my bed,
To guard my feeble clay.

V.

O let the same almighty care
My waking hours attend;
From every danger, every snare,
My heedless steps defend.

VI.

Smile on my minutes as they roll,
And guide my future days;
And let thy goodness fill my soul
With gratitude and praise.