NOW WOODS AND WOLDS ARE SLEEPING

“He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11

Paul Gerhardt (1607-1676)

Words: Paul Ger­hardt, in Prax­is Pi­e­ta­tis Mel­i­ca, 3rd edi­tion, by Jo­hann Crü­ger, 1648 (Nun ruhen alle Wälder); trans­lat­ed from Ger­man to Eng­lish by George R. Wood­ward, 1910.

Music: Inns­bruck, Hein­rich Isaac, 1490, pub­lished 1539; adapt­ed & har­mo­nized by Jo­hann S. Bach (MI­DI, score).


Johann S. Bach (1685-1750)

Now woods and wolds are sleeping,
And darkness fast is creeping
O’er byre, hearth, and hall;
But thou, my soul, ere slumber,
For blessings passing number
Exalt the Giver of them all.

Ye also, O my dearest,
My friends and kindred nearest,
God rest you safe from harm!
His angel hosts attend ye,
Their golden shields defend ye,
From nightly danger and alarm.