Across The Sky The Shades Of Night
Composer(s): Nikolaus Decius - James Hamilton



Across the sky the shades of night
This New Year's Eve are fleeting
We deck Thine altar, Lord, with light
In solemn worship meeting
And as the year's last hours go by
We raise to Thee our earnest cry
Once more Thy love entreating

Before the cross subdued we bow
To Thee our prayers addressing
Recounting all Thy mercies now
And all our sins confessing
Beseeching Thee this coming year
To keep us in Thy faith and fear
And crown us with Thy blessing

And while we pray, we lift our eyes
To dear ones gone before us
Safe home with Thee in Paradise
Whose peace descendeth o'er us
And beg of Thee, when life is past
To reunite us all at last
With those who've gone before us

We gather up in this brief hour
The memory of Thy mercies
Thy wondrous goodness, love, and power
Our grateful song rehearses
For Thou hast been our Strength and Stay
In many a dark and dreary day
Of sorrow and reverses

In many an hour when fear and dread
Like evil spells, have bound us
And clouds were gathering overhead
Thy providence hath found us
In many a night when seas ran high
Thy gracious presence, drawing nigh
Hath made all calm around us

Then, O great God, in years to come
Whatever may betide us
Right onward through our journey home
Be Thou at hand to guide us
Nor leave us till at close of life
Safe from all perils, toil, and strife
Heaven shall enfold and hide us