Before the Ending of the Day
Before the ending of the day
The hymn expresses the Lutheran confidence in God's protective care through the night hours, grounded in Psalm 91's promise of divine shelter. It reflects Christian trust in providence and the intercessory work of angels, central to Lutheran devotional piety.
History & Background
This Latin hymn originated in the medieval monastic tradition as an evening office hymn (Compline). John Mason Neale's English translation appeared in his Hymnal Noted (1851) and became standard in Anglican and Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 572
- The Hymnal 1982 — 33
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 277
- Lutheran Service Book — 889
- Lutheran Worship — 489
Translation
Bulletin Note
A 15th-century Latin compline hymn affirming God's protective watch through night hours. Its theology of angelic guardianship reflects Luther's conviction that God's providence never sleeps, even when we do.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms our vulnerability to darkness and evil (the Law's accusation) into joyful surrender to angelic protection and divine providence (the Gospel's comfort), making it a powerful sung response to any sermon on anxiety, faith, or God's hiddenness.
Themes
Evening prayer and protection Divine care and watchfulness Protection from evil Trust in God's providence