God Who Made the Earth and Heaven

God who made the earth and heaven darkness and light

A hymn of evening prayer asking God's protection through the night. The AR HYD Y NOS tune (All Through the Night) is the defining characteristic — a hauntingly beautiful Welsh melody associated with nighttime and rest.

History & Background

A composite evening hymn assembled over decades. Reginald Heber wrote the first stanza in 1827 to the Welsh tune AR HYD Y NOS (All Through the Night). Various authors contributed additional stanzas. The tune is one of the most beautiful in the Welsh tradition.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 564
  • Lutheran Book of Worship — 281

Bulletin Note

God Who Made the Earth and Heaven — Heber et al., 1827

Preaching Connection

Psalm 121:3-4 — God who neither slumbers nor sleeps; evening protection.

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: God's paternal presence empowers disciples to go forth in healing mission, sustained by divine teaching and comfort

Themes

Evening Protection Welsh Night

Look Further