Now that the Day hath Reached Its Close
Now that the day hath reached its close
The hymn emphasizes God's protection through the night hours and the soul's commendation to divine care, reflecting Lutheran confidence in God's providence and safekeeping. It connects evening prayer to the daily cycle of death and resurrection, reminding believers of their dependence on God's grace.
History & Background
This hymn originates from German Lutheran evening prayer tradition, likely 19th century. It appears in The Lutheran Hymnal (1941) as hymn 561 and reflects the evening compline genre of hymnody.
Hymnal Appearances
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 561
Bulletin Note
An anonymous 19th-century evening hymn reflecting Lutheran piety. Originally paired with the tune 'Nun danket all,' it draws worshippers into the ancient tradition of compline—commending body and soul to God's protection through the night watch.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Law-Gospel tension of evening prayer: acknowledging human helplessness in darkness while proclaiming the gospel of God's tireless mercy, making it a powerful liturgical echo of any sermon on faith in suffering or dependence on grace.
Themes
Evening prayer Divine protection Submission to God's will Watchfulness in faith