The Day Is Past and Over
The day is past and over
This hymn embodies the Lutheran understanding of daily repentance and reliance upon God's mercy as foundational to Christian life. It reflects the Reformation emphasis on personal prayer and the believer's direct appeal to God for forgiveness and protection.
History & Background
Originally a Greek evening hymn attributed to Anatolius, bishop of Laodicea in the 3rd century. The text was translated by J.M. Neale in 1853 for his Hymnal Noted, becoming a standard English evening hymn.
Hymnal Appearances
- The Hymnal 1982 — 33
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 278
- Lutheran Worship — 546
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 555
- With One Voice — 615
Translation
Bulletin Note
From Anatolius of Laodicea (4th century), this compline hymn shaped monastic prayer for over 1,200 years. Luther recovered it for congregational worship, making ancient penitential practice available to all believers.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies Luther's conviction that daily repentance is the Christian's lifelong rhythm: the law exposes our failings; the gospel wraps us in Christ's forgiving mercy and protective grace.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law to Gospel: acknowledgment of daily sin → plea for forgiveness → trust in Christ's mercy → assurance of Christ's protective presence through darkness
Themes
Evening prayer Guard and protection Forgiveness Trust in God's care Daily consecration