S.M.
Swabia:
Johann M. Spiess, 1745
John Ellerton, 1867
This is the day of light:
Let there be light today;
O Day-spring, rise upon our night,
And chase its gloom away.
This is the day of rest:
Our failing strength renew;
On weary brain and troubled breast
Shed thou thy freshening dew.
This is the day of peace:
Thy peace our spirits fill;
Bid thou the blasts of discord cease,
The waves of strife be still.
This is the day of prayer:
Let earth to heaven draw near;
Lift up our hearts to seek thee there,
Come down to meet us here.
This is the first of days:
Send forth thy quickening breath,
And wake dead souls to love and praise,
O Vanquisher of death!
Amen.