Again, as evening's shadow falls

Again, as evening's shadow falls,
We gather in these hallowed walls
And vesper hymn and vesper prayer
Rise mingling on the holy air.

May struggling hearts that seek release
Here find the rest of God's own peace
And, strengthened here by hymn and prayer,
Lay down the burden and the care.

O God, our Light! to Thee we bow
Within all shadows standest Thou
Give deeper calm than night can bring
Give sweeter songs than lips can sing.

Life's tumult we must meet again,
We cannot at the shrine remain
But in the spirit's secret cell
May hymn and prayer forever dwell.