by John Calvin
Lord God,
Since Thou hast designed night for man’s repose as Thou hast created day for his labour, I pray Thee to grant to my body a night’s rest and to enable my soul to be lifted up to Thee, and that my heart may be always filled with Thy love.
Teach me, O God, to commit all my cares to Thee and ever to remember Thy mercy so that my soul, also, may be able to enjoy spiritual repose.
Let not my sleep be excessive, but let it serve to repair my strength, so that I may be more disposed to serve Thee.
May it please Thee to keep me pure, alike in my body and in my spirit, preserving me from all temptations and all danger, so that my very sleep may be able to serve to the glory of Thy name.
And as this day has not passed away without my having offended Thee in many ways, I who am a poor sinner, be willing, O God, that even as Thou hidest all things in the shadows of night, also to enshroud all my faults, according to Thy mercy in Christ Jesus my Saviour.
Amen
(Translated from the original French by M.G.)