SLUMBER SONG

 One of our grandangels fallen asleep!

Recently my sister and I reminisced  about the wonderful treasury of children's songs and prayers we inherited and passed on to our children. Now it is my niece's turn who wants to teach these to her children. This little song was sung to us by our parents and grandparents. We learned it in the old country as Muede bin ich, geh zur Ruh.  It is such a deeply meaningful prayer and has a simple, soothing melody!

I decided to translate (loosely translate!) this particular one into English.  I still recall gathering our own children for their night-time devotions, prayer and song.  What a precious time!  One of ours, can't recall who, was a night owl already as a child and didn't want us to sing that song - because it meant that after the song it was bedtime and lights out! Here way up north during the summer months, it really doesn't get dark until after 10 p.m. We never made bed-time an issue.  It was always, "Oh, you don't have to go to sleep; you just need to stay quietly in bed and you may read. It's now time for everyone to have a time to themselves." Of course we knew that they were totally tuckered out from a day full of physical and mental activities and slumber would overtake them soon! Fun memories!

As our dear mom was sick for over a week before her death, it was my joy to quietly sing some of these old time favorites softly into her ear  - and she sang along as best as she could or just mouthed the words.

Tired now, I’ll go to bed.

Close my eyes, lay down my head.

Every day I do my best

Thank you Lord! You’ll do the rest.

 

Please forgive my sins today

Keep me on the narrow way.

Love, forgiveness I have found!

Grace and mercy still abound.

Those I cherish and hold dear

Keep them Lord in tender care.

Thanks for loving everyone

And for sending Christ, your Son!

Comfort, heal the sick and sad,

Give them joy they’ve never had.

Jesus keep watch through the night;

Wake us with the morning light.
AMEN!

Karin Ristau