Father, We Praise Thee, Now the Night is Over

This is a gentle hymn of praise to God. Initially, it is a hymn for mornings. but it is equally appropriate for the end of a time of difficulty. It is often suggested as a hymn for Trinity Sunday, which marks the time in the early church after Jesus ascension when the disciples receiving the Spirit. It is based on the Latin hymn "Nocte Surgentes vigilemus omnes" written by Gregory the Great (circa 540-604) - or perhaps Alcuin of York (A.D. 730-804).

This translation was made by English Anglican priest, author and social-justice advocate Percy Dearmer (1867-1936).

With meter 11.11.11.5, tunes it is set to include:

CHRISTE SANCTORUM which is generally attributed as from the La Feillée, Méthode du plain-chant, 1782 and the Paris Antiphoner 1681 - although this article suggests that the name is not correct.
NOCTE SURGENTES, Sarum Plainsong, Mode VI
COELITES PLAUDANT from the Rouen Antiphoner 1728.

Downloads

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PowerPoint slides
traditional language

PowerPoint slides
modern English

Downloadable organ arrangement, by Wilbur Held

Digital sheet music, arranged for piano with chords

Examples

Small group, unaccompanied, tune CHRISTE SANCTORUM

Choir with organ, words on-screen, tune CHRISTE SANCTORUM:

Choir with organ, tune ???

Choir (and congregation?) with organ, live in a church-service:

Singer with guitar, acoustic recording:

Instrumental - organ:

Instrumental - piano, tune CHRISTE SANCTORUM:

Lyrics

Traditional language

1. Father, we praise thee, now the night is over;
active and watchful, stand we all before thee;
singing, we offer prayer and meditation;
thus we adore thee.

2. Monarch of all things, fit us for thy mansions;
banish our weakness, health and wholeness sending;
bring us to heaven, with thy saints united;
joy without ending.

3. All-holy Father, Son, and equal Spirit,
Trinity blessed, send us thy salvation;
thine is the glory, gleaming and resounding
through all creation.

Modern English

1 Father, we praise you, now the night is over,
active and watchful, standing now before you;
singing, we offer prayer and meditation:
thus we adore you.

2 Monarch of all things, fit us for your mansions;
banish our weakness, health and wholeness sending;
bring us to heaven, where your saints united
joy without ending.

3 All-holy Father, Son, and equal Spirit,
Trinity blessed, send us your salvation;
yours is the glory, gleaming and resounding
through all creation.