Thank God for all respite from weary toiling,
    From cares that creep
Across our lives like evil shadows, spoiling
    God’s kindly sleep.

We plough and sow, and, as the hours grow later,
    We strive to reap,
And build our barns, and hope to build them greater
    Before we sleep.

We toil and strain and strive with one another
    In hopes to heap
Some greater share of profit than our brother
    Before we sleep.

What will it profit that with tears or laughter
    Our watch we keep?
Beyond it all there lies the Great Hereafter!
    Thank God for sleep!

For, at the last, beseeching Christ to save us,
    We turn with deep
Heart-felt thanksgiving unto God, who gave us
    The Gift of Sleep.