The old writers

I first noticed these words in a novel. Only the first three lines as the writer was describing a fear and restlessness but not a seeking of the divine. I looked for them later and there they were, in the Service Book in church. Part of the Evening Prayer, it may seem out of sorts for us city dwellers with lights everywhere, all the time. But, the night is still there, darkness still in us. These writers of old, they write so well. Or maybe they just knew their God better.

in your mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night