For May, our Hymn of the Month is All Praise to Thee, My God, This Night written by Thomas Ken (set to music by Thomas Tallis). Ken lived from 1637 to 1711 and throughout that time he was a pastor, chaplain at Winchester College, chaplain to Princess (later to be queen) Mary, and bishop of Bath and Wells. He was a faithful man who stood his ground to King Charles II, refusing to provide him lodging because the king had a mistress with him. He was also imprisoned for a time for his religious beliefs.
Bishop Ken contributed to English hymnody with the Morning, Evening, and Midnight Hymns which are often still found in English hymnals.
The hymn we’re focusing on this month is an evening hymn. Psalm 4:8 says, “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety,” and this hymn builds upon that theme. It orients us toward being thankful for that which God has done for us throughout the day. In the second verse, it reminds us to confess our sins from the day. And then in the third verse, we are reminded that our rest is found in the Lord. And the song goes on in that manner and spirit. It is one which should encourage and strengthen you and a tool you can use to aid in your spiritual walk and orienting your soul for sleep.
Praise God for this hymn and the message of peace and rest it brings us!