At evening, when the sun had set

At evening, when the sun had set,
the sick, O Lord, around you lay:
in such distress and pain they met,
but with what joy they went away!

Once more the evening falls, and we
oppressed with many ills, draw near,
and though your form we cannot see,
we know and feel that you are here.

O Saviour Christ, our cares dispel,
for some are sick, and some are sad,
and some have never loved you well,
and some have lost the love they had,

and all desire your perfect rest,
for none is wholly free from sin,
and those who long to serve you best
are most aware of wrong within.

O Saviour Christ, O Son of Man,
you have been troubled, tempted, tried;
your kind but searching glance can scan
the very wounds that shame would hide.

Your touch has still its ancient power;
no word from you can fruitless fall:
hear us, touch us in this hour,
and in your mercy heal us all.