221. Rise, my soul, to watch and pray

1 Rise, my soul, to watch and pray,
From thy sleep awake thee,
Lest at last the evil day
Suddenly o'ertake thee:
For the foe, well we know,
Oft his harvest reapeth,
While the Christian sleepeth.

2 Watch against the Devil's snares,
Lest asleep he find thee;
For, indeed, no pains he spares
To deceive and blind thee;
Satan's prey oft are they
Who, securely sleeping,
No good watch are keeping.

3 Watch against the world, that frowns
Darkly to dismay thee;
Watch when she thy wishes crowns,
Smiling to betray thee;
Watch and see thou art free
From false friends, that charm thee,
While they seek to harm thee.

4 Watch against thyself, my soul,
See thou do not stifle
Grace that should thy thoughts control,
Nor with mercy trifle;
Pride and sin lurk within
All thy hopes to scatter;
List not when they flatter.

7 But, while watching, also see
That thou pray unceasing,
For the Lord must make thee free,
Strength and faith increasing,
So to do service true;
Let not sloth enslave thee;
Pray, and God will save thee.

6 Yea, indeed, He bids us pray,
Promising to hear us,
E'er to be our staff and stay,
Ever to be near us.
Ere we plead, will He heed,
Strengthen, keep, defend us,
And deliv'rance send us.

Text Information
First Line: Rise, my soul, to watch and pray
Meter: 7, 6, 7, 6, 6, 6, 6.
Language: English
Publication Date: 1898
Topic: Blessedness of Believers; God the Father: Hears Prayers; Prayer: Encouragements to (2 more...)
Notes: J. B. Freystein, 1704. Tr. comp.
Tune Information
Name: MERCY
Composer: J. Rosenmüller (1655)
Meter: 7, 6, 7, 6, 6, 6, 6.
Key: D Major
Notes: Norwegian tune name: [Træder nu til Herrens Bord.]



Media
More media are available on the text authority and tune authority pages.

Suggestions or corrections? Contact us