[Tune― “ST AELRED.”]
THE tempest thickens overhead;
Men’s hearts are chill with gloom and dread;
What hath the Lord, our Saviour, said? “Watch and pray.”
Temptation everywhere is found;
We tread polluted, blood-stained ground;
Beset with perils all around; ― “Watch and pray.”
He whose by right is all the earth
Was here rejected from His birth;
Without Him, ‘tis perpetual dearth:
“Watch and pray.”
Can God in heaven the cross ignore?
Can man transgressions cover o’er?
All hope, but by the Blood, is o’er: ―
“Watch and pray.”
Christ for our sins, saith Scripture, died;
From Him His God His face did hide;
The Roman soldier pierced His side; ―
“Watch and pray.”
The Blood and Water instant came
From Him who took the sinners’ shame;
Eternal Life is in His name; ― “Watch and pray.”
The Lord was buried in the tomb
Earth found for Him none other room;
He rose the third day, ―broke its gloom;
“Watch and pray.”
From heaven He will come again,
He who by wicked hands was slain,
“The Living One,”―and He must reign; ―
“Watch and pray.”
His foes shall all be ‘neath His feet;
His friends He will with glory greet
In Him God’s pleasure is complete; ―
“Watch and pray.”
Rejoice! The Father loves the Son;
“His work” by Him hath all been done;
The songs of heaven are begun! ―
“Watch and pray.”