Watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
Mark 13:33
Words & Music: Elbert L. Bailey, in Cornelius’ Gospel Songs, edited by Rufus H. Cornelius (Fort Worth, Texas: R. H. Cornelius Music Book Publisher, 1927), number 83 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Bailey (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Watch and pray, for the Lord is coming,
Coming for us all some day;
Wash your robes in the cleansing fountain;
Watch, O watch and pray.
Refrain
Watch and pray, watch and pray;
For ye know not the hour
When the Lord shall come;
Watch and pray, watch and pray;
O watch and pray, yes, watch and pray;
Till, at setting sun, Jesus calls us home.
Heed the words that the Lord commanded
Just before He went away;
Send His word unto every nation;
Watch, O watch and pray.
Refrain
Be prepared here to meet the Savior,
And His blessèd word obey;
Till your work here on earth is ended;
Watch, O watch and pray.
Refrain