Scripture Verse

Watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. Mark 13:33

Introduction

portrait
Robert Lowry
1826–1899

Words & Mu­sic: Ro­bert Low­ry, in Fresh Lau­rels, ed­it­ed by Will­iam B. Brad­bu­ry (New York: Big­low & Main, 1867), num­ber 54 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Lyrics

Watch, for the time is short;
Watch, while ’tis called today;
Watch, lest the world prevail,
Watch, Christian, watch and pray;
Watch, for the flesh is weak;
Watch, for the foe is strong;
Watch, lest the Bridegroom come;
Watch, tho’ He tarry long.

Refrain

O, watch and pray, O watch and pray,
O, watch and pray, O watch and pray;
O, watch in the darkness,
And watch in the day;
Christian, watch and pray.

Chase slumber from thine eyes;
Chase doubting from thy breast;
Thine is the promised prize
Of Heav’n’s eternal rest;
Watch, Christian, watch and pray;
Thy Savior watched for thee;
Till from His brow there poured
Great drops of agony.

Refrain

Take Jesus for thy trust;
Watch, watch forevermore;
Watch, for thou soon must sleep
With thousands gone before;
Now, when thy sun is up,
Now, while ’tis called today,
Now is accepted time;
Watch, Christian, watch and pray.

Refrain