Hymnal: The Christian Hymn Book
Date: 1865
Compiler: Alexander Campbell
Publisher/Printer: Central Book Concern
First Line: Shall we grow weary in our watch
Topic: The New Life/Temptations and Conflicts
Writer: <no first name given> Whittier
Composer:
Meter: 8s and 6
Tune:
Hymn Number: 896
Page Number: 531, click to see hymnal pages
LyicsShall we grow weary in our watch,
And murmur at the long delay,
Impatient of our Father's time
And his appointed way?
O, oft a deeper test of faith
Than prison-cell, or martyr's stake,
The self-renouncing watchfulness
Of silent prayer may make.
We grid us bravely to rebuke
Our erring brother in the wrong;
And in the ear of pride and power
Our warning voice is strong.
Easier to smite with Peter's sword
Than watch one hour in humbling prayer;
Life's great things, like the Syrian lord,
Our hearts can do and dare:
But, O, we shrink from Jordan's side,
From waters which alone can save;
And murmur for Abana's banks
And Pharpar's brighter wave.
O Thou, who in the garden's shade
Didst wake thy weary ones again,
Who slumbered at the fearful hour,
Forgetful of thy pain-
Bend o'er us now, as over them,
And set our sleep-bound spirits free,
Nor leave us slumbering in the watch
Our souls should keep with thee!