The Lutheran Hymnary ‎#165

165. Christians, prayer may well employ you

1 Christians, prayer may well employ you,
The powers of darkness would destroy you:
Yea, Satan's self has planned your fall,
Wield God's word, a weapon glorious,
Against each foe; and soon victorious
Our God will make you o'er them all.
Is Satan strong and fell?
Here is Immanuel.
Sing Hosanna!
The strong ones yield,
With Christ our shield,
And we as conquerors hold the field.

2 Cast afar this world's vain pleasures,
Aye, boldly fight for heavenly treasures,
And steadfast be in Jesus' might,
He will help, whate'er betide you:
And naught will harm with Christ beside you:
Be faith you'll conquer in the fight.
Then shame, O weary soul!
Look forth toward the goal:
There joy waits you.
The race then run,
The combat done,
Your crown of glory will be won.

3 Wisely fight, for time is fleeting,
The hours of grace are swift retreating!
And life is shortest to the wise.
When the trump the dead is waking,
And sinners all with fear are quaking,
Then will the saints with joy arise.
Bless God: our triumph's sure,
Though long we did endure
Scorn and trial.
Thou, Son of God,
To Thy abode
Wilt lead the way Thyself hast trod.

4 Jesus, all Thy children cherish,
And keep them that they never perish,
Whom Thou hast purchased with Thy blood.
Give new life, that our desiring
Be ever heavenward aspiring,
For what is holy, true and good.
Thy Spirit on us pour,
That we may love Thee more--
Hearts o'erflowing:
And then will we
Be true to Thee
In death and life eternally.

Text Information

• First Line: Christians, prayer may well employ you
• Author: W. E. Arends (1714)
• Meter: 8, 9, 8, 8, 9, 8, 6, 6, 4, 4, 4, 8.
• Publication Date: 1913
• Topic: The Church Year: Second Sunday in Advent; Perseverance and Faithfulness

Tune Information

• Name: [Christians, prayer may well employ you]
• Composer: P. Nicolai (1599)
• Meter: 8, 9, 8, 8, 9, 8, 6, 6, 4, 4, 4, 8.
• Key: C Major