Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying

“The kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.” | Matthew 25:1

Lyrics by Philipp Nicolai, tr. Catherine Winkworth
Alt. Lyrics and Music by Philip Moyer

“Wake, awake, for night is flying,”
The watchmen on the heights are crying;
“Awake, Jerusalem, at last!”
Midnight hears the welcome voices,
And at that thrilling cry rejoices:
“Come forth, ye virgins, night is past!”

Pre-Chorus
“The Bridegroom comes; awake!
Your lamps with gladness take;
Get ready for the feast,
‘Cause you must go and meet Him there.”

Zion hears the watchmen singing,
And all her heart with joy is springing;
She wakes and rises from her gloom:
For her Lord comes down all-glorious,
The Strong in grace and truth Victorious,
The Star is risen; Light is come!

(Pre-Chorus)

Chorus
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Praise the Lamb!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Praise the Lamb!

All the earth and heav’n adore Thee,
Both men and angels sing before Thee,
With harps and cymbal’s purest tone;
Of one pearl each shining portal,
Where we’ll be with the choir immortal
Of angels round Your glorious throne.

(Pre-Chorus)

(Chorus x2)

Praise the Lamb!