I guess I should not be surprised when I find a hymn written by Fanny Crosby (1820-1915) that I have never heard before. The blind hymn writer is said to have written more than 8,000 hymns and gospel songs.
Fanny became blind at the age of six weeks from maltreatment of her eyes during a spell of sickness. At the age of fifteen she entered the New York Institution for the Blind, where she received a good education. She became a teacher in the institution in 1847, and continued her work until 1858. She taught English grammar, rhetoric and American history.
She began to write Sunday-school hymns for Wm. B. Bradbury in 1864. Since then she supported herself by writing hymns. Remarkably she could compose at any time and did not need to wait for any special inspiration. Her best hymns came on the spur of the moment. It is said that she always composed with an open book in her hand, generally a copy of Golden Hymns, held closely over her eyes, bottom side up.
In 1877, Crosby met William J. Kirkpatrick (1938-1921), one of the most prolific composers of gospel song tunes and "the most prominent publisher in the Wesleyan/Holiness Movement". She called him "Kirkie" and she wrote many hymns, including this week's choice, with him
Many of her hymns were inspired by scripture. While I could not find anything about the actual writing of this hymn, it does appear that it must have been based on Matthew 26:41, " Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Or on Mark 13:33, " Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." She wrote the words of this hymn in 1885.
Though written over 150 years ago, the words are appropriate for the day that we live in. Sin abounds everywhere. Satan is on the move. We need to watch that we aren't taken in. We need to watch and pray and keep the heart with jealous care.
And events around the world today may indicate that the rapture could be very near. It could be at morning, noon or night. We need to watch until we hear the Bridegroom's voice. Then we will rejoice evermore.
Until that day, let our lights be burning clear and bright, and may we watch and pray!
1. Watch and pray that when the Master cometh,
If at morning, noon, or night,
He may find a lamp in every window,
Trimmed, and burning clear and bright.
Refrain:
Watch and pray, the Lord commandeth;
Watch and pray, 'twill not be long.
Soon He'll gather home His loved ones,
To the happy vale of song.
2. Watch and pray; the tempter may be near us;
Keep the heart with jealous care,
Lest the door, a moment left unguarded,
Evil thoughts may enter there.
Refrain:
Watch and pray, the Lord commandeth;
Watch and pray, 'twill not be long.
Soon He'll gather home His loved ones,
To the happy vale of song.
3. Watch and pray, nor let us ever weary;
Jesus watched and prayed alone;
Prayed for us when only stars beheld Him,
While on Olive's brow they shone.
Refrain:
Watch and pray, the Lord commandeth;
Watch and pray, 'twill not be long.
Soon He'll gather home His loved ones,
To the happy vale of song.
4. Watch and pray, nor leave our post of duty,
Till we hear the Bridegroom's voice;
Then with Him the marriage feast partaking,
We shall evermore rejoice.
Refrain:
Watch and pray, the Lord commandeth;
Watch and pray, 'twill not be long.
Soon He'll gather home His loved ones,
To the happy vale of song.
Listen to it here. WATCH
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