1051    C.M.     A. Steele
“Watch and pray.” Matt. 26. 41; Mark 13. 33

1 Alas, what hourly dangers rise!
  What snares beset my way!
  To heaven O let me lift my eyes,
  And hourly watch and pray.

2 How oft my mournful thoughts complain,
  And melt in flowing tears!
  My weak resistance, ah, how vain!
  How strong my foes and fears!

3 O gracious God, in whom I live,
  My feeble efforts aid;
  Help me to watch, and pray, and strive,
  Though trembling and afraid.

4 Increase my faith, increase my hope,
  When foes and fears prevail!
  And bear my fainting spirit up,
  Or soon my strength will fail.

5 Whene’er temptations fright my heart,
  Or lure my feet aside,
  O God, thy powerful aid impart –
  My guardian and my guide.

6 O keep me in the heavenly way,
  And bid the tempter flee;
  And let me never, never stray,
  From happiness and thee.