Author: Philipp Nicolai; Carl P. Daw, Jr. Meter: 8.9.8.8.9.8.6.6.4.8.8 Appears in 11 hymnals Matching Instances: 11 First Line: "Sleepers, wake!" a voice astounds us Lyrics: 1 "Sleepers, wake!" A voice astounds us;
the shout of rampart-guards surrounds us:
"Awake, Jerusalem, arise!"
Midnight's peace their cry has broken,
their urgent summons clearly spoken:
"The time has come, O maidens wise!
Rise up, and give us light;
the Bridegroom is in sight.
Alleluia!
Your lamps prepare and hasten there,
that you the wedding feast may share."
2 Zion hears the nightwatch singing;
her heart with joyful hope is springing,
she wakes and hurries through the night.
Forth he comes, the Bridegroom glorious
in strength of grace, in truth victorious:
her star is risen, her light grows bright.
Now come, most worthy Lord,
God's Son, Incarnate Word,
Alleluia!
We follow all into the hall
to join the wedding estival.
3 Lamb of God, the heavens adore you;
let saints and angels sing before you,
as harps and cymbals swell the sound.
Twelve great pearls, the city's portals:
through them we stream to join th'immortals
as we with joy your throne surround.
No eye has known the sight,
no ear heard such delight:
Alleluia!
Therefore we sing to greet our King;
forever let our praises ring.
Used With Tune: WACHET AUF Text Sources: Wachet Auf
Sleepers, Wake!