Time to watch and pray

Alone this hour are we,
Before the light I see,
You, Lord, are near,
Your word I hear,
A stronger saint make me.

Before the dawn of day,
‘Tis time to watch and pray,
To seek Your power
This early hour,
Before I up away.

Bring forth in me Your will,
This moment quiet and still,
Each hour assign
A plan divine,
Your Spirit’s presence fill.

“Lord, come!” my hope and prayer,
To meet You in the air,
My heart’s desire,
To soon retire
To heaven’s glories fair.

—JRMatheny