Prepare yourself, my soul,
watch, beseech and pray,
lest the evil day
overtake you unawares;
for
Satan’s cunning
has led many devout men
into temptation.

English: Richard Stokes © 1999

Ah, somnolent soul, are you still slumbering?
Rouse yourself!
Damnation may suddenly awaken you,
and if you are not watchful,
cover you with the sleep of eternal death.

English: Richard Stokes © 1999

God, who watches over your soul,
detests the night of sin;
He sends you the light of His grace
and desires, in return for these gifts,
which He promises you in abundance,
but openness of spirit.
Satan’s cunning in bewitching sinners
is boundless;
if you now break the covenant of grace
you will never by succoured.
The whole world and all its members
are naught but a false brotherhood;
but your own flesh and blood
seek naught but flattery from them.

English: Richard Stokes © 1999

Pray, then,
even as you wake!
Beseech in your grievous guilt
your Judge for His forbearance,
if He is to free you from sin
and purify you!

English: Richard Stokes © 1999

He yearns for our cry of woe,
inclining towards it His gracious ear;
when the foe rejoices at our distress,
we are victorious through His strength:
for His son, through whom we pray,
gives us courage and strength,
and would come to us with help.

English: Richard Stokes © 1999

Let us therefore evermore
watch, beseech and pray,
for fear, distress and danger
draw ever nearer;
for the day
is not far
when God shall judge us
and destroy the world.

English: Richard Stokes © 1999