A Hymn for Groggy Mornings

Some mornings we just don't want to get up. We want to keep resting and our bodies agree! And yet, our responsibilities call us.

The hymn"Awake My Soul" reminds us what we're getting up for. 

Thomas Ken, the hymn's author, was one of the Seven Bishops who refused to read the Declaration of Indulgence. King James put them into prison for their refusal, but they were all  triumphantly acquitted at their trial.

Ken, who was born in 1637, wrote this hymn as part of a series of morning and evening hymns for use at Winchester College, an all-boys boarding school. 

Each hymn closed with what we know as The Doxology.

Fun fact: Bishop Ken was a man of strong conviction who didn't seem to fear confrontation with royalty. Once, when King Charles II came to visit Winchester, he asked Ken to provide lodging for his mistress. The story goes that Ken said his house was being repaired and then hired a builder to take off his roof!

Awake My Soul

Thomas Ken

Awake, my soul, and with the sun
Thy daily stage of duty run;
Shake off dull sloth, and early rise
To pay thy morning sacrifice.

Lord, I my vows to Thee renew.
Disperse my sins as morning dew;
Guard my first springs of thought and will;
And with Thyself my spirit fill.

Direct, control, suggest, this day,
All I design or do or say,
That all my pow'rs, with all their might,
In Thy sole glory may unite.

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav'enly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.