Awake my Soul, Stretch Ev'ry nerve

Philip Doddridge’s hymn Awake, My Soul, Stretch Ev’ry Nerve is a vigorous call to active and wholehearted devotion. Written in the early eighteenth century, it reflects Doddridge’s emphasis on the believer’s responsibility to live a life fully committed to God, combining personal piety with diligent service. The hymn exhorts the soul to rise from spiritual slumber and dedicate every faculty, every ability, and every effort to the service of the Lord, emphasizing that true faith is demonstrated not only in belief but in active, obedient living.

The hymn draws inspiration from Romans 12:11, which urges Christians to “not be slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” Doddridge translates this biblical exhortation into poetic form, reminding believers that spiritual vitality requires discipline, zeal, and perseverance. The repeated emphasis on “awake” and “stretch ev’ry nerve” conveys the urgency and intensity with which the Christian life should be pursued. Each verse encourages worship that extends beyond mere song, encompassing action, service, and moral diligence.

Doddridge’s language is rich with imagery of energy, purpose, and spiritual striving. The hymn depicts the soul as an active participant in God’s plan, called to engage fully in the pursuit of holiness and the advancement of the gospel. By addressing the soul directly, the hymn personalizes the call to action, creating a sense of immediacy and accountability. The imagery of stretching, striving, and laboring conveys the physical and spiritual effort required to maintain a life of devotion, illustrating that faith involves both heart and action.

The hymn also emphasizes the joy and reward found in committed service. While the tone is exhortatory, it is balanced by the assurance that such diligence aligns the believer with God’s will and leads to eternal blessings. Doddridge’s message resonates with a sense of purpose, encouraging Christians to live intentionally, making each moment an opportunity to glorify God through thought, word, and deed.

Over the centuries, Awake, My Soul, Stretch Ev’ry Nerve has remained a staple in hymnody due to its motivational and doctrinal strength. Its enduring appeal lies in the way it challenges believers to combine spiritual devotion with practical action, emphasizing that the Christian life is dynamic and engaged. Through this hymn, Doddridge reminds Christians that faith is never passive but calls for the full use of all gifts, energies, and passions in the service of God and the benefit of His kingdom. It continues to inspire believers to awaken daily to the responsibilities and joys of faithful living.