Awake my zeal, awake my love

By Isaac Watts

Lyrics

1. Awake my zeal, awake my love,
And serve my Saviour here below,
In works which all the saints above,
Which holy angels cannot do.

2. My faith and hope may see the Lord,
Though veils of darkness lie between;
Hope shall rest firm upon his word,
And faith rejoice in things unseen.

3. Awake my charity, and feed
The hungry soul and clothe the poor;
In heaven are found no sons of need,
There all these duties are no more.

4. Subdue thy passions, O my soul
Maintain the fight, the work pursue,
Daily thy rising sins control,
And be thy victories ever new.

5. The land of triumph lies on high,
There are no fields of battle there,
Lord I would conquer till I die,
And finish all the glorious war.

6. Let every flying hour confess
I gain thy gospel fresh renown;
And when my life and labors cease,
May I possess the promised crown.

Bible Reference

Isaiah 38:18-19

About This Hymn

Isaac Watts penned the hymn "Awake, My Zeal, Awake, My Love" as a stirring call to spiritual renewal, reflecting his signature blend of deep theological reflection and heartfelt devotion. The hymn opens with a personal plea, urging the soul to awaken from slumber and rekindle its passion for serving Christ. It speaks to the believer’s struggle with complacency, framing devotion as both a duty and a delight.

The lyrics weave together themes of repentance and fervent love, acknowledging the unique role of the living in glorifying God—a work even angels cannot perform. Watts’ language is rich with introspection, blending humility with a longing for holiness. His verses often contrast human weakness with divine grace, emphasizing that true zeal comes not from human effort alone but from a heart transformed by God’s Spirit.

Though less widely sung today than some of Watts’ other hymns, its message remains timeless, resonating with anyone who has felt their spiritual fire wane. The hymn’s structure, like much of Watts’ work, is both poetic and doctrinal, designed to teach as it stirs the affections. Its absence from many modern hymnals may reflect shifting tastes, but its themes of revival and wholehearted love for Christ still echo in the broader tradition of Christian worship.

Watts’ influence endures in how he merged theological depth with accessible language, crafting hymns that were as instructive as they were devotional. This particular hymn, though quieter in legacy compared to his Christmas or Easter standards, offers a window into his pastoral heart—a reminder that faith must be continually reawakened, not taken for granted.