Rise, O Lord, Defend My Soul From the shadows they arise, With deceit behind their eyes. Against my soul their weapons rise, But Thou, O Lord, dost hear my cries. They set their snares beneath my feet, They seek to bring me to defeat. Yet in the darkness, I shall stand, My life entrusted to Thy hand. Rise, O Lord, defend my soul! Let Thy justice thunder roll! Be my shield against the night, Be my strength, my sword, my light! Take up Thy shield, O mighty King, Let heaven hear Thy servant sing. Say to my soul, “Salvation is Mine,” And lead me through the darkest time. They dig a pit I cannot see, They spread their nets in secrecy. But Thou beholdest every snare, No hidden darkness escapes Thy care. Rise, O Lord, defend my soul! Let Thy justice thunder roll! Though the darkness takes its toll, Thou alone shalt make me whole! False witnesses against me rise, Their accusations filled with lies. For good they render evil still, Yet I surrender to Thy will. How long, O Lord, wilt Thou behold? Deliver me from darkness cold. My soul is weary from the fight, Yet still I seek Thy holy light. Awake, O Lord! Arise for me! Thou art my strength, my victory! Let not the wicked boast or reign, Let truth and mercy break my chains! Not by hatred, not by pride, But by Thy grace I shall abide. For Christ has conquered sin and grave, And by His Cross my soul He saves. My bones shall cry, “Who is like Thee?” Who saves the weak and sets them free? Who lifts the poor from ruthless hands? Who hears the soul that faithful stands? Let those who love Thy justice sing, All glory to the heavenly King! My tongue shall speak Thy righteousness, And praise Thy name through endless days. Rise, O Lord, defend my soul! Thou art my refuge, Thou my goal! Though earth shall shake and kingdoms fall, Christ is my strength, my all in all! And when the final shadows cease, Receive my soul into Thy peace. No fear, no darkness, no more night, Forever dwelling in Thy light.
