Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 6:11–12
Words: Andrew of Crete, 7th Century (Οὐ γὰρ Βλέπεις τοὺς ταράττοντας). Translated from Greek to English by John M. Neale, Hymns of the Eastern Church, 1862.
Music: St. Andrew of Crete John B. Dykes, 1868 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tunes:
Christian, dost thou see them
On the holy ground,
How the powers of darkness
Rage thy steps around?
Christian, up and smite them,
Counting gain but loss,
In the strength that cometh
By the holy cross.
Christian, dost thou feel them,
How they work within,
Striving, tempting, luring,
Goading into sin?
Christian, never tremble;
Never be downcast;
Gird thee for the battle,
Watch and pray and fast.
Christian, dost thou hear them,
How they speak thee fair?
Always fast and vigil?
Always watch and prayer?
Christian, answer boldly:
While I breathe I pray!
Peace shall follow battle,
Night shall end in day.
Well I know thy trouble,
O my servant true;
Thou art very weary,
I was weary, too;
But that toil shall make thee
Some day all Mine own,
At the end of sorrow
Shall be near my throne.