Awake, O Sleeper, Rise from Death
Awake, O sleeper, rise from death
Awake, O Sleeper, Rise from Death is a hymn text by Keith A. Getty and Stuart Townend (2003) in 8.7.8.7.D meter. Found in elw 309, lsb 697, wov 745.
The hymn expresses Lutheran themes of justification and sanctification, calling believers to live in the reality of Christ's resurrection and the transforming power of the Gospel. It emphasizes the forensic and ethical dimensions of salvation, moving from death in sin to life lived in Christ's light.
History & Background
Written in 2003 by Getty and Townend as a contemporary hymn drawing on Pauline themes of spiritual awakening and resurrection life. First published in modern hymnal collections and became widely adopted in evangelical and liturgical worship settings.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 309
- Lutheran Service Book — 697
- With One Voice — 745
Bulletin Note
Written in 2003 by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, this modern hymn retrieves classic Reformation themes of forensic justification and ethical transformation, set to the memorable tune RISE UP.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the movement from Law (the conviction of spiritual death) to Gospel (the summons to new life in Christ), making it a powerful companion to any sermon on justification and the ethical call to sanctified living.
In the Church Year
Suggested in the one-year series
- Lent 3 (2×)
Suggested in the three-year series
- Last Sunday of the Church Year (2×)
- Proper 13 (2×)
- Proper 28 (2×)
- Lent 4 (1×)
- Proper 18 (1×)
- Proper 5 (1×)
From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.
Themes
Resurrection Spiritual awakening Christ's light Christian living Transformation