This selection for Breaking Bread 2022 is called a traditional Spiritual by OCP, but has been attributed to Blind Willie Johnson who recorded it in 1928. It is based on the parable, obviously, but there are varying lyrics that bring in others sources.
It can be purchased in OCP’s arrangement here, which they have copyrighted.
1 Keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
for the time is drawing nigh.Refrain:
Children, don’t grow weary,
children, don’t grow weary,
children, don’t grow weary,
for the time is drawing nigh.2 Darker midnight lies before us,
darker midnight lies before us,
darker midnight lies before us,
for the time is drawing nigh. [Refrain]3 Lo, the morning soon is breaking,
lo, the morning soon is breaking,
lo, the morning soon is breaking,
for the time is drawing nigh. [Refrain]4 Christian, journey soon be over,
christian, journey soon be over,
christian, journey soon be over,
for the time is drawing nigh. [Refrain]5 Keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
for the time is drawing nigh. [Refrain]