"Sleepest Thou?" is a reverent and introspective hymn that draws upon the sacred events in Gethsemane, as recorded in Mark 14:37. With music by Kevin G. Pace and text by Mary Ann W. Snowball, the hymn reflects on Christ’s profound suffering and His yearning for support from His closest disciples. The poignant question, “Sleepest thou?” echoes through the verses as both a historical moment and a personal call to vigilance and devotion. The text gently challenges believers to awaken spiritually, to recognize the Savior’s sacrifice, and to remain watchful in their own times of trial. Through heartfelt imagery and scriptural reflection, the hymn invites worshippers to stand beside Christ in faith and remembrance.

YouTube video: Sleepest Thou? hymn

Text:
Sleepest Thou? (Mark 14:37)

Within the Garden gate, our Savior was amazed.
He told apostles then to stay and watch Him as He prayed.
“Remove this cup, I plead.” The weight had just begun.
“But if it be not possible, My Father’s will be done.”

He then arose to seek James, John and Peter there.
He went about a stone’s cast throw, requesting loving care.
He found them all asleep. To Peter then he spoke:
“O, Simon, Simon, sleepest thou? Thy witness I invoke.”

“Sleepest thou? Why sleepest thou here in Gethsemane?
Watch with me this holy hour, this hour I make you free.”

As children of our God, at times are we asleep
To gifts our Savior yearns to give, His precious truths to reap? (or “keep”)
At His most crucial hour, do we forget the pain
And bleeding from His ev’ry pore, all for our greatest gain?

Sleepest thou? Why sleepest thou? He’ll give us ev’ry key.
Canst we watch in our own hours, in our Gethsemanes?