The Canticles

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
   and to the Holy Spirit:*
as it was in the beginning, is now,
   and shall be for ever. Amen.

Or:

N.B. Biblical references are to the RSV (although a local translation has been used).

1 THE SONG OF MOSES & MIRIAM Cantemus Domino
Refrain:	In your unfailing love, O Lord,* you lead the people whom you have redeemed.
1	I will sing to the Lord, who has triumphed gloriously;* the horse and his rider have been thrown into the sea.
2	The Lord is my strength and my song* and has become my salvation.
3	This is my God whom I will praise* the God of my forebears whom I will exalt.
4	The Lord fights for his people,* the Lord is his name.
5	Your right hand, O Lord, is glorious in power:* your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy.
6	At the blast of your nostrils, the sea covered them;* they sank as lead in the mighty waters.
7	In your unfailing love, O Lord,* you lead the people whom you have redeemed,
8	And by your invincible strength* you will guide them to your holy dwelling.
9	You will bring them in and plant them, O Lord,* in the sanctuary which your hands have established.
	Glory . . . Exodus 15. 1b-2, 6a, 11-12a, 13-18
	In your unfailing love, O Lord,* you lead the people whom you have redeemed.

2 THE SONG OF HANNAH Exultavit cor meum
Refrain:	Blessèd are those who believe,* for what God has promised will be fulfilled.
1	My heart exults in the Lord;* my strength is exalted in my God.
2	My mouth derides my enemies,* because I rejoice in your salvation.
3	There is no Holy One like you, O Lord,* nor any Rock like you, our God.
4	For you are a God of knowledge* and by you our actions are weighed.
5	The bows of the mighty are broken,* but the feeble gird on strength.
6	Those who were full now search for bread,* but those who were hungry are well fed.
7	The barren woman has borne sevenfold,* but she who has many children is forlorn.
8	Both the poor and the rich are of your making;* you bring low and you also exalt.
9	You raise up the poor from the dust,* and lift the needy from the ash heap.
10	You make them sit with the rulers* and inherit a place of honour.
11	For the pillars of the earth are yours* and on them you have set the world.
	Glory . . . 1 Samuel 2. 1-8
	Blessèd are those who believe* for what God has promised will be fulfilled.

3 A SONG OF DAVID Benedictus es, Domine
Refrain:	Splendour and majesty are yours, O God;* you are exalted as head over all.
1	Blessèd are you, God of Israel, for ever and ever,* for yours is the greatness, the power,    the glory, the splendour and the majesty.
2	Everything in heaven and on earth is yours;* yours is the kingdom, O Lord,    and you are exalted as head over all.
3	True wealth and honour come from you* and you rule over all.
4	In your hand are power and might;* yours it is to give power and strength to all.
5	And now we give you thanks, our God,* and praise your glorious name.
6	For all things come from you,* and of your own have we given you.
	Glory . . . 1 Chronicles 29. 10-14
	Splendour and majesty are yours, O God;* you are exalted as head over all.

4 A SONG OF TRIUMPH ASB Version Venite, exultemus Domino
1	O come, let us sing out to the Lord;* let us shout in triumph to the rock of our salvation.
2	Let us come before his face with thanksgiving,* and cry out to him joyfully in psalms.
3	For the Lord is a great God,* and a great king above all gods.
4	In his hand are the depths of the earth,* and the peaks of the mountains are his also.
5	The sea is his and he made it;* his hands moulded dry land.
6	Come, let us worship and bow down,* and kneel before the Lord our maker.
7	For he is the Lord our God;* we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
8	If only you would hear his voice today:* for he comes to judge the earth.
9	He shall judge the world with righteousness,* and the peoples with his truth.
	Glory . . . Psalms 95. 1-7; 96. 13

5 A SONG OF SOLOMON Pone me ut signaculum
Refrain:	Many waters cannot quench love;* neither can the floods drown it.
1	Set me as a seal upon your heart,* as a seal upon your arm;
2	For love is strong as death    passion fierce as the grave;* its flashes are flashes of fire,    a raging flame.
3	Many waters cannot quench love,* neither can the floods drown it.
4	If all the wealth of our house    were offered for love,* it would be utterly scorned.
	Glory . . . Song of Songs 8. 7-8
	Many waters cannot quench love;* neither can the floods drown it.

6 A SONG OF PEACE Venite et ascendamus
Refrain:	Spirit of God, teach us your ways,* that we may walk in the way of peace.
1	Come, let us go up to the mountain of God,* to the house of the God of Jacob;
2	That God may teach us his ways,* and that we may walk in his paths.
3	For the law shall go out from Zion,* and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
4	God shall mediate between the nations,* and shall judge for many peoples.
5	They shall beat their swords into ploughshares,* and their spears into pruning hooks.
6	Nation shall not lift up sword against nation,* neither shall they learn war any more.
7	O people of Jacob, come:* let us walk in the light of the Lord.
	Glory . . . Isaiah 2. 3-5
	Spirit of God, teach us your ways,* that we may walk in the way of peace.

7 A SONG OF THE MESSIAH Populus, qui ambulabat
Refrain:	To us a child is born, to us a son is given;* who is called Mighty God and Prince of Peace.
1	The people who walked in darkness    have seen a great light;* those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,    upon them the light has dawned.
2	You have increased their joy    and given them great gladness;* they rejoiced before you as with joy at the harvest.
3	For you have shattered the yoke that burdened them;* the collar that lay heavy on their shoulders.
4	For to us a child is born and to us a son is given,* and the government will be upon his shoulder.
5	And his name will be called: Wonderful Counsellor;    the Mighty God;* the Everlasting Father; the Prince of Peace.
6	Of the increase of his government and of peace* there will be no end,
7	Upon the throne of David and over his kingdom,* to establish and uphold it    with justice and righteousness.
8	From this time forth and for evermore;* the zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
	Glory . . . Isaiah 9. 2-7
	To us a child is born, to us a son is given;* who is called Mighty God and Prince of Peace.

8 A SONG OF GOD’S CHOSEN ONE Egredietur virga de radice Jesse
Refrain:	The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,* the spirit of wisdom and understanding.
1	There shall come forth a shoot from the stock of Jesse,* and a branch shall grow out of his roots.
2	And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,* the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
3	The spirit of counsel and might,* the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
4	He shall not judge by what his eyes see,* or decide by what his ears hear,
5	But with righteousness he shall judge the poor,* and decide with equity for the meek of the earth.
6	The wolf shall dwell with the lamb,* and the leopard shall lie down with the kid.
7	The calf and the lion cub together,* with a little child to lead them.
8	They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain,* for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord    as the waters cover the sea.
	Glory . . . Isaiah 11. 1-4a, 6, 9
	The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,* the spirit of wisdom and understanding.

9 A SONG OF DELIVERANCE Ecce Deus
Refrain:	All the earth, shout and sing for joy,* for great in your midst is the Holy One.
1	‘Behold, God is my salvation;* I will trust and will not be afraid;
2	‘For the Lord God is my strength and my song,* and has become my salvation.’
3	With joy you will draw water* from the wells of salvation.
4	On that day you will say,* ‘Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name;
5	‘Make known his deeds among the nations,* proclaim that his name is exalted.
6	‘Sing God’s praises, who has triumphed gloriously;* let this be known in all the world.
7	‘Shout and sing for joy, you that dwell in Zion,* for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.’
	Glory . . . Isaiah 12. 2-6
	All the earth, shout and sing for joy,* for great in your midst is the Holy One.

10 A SONG OF THE WILDERNESS Lætabitur deserta
Refrain:	The ransomed of the Lord shall return,* and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
1	The wilderness and the dry land shall rejoice,* the desert shall blossom and burst into song.
2	They shall see the glory of the Lord,* the majesty of our God.
3	Strengthen the weary hands,* and make firm the feeble knees.
4	Say to the anxious, ‘Be strong, fear not, your God is coming with judgement,* coming with judgement to save you.’
5	Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened,* and the ears of the deaf unstopped;
6	Then shall the lame leap like a hart,* and the tongue of the dumb sing for joy.
7	For waters shall break forth in the wilderness,* and streams in the desert;
8	The ransomed of the Lord shall return with singing,* with everlasting joy upon their heads.
9	Joy and gladness shall be theirs,* and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
	Glory . . . Isaiah 35. 1, 2b, 3-4a, 5-7a, 10
	The ransomed of the Lord shall return,* and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

11 A SONG OF GOD’S HERALD Super montem excelsum
Refrain:	Lift up your voice with strength,* O herald of good tidings.
1	Go up to a high mountain,    herald of good tidings to Zion;* lift up your voice with strength,    herald of good tidings to Jerusalem.
2	Lift up your voice, fear not;* say to the cities of Judah, ‘Behold your God!’
3	See the Lord God, coming with power,* coming to rule with his mighty arm.
4	He brings his reward for the people of God,* the recompense for those who are saved.
5	God will feed his flock like a shepherd,* and gather the lambs in his arms;
6	He will hold them to his breast,* and gently lead those that are with young.
	Glory . . . Isaiah 40. 9-11
	Lift up your voice with strength,* O herald of good tidings.

12 A SONG OF THE COVENANT Hæc dicit Dominus
Refrain:	I have given you as a light to the nations,* and I have called you in righteousness.
1	Thus says God, who created the heavens,* who fashioned the earth and all that dwells in it;
2	Who gives breath to the people upon it* and spirit to those who walk in it,
3	‘I am the Lord and I have called you in righteousness,* I have taken you by the hand and kept you;
4	‘I have given you as a covenant to the people,* a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind,
5	‘To bring out the captives from the dungeon,* from the prison, those who sit in darkness.
6	‘I am the Lord, that is my name;* my glory I give to no other.’
	Glory . . . Isaiah 42. 5-8a
	I have given you as a light to the nations,* and I have called you in righteousness.

13 A SONG OF THE NEW CREATION Ego Dominus
Refrain:	I will make a way in the wilderness,* and rivers in the desert.
1	‘I am the Lord, your Holy One,* the Creator of Israel, whom I have chosen.’
2	Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea,* a path in the mighty waters,
3	‘Remember not the former things,* nor consider the things of old.
4	‘Behold, I make all things new;* now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
5	‘I will make a way in the wilderness    and rivers in the desert,* to give drink to my chosen people,
6	‘The people whom I formed for myself,* that they might declare my praise.’
	Glory . . . Isaiah 43. 15-21
	I will make a way in the wilderness,* and rivers in the desert.

14 A SONG OF THE WORD OF THE LORD Quærite Dominum
Refrain:	Return to the Lord, who will have mercy,* to our God, who will richly pardon.
1	Seek the Lord while he may be found,* call upon him while he is near;
2	Let the wicked abandon their ways,* and the unrighteous their thoughts;
3	Return to the Lord,    who will have mercy;* to our God, who will richly pardon.
4	‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts,* neither are your ways my ways’, says the Lord.
5	‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth,* so are my ways higher than your ways    and my thoughts than your thoughts.
6	‘As the rain and the snow come down from above,* and return not again but water the earth,
7	‘Bringing forth life and giving growth,* seed for sowing and bread to eat,
8	‘So is my word that goes forth from my mouth;* it will not return to me fruitless,
9	‘But it will accomplish that which I purpose,* and succeed in the task I gave it.’
	Glory . . . Isaiah 55. 6-11
	Return to the Lord, who will have mercy,* to our God, who will richly pardon.

15 A SONG OF THE NEW JERUSALEM Surge illuminare
Refrain:	Nations will come to your light,* and kings to your dawning brightness.
1	Arise, shine out, for your light has come,* the glory of the Lord is rising upon you.
2	Though night still covers the earth,* and darkness the peoples;
3	Above you the Holy One arises,* and above you God’s glory appears.
4	The nations will come to your light,* and kings to your dawning brightness.
5	Your gates will lie open continually;* shut neither by day nor by night.
6	The sound of violence    shall be heard no longer in your land,* or ruin and devastation within your borders.
7	You will call your walls, Salvation,* and your gates, Praise.
8	No more will the sun give you daylight,* nor moonlight shine upon you;
9	But the Lord will be your everlasting light,* your God will be your splendour.
10	For you shall be called the city of God,* the dwelling of the Holy One of Israel.
	Glory . . . Isaiah 60. 1-3, 11, 18-19, 14
	Nations will come to your light,* and kings to your dawning brightness.

16 A SONG OF THE BRIDE Gaudens gaudebo
Refrain:	God makes righteousness and praise* blossom before all the nations.
1	I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,* my soul shall exult in my God;
2	Who has clothed me with the garments of salvation,* and has covered me with the cloak of integrity,
3	As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,* and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
4	For as the earth puts forth her blossom,* and as seeds in the garden spring up,
5	So shall God make righteousness and praise* blossom before all the nations.
6	For Zion’s sake, I will not keep silent,* and for Jerusalem’s sake, I will not rest,
7	Until her deliverance shines out like the dawn,* and her salvation as a burning torch.
8	The nations shall see your deliverance,* and all rulers shall see your glory;
9	Then you shall be called by a new name* which the mouth of God will give.
10	You shall be a crown of glory    in the hand of the Lord,* a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
	Glory . . . Isaiah 61. 10-11; 62. 1-3
	God makes righteousness and praise* blossom before all the nations.

17 A SONG OF THE REDEEMER Quis est iste
Refrain:	I will recount the steadfast love of the Lord,* the praises of the Most High.
1	Who is this that comes from Edom,* coming from Bozrah, his garments stained crimson?
2	Who is this, in glorious apparel,* marching in the greatness of his strength?
3	‘It is I, who announce that right has won the day,* it is I’, says the Lord, ‘for I am mighty to save.’
4	Why are your robes all red, O Lord,* and your garments like theirs who tread the winepress?
5	‘I have trodden the winepress alone,* and from the peoples no one was with me.’
6	I will recount the steadfast love of the Lord,* the praises of the Most High;
7	All that God has done for us in his mercy,* by his many acts of love.
8	For God said, ‘Surely, they are my people,    my children who will not deal falsely’,* and he became their Saviour in all their distress.
9	So God saved us by his love and pity;* he lifted us up and carried us    through all the days of old.
	Glory . . . Isaiah 63. 1-3a, 7-9
	I will recount the steadfast love of the Lord,* the praises of the Most High.

18 A SONG OF JERUSALEM OUR MOTHER Lætamini cum Jerusalem
Refrain:	Thus says our God, I will comfort you,* you shall see and your heart shall rejoice.
1	‘Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her* all you who love her’, says the Lord.
2	‘Rejoice with her in joy,* all you who mourn over her,
3	‘That you may drink deeply with delight* from her consoling breast.’
4	For thus says our God,* ‘You shall be nursed and carried on her arm.
5	‘As a mother comforts her children,* so I will comfort you;
6	‘You shall see and your heart shall rejoice;* you shall flourish like the grass of the fields.’
	Glory . . . Isaiah 66. 10-11a, 12a, 12c, 13-14
	Thus says our God, I will comfort you,* you shall see and your heart shall rejoice.

19 A SONG OF LAMENTATION O vos omnes
1	Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by?* Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow;
2	Which was brought upon me,* which the Lord inflicted    on the day of his fierce anger.
3	For these things I weep;    my eyes flow with tears;* for a comforter is far from me,    one to revive my courage;
4	Remember my affliction and my bitterness,* the wormwood and the gall!
5	The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,* his mercies never come to an end;
6	They are new every morning;* great is your faithfulness.
7	‘The Lord is my portion’, says my soul,* ‘therefore I will hope in him.’
8	The Lord is good to those who wait for him,* to the soul that seeks him.
9	It is good that we should wait quietly* for the salvation of the Lord.
10	It is good to bear the yoke in our youth;* to sit alone in silence when it is laid upon us.
11	For the Lord will not reject for ever,* though he causes grief, he will have compassion,
12	According to the abundance of his steadfast love;* for he does not willingly afflict or grieve anyone.
	Glory . . . Lamentations 1. 12, 16; 3. 19, 22-28, 31-33

20 A SONG OF EZEKIEL Tollam quippe vos
Refrain:	I will put a new spirit within you,* and you shall be my people.
1	I will take you from the nations,* and gather you from all the countries.
2	I will sprinkle clean water upon you,* and purify you from all defilement.
3	A new heart I will give you,* and put a new spirit within you,
4	And I will remove from your body the heart of stone* and give you a heart of flesh.
5	You shall be my people,* and I will be your God.
	Glory . . . Ezekiel 36. 24-28
	I will put a new spirit within you,* and you shall be my people.

21 A SONG OF HUMILITY Venite et revertamur
Refrain:	Raise us up, O God,* that we may live in your presence.
1	Come, let us return to the Lord* who has torn us and will heal us.
2	God has stricken us* and will bind up our wounds.
3	After two days, he will revive us,* and on the third day will raise us up,    that we may live in his presence.
4	Let us humble ourselves;* let us strive to know our God,
5	Whose justice dawns like the morning star;* its dawning is as sure as the sunrise.
6	God’s justice will come to us like the showers,* like the spring rains that water the earth.
7	‘O Ephraim, how shall I deal with you?* How shall I deal with you, O Jacob?
8	‘Your love for me is like the morning mist,* like the dew that goes early away.
9	‘Therefore, I have hewn them by the prophets,* and my judgement goes forth as the light.
10	‘For loyalty is my desire and not sacrifice,* and the knowledge of God    rather than burnt-offerings.’
	Glory . . . Hosea 6. 1-6
	Raise us up, O God,* that we may live in your presence.

22 A SONG OF NEW LIFE Clamavi de tribulatione
Refrain:	My prayer came to you in your holy temple,* and you brought up my life from the depths.
1	I called to you, O God, out of my distress    and you answered me;* out of the belly of Sheol I cried,    and you heard my voice.
2	You cast me into the deep,    into the heart of the seas,* and the flood surrounded me,    all your waves and billows passed over me.
3	Then I said, I am driven away from your sight;* how shall I ever look again upon your holy temple?
4	The waters closed in over me,    the deep was round about me;* weeds were wrapped around my head    at the roots of the mountains.
5	I went down to the land beneath the earth,* yet you brought up my life from the depths, O God.
6	As my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, O God,* and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple.
7	With the voice of thanksgiving, I will sacrifice to you;* what I have vowed I will pay,    for deliverance belongs to the Lord!
	Glory . . . Jonah 2. 2-9
	My prayer came to you in your holy temple* and you brought up my life from the depths.

23 A SONG OF GOD’S REIGN Magnus es, Domine
Refrain:	See what the Lord our God has done* and exalt him in the sight of the living.
1	Blessèd be God, who lives for ever,* whose reign endures throughout all ages.
2	Declare God’s praise before the nations,* you who are the children of Israel.
3	For if our God has scattered you among them,* there too has he shown you his greatness.
4	Exalt him in the sight of the living,* because he is our God and our Father for ever.
5	Though God punishes you for your wickedness,* mercy will be shown to you all.
6	God will gather you from every nation,* from wherever you have been scattered.
7	When you turn to the Lord    with all your heart and soul,* God will hide his face from you no more.
8	See what the Lord has done for you* and give thanks with a loud voice.
9	Praise the Lord of righteousness* and exalt the King of the ages.
	Glory . . . Tobit 13. 1-6
	See what the Lord our God has done* and exalt him in the sight of the living.

24 A SONG OF GOD’S MERCY Hymnum cantemus
Refrain:	You sent forth your Spirit, O God,* and you continue to show mercy to all.
1	I will sing a new song to my God,* for you are great and glorious,    truly strong and invincible.
2	May your whole creation serve you,* for you spoke and all things came to be.
3	You sent forth your Spirit and they were formed,* for no one can resist your voice.
4	Mountains and seas are stirred to their depths;* at your presence rocks shall melt like wax.
5	But to those who fear you,* you continue to show mercy.
6	No sacrifice, however fragrant, can please you,* but whoever fears the Lord    shall stand in your sight for ever.
	Glory . . . Judith 16. 13-16
	You sent forth your Spirit, O God,* and you continue to show mercy to all.

25 A SONG OF THE RIGHTEOUS Justorum autem animæ
Refrain:	God has found the righteous worthy* and their hope is of immortality.
1	The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God* and no torment will ever touch them.
2	In the eyes of the foolish, they seem to have died;* but they are at peace.
3	For though, in the sight of others, they were punished,* their hope is of immortality.
4	Having been disciplined a little,    they will receive great good,* because God tested them and found them worthy.
5	Like gold in the furnace, God tried them* and, like a sacrificial burnt offering, accepted them.
6	In the time of their visitation, they will shine forth* and will run like sparks through the stubble.
7	They will govern nations and rule over peoples* and God will reign over them for ever.
	Glory . . . Wisdom 3. 1-8
	God has found the righteous worthy* and their hope is of immortality.

26 A SONG OF THE SPIRIT OF WISDOM Propter hoc octavi
Refrain:	In Wisdom’s company do all good things come;* those who receive her are friends with God.
1	I prayed and understanding was given me;* I called on God    and the Spirit of Wisdom came to me.
2	I preferred her to sceptres and thrones* and I accounted wealth as nothing    in comparison with her.
3	I loved her more than health or beauty* and I chose to have her rather than light,    because her radiance never ceases.
4	In her company, all good things came to me;* in her hands a wealth of true riches.
5	In all these good things, I rejoiced,    because Wisdom brings them,* but I did not know that she was their mother.
6	What I learned without selfishness    I pass on without reserve,* I do not hide her gifts.
7	For Wisdom is an unfailing treasure for mortals:* those who receive her are friends with God.
	Glory . . . Wisdom 7. 7-14
	In Wisdom’s company do all good things come;* those who receive her are friends with God.

27 A SONG OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF WISDOM Deus patrum meorum
Refrain:	Send Wisdom forth from your holy heavens;* from the throne of your glory send what is pleasing to you.
1	O God of our forebears and Lord of mercy,* you have made all things by your word.
2	By your wisdom you have formed us* to have dominion over the creatures you have made;
3	To rule the world in holiness and righteousness* and to pronounce judgement in uprightness of soul.
4	Give us the Wisdom that sits by your throne;* do not reject us from among your servants,
5	For we are your servants,* with little understanding of judgement and laws.
6	Even one who is perfect among us* will be regarded as nothing    without the wisdom that comes from you.
7	With you is Wisdom, she who knows your works,* and was present when you made the world.
8	She understands what is pleasing in your sight* and what is right according to your commandments.
9	Send her forth from the holy heavens,* from the throne of your glory send her.
10	That she may labour at our side* and that we may learn what is pleasing to you.
11	For she knows and understands all things,* she will guide us wisely in our actions    and guard us with her glory.
	Glory . . . Wisdom 9. 1-6, 9-11
	Send Wisdom forth from your holy heavens;* from the throne of your glory send what is pleasing to you.

28 A SONG OF THE REDEEMING SPIRIT Hæc populum justum
Refrain:	The righteous shall sing hymns* to your holy name, O God.
1	A holy people and a blameless race* Wisdom delivered from a nation of oppressors.
2	She entered a soul of a servant of God* and withstood dread rulers with wonders and signs.
3	She gave to holy people the reward of their labours;* she guided them along a marvellous way.
4	She became a shelter to them by day* and a starry flame through the night.
5	She brought them over the Sea of Reeds* and led them through deep waters.
6	The righteous sang hymns to your holy name, O God,* and praised with one accord your defending hand.
7	For Wisdom opened the mouths of those who were mute* and made the tongues of infants speak clearly.
	Glory . . . Wisdom 10. 15-21
	The righteous shall sing hymns* to your holy name, O God.

29 A SONG OF GOD’S SERVANTS Congrega omnes
Refrain:	Hear the prayers of your servants,* those you have named as your own.
1	Gather all the tribes of Jacob;* give them their inheritance,    as at the beginning.
2	Have mercy on the people called by your name, O God,* on those you have named as your first-born.
3	Have pity on the city of your sanctuary,* Jerusalem, the place of your dwelling.
4	Fill it with your majesty,* and your people with your glory.
5	Bear witness to those you created in the beginning* and fulfil the prophecies spoken in your name.
6	Reward those who wait for you* and let your prophets be found worthy of trust.
7	Hear the prayers of your servants,* that all who are on the earth will know    that you are the God of the ages.
	Glory . . . Ecclesiasticus 36. 13-22
	Hear the prayers of your servants,* those you have named as your own.

30 A SONG IN PRAISE OF THE WORKS OF GOD In voce dicit
Refrain:	Ascribe majesty to the name of the Most High;* let all creation give thanks with praise.
1	Listen to me, my faithful children,* and blossom like a rose    growing by a stream of water.
2	Send out fragrance like incense    and sing a hymn of praise,* bless our God for all creation.
3	Ascribe majesty to the name of the Most High,* give thanks with praise, with songs on your lips    and with harps.
4	All your works are good, O God,* and whatever you command will be done.
	Glory . . . Ecclesiasticus 39. 13-16
	Ascribe majesty to the name of the Most High;* let all creation give thanks with praise.

31 A SONG OF PILGRIMAGE Cum adhuc junior essem
Refrain:	In prayer I inclined my ear* and my heart was stirred to seek Wisdom.
1	While I was still young,* I sought Wisdom openly in my prayer.
2	Before the temple I asked for her,* and I will search for her until the end.
3	From the first blossom to the ripening grape,* my heart delighted in her.
4	My foot walked on the straight path,* from my youth I followed her steps.
5	I inclined my ear and received her,* I found for myself much instruction.
6	I made progress in Wisdom;* to the One who sent her,    I will give glory.
7	I directed my soul to Wisdom,* and in purity have I found her.
8	With her, I gained understanding from the first,* therefore will I never be forsaken.
9	My heart was stirred to seek her,* with my tongue will I sing God’s praise.
	Glory . . . Ecclesiasticus 51. 13-17, 20-22
	In prayer I inclined my ear* and my heart was stirred to seek Wisdom.

32 A SONG OF BARUCH Exsurge, Jerusalem
Refrain:	Lead us, O God, with joy* to walk in the light of glory.
1	Arise, O Jerusalem, stand upon the height:* look to the east and see your children,
2	Gathered from the west and the east* at the word of the Holy One.
3	They rejoice that God has remembered them* and has brought them back to you.
4	For God has ordered that every high mountain* and the everlasting hills be made low,
5	And the valleys filled up to make level ground* so that they may walk safely in the glory of God.
6	The woods and every fragrant tree* have shaded them at God’s command.
7	For God will lead his people with joy    in the light of glory* with the mercy and righteousness that comes from God.
	Glory . . . Baruch 5. 5-9
	Lead us, O God, with joy* to walk in the light of glory.

33 THE SONG OF THE THREE Benedictus es
1	Blessèd are you, the God of our forebears,* worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
2	Blessèd is your holy and glorious name,* worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
3	Blessèd are you, glorious in your holy temple,* worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
4	Blessèd are you who behold the depths,* worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
5	Blessèd are you, enthroned on the cherubim,* worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
6	Blessèd are you on the throne of your kingdom,* worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
7	Blessèd are you in the heights of heaven,* worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
	Bless the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,* worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
	Song of the Three 29-34

34 A SONG OF CREATION Benedicite omnia opera This canticle should be recited without pause.
1	Bless the Lord all created things: who is worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
2	Bless the Lord you heavens: who is worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
3	Bless the Lord you angels of the Lord, bless the Lord all you his hosts: bless the Lord you waters above the heavens, who is worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
4	Bless the Lord sun and moon, bless the Lord you stars of heaven: bless the Lord all rain and dew, who is worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
5	Bless the Lord all winds that blow, bless the Lord you fire and heat: bless the Lord scorching wind and bitter cold, who is worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
6	Bless the Lord dews and falling snows, bless the Lord you nights and days: bless the Lord light and darkness, who is worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
7	Bless the Lord frost and cold, bless the Lord you ice and snow: bless the Lord lightning and clouds, who is worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
8	O let the earth bless the Lord; bless the Lord you mountains and hills: bless the Lord all that grows in the ground, who is worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
9	Bless the Lord you springs, bless the Lord you seas and rivers: bless the Lord you whales    and all that swim in the waters, who is worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
10	Bless the Lord all birds of the air, bless the Lord you beasts and cattle: bless the Lord all people of the earth, who is worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
11	O People of God bless the Lord; bless the Lord you priests of the Lord: bless the Lord you servants of the Lord, who is worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
12	Bless the Lord all you of upright spirit, bless the Lord you that are holy and humble in heart: bless the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, who is worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
	The Song of the Three 35-65

35 THE SONG OF MANASSEH Domine omnipotens
Refrain:	Full of compassion and mercy and love* is God, the Most High, the Almighty.
1	O Lord Almighty and God of our forebears,* you who made heaven and earth in all their glory:
2	All things tremble with awe at your presence,* before your great and mighty power.
3	Immeasurable and unsearchable is your promise of mercy,* for you are God, Most High.
4	You are full of compassion and very merciful,* and you relent at human suffering.
5	O God, according to your great goodness,* you have promised repentance and forgiveness    to those who have sinned against you.
6	The sins I have committed against you,* are more in number than the sands of the sea.
7	I am not worthy to look up and see the heavens,* because of my many sins and iniquities.
8	And now my heart bows before you,* imploring your kindness upon me.
9	I have sinned, O God, I have sinned,* and I acknowledge my transgressions.
10	Unworthy as I am, I know that you will save me,* according to your great mercy.
11	For all the host of heaven sings your praise,* and your glory is for ever and ever.
	Glory . . . Manasseh 1a, 4, 6-7, 9a, 9c, 11-12, 14b, 15b
	Full of compassion and mercy and love* is God, the Most High, the Almighty.

36 A SONG OF THE BLESSED Beati pauperes
Refrain:	Rejoice and be glad for you are the light of the world,* and great is your reward in heaven.
1	Blessèd are the poor in spirit,* for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
2	Blessèd are those who mourn,* for they shall be comforted.
3	Blessèd are the meek,* for they shall inherit the earth.
4	Blessèd are those who hunger    and thirst for what is right,* for they shall be satisfied.
5	Blessèd are the merciful,* for mercy shall be shown to them.
6	Blessèd are the pure in heart,* for they shall see God.
7	Blessèd are the peacemakers,* for they shall be called the children of God.
8	Blessèd are those who are persecuted    for righteousness’ sake,* for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
	Glory . . . Matthew 5. 3-10
	Rejoice and be glad for you are the light of the world,* and great is your reward in heaven.

37 A THE SONG OF MARY Magnificat anima mea
1	My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,* my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
2	For he has looked with favour on his lowly servant.* From this day all generations will call me blessèd:
3	The Almighty has done great things for me* and holy is his name.
4	He has mercy on those who fear him,* in every generation.
5	He has shown the strength of his arm* he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
6	He has cast down the mighty from their thrones* and has lifted up the lowly.
7	He has filled the hungry with good things* and the rich he has sent away empty.
8	He has come to the help of his servant, Israel,* for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
9	The promise he made to our forebears,* to Abraham and his children for ever.
	Glory . . . Luke 1. 46-55

37 B THE SONG OF MARY (ELLC translation) Magnificat anima mea
1	My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,* my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
2	For you, Lord, have looked with favour     on your lowly servant.* From this day all generations will call me blessèd:
3	You, the Almighty, have done great things for me* and holy is your name.
4	You have mercy on those who fear you,* from generation to generation.
5	You have shown strength with your arm* and scattered the proud in their conceit,
6	Casting down the mighty from their thrones* and lifting up the lowly.
7	You have filled the hungry with good things* and sent the rich away empty.
8	You have come to the aid of your servant, Israel,* to remember the promise of mercy,
9	The promise made to our forebears,* to Abraham and his children for ever.
	Glory . . . Luke 1. 46-55

38 A THE SONG OF ZECHARIAH Benedictus Domine
1	Blessèd be the Lord, the God of Israel,* for he has come to his people and set them free.
2	He has raised up for us a mighty Saviour,* born of the house of his servant, David.
3	Through his holy prophets, he promised of old* that he would save us from our enemies,    from the hands of all that hate us;
4	He promised to show mercy to our forebears,* and to remember his holy covenant.
5	This was the oath he swore to our father, Abraham,* to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
6	Free to worship him without fear,* holy and righteous in his sight,     all the days of our life.
7	You, my child,     shall be called the prophet of the Most High,* for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
8	To give his people knowledge of salvation* by the forgiveness of all their sins.
9	In the tender compassion of our God* the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
10	To shine on those who dwell in darkness     and the shadow of death,* and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
	Glory . . . Luke 1. 68-79

38 B THE SONG OF ZECHARIAH (ELLC translation) Benedictus Domine
1	Blessèd are you, Lord, the God of Israel,* you have come to your people and set them free.
2	You have raised up for us a mighty Saviour,* born of the house of your servant, David.
3	Through your holy prophets, you promised of old* to save us from our enemies,    from the hands of all who hate us,
4	To show mercy to our forebears,* and to remember your holy covenant.
5	This was the oath you swore to our father, Abraham,* to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
6	Free to worship you without fear,* holy and righteous before you,     all the days of our life.
7	And you, child,     shall be called the prophet of the Most High,* for you will go before the Lord to prepare the way,
8	To give God’s people knowledge of salvation* by the forgiveness of their sins.
9	In the tender compassion of our God* the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
10	To shine on those who dwell in darkness     and the shadow of death,* and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
	Glory . . . Luke 1. 68-79

39 THE SONG OF SIMEON Nunc dimittis
1	Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace:* your word has been fulfilled.
2	My own eyes have seen the salvation* which you have prepared in the sight of every people:
3	A light to reveal you to the nations* and the glory of your people Israel.
	Glory . . . Luke 2. 29-32

40 A SONG OF FAITH AND HOPE Iustificati ergo ex fide
Refrain:	Our hope is not in vain,* for God’s love has flooded our inmost hearts.
1	Now that we have been justified through faith,* we are at peace with God    through Jesus Christ our Lord.
2	And so we exult in our hope of the splendour of God* and we even exult in the sufferings we endure.
3	For our hope is not in vain,* because God’s love has flooded our inmost hearts    through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.
4	When we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly;* he died for us while we were still sinners,    and so God’s love for us is revealed.
5	We are more than conquerors through Christ who loved us,* for nothing can separate us from the love of God    which is ours, through Jesus Christ.
	Glory . . . Romans 5. 1, 3, 5, 8; 8. 38, 39
	Our hope is not in vain,* for God’s love has flooded our inmost hearts.

41 A SONG OF GOD’S CHILDREN Lex enim spiritus vitæ
Refrain:	The Spirit of the Father, who raised Christ Jesus from the dead,* gives life to the people of God!
1	In Christ Jesus, the life-giving law of the Spirit* has set us free from the law of sin and death.
2	All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God;* it is the Spirit that enables us to cry, ‘Abba!’ Father.
3	The Spirit itself bears witness    that we are God’s children;* and if God’s children, then heirs of God.
4	We are heirs of God and fellow-heirs with Christ;* if we share his sufferings now    we shall be glorified with him hereafter.
5	These sufferings that we now endure* are not worth comparing    with the glory that shall be revealed.
6	For the creation waits with eager longing* for the revealing of the children of God.
	Glory . . . Romans 8. 2, 14, 15b-17, 19
	The Spirit of the Father, who raised Christ Jesus from the dead,* gives life to the people of God!

42 A SONG OF DIVINE LOVE Caritas patiens est
Refrain:	Love bears all things* and will never come to an end.
1	Love is patient and kind,* love is not jealous or boastful,    it is not arrogant or rude.
2	Love does not insist on its own way,* it is not angry or resentful.
3	It does not rejoice in wrongdoing* but rejoices in the truth.
4	Love bears all things and believes all things;* love hopes all things and endures all things.
5	Love will never come to an end,* but prophecy will vanish,    tongues cease and knowledge pass away.
6	Now we know only in part* and we prophesy only in part,
7	But when the perfect comes,* the imperfect shall pass away.
8	When I was a child, I spoke like a child,* I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child.
9	But when I became mature,* I put an end to childish ways.
10	For now we see only puzzling reflections in a mirror,* but then we will see face to face.
11	Then I shall understand fully,* even as I have been fully understood.
12	There are three things that last for ever,    faith, hope and love,* but the greatest of these is love.
	Glory . . . 1 Corinthians 13. 4-13
	Love bears all things* and will never come to an end.

43 A SONG OF GOD’S GRACE Benedictus Deus
Refrain:	The glorious grace of God* is freely bestowed on us in the Belovèd.
1	Blessèd are you,    the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,* for you have blest us in Christ Jesus    with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.
2	You chose us to be yours in Christ    before the foundation of the world,* that we should be holy and blameless before you.
3	In love you destined us to be your children,    through Jesus Christ,* according to the purpose of your will,
4	To the praise of your glorious grace,* which you freely bestowed on us in the Belovèd.
5	In you, we have redemption    through the blood of Christ,* the forgiveness of our sins,
6	According to the riches of your grace,* which you have lavished upon us.
7	You have made known to us, in all wisdom and insight,* the mystery of your will,
8	According to your purpose    which you set forth in Christ,* as a plan for the fullness of time,
9	To unite all things in Christ,* things in heaven and things on earth.
	Glory . . . Ephesians 1. 3-10
	The glorious grace of God* is freely bestowed on us in the Belovèd.

44 THE SONG OF CHRIST’S GLORY Christus Jesus cum esset
Refrain:	At the name of Jesus* every knee shall bow.
1	Christ Jesus was in the form of God,* but he did not cling to equality with God.
2	He emptied himself, taking the form of a servant,* and was born in our human likeness.
3	Being found in human form, he humbled himself,* and became obedient unto death,    even death on a cross;
4	Therefore, God has highly exalted him,* and bestowed on him the name above every name,
5	That at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow,* in heaven and on earth and under the earth.
6	And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,* to the glory of God the Father.
	Glory . . . Philippians 2. 5b-11
	At the name of Jesus* every knee shall bow.

45 A SONG OF REDEMPTION Pater eripuit
Refrain:	Christ is the image of the invisible God,* the first-born of all creation.
1	The Father has delivered us     from the dominion of darkness,* and transferred us to the kingdom of his belovèd Son;
2	In whom we have redemption,* the forgiveness of our sins.
3	He is the image of the invisible God,* the first-born of all creation.
4	For in him all things were created,* in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible.
5	All things were created through him and for him,* he is before all things    and in him all things hold together.
6	He is the head of the body, the Church,* he is the beginning, the first-born from the dead.
7	For it pleased God that in him     all fullness should dwell,* and through him all things be reconciled to himself.
	Glory . . . Colossians 1. 13-20
	Christ is the image of the invisible God,* the first-born of all creation.

46 A SONG OF CHRIST’S APPEARING Manifestum est

Refrain: