The Canticles

THE DOXOLOGY Canticles which have Glory ... printed at the end may conclude with either:

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:

Glory to God, Source of all being,
   Eternal Word and Holy Spirit:*
as it was in the beginning, is now,
   and shall be for ever. Amen.

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: Christ was believed in throughout the world*
and taken up in glory.
1 Christ Jesus was revealed in the flesh*
and vindicated in the spirit.
2 He was seen by angels*
and proclaimed among the nations.
3 Believed in throughout the world,*
he was taken up in glory.
4 This will be made manifest at the proper time*
by the blessèd and only Sovereign,
5 Who alone has immortality,*
and dwells in unapproachable light.
To the King of kings and Lord of lords*
be honour and eternal dominion. Amen.
1 Timothy 3. 16; 6. 16
Christ was believed in throughout the world*
and taken up in glory.

47 A SONG OF GOD’S ASSEMBLED
Accessistis ad Sion montem

Refrain: We are come before the throne of God*
to share in the inheritance of the saints in light
.
1 We have come before God’s holy mountain,*
to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God.
2 We have come before countless angels making festival,*
before the assembly of the first-born citizens of heaven.
3 We have come before God, the righteous judge of all,*
before the spirits of the just made perfect.
4 We are come before Jesus,*
the mediator of the new covenant.
5 We are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken:*
let us therefore give thanks to our God,
6 And offer God an acceptable worship,
    full of reverence and awe,*
for our God is a consuming fire.
Glory . . . Hebrews 12. 22-24, 28-29
We are come before the throne of God*
to share in the inheritance of the saints in light
.

48 A SONG OF FAITH
Laudate Deum

Refrain: God raised Christ from the dead,*
the Lamb without spot or stain.
1 Blessèd be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,*
who in his great mercy
   gave us a new birth as his children.
2 He has raised Jesus Christ from the dead,*
so that we have a sure hope in him.
3 We have the promise of an inheritance
   that can never be spoilt,*
because it is kept for us in heaven.
4 The ransom that was paid to free us*
was not paid in silver or gold,
5 But in the precious blood of Christ,*
the Lamb without spot or stain.
6 God raised him from the dead and gave him glory*
so that we might have faith and hope in God.
Glory . . . 1 Peter 1. 3-4, 18-21
God raised Christ from the dead,*
the Lamb without spot or stain.

49 A SONG OF CHRIST THE SERVANT
Christus passus est pro vobis

Refrain: Christ committed no sin,*
no guile was found on his lips.
1 Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example,*
that you should follow in his steps.
2 He committed no sin, no guile was found on his lips,*
when he was reviled, he did not revile in turn.
3 When he suffered, he did not threaten,*
but he trusted in God who judges justly.
4 Christ himself bore our sins in his body on the tree,*
that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.
5 By his wounds, you have been healed,
   for you were straying like sheep,*
but have now returned
   to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.
Glory . . . 1 Peter 2. 21-25
Christ committed no sin,*
no guile was found on his lips.

50 A SONG OF REPENTANCE
Hæc est annuntiatio

Refrain: Tell the good news of Jesus the Christ*
to all who are searching for redemption.
1 This is the message we have heard from Christ
   and proclaim to you:*
that God is light,
    in whom there is no darkness at all.
2 If we say that we have fellowship with God
   while we walk in darkness,*
we lie and do not do what is true.
3 But if we walk in the light
   as God is in the light,*
we have fellowship with one another.
4 For the blood of Jesus, the Son of God,*
cleanses us from all our sins.
5 If we say that we have no sin,*
we deceive ourselves
   and the truth is not in us.
6 If we confess our sins,*
the One who is faithful and just will forgive us
   and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Glory . . . 1 John 1. 5-9
Tell the good news of Jesus the Christ*
to all who are searching for redemption.

51 A SONG OF GOD’S LOVE
Carissimi, diligamus nos invicem

Refrain: God’s love was revealed among us*
so that we might live through Jesus.
1 Belovèd, let us love one another,
   for love is of God;*
everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
2 Whoever does not love does not know God,*
for God is love.
3 In this the love of God was revealed among us,*
that God sent his only Son into the world,
   so that we might live through him.
4 In this is love,
   not that we loved God but that he loved us,*
and sent his Son to be the expiation for our sins.
5 Belovèd, since God loved us so much,*
we ought also to love one another.
6 For if we love one another, God abides in us,*
and God’s love will be perfected in us.
Glory . . . 1 John 4. 7-11
God’s love was revealed among us*
so that we might live through Jesus.

52 A SONG OF PRAISE
Gloriam et honorem

Refrain: You created all things, O God,*
and are worthy of our praise for ever.
1 You are worthy, our Lord and God,*
to receive glory and honour and power.
2 For you have created all things,*
and by your will they have their being.
3 You are worthy, O Lamb, for you were slain,*
and by your blood you ransomed for God
   saints from every tribe and language and nation.
4 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests
   serving our God,*
and they will reign with you on earth.
To the One who sits on the throne and to the Lamb*
be blessing and honour and glory and might,
   for ever and ever. Amen.
Revelation 4. 11; 5. 9b-10
You created all things, O God,*
and are worthy of our praise for ever.

53 A SONG OF THE REDEEMED
Ecce, turba multa

Refrain: Salvation belongs to our God,*
who will guide us to springs of living water.
1 Behold, a great multitude*
which no one could number,
2 From every nation,
   from all tribes and peoples and tongues,*
standing before the throne and the Lamb.
3 They were clothed in white robes
   and had palms in their hands,*
and they cried with a loud voice, saying,
4 ‘Salvation belongs to our God*
who sits on the throne,
   and to the Lamb.’
5 These are they
   who have come out of the great tribulation,*
they have washed their robes
   and made them white in the blood of the Lamb;
6 Therefore they stand before the throne of God,*
whom they serve day and night within the temple.
7 And the One who sits upon the throne*
will shelter them with his presence.
8 They shall never again feel hunger or thirst,*
the sun shall not strike them,
   nor any scorching heat.
9 For the Lamb at the heart of the throne*
will be their Shepherd,
10 He will guide them to springs of living water,*
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
To the One who sits on the throne and to the Lamb*
be blessing and honour and glory and might,
   for ever and ever. Amen.
Revelation 7. 9-10, 14b-17
Salvation belongs to our God*
who will guide us to springs of living water.

54 A SONG OF MOSES AND OF THE LAMB
Magna et mirabilia

Refrain: All nations shall come and worship you,*
and share in the feast of your Kingdom, O Christ.
1 Great and wonderful are your deeds,*
Lord God the almighty.
2 Just and true are your ways,*
O Ruler of the nations.
3 Who shall not revere you
    and praise your name, O Lord?,*
for you alone are holy.
4 All nations shall come and worship in your presence,*
for your just dealings have been revealed.
To the One who sits on the throne and to the Lamb*
be blessing and honour and glory and might,
   for ever and ever. Amen.
Revelation 15. 3-4
All nations shall come and worship you,*
and share in the feast of your Kingdom, O Christ.

55 A SONG OF THE LAMB
Salus et gloria

Refrain: Let us rejoice and exult*
and give glory and homage to our God.
1 Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,*
whose judgements are true and just.
2 Praise our God, all you servants of God,*
you who fear him, both small and great.
3 The Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns:*
let us rejoice and exult and give glory and homage.
4 The marriage of the Lamb has come*
and his bride has made herself ready.
5 Happy are those who are invited*
to the wedding banquet of the Lamb.
To the One who sits on the throne and to the Lamb*
be blessing and honour and glory and might,
   for ever and ever. Amen.
From Revelation 19
Let us rejoice and exult*
and give glory and homage to our God.

56 A SONG OF THE HOLY CITY
Vidi cælum novum

Refrain: I saw the holy city*
coming down out of heaven from God.
1 I saw a new heaven and a new earth,*
for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away
   and the sea was no more.
2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem,
   coming down out of heaven from God,*
prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a great voice from the throne saying,*
‘Behold, my dwelling is with my people.
4 ‘I will dwell with them and they shall be mine,*
and I myself will be with them.
5 ‘I will wipe away every tear from their eyes,*
and death shall be no more.
6 ‘Neither shall there be mourning,
   nor crying, nor pain any more,*
for the former things have passed away.’
7 And the One who sat upon the throne said,*
‘Behold, I make all things new.’
Glory . . . Revelation 21. 1-5a
I saw the holy city*
coming down out of heaven from God.

57 A SONG OF THE HEAVENLY CITY
Templum non vidi

Refrain: By the river stood the tree of life,*
with healing for all the nations.
1 I saw no temple in the city,*
for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty
   and the Lamb.
2 And the city has no need of sun or moon
   to shine upon it,*
for the glory of God is its light,
   and its lamp is the Lamb.
3 By its light the nations shall walk,*
and the rulers of the earth
   shall bring their glory.
4 Its gates shall never be shut by day,
   nor shall there be any night;*
they shall bring into it
   the glory and honour of the nations.
5 I saw the river of the water of life,
   bright as crystal,*
flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.
6 And either side of the river stood the tree of life,
   yielding its fruit each month,*
and the leaves of the tree
   were for the healing of the nations.
7 The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be there,
   and his servants shall worship him;*
and they shall see God’s face
   and his name shall be on their foreheads.
To the One who sits on the throne and to the Lamb*
be blessing and honour and glory and might,
   for ever and ever. Amen.
Revelation 21. 22-26; 22. 1, 2a, 2c, 3b, 4a
By the river stood the tree of life,*
with healing for all the nations.

58 A SONG OF THE SPIRIT
Ecce, venio cito

Refrain: Surely I am coming soon!*
Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
1 ‘Behold, I am coming soon’, says the Lord,
   ‘and bringing my reward with me,*
to give to everyone according to their deeds.
2 ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last,*
the beginning and the end.’
3 Blessèd are those who do God’s commandments,
   that they may have the right to the tree of life,*
and may enter into the city through the gates.
4 ‘I, Jesus, have sent my angel to you,*
with this testimony for all the churches.
5 ‘I am the root and the offspring of David,*
I am the bright morning star.’
6 ‘Come!’ say the Spirit and the Bride;*
‘Come!’ let each hearer reply!
7 Come forward, you who are thirsty,*
let those who desire
   take the water of life as a gift.
Surely I am coming soon!*
Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
Revelation 22. 12-14, 16-17

59 A A SONG OF THE LIGHT
Phos hilaron

1 O gladsome light, of the holy glory of the immortal Father,*
heavenly, holy, blessèd Jesus Christ.
2 Now that we have come to the setting of the sun
   and behold the light of evening,*
we praise you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
3 For it is right at all times to worship you
   with voices of praise,*
O Son of God and giver of life:
   therefore all the world glorifies you.
Trans: West Malling

59 B A SONG OF THE LIGHT
Phos hilaron

1 O joyful light,
   from the pure glory of the eternal heavenly Father,*
O holy, blessèd Jesus Christ.
2 As we come to the setting of the sun*
and see the evening light,
3 We give thanks and praise to the Father and to the Son*
and to the Holy Spirit of God.
4 Worthy are you at all times
   to be sung with holy voices,
   O Son of God, O Giver of life,*
and to be glorified through all creation.
Trans: 1

59 C A SONG OF THE LIGHT
Phos hilaron

1 Hail, gladdening Light, of his pure glory poured,
Who is the immortal Father, heavenly, blest,
Holiest of Holies, Jesus Christ our Lord.
2 Now we are come to the Sun’s hour of rest,
The lights of evening round us shine,
We hymn the Father, Son and Holy Spirit divine.
3 Worthy are you at all times to be sung
With undefilèd tongue,
Son of our God, giver of life, alone:
Therefore in all the world your glories,
   Lord, they own.
Trans: John Keble*

59 D A SONG OF THE LIGHT
Phos hilaron – Metrical version

1 O gladsome light, O grace
Of God the Father’s face,
The eternal splendour wearing;
Celestial, holy, blest,
Our Saviour Jesus Christ, Joyful in your appearing.
2 As day fades into night,
We see the evening light,
Our hymn of praise outpouring:
Father of might unknown,
Christ, his incarnate Son,
and Holy Spirit, adoring.
3 To you of right belongs
All praise of holy songs,
O Son of God, Lifegiver;
You, therefore, O Most High,
The world will glorify,
And shall exalt for ever.
Trans: Robert Bridges*

59 E A SONG OF THE LIGHT
Phos hilaron – Metrical version

Light of the world, in grace and beauty,
Mirror of God’s eternal face,
Transparent flame of love’s free duty,
You bring salvation to our race.
Now, as we see the lights of evening,
We raise our voice in hymns of praise;
Worthy are you of endless blessing,
Sun of our night, lamp of our days.
Trans: 21

60 A SONG OF THE CHURCH
Te Deum laudamus

This canticle should be recited without pause.
1 We praise you, O God:
we acclaim you as the Lord;
2 All creation worships you:
the Father everlasting.
3 To you all angels, all the powers of heaven:
the cherubim and seraphim, sing in endless praise,
4 Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might:
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
5 The glorious company of apostles praise you:
the noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
6 The white-robed army of martyrs praise you:
throughout the world, the holy Church acclaims you.
7 Father, of majesty unbounded:
your true and only Son, worthy of all praise,
   the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
8 You, Christ, are the King of glory:
the eternal Son of the Father.
9 When you took our flesh to set us free:
you humbly chose the virgin’s womb.
10 You overcame the sting of death:
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
11 You are seated at God’s right hand in glory:
we believe that you will come to be our judge.
12 Come then, Lord, and help your people,
   bought with the price of your own blood:
and bring us with your saints
   to glory everlasting.

61 A SONG OF GOD’S GLORY
Gloria in excelsis Deo

1 Glory to God in the highest,*
and peace to God’s people on earth.
2 Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father,*
we worship you, we give you thanks,
    we praise you for your glory.
3 Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
   Lord God, Lamb of God,*
you take away the sin of the world,
   have mercy on us;
4 You are seated at the right hand of the Father:*
receive our prayer.
5 For you alone are the Holy One,*
you alone are the Lord,
6 You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,*
with the Holy Spirit,
   in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

62 A SONG OF CHRIST’S GOODNESS

Refrain: Gather your little ones to you, O God,*
as a hen gathers her brood to protect them.
1 Jesus, as a mother you gather your people to you;*
you are gentle with us as a mother with her children.
2 Often you weep over our sins and our pride,*
tenderly you draw us from hatred and judgement.
3 You comfort us in sorrow and bind up our wounds,*
in sickness you nurse us
   and with pure milk you feed us.
4 Jesus, by your dying,
   we are born to new life;*
by your anguish and labour
   we come forth in joy.
5 Despair turns to hope through your sweet goodness;*
through your gentleness, we find comfort in fear.
6 Your warmth gives life to the dead,*
your touch makes sinners righteous.
7 Lord Jesus, in your mercy, heal us;*
in your love and tenderness, remake us.
8 In your compassion, bring grace and forgiveness,*
for the beauty of heaven, may your love prepare us.
Glory . . . Anselm of Canterbury/Trans: 31
Gather your little ones to you, O God,*
as a hen gathers her brood to protect them.

63 A A SONG OF BROTHER SUN
Altissimu, onnipotente, bon Signore

1 Most High, all powerful, good Lord,*
to you be praise, glory, honour and all blessing.
2 Only to you, Most High, do they belong*
and no one is worthy to call upon your name.
3 May you be praised, my Lord, with all your creatures,
   especially brother sun,*
through whom you lighten the day for us.
4 He is beautiful and radiant with great splendour;*
he signifies you, O Most High.
5 Be praised, my Lord, for sister moon and the stars:*
clear and precious and lovely,
   they are formed in heaven.
6 Be praised, my Lord, for brother wind
   and by air and clouds, clear skies and all weathers,*
by which you give sustenance to your creatures.
7 Be praised, my Lord, for sister water,*
who is very useful and humble and precious and pure.
8 Be praised, my Lord, for brother fire,
   by whom the night is illumined for us:*
he is beautiful and cheerful, full of power and strength.
9 Be praised, my Lord, for sister, our mother earth,
   who sustains and governs us*
and produces diverse fruits
   and coloured flowers and grass.
10 Be praised, my Lord,
   by all those who forgive for love of you*
and who bear weakness and tribulation.
11 Blessèd are those who bear them in peace:*
for you, Most High, they will be crowned.
12 Be praised, my Lord, for our sister,
   the death of the body,*
from which no one living is able to flee;
   woe to those who are dying in mortal sin.
13 Blessèd are those who are found doing your most holy will,*
for the second death will do them no harm.
14 Praise and bless my Lord and give him thanks*
and serve him with great humility.
Francis of Assisi

63 B A SONG OF BROTHER SUN – Metrical version
Altissimu, onnipotente, bon Signore

1 Most High, omnipotent, good Lord,
To you be ceaseless praise outpoured,
And blessing without measure;
From you alone all creatures came;
No one is worthy you to name.
2 My Lord be praised by Brother Sun,
Who through the skies his course does run,
And shines in brilliant splendour;
With brightness he does fill the day,
And signifies your boundless sway.
3 My Lord be praised by Sister Moon,
And all the stars that with her soon
Will point the glitt’ring heavens.
Let wind and air and cloud and calm,
And weathers all, repeat the psalm.
4 By Sister Water, then be blest
Most humble, useful, precious, chaste.
Be praised by Brother Fire:
Cheerful is he, robust and bright,
And strong to lighten all the night.
5 By Mother Earth my Lord be praised;
Governed by you, she has upraised
What for our life is needful.
Sustained by you through every hour,
She brings forth fruit and herb and flower.
6 My Lord be praised by those who prove
In free forgivingness their love,
Nor shrink from tribulation.
Happy, who peaceably endure:
With you, Lord, their reward is sure.
7 By Death, our Sister, praisèd be,
From whom no one alive can flee.
Woe to the unpreparèd!
But blest be those who do your will
And follow your commandments still.
8 Most High, omnipotent, good Lord,
To you be ceaseless praise outpoured
And blessing without measure.
Let every creature thankful be
And serve in great humility.
Based on Francis of Assisi

64 A SONG OF MERCY AND GRACE

Refrain: God is the light and the grace,*
which is all blessèd love.
1 Jesus is our true mother,*
the protector of the love which knows no end.
2 We have our being from Jesus,*
where the foundation of motherhood begins.
3 God revealed that in all things,*
as truly as God is our father
   so truly God is our mother.
4 God is the power and goodness of fatherhood;*
God is the wisdom and loving kindness of motherhood.
5 God is the Trinity and God is the Unity;*
God is all our life:
   nature, mercy and grace.
6 God is the one who makes us to love,*
and the endless fulfilling of all true desires;
7 For where the soul is highest and noblest,*
then it is humble and lowly.
8 God desired Christ to be our mother,
   our brother and our Saviour,*
for God knows us now
   and loved us before time began.
9 In nature, Jesus is our true mother
   by our first creation,*
and in grace by taking our created nature.
10 All the love of offering and sacrifice
   of belovèd motherhood,*
are in Christ our Belovèd.
11 For in Jesus we have this godly will,*
both in nature and in grace.
Glory . . . Julian of Norwich
God is the light and the grace,*
which is all blessèd love.

65 A SONG OF TRUE MOTHERHOOD

Refrain: Christ came in our poor flesh*
to share a mother’s care.
1 God chose to be our mother in all things*
and so made the foundation of his work,
   most humbly and most pure,
   in the Virgin’s womb.
2 God, the perfect wisdom of all,*
arrayed himself in this humble place.
3 Christ came in our poor flesh*
to share a mother’s care.
4 Our mothers bear us for pain and for death;*
our true mother, Jesus,
   bears us for joy and endless life.
5 Christ carried us within him in love and travail,*
until the full time of his passion.
6 And when all was completed
   and he had carried us so for joy,*
still all this could not satisfy
   the power of his wonderful love.
7 All that we owe is redeemed in truly loving God,*
for the love of Christ works in us;
   Christ is the one whom we love.
Glory . . . Julian of Norwich
Christ came in our poor flesh*
to share a mother’s care.

66 A SONG OF OUR TRUE NATURE

Refrain: Nature and grace are of one accord,*
for God is one in love, in nature and in grace.
1 Christ revealed our frailty and our falling,*
our trespasses and our humiliations.
2 Christ also revealed his blessèd power,*
his blessèd wisdom and love.
3 He protects us as tenderly and as sweetly
    when we are in greatest need;*
he raises us in spirit
   and turns everything to glory and joy without ending.
4 God is the ground and the substance,
   the very essence of nature;*
God is the true father and mother of natures.
5 We are all bound to God by nature,*
and we are all bound to God by grace.
6 And this grace is for all the world,*
because it is our precious mother, Christ.
7 For this fair nature was prepared by Christ
   for the honour and nobility of all,*
and for the joy and bliss of salvation.
Glory . . . Julian of Norwich
Nature and grace are of one accord,*
for God is one in love, in nature and in grace.

67 A SONG OF SALVATION
Salvator mundi

Refrain: In the greatness of your mercy, O God,*
forgive the sins of all your people.
1 Jesus, Saviour of the world,
   come to us in your mercy:*
we look to you to save and help us.
2 By your cross and your life laid down,
   you set your people free:*
we look to you to save and help us.
3 When they were ready to perish,
   you saved your disciples:*
we look to you to come to our help.
4 In the greatness of your mercy,
   loose us from our chains,*
forgive the sins of all your people.
5 Make yourself known
   as our saviour and mighty deliverer;*
save and help us that we may praise you.
6 Come now and dwell with us, Lord Christ Jesus;*
hear our prayer and be with us always.
7 And when you come in your glory,*
make us to be one with you
   and to share the life of your kingdom.
Henry Allon
In the greatness of your mercy, O God,*
forgive the sins of all your people.