Ubi Caritas

PLAINCHANT:


POLYPHONY (DURUFLÉ):




Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.
Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor.
Exultemus, et in ipso iucundemur.
Timeamus, et amemus Deum vivum.
Et ex corde diligamus nos sincero.

Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.
Simul ergo cum in unum congregamur:
Ne nos mente dividamur, caveamus.
Cessent iurgia maligna, cessent lites.
Et in medio nostri sit Christus Deus.

Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.
Simul quoque cum beatis videamus,
Glorianter vultum tuum, Christe Deus:
Gaudium quod est immensum, atque probum,
Saecula per infinita saeculorum. Amen.

Historical Information (Wikipedia)

Text: Plainchant, 9th century
Music: Plainchant, Mode VI

See my other blog postings in the plainchant series.

He Never Said A Mumbalin' Word (USA)

They crucified my Lord
And he never said a mumbalin word
They crucified my Lord.
And he never said a mumbalin' word
Not a word, not a word, not a word.

They nailed him to a tree

They pierced him in the side

The blood came trickalin' down

He bowed his head and died

Traditional African American Spiritual

You Are My Hiding Place (USA)

You are my hiding place
You always fill my heart
With songs of deliverance
Whenever I am afraid
I will trust in You

I will trust in You
Let the weak say
I am strong
In the strength of the Lord

Based on Psalm 32:7

Composer: Michael Ledner (1981)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) series.

Pange Lingua Gloriosi

Pange lingua gloriosi
Corporis mysterium,
Sanguinisque pretiosi,
quem in mundi pretium
fructus ventris generosi
Rex effudit Gentium.

Nobis datus, nobis natus
ex intacta Virgine,
et in mundo conversatus,
sparso verbi semine,
sui moras incolatus
miro clausit ordine.

In supremae nocte coenae
recumbens cum fratribus
observata lege plene
cibis in legalibus,
cibum turbae duodenae
se dat suis manibus.

Verbum caro, panem verum
verbo carnem efficit:
fitque sanguis Christi merum,
et si sensus deficit,
ad firmandum cor sincerum
sola fides sufficit.

Tantum ergo Sacramentum
veneremur cernui:
et antiquum documentum
novo cedat ritui:
praestet fides supplementum
sensuum defectui.

Genitori, Genitoque
laus et jubilatio,
salus, honor, virtus quoque
sit et benedictio:
Procedenti ab utroque
compar sit laudatio. Amen.

Historical Information (Wikipedia)

Words: Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)

See my other blog postings in the plainchant series.



Tune: Plainchant, Mode III

Old Rugged Cross

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

Refrain

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary. (Refrain)

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me. (Refrain)

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share. (Refrain)

Historical Information (Wikipedia)

Composer: George Bennard (1913)

As the Deer Panteth for the Water (USA)

As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after thee
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship thee

Chorus

You alone are my strength my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship thee

You're my friend and You are my brother,
Even though you are a king.
I love you more thank any other,
So much more than anything. (Chorus)

Based on Psalm 42:1

Composer: Martin J. Nystrom (1984)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) series.

Stabat Mater Dolorosa

PLAINCHANT:




POLYPHONY (PALESTRINA):

Stabat mater dolorosa
juxta Crucem lacrimosa,
dum pendebat Filius.

Cuius animam gementem,
contristatam et dolentem
pertransivit gladius.

O quam tristis et afflicta
fuit illa benedicta,
mater Unigeniti!

Quae moerebat et dolebat,
pia Mater, dum videbat
nati poenas inclyti.

Quis est homo qui non fleret,
matrem Christi si videret
in tanto supplicio?

Quis non posset contristari
Christi Matrem contemplari
dolentem cum Filio?

Pro peccatis suae gentis
vidit Iesum in tormentis,
et flagellis subditum.

Vidit suum dulcem Natum
moriendo desolatum,
dum emisit spiritum.

Eia, Mater, fons amoris
me sentire vim doloris
fac, ut tecum lugeam.

Fac, ut ardeat cor meum
in amando Christum Deum
ut sibi complaceam.

Sancta Mater, istud agas,
crucifixi fige plagas
cordi meo valide.

Tui Nati vulnerati,
tam dignati pro me pati,
poenas mecum divide.

Fac me tecum pie flere,
crucifixo condolere,
donec ego vixero.

Juxta Crucem tecum stare,
et me tibi sociare
in planctu desidero.

Virgo virginum praeclara,
mihi iam non sis amara,
fac me tecum plangere.

Fac, ut portem Christi mortem,
passionis fac consortem,
et plagas recolere.

Fac me plagis vulnerari,
fac me Cruce inebriari,
et cruore Filii.

Flammis ne urar succensus,
per te, Virgo, sim defensus
in die iudicii.

Christe, cum sit hinc exire,
da per Matrem me venire
ad palmam victoriae.

Quando corpus morietur,
fac, ut animae donetur
paradisi gloria. Amen.

Historical Information (Wikipedia)

Text: Jacopone da Todi (1230-1306)

See my other blog postings in the plainchant series.

Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross (USA)

Jesus, keep me near the cross;
there a precious fountain,
free to all, a healing stream,
flows from Calvary's mountain.

Refrain:

In the cross, in the cross,
be my glory ever,
till my raptured soul shall find
rest beyond the river.

Near the cross, a trembling soul,
love and mercy found me;
there the bright and morning star
sheds its beams around me. (Refrain)

Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
bring its scenes before me;
help me walk from day to day
with its shadow o'er me. (Refrain)

Near the cross I'll watch and wait,
hoping, trusting ever,
till I reach the golden strand
just beyond the river. (Refrain)

Text: Fanny J. Crosby, 1820-1915
Music: NEAR THE CROSS, 76.76+Refrain William H. Doane, 1832-1915

Thy Word Is A Lamp Unto My Feet (USA)

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.

When I feel afraid,
And think I've lost my way.
Still, you're there right beside me.
Nothing will I fear
As long as you are near;
Please be near me to the end.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.

I will not forget
Your love for me and yet,
My heart forever is wandering.
Jesus by my guide,
And hold me to your side,
And I will love you to the end.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
And a light unto my path.
You're the light unto my path.

Based on Psalm 119:105

Text: Amy Grant (1984)
Music: Michael W. Smith (1984)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) series.

Vexilla Regis Prodeunt

Vexilla Regis prodeunt;
Fulget Crucis mysterium,
Quo carne carnis conditor
Suspensus est patibulo.

Confixa clavis viscera
Tendens manus, vestigia,
Redemptionis gratia
Hic immolata est Hostia.

Quo vulneratus insuper
Mucrone diro lanceae,
Ut nos lavaret crimine,
Manavit unda et sanguine.

Impleta sunt quae concinit
David fideli carmine,
Dicendo nationibus:
Regnavit a ligno Deus.

Arbor decora et fulgida,
Ornata Regis purpura,
Electa digno stipite
Tam sancta membra tangere.

Beata, cuius brachiis
Pretium pependit saeculi:
Statera facta corporis,
Praedam tulitque tartari.

Fundis aroma cortice,
Vincis sapore nectare,
Iucunda fructu fertili
Plaudis triumpho nobili.

Salve, ara, salve, victima,
De passionis gloria,
Qua vita mortem pertulit
Et morte vitam reddidit.

O Crux ave, spes unica,
Hoc Passionis tempore!
Piis adauge gratiam,
Reisque dele crimina.

Te, fons salutis Trinitas,
Collaudet omnis spiritus:
Quos per Crucis mysterium
Salvas, fove per saecula. Amen.

Background Historical Information (Wikipedia)

Composer: Venantius Fortunatus (c. 530-c. 600/609)

See my other blog postings in the plainchant series.

Were You There When They Crucified My Lord? (USA)

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?

Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?

Were you there when God raised him from the tomb?
Were you there when God raised him from the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when God raised him from the tomb?

Traditional African American Spiritual

He Will Carry You (USA)

There is no problem too big
God cannot solve it
There is no mountain too tall
He cannot move it
There is not storm too dark
God cannot calm it
There is no sorrow too deep
He cannot soothe it

If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders
I know, my brother that He will carry you
If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders
I know, my sister that He will carry you

He said come on to me all who are weary
And I will give you rest

Composer: Scott Wesley Brown (1982)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) series.

Beneath the Cross of Jesus (Scotland)

Beneath the cross of Jesus
I gladly take my stand,
the shadow of a mighty rock
within a weary land;
a home within the wilderness,
a rest upon the way,
from the burning of the noontide heat,
and the burden of the day.

Upon that cross of Jesus
mine eye at times can see
the very dying form of One
who suffered there for me;
and from my stricken heart with tears
two wonders I confess:
the wonders of redeeming love
and my unworthiness.

I take, O cross, thy shadow
for my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than
the sunshine of his face;
content to let the world go by,
to know no gain nor loss,
my sinful self my only shame,
my glory all the cross.

Text: Elizabeth C. Clephane, 1872
Tune: Tune: ST. CHRISTOPHER, 76.86.86.86 ( Frederick C. Maker, 1881)

We Are The Reason (USA)

As little children
We would dream of Christmas morn
Of all the gifts and toys
We knew we'd find
But we never realized
A baby born one blessed night
Gave us the greatest gift of our lives

Chorus:

We were the reason
That He gave His life
We were the reason
That He suffered and died
To a world that was lost
He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live

As the years went by
We learned more about gifts
The giving of ourselves
And what that means
On a dark and cloudy day
A man hung crying in the rain
All because of love, all because of love (Chorus)

I've finally found the reason for living
It's in giving every part of my heart to Him
In all that I do every word that I say
I'll be giving my all just for Him, for Him

We are the reason that He gave His life
We are the reason that He suffered and died
To a world that was lost He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live

He is my reason to live

Composer: David Meece (1980)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) series.

Gloria, Laus, Et Honor

Refrain:

Gloria, laus et honor
tibi sit, Rex Christe, Redemptor:
Cui puerile decus prompsit
Hosanna pium.

Israel es tu Rex, Davidis et
inclyta proles:
Nomine qui in Domini,
Rex benedicte, venis. (Refrain)

Coetus in excelsis te laudat
caelicus omnis,
Et mortalis homo, et cuncta
creata simul. (Refrain)

Plebs Hebraea tibi cum palmis
obvia venit:
Cum prece, voto, hymnis,
adsumus ecce tibi. (Refrain)

Hi tibi passuro solvebant
munia laudis:
Nos tibi regnanti pangimus
ecce melos. (Refrain)

Hi placuere tibi, placeat
devotio nostra:
Rex bone, Rex clemens, cui
bona cuncta placent. (Refrain)

Historical Background Information (Wikipedia)

Words: Theodulph of Orléans (810)

See my other blog postings in the plainchant series.

All Glory, Laud, and Honour

Refrain:

All glory, laud, and honour,
to thee, Redeemer, King,
to whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ring.

Thou art the King of Israel,
thou David's royal Son,
who in the Lord's name comest,
the King and Blessed One. (Refrain)

The company of angels
are praising thee on high,
and we with all creation
in chorus make reply. (Refrain)

The people of the Hebrews
with psalms before thee went;
our prayer and praise and anthems
before thee we present. (Refrain)

To thee, before thy passion,
they sang their hymns of praise;
to thee, now high exalted,
our melody we raise. (Refrain)

Thou didst accept their praises;
accept the prayers we bring,
who in all good delightest,
thou good and gracious King. (Refrain)

Translation of Gloria, Laus et Honor

Words: Theodulph of Orléans (810), English Translation: John Mason Neale (1854)
Music: ST. THEODULPH (VALET WILL ICH DIR GEBEN), Meter: 76.76 D by Melchior
Teschner (1615)

El Shaddai (USA)

AMY GRANT:


MICHAEL CARD:


MARANATHA SINGERS:


EDEN'S BRIDGE:


El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
El-Elyon na Adonia,
Age to age You're still the same,
By the power of the name.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
Erkamka na Adonai,
We will praise and lift You high,
El Shaddai.

Through your love and through the ram,
You saved the son of Abraham;
Through the power of your hand,
Turned the sea into dry land.
To the outcast on her knees,
You were the God who really sees,
And by Your might,
You set Your children free.

El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
El-Elyon na Adonia,
Age to age You're still the same,
By the power of the name.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
Erkamka na Adonai,
We will praise and lift You high,
El Shaddai.

Through the years You've made it clear,
That the time of Christ was near,
Though the people couldn't see
What Messiah ought to be.
Though Your Word contained the plan,
They just could not understand
Your most awesome work was done
Through the frailty of Your Son.

El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
El-Elyon na Adonai,
Age to age You're still the same,
By the power of the name.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
Erkamka na Adonai,
I will praise and lift You high,
El Shaddai.

El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
El-Elyon na Adonai,
Age to age You're still the same,
By the power of the name.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
Erkamka na Adonai,
I will praise and lift You high,
El Shaddai.

Composers: Michael Card and John Thompson (1982)

Background Information (Wikipedia)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) series.

At the Cross (Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed?)

Alas! and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sov’reign die?
Would He devote that sacred head
For such a worm as I?

Refrain:

At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day!

Thy body slain, sweet Jesus, Thine—
And bathed in its own blood—
While the firm mark of wrath divine,
His soul in anguish stood. (Refrain)

Was it for crimes that I had done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! grace unknown!
And love beyond degree! (Refrain)

Well might the sun in darkness hide
And shut his glories in,
When Christ, the mighty Maker died,
For man the creature’s sin. (Refrain)

Thus might I hide my blushing face
While His dear cross appears,
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
And melt my eyes to tears. (Refrain)

But drops of grief can ne’er repay
The debt of love I owe:
Here, Lord, I give myself away,
’Tis all that I can do. (Refrain)

Words: verses: Isaac Watts (1707), refrain: Ralph E. Hudson (1885)
Music: HUDSON CM + Refrain, Ralph E. Hudson (1885)

Mantos y Palmas

Mantos y palmas esparciendo va
El pueblo alegre de Jerusalén
Y a lo lejos ya se puede ver
En un pollino a Jesús el Rey

Estribillo:

Mientras mil voces resuenan por doquier
Hosanna al que viene en el nombre del Señor
Con un estruendo de gran exclamación
Prorrumpen con voz triunfal
Hosanna, hosanna al Rey (2x)

Como en la entrada de Jerusalén
Un día todos vamos a cantar
Cuando regrese Cristo otra vez
Para llevarnos al eterno hogar

Composer: Rubén Ruiz Avila (1972)

I Will Arise and Go To Jesus (Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy)

Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus ready stands to save you,
Full of pity, love and power.

Refrain:

I will arise and go to Jesus;
He will embrace me in his arms;
In the arms of my dear Savior,
O there are ten thousand charms

Come. ye thirsty, come and welcome,
God's free bounty glorify
True belief and true repentance,
Every grace that brings You nigh

Come, ye weary, heavy-laden,
Bruised and ruined by the Fall;
If you tarry till you're better,
You will never come at all:

View Him prostrate in the garden,
On the ground your Maker lies!
On the bloody tree behold Him,
Hear Him cry before He dies

Lo, the incarnate God, ascended,
Pleads the merit of His blood:
Venture on Him, venture wholly,
Let no other trust intrude

Words: Joseph Hart (1712-1768)
Music: RESTORATION 8.7.8.7 + Refrain (from the Sacred Harp)

Ride on, King Jesus

Ride on King Jesus
No man can-a-hinder me
Ride on King Jesus
Ride on
No man can-a-hinder me
No man can-a-hinder me

In that great getting up morning
Fair thee well, fair thee well
In that great getting up morning
Fair thee well, fair thee well
Ride on King Jesus
No man can-a-hinder me
Ride on King Jesus
Ride on
No man can-a-hinder me
No man can-a-hinder me

Traditional African American Spiritual

The Kingdom of God (Taizé)

The Kingdom of God is justice and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Come, Lord, and open in us the gates of your kingdom.

See my other blog postings in the "Taizé" series of chants.

Official Taizé Community Website

Wikipedia information on the Taizé Community
- in French
- in English

O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden (Germany)

O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden,
Voll Schmerz und voller Hohn,
O Haupt, zum Spott gebunden
Mit einer Dornenkron',
O Haupt, sonst schön gezieret
Mit höchster Ehr' und Zier,
Jetzt aber höchst schimpfieret:
Gegrüßet sei'st du mir!

Du edles Angesichte,
Davor sonst schrickt und scheut
Das große Weltgewichte,
Wie bist du so bespeit!
Wie bist du so erbleichet!
Wer hat dein Augenlicht,
Dem sonst kein Licht nicht gleichet,
So schändlich zugericht't?

Die Farbe deiner Wangen,
Der roten Lippen Pracht
Ist hin und ganz vergangen;
Des blassen Todes Macht
Hat alles hingenommen,
Hat alles hingerafft,
Und daher bist du kommen
Von deines Leibes Kraft.

Nun, was du, Herr, erduldet,
Ist alles meine Last;
Ich hab' es selbst verschuldet,
Was du getragen hast.
Schau her, hier steh' ich Armer,
Der Zorn verdienet hat;
Gib mir, o mein Erbarmer,
Den Anblick deiner Gnad'!

Erkenne mich, mein Hüter,
Mein Hirte, nimm mich an!
Von dir, Quell aller Güter,
Ist mir viel Gut's getan.
Dein Mund hat mich gelabet
Mit Milch und süßer Kost;
Dein Geist hat mich begabet
Mit mancher Himmelslust.

Ich will hier bei dir stehen,
Verachte mich doch nicht!
Von dir will ich nicht gehen,
Wenn dir dein Herze bricht;
Wenn dein Haupt wird erblassen
Im letzten Todesstoß,
Alsdann will ich dich fassen
In meinen Arm und Schoß.

Es dient zu meinen Freuden
Und kommt mir herzlich wohl,
Wenn ich in deinem Leiden,
Mein Heil, mich finden soll.
Ach, möcht' ich, o mein Leben,
An deinem Kreuze hier
Mein Leben von mir geben,
Wie wohl geschähe mir!

Ich danke dir von Herzen,
O Jesu, liebster Freund,
Für deines Todes Schmerzen,
Da du's so gut gemeint.
Ach gib, daß ich mich halte
Zu dir und deiner Treu'
Und, wenn ich nun erkalte,
In dir mein Ende sei!

Wenn ich einmal soll scheiden,
So scheide nicht von mir;
Wenn ich den Tod soll leiden,
So tritt du dann herfür;
Wenn mir am allerbängsten
Wird um das Herze sein,
So reiß mich aus den Ängsten
Kraft deiner Angst und Pein!

Erscheine mir zum Schilde,
Zum Trost in meinem Tod,
Und lass mich sehn dein Bilde
In deiner Kreuzesnot!
Da will ich nach dir blicken,
Da will ich glaubensvoll
Dich fest an mein Herz drücken.
Wer so stirbt, der stirbt wohl.

Paraphrase of Salve caput cruentatum, attributed to Arnulf of Leuven (circa 1250) (English bio / German bio)

Words: Paul Gerhardt (1656) (German bio / English bio)
Music: Mein G’müt ist mir verwirret, das macht ein Jungfrau zart by Hans Leo Haßler (1601) (English bio / German bio)

Wysławiajcie Pana (Taizé)

Wysławiajcie Pana, O___
Wysławiajcie Pana, O___
Spiewaj Panu cała ziemo,
Alleluja, Alleluja!

See my other blog postings in the "Taizé" series of chants.

Official Taizé Community Website

Wikipedia information on the Taizé Community
- in French
- in English

Only This I Want (Dan Schutte)

Refrain:

Only this I want:
but to know the Lord,
and to bear his cross
so to wear the crown he wore.

All but this is loss,
worthless refuse to me,
for to gain the Lord
is to gain all I need. (Refrain)

I will run the race;
I will fight the good fight,
so to win the prize
of the Kingdom of my Lord. (Refrain)

Let your heart be glad,
always glad in the Lord,
so to shine like stars
in the darkness of the night. (Refrain)

Composer: Dan Schutte (1981)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.

See, I Am Near (Taizé)

See, I am near, says the Lord
See, I make all things new.

See my other blog postings in the "Taizé" series of chants.

Official Taizé Community Website

Wikipedia information on the Taizé Community
- in French
- in English

I Heard The Voice of Jesus Say (England)

I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"Come unto Me and rest;
Lay down, thou weary one, lay down,
Thy head upon My breast."
I came to Jesus as I was,
Weary and worn and sad;
I found in Him a resting-place,
And He has made me glad.

I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"Behold, I freely give
The living water; thirsty one,
Stoop down and drink and live."
I came to Jesus, and I drank
Of that life-giving stream.
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
And now I live in Him.

I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"I am this dark world's Light.
Look unto Me; thy morn shall rise
And all thy day be bright."
I looked to Jesus, and I found
In Him my Star, my Sun;
And in that Light of Life I'll walk
Till traveling days are done.

Words: Horatius Bonar (1808-1899)
Music: KINGSFOLD CMD, Traditional English folk tune harm. Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)

Saint Patrick's Breastplate (Ireland)

Saint Patrick's Breastplate

I bind unto myself today
The strong Name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same
The Three in One and One in Three.

I bind this today to me forever
By power of faith, Christ’s incarnation;
His baptism in Jordan river,
His death on Cross for my salvation;
His bursting from the spicèd tomb,
His riding up the heavenly way,
His coming at the day of doom
I bind unto myself today.

I bind unto myself the power
Of the great love of cherubim;
The sweet ‘Well done’ in judgment hour,
The service of the seraphim,
Confessors’ faith, Apostles’ word,
The Patriarchs’ prayers, the prophets’ scrolls,
All good deeds done unto the Lord
And purity of virgin souls.

I bind unto myself today
The virtues of the star lit heaven,
The glorious sun’s life giving ray,
The whiteness of the moon at even,
The flashing of the lightning free,
The whirling wind’s tempestuous shocks,
The stable earth, the deep salt sea
Around the old eternal rocks.

I bind unto myself today
The power of God to hold and lead,
His eye to watch, His might to stay,
His ear to hearken to my need.
The wisdom of my God to teach,
His hand to guide, His shield to ward;
The word of God to give me speech,
His heavenly host to be my guard.

Against the demon snares of sin,
The vice that gives temptation force,
The natural lusts that war within,
The hostile men that mar my course;
Or few or many, far or nigh,
In every place and in all hours,
Against their fierce hostility
I bind to me these holy powers.

Against all Satan’s spells and wiles,
Against false words of heresy,
Against the knowledge that defiles,
Against the heart’s idolatry,
Against the wizard’s evil craft,
Against the death wound and the burning,
The choking wave, the poisoned shaft,
Protect me, Christ, till Thy returning.

Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

I bind unto myself the Name,
The strong Name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three.
By Whom all nature hath creation,
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word:
Praise to the Lord of my salvation,
Salvation is of Christ the Lord.

Saint Patrick's Breastplate (Wikipedia)

Attributed to Saint Patrick (feast day: March 17)

English Text: Cecil Frances Alexander (1889)

Alleluia 17 (Taizé)

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
See my other blog postings in the "Taizé" series of chants.

Official Taizé Community Website

Wikipedia information on the Taizé Community
- in French
- in English

Keep in Mind That Jesus Christ Has Died For Us

Refrain:

Keep in mind that Jesus Christ has died for us
and is risen from the dead. He is our saving Lord;
he is joy for all ages.

If we die with the Lord, we shall live with the Lord.
If we endure with the Lord, we shall live with the Lord. (Refrain)

In him all our sorrow, in him all our joy.
In him hope of glory, in him all our love. (Refrain)

In him our redemption, in him all our grace.
In him our salvation, in him all our peace. (Refrain)

Paraphrase of 2 Tim 2:8-12

Composer: Lucien Deiss (1921-2007)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.

Cantarei ao Senhor (Taizé)

Cantarei ao Senhor,
enquanto viver;
louvarei o meu Deus enquanto existir.
Nele encontro a minha alegria.
Nele encontro a minha alegria.

See my other blog postings in the "Taizé" series of chants.

Official Taizé Community Website

Wikipedia information on the Taizé Community
- in French
- in English

Ride On, Jesus, Ride

Refrain:

Ride on, Jesus, ride. Ride on, Jesus, ride.
Ride on, Jesus, conquering King. Ride on, Jesus, ride.

King Jesus rides on a milk white horse. Ride on Jesus, ride.
The river Jordan He did cross. Ride on, Jesus, ride.

My Jesus left his throne above. Ride on Jesus, ride.
See his mercy and love. Ride on Jesus, ride.

Traditional African American Spiritual.

Lift High The Cross

Refrain:

Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim,
Till all the world adore His sacred Name.

Led on their way by this triumphant sign,
The hosts of God in conquering ranks combine. (Refrain)

Each newborn servant of the Crucified
Bears on the brow the seal of Him Who died. (Refrain)

O Lord, once lifted on the glorious tree,
As Thou hast promised, draw the world to Thee. (Refrain)

So shall our song of triumph ever be:
Praise to the Crucified for victory. (Refrain)

Paraphrase of 1 Cor 1:18

Words: George W. Kitchin (1827-1912) and Michael R. Newbolt (1874-1956)
Music: CRUCIFER 10.10 + refrain, by Sydney H. Nicholson (1875-1947)

Surrexit Christus (Taizé)

English Verses:

1. All you heavens bless the Lord, Surrexit Christus, Alleluia!
stars of the heavens bless the Lord. Cantate Domino, Alleluia!

2. Sun and moon bless the Lord, Surrexit Christus, Alleluia!
and you night and day bless the Lord. Cantate Domino, Alleluia!

3. Frost and cold bless the Lord, Surrexit Christus, Alleluia!
ice and snow bless the Lord. Cantate Domino, Alleluia!

4. Fire and heat bless the Lord, Surrexit Christus, Alleluia!
and you light and darkness bless the Lord. Cantate Domino, Alleluia!

5. Spirits and souls of the just bless the Lord, Surrexit Christus, Alleluia!
Saints and the humble hearted bless the Lord. Cantate Domino, Alleluia!

6. Give thanks to the Lord for God is good, Surrexit Christus, Alleluia!
For God's love has no end. Cantate Domino, Alleluia!

7. The Lord is my strength, the Lord is my song, Surrexit Christus, Alleluia!
He has been my Saviour, Cantate Domino, Alleluia!

8. I shall not die, I shall live, Surrexit Christus, Alelluia!
I shall live and recount his deeds! Cantate Domino, Alleluia!

See also:

• Chinese (Cantonese) version
• Japanese version

Music: Jacques Berthier (English bio) (French bio)

See my other blog postings in the "Taizé" series of chants.

Official Taizé Community Website

Wikipedia information on the Taizé Community
- in French
- in English

What Wondrous Love Is This (Sacred Harp)

SHAPE NOTE STYLE:






BLUEGRASS STYLE:




CONTEMPORARY STYLE:





What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this
That caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul!

When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down
Beneath God’s righteous frown,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul for my soul,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.

To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb,
Who is the great I AM,
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing,
While millions join the theme, I will sing.

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on.
And when from death I’m free
I’ll sing His love for me,
And through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
And through eternity I’ll sing on.

Background information on Sacred Harp and shape note singing.

Traditional American Folk Hymn

Christus Resurrexit (Taizé)

O___ Christus resurrexit, Christus resurrexit!
O___ Alleluia, Alleluia!

Music: Jacques Berthier (English bio) (French bio)

See my other blog postings in the "Taizé" series of chants.

Official Taizé Community Website

Wikipedia information on the Taizé Community
- in French
- in English

Miserere Mei Deus (Allegri)

LATIN VERSION:














ENGLISH VERSION:

(1963 recording by the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, conducted by Sir David Willcocks, featured the then-treble Roy Goodman in 2 parts).

PART 1:


PART 2:


LATIN:

Miserere mei, Deus: secundum magnam misericordiam tuam.
Et secundum multitudinem miserationum tuarum, dele iniquitatem meam.
Amplius lava me ab iniquitate mea: et a peccato meo munda me.
Quoniam iniquitatem meam ego cognosco: et peccatum meum contra me est semper.
Tibi soli peccavi, et malum coram te feci: ut iustificeris in sermonibus tuis, et vincas cum iudicaris.
Ecce enim in inquitatibus conceptus sum: et in peccatis concepit me mater mea.
Ecce enim veritatem dilexisti: incerta et occulta sapientiae tuae manifestasti mihi.
Asperges me, hyssopo, et mundabor: lavabis me, et super nivem dealbabor.
Auditui meo dabis gaudium et laetitiam: et exsultabunt ossa humiliata.
Averte faciem tuam a peccatis meis: et omnes iniquitates meas dele.
Cor mundum crea in me, Deus: et spiritum rectum innova in visceribus meis.
Ne proiicias me a facie tua: et spiritum sanctum tuum ne auferas a me.
Redde mihi laetitiam salutaris tui: et spiritu principali confirma me.
Docebo iniquos vias tuas: et impii ad te convertentur.
Libera me de sanguinibus, Deus, Deus salutis meae: et exsultabit lingua mea iustitiam tuam.
Domine, labia mea aperies: et os meum annuntiabit laudem tuam.
Quoniam si voluisses sacrificium, dedissem utique: holocaustis non delectaberis.
Sacrificium Deo spiritus contribulatus: cor contritum, et humiliatum, Deus, non despicies.
Benigne fac, Domine, in bona voluntate tua Sion: ut aedificentur muri Ierusalem.
Tunc acceptabis sacrificium iustitiae, oblationes, et holocausta: tunc imponent super altare tuum vitulos.

ENGLISH:
(from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer)

Have mercy upon me, O God, after Thy great goodness: according to the multitude of Thy mercies do away mine offences.
Wash me throughly from my wickedness: and cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my faults: and my sin is ever before me.
Against Thee only have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that Thou mightest be justified in Thy saying, and clear when Thou art judged.
Behold, I was shapen in wickedness: and in sin hath my mother conceived me.
But lo, Thou requirest truth in the inward parts: and shalt make me to understand wisdom secretly.
Thou shalt purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Thou shalt make me hear of joy and gladness: that the bones which Thou hast broken may rejoice.
Turn Thy face from my sins: and put out all my misdeeds.
Make me a clean heart, O God: and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from Thy presence: and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.
O give me the comfort of Thy help again: and stablish me with Thy free Spirit.
Then shall I teach Thy ways unto the wicked: and sinners shall be converted unto Thee.
Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, Thou that art the God of my health: and my tongue shall sing of Thy righteousness.
Thou shalt open my lips, O Lord: and my mouth shall shew Thy praise.
For Thou desirest no sacrifice, else would I give it Thee: but Thou delightest not in burnt-offerings.
The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, shalt Thou not despise.
O be favourable and gracious unto Sion: build Thou the walls of Jerusalem.
Then shalt Thou be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness, with the burnt-offerings and oblations: then shall they offer young bullocks upon Thine altar.

Historical Information (Wikipedia)

Words: Setting of Psalm 51
Music: Gregorio Allegri (1582–1652)

Psallite Deo (Taizé)

See also the English version: This is the Day (Taizé)

Music: Jacques Berthier (English bio) (French bio)

See my other blog postings in the "Taizé" series of chants.

Official Taizé Community Website

Wikipedia information on the Taizé Community
- in French
- in English

Kyrie Eleison / Orbis Factor (from Le Graduel d'Aliénor de Bretagne)

Kyrie Eleison/Orbis Factor

1. Orbis factor rex aeterne, eleison. Kyrie Eleison

2. Pietatis fons immense, eleison. Kyrie Eleison

3. Noxas omnes nostras pelle, eleison. Kyrie Eleison

4. Christe qui lux es mundi dator vitae, eleison. Christe Eleison

5. Arte laesos daemonis intuere, eleison. Christe Eleison

6. Conservans te credentes confirmansque, eleison. Christe Eleison

7. Patrem tuum teque flamen utrorumque, eleison. Kyrie Eleison

8. Deum scimus unum atque trinum esse, eleison. Kyrie Eleison

9. Clemens nobis adsis paraclite ut vivamus in te, eleison. Kyrie Eleison

Source: Graduel d'Aliénor de Bretagne (c. 1250-1260)

Venite, exultemus Domino (Taizé)

Venite, exultemus Domino,
venite, adoremus.
Venite, exultemus Domino,
venite, adoremus.

See my other blog postings in the "Taizé" series of chants.

Official Taizé Community Website

Wikipedia information on the Taizé Community
- in French
- in English

When I Survey The Wondrous Cross

When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of Glory died;
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
save in the death of Christ, my God;
all the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his blood.

See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were an offering far too small;
love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.

Historical Information

Words: Isaac Watts, in Hymns and Spiritual Songs (1707)
Music: ROCKINGHAM LM

Veni Creator Spiritus (Taizé)

Veni Creator Spiritus

Music: Jacques Berthier (English bio) (French bio)

See my other blog postings in the "Taizé" series of chants.

Official Taizé Community Website

Wikipedia information on the Taizé Community
- in French
- in English