Slava vo visnjim Bogu

Slava na visini Bogu!
Zapevajte ljudi.
Danas se Hristos rađa,
u pelene se povija.
Bog naš pravedni
jagnje nezlobivo.
Carevi putujte danas,
Hristu darujte darove.
Pastiri svirajte,
pesmu Bogu zapevajte,
sa Anđelima i sa Arhanđelima.
I vi gore i brežuljci
zapevajte sa nama,
doline i kedri,
sa preslavne gore Livanske,
uzvisite se i veselite se.

Traditional Serbian Carol.

Lord thou hast been our refuge (Vaughan Williams)

Lord, Thou hast been our refuge from one generation to another
Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever the earth and the world were made,
Thou art God from everlasting and world without end.

Thou turnest man to destruction;
again Thou sayest Come again ye children of men
For a thousand years in Thy sight are but as yesterday,
seeing that is past as a watch in the night.

As soon as Thou scatterest them They are even as a sleep
and fade away suddenly like the grass.
In the morning it is green and groweth up,
but in the evening it is cut down, dried up and withered.

For we consume away in Thy displeasure,
and are afraid at Thy wrathful indignation.
For when Thou art angry all our days are gone;
we bring our years to an end as a tale that is told.

The years of our age are three score years and ten,
and though men be so strong that they come to fourscore years,
yet is their strength but labour and sorrow;
so passeth it away and we are gone.

Turn Thee again, O Lord, at the last.
Be gracious unto Thy servants.
O satisfy us with Thy mercy and that soon.
So shall we rejoice and be glad all the days of our life.

Lord, Thou hast been our refuge from one generation to another
Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever the earth and the world were made,
Thou art God from everlasting and world without end.

And the glorious Majesty of the Lord be upon us.
Prosper Thou, O prosper Thou the work of our hands,
O prosper Thou our handy work.

Text: Psalm 90, para. Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
Music: Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)

Ecce Quomodo Moritur

Ecce quomodo moritur
iustus nemo percipit corde:
viri iusti tolluntur et nemo considerat:
a facie iniquitatis sublatus est iustus,
et erit in pace memoria eius:
in pace factus est locus eius et in Sion habitatio eius
et erit in pace memoria eius.

Words: Isaiah 57:1-2
Music: Jacobus Gallus/Jacob Händl (1550-1591)

They Shall Grow Not Old

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Words: Laurence Binyon (1869-1943)
Music: Douglas Guest (1916-1996)

Eternal Father, Strong To Save

Eternal Father, strong to save,
whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep
its own appointed limits keep:
O hear us when we cry to thee
for those in peril on the sea.

O Christ, whose voice the waters heard
and hushed their raging at thy word,
who walkedst on the foaming deep,
and calm amid the storm didst sleep;
O hear us when we cry to thee
for those in peril on the sea.

Most Holy Spirit, who didst brood
upon the chaos dark and rude,
and bid its angry tumult cease,
and give, for wild confusion, peace:
O hear us when we cry to thee
for those in peril on the sea.

O Trinity of love and power,
our brethren shield in danger's hour;
from rock and tempest, fire and foe,
protect them wheresoe'er they go;
thus evermore shall rise to thee
glad hymns of praise from land and sea.

Text: William Whiting (1860), rev. Hymns Ancient and Modern (1861)
Tune: MELITA 88.88.88

O Little One Sweet, O Little One Mild

See also German Original: O Jesulein süß, o Jesulein mild

O little one sweet, O little one mild,
Thy Father's purpose thou hast fulfilled;
Thou cam'st from heav'n to mortal ken,
Equal to be with us poor men,
O little one sweet, O little one mild.

O little one sweet, O little one mild,
With joy thou hast the whole world filled;
Thou camest here from heav'n's domain,
To bring men comfort in their pain,
O little one sweet, O little one mild.

O little one sweet, O little one mild,
In thee Love's beauties are all distilled;
Then light in us thy love's bright flame,
That we may give thee back the same.
O little one sweet, O little one mild.

O little one sweet, O little one mild,
Help us to do as thou hast willed.
Lo, all we have belongs to thee!
Ah, keep us in our fealty!
O little one sweet, O little one mild.

See also German Original: O Jesulein süß, o Jesulein mild

Words: Samuel Scheidt (1650); trans. Percy Dearmer (1928)

O Jesulein süß, o Jesulein mild

See also English version: O Little One Sweet, O Little One Mild

O Jesulein süß, o Jesulein mild!
Deines Vaters Willen hast du erfüllt,
bist kommen aus dem Himmelreich,
uns armen Menschen worden gleich.
O Jesulein süß, o Jesulein mild!

O Jesulein süß, o Jesulein mild!
Deins Vaters Zorn hast du gestillt,
du zahlst für uns all unser Schuld
und bringet uns in deins Vaters Huld.
O Jesulein süß, o Jesulein mild!

O Jesulein süß, o Jesulein mild!
Mit Freuden hast du die Welt erfüllt.
Du kommst herab vons Himmels Saal
Und tröstest und in dem Jammertal.
O Jesulein süß, o Jesulein mild!

O Jesulein süß, o Jesulein mild!
Sei unser Schirm und unser Schild,
wir bitten durch dein Geburt im Stall,
beschütz uns all vor Sündenfall.
O Jesulein süß, o Jesulein mild!

O Jesulein süß, o Jesulein mild!
Du bist der Lieb ein Webenbild.
Zünd an in uns der Liebe Flamm,
dass wir dich lieben allzusamm.
O Jesulein süß, o Jesulein mild!

O Jesulein süß, o Jesulein mild!
Hilf, dass wir tun alls, was du willt,
was unser ist, ist alles dein,
ach lass uns dir befohlen sein.
O Jesulein süß, o Jesulein mild!

See also English version: O Little One Sweet, O Little One Mild

Text: Samuel Scheidt (1650)

Lord, Thy Word Abideth

Lord, thy Word abideth,
and our footsteps guideth;
who its truth believeth
light and joy receiveth.

When our foes are near us,
then thy Word doth cheer us,
Word of consolation,
message of salvation.

When the storms are o'er us,
and dark clouds before us,
then its light directeth,
and our way protecteth.

Who can tell the pleasure,
who recount the treasure,
by thy Word imparted
to the simple-hearted?

Word of mercy, giving
succor to the living;
word of life, supplying
comfort to the dying!

O that we, discerning,
its most holy learning,
Lord, may love and fear thee,
evermore be near thee!

Text: Henry Williams Baker, 1861
Tune: RAVENSHAW, 66.66

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

See also the Polish original: W żłobie leży

Infant holy,
Infant lowly,
for his bed a cattle stall;
oxen lowing,
little knowing,
Christ the Babe is Lord of all.
Swift are winging
angels singing,
noels ringing,
tidings bringing:
Christ the Babe is Lord of all.

Flocks were sleeping,
shepherds keeping
vigil till the morning new
saw the glory,
heard the story,
tidings of a Gospel true.
Thus rejoicing,
free from sorrow,
praises voicing,
greet the morrow:
Christ the Babe was born for you.

See also the Polish original: W żłobie leży

Words: Polish traditional; trans. Edith M. G. Reed, 1925
Music: W Zlobie Lezy (Polish carol)

W żłobie leży (Infant Holy, Infant Lowly)

See also the English version: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

W zlobie lezy ktoz pobiezy
kolêdowaæ Malemu.
Jezusowi, Chrystusowi,
Dzis nam narodzonemu.

Pastuszkowie przybywajcie,
Jemu pieknie przygrywajcie,
Jako Panu naszemu.
Pastuszkowie przybywajcie,
Jemu pieknie przygrywajcie,
Jako Panu naszemu.

My zas sami, z piosneczkami,
Za wami pospieszymy.
A tak tego Malenkiego
Niech wszyscy zobaczymy.
Jak ubogo narodzony,

Placze w stajni polozony
Wiec go dzis ucieszymy.
Jak ubogo narodzony,
Placze w stajni polozony
Wiec go dzis ucieszymy.

See also the English version: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

Traditional Polish Carol

See, Amid the Winter's Snow

See, amid the winter's snow,
Born for us on Earth below,
See, the tender Lamb appears,
Promised from eternal years.

Chorus:

Hail, thou ever blessed morn,
Hail redemption's happy dawn,
Sing through all Jerusalem,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.

Lo, within a manger lies
He who built the starry skies;
He who, throned in height sublime,
Sits among the cherubim. (Chorus)

Say, ye holy shepherds,say,
What your joyful news today;
Wherefore have ye left your sheep
On the lonely mountain steep? (Chorus)

"As we watched at dead of night,
Lo, we saw a wondrous light:
Angels singing 'Peace On Earth'
Told us of the Saviour's birth." (Chorus)

Sacred Infant, all divine,
What a tender love was Thine,
Thus to come from highest bliss
Down to such a world as this. (Chorus)

Teach, O teach us, Holy Child,
By Thy face so meek and mild,
Teach us to resemble Thee,
In Thy sweet humility. (Chorus)

Words: Edward Caswall (1814-1878)
Music: John Goss (1800-1880)

While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night

While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
all seated on the ground,
the angel of the Lord came down,
and glory shone around.

"Fear not," said he, for mighty dread
had seized their troubled mind;
"Glad tidings of great joy I bring
to you and all mankind.

"To you, in David's town, this day
is born of David's line
a Savior, who is Christ the Lord;
and this shall be the sign:

"The heavenly Babe you there shall find
to human view displayed,
all meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
and in a manger laid."

Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith
appeared a shining throng
of angels praising God, who thus
addressed their joyful song:

"All glory be to God on high
and on earth be peace;
good will henceforth from heaven to me
begin and never cease."

Words: Nahum Tate (1700)
Tune: WINCHESTER OLD (Este's Whole Book of Psalmes, arranged William Henry Monk, 1823-1889)

Meter: CM

Just a Closer Walk with Thee

I am weak, but Thou art strong;
Jesus, keep me from all wrong;
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

Refrain

Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

Through this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee. (Refrain)

When my feeble life is o’er,
Time for me will be no more;
Guide me gently, safely o’er
To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore. (Refrain)

Traditional Gospel Spiritual

Puer natus in Bethlehem (Scheidt)

See also English version: A Child is born in Bethlehem

1. Puer natus in Bethlehem, Alleluia.
Unde gaudet Jerusalem. Alleluia.

2. Hic jacet in præsepio, Alleluia.
Qui regnat sine termino. Alleluia.

3. Cognovit bos et asinus, Alleluia.
Quod puer erat Dominus. Alleluia.

4. Reges de Sabâ veniunt, Alleluia.
Aurum, thus, myrrhum offerunt. Alleluia.

5. Intrantes domum invicem, Alleluia.
Novum salutant principem. Alleluia.

6. De matre natus virgine, Alleluia.
Sine virili semine; Alleluia.

7. Sine serpentis vulnere, Alleluia.
De nostro venit sanguine; Alleluia.

8. In carne nobis similis, Alleluia.
Peccato sed dissimilis; Alleluia.

9. Ut redderet nos homines, Alleluia.
Deo et sibi similes. Alleluia.

10. In hoc natali gaudio, Alleluia.
Benedicamus Domino: Alleluia.

11. Laudetur sancta Trinitas, Alleluia.
Deo dicamus gratias. Alleluia.

See also English version: A Child is born in Bethlehem

Words: Piae Cantiones (1582)
Music: Samuel Scheidt

A child is born in Bethlehem (Scheidt)

See also Latin original: Puer natus in Bethlehem

A child is born in Bethlehem,
Alleluia, alleluia,
And joy is in Jerusalem,
Alleluia, alleluia.

Rejoice, rejoice, sing high, sing low,
Alleluia, alleluia,
Benedicamus Domino,
Alleluia, alleluia.

To Thee, O Lord, be glory paid,
Alleluia, alleluia,
Thou Son of Mary, mother-maid,
Alleluia, alleluia.

To Holy Trinity give praise,
Alleluia, alleluia,
With Deo gracias always,
Alleluia, alleluia.

See also Latin original: Puer natus in Bethlehem

Words: XIV Century Benedictine Processional
Translation: G.R. Woodward and others
Music: Samuel Scheidt

A Maiden Most Gentle

A maiden most gentle and tender we sing
Of Mary the mother of Jesus our King
Ave, Ave, Ave Maria.

How blest is the birth of her heavenly child
Who came to redeem us in Mary so mild
Ave, Ave, Ave Maria.

The archangel Gabriel foretold by his call
The Lord of creation and Saviour of all
Ave, Ave, Ave Maria.

Three kings came to worship with gifts rich and rare
And marveled in awe at the babe in her care
Ave, Ave, Ave Maria.

Rejoice and be glad at this Christmas we pray
Sing praise to the Savior sing end-lessly
Ave, Ave, Ave Maria.
Ave, Ave, Ave, Ave Maria.

Text: Andrew Carter

Jesu, Lover of My Soul

Jesu, Lover of my soul,
let me to thy bosom fly,
while the nearer waters roll,
while the tempest still is high:
hide me, O my Savior, hide,
till the storm of life be past;
safe into the haven guide,
O receive my soul at last.

Other refuge have I none,
hangs my helpless soul on thee;
leave, ah! leave me not alone,
still support and comfort me!
All my trust on thee is stayed;
all my help from thee I bring;
cover my defenseless head
with the shadow of thy wing.

Thou, O Christ, art all I want;
mor than all in thee I find;
raise the fallen, cheer the faint,
heal the sick, and lead the blind.
Just and holy is thy Name;
I am all unrighteousness;
false and full of sin I am;
thou art full of truth and grace.

Plenteous grace with thee is found,
grace to cover all my sin;
let the healing streams abound,
make and keep me pure within.
Thou of life the fountain art,
freely let me take of thee:
spring thou up within my heart,
rise to all eternity.

Text: Charles Wesley (1740)
TUNE: ABERYSTWYTH, 77.77.77.77

Spem in alium (Tallis)

Spem in alium nunquam habui praeter in te
Deus Israel
qui irasceris
et propitius eris
et omnia peccata hominum in tribulatione dimittis
Domine Deus
Creator coeli et terrae
respice humilitatem nostram

Translation:

I have never put my hope in any other but in You,
O God of Israel
who can show both anger
and graciousness,
and who absolves all the sins of suffering man
Lord God,
Creator of Heaven and Earth
be mindful of our lowliness

Background information (Wikipedia)

Text: Matins Response (Sarum Rite), adapted from the book of Judith
Music: Thomas Tallis

When rooks fly homeward

When rooks fly homeward
And shadows fall,
When roses fold
On the hay-yard wall,
"When blind moths flutter
By door and tree,
Then comes the quiet
Of Christ to me.

When stars look out
On the Children's Path,
And grey mists gather
On earn and rath,
When night is one
With the brooding sea,
Then comes the quiet
Of Christ to me.

Words: Joseph Campbell
Music: Arthur Baynon

O Lux Beata Trinitas (Mozarabic Chant)

O lux beata trinitas
et principalis unitas
iam sol recedit igneus,
infunde lumen cordibus.

Te mane laudum carmine
te deprecemur vespere
te nostra suplex gloria
per cuncta laudet secula.

Deo Patri sit gloria
eiusque soli Filio
cum Spiritu Paraclito
et nunc et in perpetuum.

Mozarabic Chant, Francisco Ximénes de Cisneros

Who Are These Like Stars Appearing

Who are these like stars appearing,
these, before God's throne who stand?
Each a golden crown is wearing;
who are all this glorious band?
Alleluia! Hark, they sing,
praising loud their heavenly King.

Who are these of dazzling brightness,
clothed in God's own righteousness?
These, whose robes of purest whiteness,
shall their luster still possess,
still untouched by time's rude hand?
Whence came all this glorious band?

These are they who have contended
for their Savior's honor long,
wrestling on till life was ended,
following not the sinful throng;
these who well the fight sustained,
triumph through the Lamb have gained.

These are they whose hearts were riven,
sore with woe and anguish tried,
who in prayer full oft have striven
with the God they glorified;
now, their painful conflict o'er,
God has bid them weep no more.

These, the Almighty contemplating,
did as priests before him stand,
soul and body always waiting
day and night at his command:
now in God's most holy place
blest they stand before his face.

Words: Heinrich Theobald Schenk, 1719; trans. Frences Elizabeth Cox, 1841, rev. 1864
Tune: ZEUCH MICH 87.87.77

O quanta, qualia sunt illa sabbata

O quanta, qualia sunt illa sabbata
Quae semper celebrat superna curia.
Quae fessis requies, quae merces fortibus,
Cum erit omnia Deus in omnibus.

Vere Ierusalem est illa civitas,
Cuius pax iugis est, summa iucunditas,
Ubi non praevenit rem desiderium,
Nec desiderio minus est praemium.

Quis rex, quae curia, quale palatium,
Quae pax, quae requies, quod illud gaudium,
Huius participes exponant gloriam,
Si quantum sentiunt, possint exprimere.

Nostrum est interim mentem erigere
Et totis patriam votis appetere,
Et ad Ierusalem a Babylonia
Post longa regredi tandem exilia.

Illic molestiis finitis omnibus
Securi cantica Sion cantibimus,
Et iuges gratias de donis gratiae
Beata referet plebs tibi, Domine.

Illic ex sabbato succedet sabbatum,
Perpes laetitia sabbatizantium,
Nec ineffabiles cessabunt iubili,
Quos decantabimus et nos et angeli.

Perenni Domino perpes sit gloria,
Ex quo sunt, per quem sunt, in quo sunt omnia;
Ex quo sunt, Pater est; per quem sunt, Filius;
In quo sunt, Patris et Filii Spiritus.

Text: Peter Abelard (1079-1142)

Saviour, Again To Thy Dear Name We Raise

Saviour, again to thy dear name we raise
with one accord our parting hymn of praise;
we stand to bless thee ere our worship cease;
then, lowly kneeling, wait thy word of peace.

Grant us thy peace upon our homeward way;
with thee began, with thee shall end the day.
guard thou the lips from sin, the hearts from shame,
that in this house have called upon thy Name.

Grant us thy peace, Lord, through the coming night;
turn thou for us its darkness into light;
from harm and danger keep thy children free,
for dark and light are both alike to thee.

Grant us thy peace throughout our earthly life;
peace to thy church from error and from strife;
peace to our land, the fruit of truth and love;
peace in each heart, thy Spirit from above.

Thy peace in life, the balm of every pain;
thy peace in death, the hope to rise again;
then, when thy voice shall bid our conflict cease,
call us, O Lord, to thine eternal peace.

Text: John Ellerton (1866)
Tune: ELLERS 10.10.10.10

Tui amoris ignem (Taizé)

See also: Chinese 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

Lord of Beauty, Thine the Splendour

Lord of beauty, thine the splendour
shown in earth and sky and sea,
burning sun and moonlight tender,
hill and river, flower and tree:
lest we fail our praise to render
touch our eyes that they may see.

Lord of wisdom, whom obeying
mighty waters ebb and flow,
while unhasting, undelaying,
planets on their courses go:
in thy laws thyself displaying,
teach our minds thyself to know.

Lord of life, alone sustaining
all below and all above,
Lord of love, by whose ordaining
sun and stars sublimely move:
in our earthly spirits reigning,
lift our hearts that we may love.

Lord of beauty, bid us own thee,
Lord of truth, our footsteps guide,
till as Love our hearts enthrone thee,
and, with vision purified,
Lord of all, when all have known thee,
thou in all art glorified.

Text: Cyril A. Alington (1983)
Tune: REGENT SQUARE 87.87.87

Sweet Little Jesus Boy

Sweet little Jesus Boy —
They made you be born in a manger.
Sweet little Holy Child —
Didn't know who you was.
Didn't know you'd come to save us, Lord;
To take our sins away.
Our eyes was blind, we couldn't see,
We didn't know who you was.

Long time ago, you was born,
Born in a manger low,
Sweet little Jesus Boy.
The world treat you mean, Lord,
Treat me mean too,
But that's how things is down here —
We don't know who you is.

You done told us how, we is a tryin'!
Master, you done show'd us how,
even when you was dyin'.
Just seem like we can't do right,
Look how we treated you.
But please, sir, forgive us, Lord —
We didn't know 'twas you.

Sweet little Jesus Boy, born long time ago.
Sweet little Holy Child,
And we didn't know who you was.

Composer: Robert MacGimsey (1934)

Father of heaven, whose love profound

Father of heaven, whose love profound
a ransom for our souls hath found,
before thy throne we sinners bend;
to us thy pardoning love extend.

Almighty Son, Incarnate Word,
our Prophet, Priest, Redeemer, Lord,
before thy throne we sinners bend;
to us thy saving grace extend.

Eternal Spirit, by whose breath
the soul is raised from sin and death,
Before thy throne we sinners bend;
to us thy quickening power extend.

Jehovah - Father, Spirit, Son -
mysterious Godhead, Three in One,
before thy throne we sinners bend;
grace, pardon, life to us extend.

Text: Edward Cooper, 1805
Tune: RIVAULX LM

As pants the hart for cooling streams

As pants the hart for cooling streams
when heated in the chase,
so longs my soul, O God, for thee
and thy refreshing grace.

For thee, my God, the living God,
my thirsty soul doth pine:
O when shall I behold thy face,
thou Majesty divine?

Why restless, why cast down, my soul?
Hope still, and thou shalt sing
the praise of him who is thy God,
thy health's eternal spring.

To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
the God whom we adore,
be glory, as it was, is now,
and shall be evermore.

Paraphrase of Psalm 42

Text: New Version of the Psalms of David, 1696
Tune: MARTYRDOM CM

Rejoice in the Lord Alway

Rejoice in the Lord alway,
and again I say, rejoice.
Let your softness be known unto all men,
the Lord is e'en at hand.
Be careful for nothing:
but in all prayer and supplication,
let you petitions be manifest unto God
with giving of thanks.
And the peace of God,
which passeth all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds
through Christ Jesu. Amen.

Paraphrase of Philippians 4:4-7
Music: Anon.

Jerusalem The Golden (EWING / THAXTED)

TUNE I: EWING






TUNE II: THAXTED










Jerusalem the golden,
with milk and honey blest,
beneath thy contemplation
sink heart and voice oppressed:
I know not, oh, I know not,
what joys await us there;
what radiancy of glory,
what bliss beyond compare!

They stand, those halls of Zion,
all jubilant with song,
and bright with many an angel,
and all the martyr throng:
the Prince is ever in them,
the daylight is serene;
the pastures of the blessèd
are decked in glorious sheen.

There is the throne of David;
and there, from care released,
the shout of them that triumph,
the song of them that feast;
and they who with their Leader
have conquered in the fight,
for ever and for ever
are clad in robes of white.

Oh, sweet and blessèd country,
the home of God's elect!
Oh, sweet and blessèd country,
that eager hearts expect!
Jesus, in mercy bring us
to that dear land of rest,
who art, with God the Father,
and the Spirit, ever blest.

Text: Bernard of Cluny (1145), trans. John Mason Neale (1851, 1859)
Tune: (i) EWING 76.76D, (ii) THAXTED 76.76D

There Is Nothing Told (Christopher Willcock)

1. There is nothing told about this woman,
but that she had once become engaged,
and an angel addressed her and said:
"You are blessed among all your kind."

Refrain:

On this day all earth and all paradise
join in naming you happy and blessed;
Virgin Mary, blessed are you.

2. There is nothing told about this woman,
but that she had brought into the world,
in the land of Judea, her;
for some shepherds have passed on this tale. (Refrain)

3. There is nothing told about this woman,
but that she had searched for three long days
for her child who was busy elsewhere,
and her heart then did not understand. (Refrain)

4. There is nothing told about this woman,
but that she at Cana was a guest,
and that Jesus changed water to wine,
so that all might believe who he was. (Refrain)

5. There is nothing told about this woman,
but that she was standing by the cross
when her son stretched his arms out on high,
and met death with a thief on each side. (Refrain)

6. There is nothing told about this woman,
but that she was one in prayer with those
upon whom tongues of fire did descend,
and Spirit baptized them with flame. (Refrain)

Composer: Christopher Willcock (b. 1947)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.

Father Welcomes All His Children

Refrain:

Father welcomes all his children
to his family through his Son.
Father giving his salvation,
life forever has been won.

1. Little children, come to me,
for my kingdom is of these;
life and love I have to give,
mercy for your sin. (Refrain)

2. In the water, in the word,
in his promise be assured:
those who are baptised and believe
shall be born again. (Refrain)

3. Let us daily die to sin,
let us daily rise with him —
walk in the love of Christ our Lord,
live in the peace of God. (Refrain)

Composer: Robin Mann (b. 1949)

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

Angel Voices, Ever Singing

Angel voices, ever singing,
round thy throne of light,
angel harps, for ever ringing,
rest not day or night;
Thousands only live to bless Thee,
and confess Thee
Lord of might.

Thou who art beyond the farthest
mortal eye can scan,
can it be that thou regardest
songs of sinful man?
Can we know that thou art near us
and wilt hear us?
Yea, we can.

Yea, we know that thou rejoicest
o'er each work of thine;
thou didst ears and hands and voices
for thy praise design;
craftsman's art and music's measure
for thy pleasure
all combine.

In thy house, great God, we offer
of thine own to thee;
and for thine acceptance proffer,
all unworthily,
hearts and minds and hands and voices,
in our choicest
psalmody.

Honor, glory, might and merit,
thine shall ever be,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
blessed Trinity!
Of the best that thou hast given
earth and heaven
render thee.

Text: Francis Pott (1866)
Tune: ANGEL VOICES (Monk) 85.85.843

Lord Let Me Know Mine End

Lord, let me know mine end and the number of my days,
That I may be certified how long I have to live.
Thou hast made my days as it were a span long;
And mine age is as nothing in respect of Thee,
And verily, ev'ry man living is altogether vanity,
For man walketh in a vain shadow
And disquieteth himself in vain,
He heapeth up riches and cannot tell who shall gather them.
And now, Lord, what is my hope?
Truly my hope is even in Thee.
Deliver me from all mine offences
And make me not a rebuke to the foolish.
I became dumb and opened not my mouth
For it was Thy doing.
Take Thy plague away from me,
I am even consumed by means of Thy heavy hand.
When Thou with rebukes does chasten man for sin
Thou makest his beauty to consume away
Like as it were a moth fretting a garment;
Ev'ry man therefore is but vanity.
Hear my pray'r, O Lord
And with Thy ears consider my calling,
Hold not Thy peace at my tears!
For I am a stranger with Thee and a sojourner
As all my fathers were.
O spare me a little, that I may recover my strength before I go hence
And be no more seen.

Paraphrase of Psalm 39

No. 6 from Songs of Farewell

Composer: Charles Hubert Hastings Parry (1848-1918)

O Praise Ye The Lord

O praise ye the Lord!
Praise him in the height;
rejoice in his word,
ye angels of light;
ye heavens, adore him
by whom ye were made,
and worship before him,
in brightness arrayed.

O praise ye the Lord!
Praise him upon earth,
in tuneful accord,
ye sons of new birth;
praise him who hath brought you
his grace from above,
praise him who hath taught you
to sing of his love.

O praise ye the Lord!
All things that give sound;
each jubilant chord
reecho around;
loud organs, his glory
forth tell in deep tone,
and sweet harp, the story
of what he hath done.
O praise ye the Lord!
Thanksgiving and song
to him be outpoured
all ages along!
For love in creation,
for heaven restored,
for grace of salvation,
O praise ye the Lord!

Text: Henry Williams Baker (1875)
Tune: LAUDATE DOMINUM 55.55.65.65 (Hubert Parry)

Take Him, Earth, For Cherishing

Take him, earth, for cherishing
To thy tender breast receive him.
Body of a man I bring thee,
Noble even in its ruin.

Once was this a spirit's dwelling,
By the breath of God created.
High the heart that here was beating,
Christ the prince of all its living.

Guard him well, the dead I give thee,
Not unmindful of his creature
Shall He ask it: He who made it
Symbol of His mystery.

Comes the hour God hath appointed
To fulfill the hope of men,
Then must thou, in very fashion,
What I give, return again.

Body of a man I bring thee.
Not though ancient time decaying
Wear away these bones to sand,
Ashes that a man might treasure
In the hollow of his hand:

Not though wandering winds and idle winds,
Drifting through the empty sky,
Scatter dust was nerve and sinew,
Is it given to man to die.

Once again the shining road
Leads to ample Paradise;
Open are the woods again,
That the Serpent lost for men.

Take, O take him, mighty Leader,
Take again thy servant's soul.
Grave his name, and pour the fragrant
Balm upon the icy stone.
Take him, Earth, for cherishing,
To they tender breast receive him.
Body of a man I bring thee,
Noble in its ruin.

By the breath of God created.
Christ the prince of all its living.

Take him earth, for cherishing.

Composer: Herbert Howells (1892-1983)

Ye That Know The Lord Is Gracious

TUNE I: BLAENWERN


TUNE II: HYFRYDOL


Ye that know the Lord is gracious,
ye for whom a cornerstone
stands, of God elect and precious,
laid that ye may build thereon,
see that on that sure foundation
ye a living temple raise,
towers that may tell forth salvation,
walls that may re-echo praise.

Living stones, by God appointed
each to his allotted place,
kings and priests, by God anointed,
shall ye not declare his grace?
Ye, a royal generation,
tell the tidings of your birth,
tidings of a new creation
to an old and weary earth.

Tell the praise of him who called you
out of darkness into light,
broke the fetters that enthralled you,
gave you freedom, peace and sight:
tell the tale of sins forgiven,
strength renewed and hope restored,
till the earth, in tune with heaven,
praise and magnify the Lord.

Words: Cyril A. Alington (1872-1955)
Tune: BLAENWERN or HYFRYDOL 87.87D

Notre âme attend le Seigneur (Taizé)

See also the English version: Our soul is waiting (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

Jubilate Coeli (Taizé)

See also the English version: Heavens sing with gladness (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

Sit nomen Domini (Taizé)

Sit nomen Domini,
sit benedictum.
Nunc et in saecula benedictum.

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 For A World

1. O for a world where everyone
Respects each other's ways,
Where love is lived and all is done
With justice and with praise.

2. O for a world where goods are shared
And misery relieved,
Where truth is spoken, children spared,
Equality achieved.

3. We welcome one world family
And struggle with each choice
That opens us to unity
And gives our vision voice.

4. The poor are rich, the weak are strong,
The foolish ones are wise.
Tell all who mourn; outcasts belong,
Who perishes will rise.

5. O for a world preparing for
God's glorious reign of peace,
Where time and tears will be no more,
And all but love will cease.

Text: Miriam Therese Winter (1987)
Tune: AZMON CM

Guide me, O thou great redeemer (CWM RHONDDA)

Guide me, O thou great redeemer,
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but thou art mighty,
Hold me with thy powerful hand;
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven
Feed me till I want no more;
Feed me till I want no more.

Open now the crystal fountain
Whence the healing stream doth flow;
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through:
Strong deliverer, strong deliverer;
Be thou still my strength and shield;
Be thou still my strength and shield.

When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Death of death, and hell's destruction
Land me safe on Canaan's side:
Songs of praises, songs of praises,
I will ever give to thee;
I will ever give to thee.

Text: Arglwydd, arwain trwy’r anialwch, by William Williams (1745), tr. Peter Williams (1771)
Tune: CWM RHONDDA, 87.87.87, by John Hughes (1907)

Salvator Mundi (Tallis)

Salvator mundi, salva nos;
qui per crucem et sanguinem redemisti nos,
auxiliare nobis, te deprecamur, Deus noster.

Composer: Thomas Tallis (1505-1585)

All for Jesus

All for Jesus, all for Jesus,
this our song shall ever be;
for we have no hope, nor Savior,
if we have not hope in thee.

All for Jesus, thou wilt give us
strength to serve thee, hour by hour,
none can move us from thy presence,
while we trust thy love and power.

All for Jesus, at thine altar
thou wilt give us sweet content;
there, dear Lord, we shall receive thee
in the solemn sacrament.

All for Jesus, thou hast loved us;
all for Jesus, thou hast died;
all for Jesus, thou art with us;
all for Jesus crucified.

All for Jesus, all for Jesus,
this the Church's song must be;
till, at last, her sons are gathered
one in love and one in thee.

Text: W. J. Sparrow Simpson (1887)
Tune: ALL FOR JESUS 87.87

Lead, Kindly Light (Tune: SANDON)

Lead, kindly Light, amid th'encircling gloom,
lead thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home;
lead thou me on!
Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see
the distant scene; one step enough for me.

I was not ever thus, nor prayed that thou
shouldst lead me on;
I loved to choose and see my path; but now
lead thou me on!
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
pride ruled my will: remember not past years!

So long thy power hath blessed me, sure it still
will lead me on.
O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till
the night is gone,
And with the morn those angel faces smile,
which I have loved long since, and lost awhile!

Text: John Henry Newman (1833)
Tune: SANDON 10.410.4.10.10

Father, Hear the Prayer We Offer

Father, hear the prayer we offer:
not for ease that prayer shall be,
but for strength, that we may ever
live our lives courageously.

Not for ever in green pastures
do we ask our way to be ;
but the steep and rugged pathway
may we tread rejoicingly.

Not forever by still waters
would we idly rest and stay;
but would smite the living fountains
from the rocks along our way.

Be our strength in hours of weakness,
in our wanderings be our Guide;
through endeavor, failure, danger,
Savior, be thou at our side.

Text: Love Maria Willis (1864)
Tune: SUSSEX 87.87

Gwaed y Groes syn codi i fyny (Tune: Bryn Calfaria)

Gwaed y Groes syn codi i fyny
Reiddil yn goncwerwr mawr
Gwaed dy roes sydd yn darostwng
Cewri cedyrn fyrdd i lawr

Gad im deimlo,
Gad im deimlo,
Gad im deimlo
Awel O Galfaria fryn
Awel O Galfaria fryn

Cymer, Iesu, fi fel rydwyf
Fyth ni allaf fod yn well
Dallu di am gwna yn agos,
Fewyllys i yw mynd ymhel

Yn dy glwyfau, yn dy glwyfau, yn dy glwyfau,
Byddain unig fyth yn iach
Byddain unig fyth yn iach

Ymddiried af yn dy allu
Mawr ywr gwaith a wnest erioed;
Ti gest angeu,
Ti gest uffern,
Ti gest Satan dan dy droed

Pen Calfar-ia,
Pen Calfar-ia,
Pen Calfar-ia,
Nac aed hwnw byth om cof
Nac aed hwnw byth om cof


Calvary's blood the weak exalteth
More than conquerors to be,
Calvary's blood the strong abaseth
Myriad hosts to bow to Thee.

O Revive me, O Revive me, O Revive me
With a breeze from Calvary
With a breeze from Calvary

Take me as I am, O Saviour
Better I can never be
Thou alone canst bring me nearer
Self but draws me far from thee

I can never, I can never, I can never
But within Thy wounds be saved.
But within Thy wounds be saved.

Wearied of the desert journey
Which through pain and peril goes
I have failed, alone, to conquer
E'en the meanest of my foes.

But the strongest, But the strongest, But the strongest,
Flies, before Thy glorious Name
Flies, before Thy glorious Name

I will thrust Thy might unmeasured
Great the work that marks Thy way;
Thou hast death, and Thou hast Satan,
Thou hast hell beneath Thy sway;

Hill of Calv'ry! Hill of Calv'ry! Hill of Calv'ry!
I shall praise for evermore.
I shall praise for evermore.
I shall praise for evermore.

Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendour

TUNE I: BRYN CALFARI


TUNE II: ST. HELEN


Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendour,
first-begotten from the dead.
Thou alone, our strong defender,
liftest up thy people's head.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Jesus, true and living bread!
Jesus, true and living bread!

Here our humblest homage pay we,
here in loving reverence bow;
here for faith's discernment pray we,
lest we fail to know thee now.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou art here, we ask not how.
Thou art here, we ask not how.

Though the lowliest form doth veil thee
as of old in Bethlehem,
here as there thine angels hail thee,
branch and flower of Jesse's stem.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
We in worship join with them.
We in worship join with them.

Paschal Lamb, thine offering, finished
once for all when thou was slain,
in its fullness undiminished
shall for evermore remain.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Cleansing souls from every stain.
Cleansing souls from every stain.

Life-imparting heavenly Manna,
stricken Rock with streaming side,
heaven and earth with loud hosanna
worship thee, the Lamb who died.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Risen, ascended, glorified!
Risen, ascended, glorified!

Text: George Hugh Bourne (1874)
Tune: BRYN CALFARIA or ST. HELEN 87.87.444.77

Firmly I Believe And Truly

Firmly I believe and truly
God is Three, and God is One;
and I next acknowledge duly
manhood taken by the Son.

And I trust and hope most fully
in that Manhood crucified;
and each thought and deed unruly
do to death, as he has died.

Simply to his grace and wholly
light and life and strength belong,
and I love supremely, solely,
him the holy, him the strong.
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
And I hold in veneration,
for the love of him alone,
holy Church as his creation,
and her teachings are his own.

Adoration aye be given,
with and through the angelic host,
to the God of earth and heaven,
Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Text: John Henry Newman (1865)
Tune: SHIPSTON 87.87

We Walk By Faith (Tune: SHANTI / Marty Haugen)

We walk by faith, and not by sight;
no gracious words we hear from him
who spoke as none e'er spoke;
but we believe him near.

We may not touch his hands and side,
nor follow where he trod;
but in his promise we rejoice;
and cry, "My Lord and God!"

Help then, O Lord, our unbelief;
and may our faith abound,
to call on you when you are near,
and seek where you are found:

that, when our life of faith is done,
in realms of clearer light
we may behold you as you are,
with full and endless sight.

Text: Henry Alford (1810-1871)
Tune: SHANTI, CM, by Marty Haugen

Thy Hand, O God, Has Guided

Thy hand, O God, has guided
thy flock, from age to age;
their wondrous tale is written,
full clear, on every page;
thy people owned thy goodness,
and we their deeds record;
and both of this bear witness;
one Church, one Faith, one Lord.

Thy heralds brought glad tidings
to greatest as to least;
they bade men rise, and hasten
to share the great King's feast;
and this was all their teaching,
in every deed and word,
to all alike proclaiming
one Church, one Faith, one Lord.

When shadows thick were falling,
and all seemed sunk in night,
thou, Lord, didst send thy servants,
thy chosen sons of light.
On them and on thy people
thy plenteous grace was poured,
and this was still their message,
one Church, one Faith, one Lord.

Through many a day of darkness,
through many a scene of strife,
the faithful few fought bravely,
to guard the nation's life.
Their gospel of redemption,
sin pardoned, man restored,
was all in this enfolded:
one Church, one Faith, one Lord.

And we, shall we be faithless?
shall hearts fail, hands hang down?
shall we evade the conflict,
and cast away our crown?
Not so: in God's deep counsels
some better thing is stored;
we will maintain, unflinching,
one Church, one Faith, one Lord.

Thy mercy will not fail us,
nor leave thy work undone;
with thy right hand to help us,
thy victory shall be won;
and then, by all creation,
thy name shall be adored,
and this shall be their anthem:
one Church, one Faith, one Lord.

Words: Edward Hayes Plumptre (1889)
Tune: THORNBURY 76.76D

At the Name of Jesus

At the Name of Jesus
every knee shall bow,
every tongue confess him
King of glory now;
'tis the Father's pleasure
we should call him Lord,
who from the beginning
was the mighty Word.

At his voice creation
sprang at once to sight,
all the angel faces,
all the hosts of light,
Thrones and Dominations,
stars upon their way,
all the heavenly orders,
in their great array.

Humbled for a season,
to receive a Name
from the lips of sinners,
unto whom he came,
faithfully he bore it
spotless to the last,
brought it back victorious,
when from death he passed;

Bore it up triumphant,
with its human light,
through all ranks of creatures,
to the central height,
to the throne of Godhead,
to the Father's breast;
filled it with the glory
of that perfect rest.

Name him, brothers, name him,
with love as strong as death,
but with awe and wonder
and with bated breath;
he is God the Savior,
he is Christ the Lord,
ever to be worshiped,
trusted, and adored.

In your hearts enthrone him;
there let him subdue
all that is not holy,
all that is not true;
crown him as your Captain
in temptation's hour;
let his will enfold you
in its light and power.

Brothers, this Lord Jesus
shall return again,
with his Father's glory
with his angel train;
for all wreaths of empire
meet upon his brow,
and our hearts confess him
King of glory now.

Text: Caroline M. Noel (1870)
Tune: KING'S WESTON 65.65 D

O Thou Who Camest From Above

O thou who camest from above
the fire celestial to impart,
kindle a flame of sacred love
on the mean altar of my heart.

There let it for thy glory burn
with inextinguishable blaze,
and trembling to its source return
in humble prayer and fervent praise.

Jesus, confirm my heart's desire
to work and speak and think for thee;
still let me guard the holy fire
and still stir up the gift in me.

Still let me prove thy perfect will,
my acts of faith and love repeat,
till death thy endless mercies seal,
and make the sacrifice complete.

Text: Charles Wesley (1762)
Tune: HEREFORD, LM, by Samuel Sebastian Wesley

Te Deum in G (Ralph Vaughan Williams)

We praise thee, O God :
we acknowledge thee to be the Lord.
All the earth doth worship thee :
the Father everlasting.
To thee all Angels cry aloud :
the Heavens, and all the Powers therein.
To thee Cherubim and Seraphim :
continually do cry,
Holy, Holy, Holy :
Lord God of Sabaoth;
Heaven and earth are full of the Majesty :
of thy glory.
The glorious company of the Apostles : praise thee.
The goodly fellowship of the Prophets : praise thee.
The noble army of Martyrs : praise thee.
The holy Church throughout all the world :
doth acknowledge thee;
The Father : of an infinite Majesty;
Thine honourable, true : and only Son;
Also the Holy Ghost : the Comforter.
Thou art the King of Glory : O Christ.
Thou art the everlasting Son : of the Father.
When thou tookest upon thee to deliver man :
thou didst not abhor the Virgin's womb.
When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death :
thou didst open the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers.
Thou sittest at the right hand of God : in the glory of the Father.
We believe that thou shalt come : to be our Judge.
We therefore pray thee, help thy servants :
whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood.
Make them to be numbered with thy Saints : in glory everlasting.

O Lord, save thy people :
and bless thine heritage.
Govern them : and lift them up for ever.
Day by day : we magnify thee;
And we worship thy Name : ever world without end.
Vouchsafe, O Lord : to keep us this day without sin.
O Lord, have mercy upon us : have mercy upon us.
O Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us :
as our trust is in thee.
O Lord, in thee have I trusted :
let me never be confounded.

Musical Setting: Ralph Vaughan Williams

Te Deum (Collegium Regale) [Herbert Howells]

We praise thee, O God :
we acknowledge thee to be the Lord.
All the earth doth worship thee :
the Father everlasting.
To thee all Angels cry aloud :
the Heavens, and all the Powers therein.
To thee Cherubim and Seraphim :
continually do cry,
Holy, Holy, Holy :
Lord God of Sabaoth;
Heaven and earth are full of the Majesty :
of thy glory.
The glorious company of the Apostles : praise thee.
The goodly fellowship of the Prophets : praise thee.
The noble army of Martyrs : praise thee.
The holy Church throughout all the world :
doth acknowledge thee;
The Father : of an infinite Majesty;
Thine honourable, true : and only Son;
Also the Holy Ghost : the Comforter.
Thou art the King of Glory : O Christ.
Thou art the everlasting Son : of the Father.
When thou tookest upon thee to deliver man :
thou didst not abhor the Virgin's womb.
When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death :
thou didst open the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers.
Thou sittest at the right hand of God : in the glory of the Father.
We believe that thou shalt come : to be our Judge.
We therefore pray thee, help thy servants :
whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood.
Make them to be numbered with thy Saints : in glory everlasting.

O Lord, save thy people :
and bless thine heritage.
Govern them : and lift them up for ever.
Day by day : we magnify thee;
And we worship thy Name : ever world without end.
Vouchsafe, O Lord : to keep us this day without sin.
O Lord, have mercy upon us : have mercy upon us.
O Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us :
as our trust is in thee.
O Lord, in thee have I trusted :
let me never be confounded.

Te Deum, from "Collegium Regale," by Herbert Howells

Nunc Dimittis (Collegium Regale) [Herbert Howells]

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace according to thy word.
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles and to be the glory of thy people Israel.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Nunc Dimittis, from "Collegium Regale," by Herbert Howells

Nunc Dimittis (St. Paul's Service) [Herbert Howells]

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace according to thy word.
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles and to be the glory of thy people Israel.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Nunc Dimittis, from St. Paul's Service, by Herbert Howells

Magnificat (Gloucester Service) [Herbert Howells]

My soul doth magnify the Lord:
and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
For he hath regarded:
the lowliness of his handmaiden.
For behold, from henceforth:
all generations shall call me blessed.
For he that is mighty hath magnified me:
and holy is his Name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him:
throughout all generations.
He hath shewed strength with his arm:
he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat:
and hath exalted the humble and meek.
He hath filled the hungry with good things:
and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel:
as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed for ever.
Glory be to the Father
And to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning,
is now and ever shall be,
world without end, Amen

Magnificat, from the Gloucester Service

Composer: Herbert Howells

Magnificat (Collegium Regale) [Herbert Howells]

My soul doth magnify the Lord:
and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
For he hath regarded:
the lowliness of his handmaiden.
For behold, from henceforth:
all generations shall call me blessed.
For he that is mighty hath magnified me:
and holy is his Name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him:
throughout all generations.
He hath shewed strength with his arm:
he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat:
and hath exalted the humble and meek.
He hath filled the hungry with good things:
and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel:
as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed for ever.
Glory be to the Father
And to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning,
is now and ever shall be,
world without end, Amen

Music: Magnificat from "Collegium Regale"

Composer: Herbert Howells

Nunc Dimittis Tertii Toni (Tomás Luis de Victoria)

Nunc Dimittis (Canticle of Simeon)

Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine, secundum verbum tuum in pace:
Quia viderunt oculi mei salutare tuum
Quod parasti ante faciem omnium populorum:
Lumen ad revelationem gentium, et gloriam plebis tuae Israel.
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto,
Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

Background historical information

Composer: Tomás Luis de Victoria (1548-1611)

Magnificat Primi Toni (Tomás Luis de Victoria)

Magnificat: anima mea Dominum.
Et exultavit spiritus meus: in Deo salutari meo.
Quia respexit humilitatem ancillae suae:
ecce enim ex hoc beatam me dicent omnes generationes.
Quia fecit mihi magna, qui potens est:
et sanctum nomen eius.
Et misericordia eius, a progenie et progenies:
timentibus eum.
Fecit potentiam in brachio suo:
dispersit superbos mente cordis sui.
Deposuit potentes de sede:
et exaltavit humiles.
Esurientes implevit bonis:
et divites dimisit inanes.
Suscepit Israel puerum suum:
recordatus misericordiae suae.
Sicut locutus est ad patres nostros:
Abraham, et semini eius in saecula

Composer: Tomás Luis de Victoria (1548-1611)

Blessed City, Heavenly Salem

Blessed city, heavenly Salem,
vision dear of peace and love,
who of living stones art builded
in the height of heaven above,
and, with angel hosts encircled,
as a bride dost earthward move;

from celestial realms descending,
bridal glory round thee shed,
meet for him whose love espoused thee,
to thy Lord shalt thou be led;
all thy streets and all thy bulwarks
of pure gold are fashioned.

Bright thy gates of pearl are shining;
they are open evermore;
and by virtue of his merits
thither faithful souls do soar,
who for Christ's dear Name in this world
pain and tribulation bore.

Many a blow and biting sculpture
polished well those stones elect,
in their places now compacted
by the heavenly Architect,
who therewith hath willed for ever
that his palace should be decked.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Laud and honor to the Father,
laud and honor to the Son,
laud and honor to the Spirit,
ever Three, and ever One,
consubstantial, coeternal,
while unending ages run.

Text: Latin, seventh century, trans. John Mason Neale, 1851
Tune: Edward Bairstow (1874-1946)

Who Would True Valour See / He Who Would Valiant Be (To Be A Pilgrim)

TUNE I: MONK'S GATE
Version 1: Original Text by John Bunyan




Version 2: Percy Dearmer










TUNE II: ST. DUNSTAN'S






ORIGINAL TEXT BY JOHN BUNYAN:

Who would true valour see,
Let him come hither;
One here will constant be,
Come wind, come weather
There’s no discouragement
Shall make him once relent
His first avowed intent
To be a pilgrim.

Whoso beset him round
With dismal stories
Do but themselves confound;
His strength the more is.
No lion can him fright,
He’ll with a giant fight,
He will have a right
To be a pilgrim.

Hobgoblin nor foul fiend
Can daunt his spirit,
He knows he at the end
Shall life inherit.
Then fancies fly away,
He’ll fear not what men say,
He’ll labor night and day
To be a pilgrim.

Text: John Bunyan (1684)


PARAPHRASE BY PERCY DEARMER:
He who would valiant be
'gainst all disaster,
let him in constancy
follow the Master.
There's no discouragement
shall make him once relent
his first avowed intent
to be a pilgrim.

Who so beset him round
with dismal stories
do but themselves confound
his strength the more is.
No foes shall stay his might;
though he with giants fight,
he will make good his right
to be a pilgrim.

Since, Lord, thou dost defend
us with thy Spirit,
We know we at the end,
shall life inherit.
Then fancies flee away!
I'll fear not what men say,
I'll labor night and day
to be a pilgrim.

Background information

Text: Percy Dearmer
Tunes: MONK'S GATE (by Ralph Vaughan Williams) or ST. DUNSTAN'S (by Charles Winifred Douglas)

Kostet und seht (Taizé)

Kostet und seht, gütig ist Gott.
Glücklich die sich bergen bei ihm.
Meide das Böse, tue das Gute.
Suche Frieden und jage ihm nach.

Taste and see how good is the Lord,
happy are those who take refuge in him.
Forsake evil, and do good;
seek peace, and pursue it.

[NB: Provisional Taizé song]

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

Laetentur Coeli (Taizé)

Laetentur coeli,
exultet terra,
a facie Domini quia venit,
quia venit!

May the heavens rejoice
and the earth be glad,
before the Lord
who is coming!

Alégrense los cielos,
goce la tierra,
delante del Senor,
que yo llega!

Paraphrase of Ps 96,11.1

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

Spiritus Jesu Christi (Taizé)

Spiritus Jesu Christi,
Spiritus caritatis,
Confirmet cor tuum,
Confirmet cor tuum.

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

O God of Bethel, By Whose Hand

O God of Bethel, by whose hand
thy people still are fed;
who through this earthly pilgrimage
hast all our fathers led:

Our vows, our prayers, we now present
before thy throne of grace:
O God of Israel, be the God
of their succeeding race.

Through each perplexing path of life
our wandering footsteps guide;
give us each day our daily bread,
and raiment fit provide.

O spread thy covering wings around,
till all our wanderings cease,
and at our Father's loved abode
our souls arrive in peace!

Such blessings from thy gracious hand
our humble prayers implore;
and thou shalt be our covenant God
and portion evermore.

Text: Philip Doddridge (1736)

Lauda Sion

Lauda Sion Salvatórem
Lauda ducem et pastórem
In hymnis et cánticis.

Quantum potes, tantum aude:
Quia major omni laude,
Nec laudáre súfficis.

Laudis thema speciális,
Panis vivus et vitális,
Hódie propónitur.

Quem in sacræ mensa cœnæ,
Turbæ fratrum duodénæ
Datum non ambígitur.

Sit laus plena, sit sonóra,
Sit jucúnda, sit decóra
Mentis jubilátio.

Dies enim solémnis ágitur,
In qua mensæ prima recólitur
Hujus institútio.

In hac mensa novi Regis,
Novum Pascha novæ legis,
Phase vetus términat.

Vetustátem nóvitas,
Umbram fugat véritas,
Noctem lux elíminat.

Quod in cœna Christus gessit,
Faciéndum hoc expréssit
In sui memóriam.

Docti sacris institútis,
Panem, vinum, in salútis
Consecrámus hóstiam.

Dogma datur Christiánis,
Quod in carnem transit panis,
Et vinum in sánguinem.

Quod non capis, quod non vides,
Animósa firmat fides,
Præter rerum ordinem.

Sub divérsis speciébus,
Signis tantum, et non rebus,
Latent res exímiæ.

Caro cibus, sanguis potus:
Manet tamen Christus totus,
Sub utráque spécie.

A suménte non concísus,
Non confráctus, non divísus:
Integer accípitur.

Sumit unus, sumunt mille:
Quantum isti, tantum ille:
Nec sumptus consúmitur.

Sumunt boni, sumunt mali:
Sorte tamen inæquáli,
Vitæ vel intéritus.

Mors est malis, vita bonis:
Vide paris sumptiónis
Quam sit dispar éxitus.

Fracto demum Sacraménto,
Ne vacílles, sed memento,
Tantum esse sub fragménto,
Quantum toto tégitur.

Nulla rei fit scissúra:
Signi tantum fit fractúra:
Qua nec status nec statúra
Signáti minúitur.

Ecce panis Angelórum,
Factus cibus viatórum:
Vere panis fíliórum,
Non mittendus cánibus.

In figúris præsignátur,
Cum Isaac immolátur:
Agnus paschæ deputátur
Datur manna pátribus.

Bone pastor, panis vere,
Jesu, nostri miserére:
Tu nos pasce, nos tuére:
Tu nos bona fac vidére
In terra vivéntium.

Tu, qui cuncta scis et vales:
Qui nos pascis hic mortales:
Tuos ibi commensáles,
Cohærédes et sodales,
Fac sanctórum cívium.
Amen. Allelúia.

Traditional Sequence for the Feast of Corpus Christi.

Historical Background

Text: Thomas Aquinas (c. 1264)
Tune: Plainchant, Mode VII