In order of hierarchy, prayer consists of four primary forms: Adoration, Thanksgiving, Reparation, and Petition. “But whereas in the last three cases, our thought comes back to ourselves, in the first [adoration], we forget ourselves entirely and think of God alone…This kind of prayer is in itself the most perfect; it is the prayer that gives the greatest glory to God, that in which we most truly fulfill our duty as creatures, since thereby we unreservedly devote the whole of ourselves to singing the praises of our Creator…such prayer is the most perfect practice of the Christian religion.” [1]
Laudes Divinae | The Divine Praises
The Divine Praises were composed by Fr Luigi Felici in 1797 for the purpose of making reparation after saying or hearing sacrilege or blasphemy. The praises were later expanded by Pope Pius VII in 1801.
Beautiful Audio Chant
Te Deum | O, God We Praise Thee
The Te Deum (from its incipit, Te deum laudamus “Thee, O God, we praise”) is a Latin Christian hymn composed in the 4th century. The authorship is traditionally ascribed to Saint Ambrose (d. 397) or Saint Augustine (d. 430), but it is now ascribed to Nicetas, Bishop of Remesiana. This prayer is said at the end of Matins on days when the Gloria is said at Mass. This prayer is partially indulgenced under normal circumstances when said in thanksgiving. A plenary indulgence is granted if the hymn is recited publicly on the last day of the year.
| English version: | Latin version: |
| O God, we praise Thee: we acknowledge Thee to be the Lord. | Te Deum laudamus: te Dominum confitemur. |
| Thee, the Father, all the earth doth worship. | Te aeternum Patrem omnis terra veneratur. |
| To Thee all the Angels, the Heavens and all the Powers, | Tibi omnes Angeli; tibi Caeli et universae Potestates; |
| To Thee the Cherubim and Seraphim cry out without ceasing: | Tibi Cherubim et Seraphim incessabili voce proclamant: |
| Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts! | Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dominus Deus Sabaoth. |
| Full are the Heavens and the earth of the majesty of Thy glory. | Pleni sunt caeli et terra maiestatis gloriae tuae. |
| The glorious choir of the Apostles praises Thee, | Te gloriosus Apostolorum chorus, |
| The admirable company of Prophets praises Thee, | Te Prophetarum laudabilis numerus, |
| the white-robed army of Martyrs, praise Thee. | Te Martyrum candidatus laudat exercitus. |
| Thee, the Holy Church throughout the world doth confess: | Te per orbem terrarum sancta confitetur Ecclesia, |
| The Father of infinite Majesty; | Patrem immensae maiestatis: |
| Thy adorable, true and only Son; | Venerandum tuum verum et unicum Filium; |
| Also the Holy Ghost, the Comforter. | Sanctum quoque Paraclitum Spiritum. |
| Thou, O Christ, are the King of glory! | Tu Rex gloriae, Christe. |
| Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father. | Tu Patris sempiternus es Filius. |
| Thou, having taken it upon Thyself to deliver man, didst not disdain the Virgin’s womb. | Tu ad liberandum suscepturus hominem, non horruisti Virginis uterum. |
| Thou, having overcome the sting of death, hast opened to believers the Kingdom of Heaven. | Tu, devicto mortis aculeo, aperuisti credentibus regna caelorum. |
| Thou sittest at the right hand of God, in the glory of the Father. | Tu ad dexteram Dei sedes, in gloria Patris. |
| Thou, we believe, art the Judge to come. | Iudex crederis esse venturus. |
| We beseech Thee, therefore, to help Thy servants whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood. | Te ergo quaesumus, tuis famulis subveni: quos pretioso sanguine redemisti. |
| Make them to be numbered with Thy Saints in everlasting glory. | Aeterna fac cum sanctis tuis in gloria numerari. |
| O Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance! | Salvum fac populum tuum, Domine, et benedic hereditati tuae! |
| And govern them, and exalt them forever. | Et rege eos, et extolle illos usque in aeternum. |
| Day by day we bless Thee | Per singulos dies benedicimus te. |
| And we praise Thy Name forever: yea, forever and ever. | Et laudamus nomen tuum in saeculum, et in saeculum saeculi. |
| Vouchsafe, O Lord, this day to keep us without sin. | Dignare, Domine, die isto sine peccato nos custodire. |
| Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us. | Miserere nostri, Domine, miserere nostri. |
| Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, for we have trusted in Thee. | Fiat misericordia tua, Domine, super nos, quemadmodum speravimus in te. |
| O Lord, in Thee I have trusted; let me not be counfounded forever. | In te, Domine, speravi: non confundar in aeternum. |
| V. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, the God of our fathers. | V. Benedictus es, Domine, Deus patrum nostrorum. |
| R. And worthy to be praised and glorified for ever. | V. Et laudabilis, et gloriosus in saecula. |
| V. Let us bless the Father and the Son, with the Holy Ghost. | V. Benedicamus Patrem et Filium, cum Santo Spiritu. |
| R. Let us praise and magnify Him for ever. | R. Laudemus et superexaltemus eum in saecula. |
This longer title of this partially indulgenced prayer, which dates to at least A.D. 502, is “Te Deum Laudamus.” This prayer is a part of the Divine Office, prayed at the end of Matins, and is also sung in thanksgiving to God for some special blessing (e.g. the election of a pope, the consecration of a bishop, the canonization of a saint, the profession of a religious, the publication of a treaty of peace, a royal coronation, etc.) — usually after Mass or Divine Office, or as a separate religious ceremony.
The Te Deum is also called the “Ambrosian Hymn” and its authorship has been attributed by various writers to St. Ambrose, St. Augustine, St. Hilarius, St. Abundius, St. Sisebutus, and St. Nicetus. An 8th century legend attributes it to both St. Ambrose and St. Augustine: they, according to the story, both sang it spontaneously on the night the latter was baptized (A.D. 387).
If the Te Deum is recited on the last day of the year, one may, under proper conditions, receive a plenary indulgence.
O Deus, ego amo Te | My God, I love Thee
Prayer of St. Francis Xavier
O Deus, ego amo te,
Nec amo te, ut salves me,
Aut, quia non amantes te
Æterno punis igne.
Tu, tu, mi Jesu, totum me
Amplexus es in cruce;
Tuliste clavos, lanceam,
Multamque ignominiam,
Innumeros dolores,
Sudores, et angores,
Et mortem, et hæc propter me,
Ac pro me peccatore.
Cur igitur non amem te,
O Jesu amantissime,
Non, ut in cœlo salves me,
Aut ne æternum damnes me,
Nec præmii ullius spe;
Sed sicut tu amasti me?
Sic amo et amabo te,
Solum quia Rex meus es,
Et solum, quia Deus es.
My God, I love Thee, not because
I hope for heaven thereby;
Nor yet since they who love Thee not
Must burn eternally.
Thou, O my Jesus, Thou didst me
Upon the Cross embrace;
For me didst bear the nails and spear,
And manifold disgrace;
And griefs and torments numberless,
And sweat of agony;
E’en death itself; and all for one
Who was Thine enemy.
Then why, O blessed Jesus Christ,
Should I not love Thee well,
Not for the sake of winning heaven,
Or of escaping hell;
Not with the hope of gaining aught,
Not seeking a reward;
But as Thyself hast loved me,
O ever-loving Lord?
E’en so I love Thee, and will love,
And in Thy praise will sing,
Solely because Thou art my God,
And my eternal King.
Ave Verum | Hail True Body
Ave verum Corpus natum
De Maria Virgine:
Vere passum, immolatum
In cruce pro homine:
Cujus latus perforatum
Fluxit aqua et sanguine:
Esto nobis praegustatum
Mortis in examine.
O Jesu dulcis!
O Jesu pie!
O Jesu fili Mariae!
Hail True Body, born
of the Virgin Mary:
Truly suffered, offered
On the cross, for mankind.
From whose side, upon being torn,
Flowed water and blood:
Be to us a foretaste
Of death in the balance.
O sweet Jesus!
O loving Jesus!
O Jesus, son of Mary!
Pange Lingua (Tantum Ergo)
Composed by St Thomas Aquinas for the Office of Corpus Christi. Including the last stanza (which borrows the words “Genitori Genitoque”—Procedenti ab utroque, Compar” from the first two strophes of the second sequence of Adam of St. Victor for Pentecost) the hymn comprises six stanzas appearing in the manuscripts. Written in accentual rhythm, it imitates the triumphant march of the hymn of Fortunatus, and like it is divided in the Roman Breviaryinto stanzas of six lines whose alternating triple rhyming is declared by Pimont to be a new feature in medieval hymnody.
The hymn Tantum Ergo, the last two stanzas, is commonly recited during Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. It is partially indulgenced under ordinary conditions, and a plenary indulgence is granted for its recitation on Holy Thursday or the feast of Corpus Christi.
| Pange lingua, gloriosi Corporis mysterium, Sanguinisque pretiosi, quem in mundi pretium fructus ventris generosi Rex effudit Gentium. |
Sing, my tongue, the Savior’s glory, of His flesh the mystery sing; of the Blood, all price exceeding, shed by our immortal King, destined, for the world’s redemption, from a noble womb to spring. |
| Nobis datus, nobis natus ex intacta Virgine, et in mundo conversatus, sparso verbi semine, sui moras incolatus miro clausit ordine. |
Of a pure and spotless Virgin born for us on earth below, He, as Man, with man conversing, stayed, the seeds of truth to sow; then He closed in solemn order wondrously His life of woe. |
| In supremae nocte cenae recumbens cum fratribus observata lege plene cibis in legalibus, cibum turbae duodenae se dat suis manibus. |
On the night of that Last Supper, seated with His chosen band, He the Pascal victim eating, first fulfills the Law’s command; then as Food to His Apostles gives Himself with His own hand. |
| Verbum caro, panem verum verbo carnem efficit: fitque sanguis Christi merum, et si sensus deficit, ad firmandum cor sincerum sola fides sufficit. |
Word-made-Flesh, the bread of nature by His word to Flesh He turns; wine into His Blood He changes;- what though sense no change discerns? Only be the heart in earnest, faith her lesson quickly learns. |
| Tantum ergo Sacramentum veneremur cernui: et antiquum documentum novo cedat ritui: praestet fides supplementum sensuum defectui. |
Down in adoration falling, Lo! the sacred Host we hail; Lo! o’er ancient forms departing, newer rites of grace prevail; faith for all defects supplying, where the feeble sense fail. |
|
Genitori, Genitoque V. Panem de coelo praestitisti eis. [Alleluia] |
To the everlasting Father, V. Thou hast given them bread from heaven [Alleluia] |
Sacris Solemniis (Panis Angelicus)
The opening words of the hymn for Matins of Corpus Christi and of the Votive Office of the Most Blessed Sacrament, composed by St. Thomas Aquinas.
| Sacris solemniis iuncta sint gaudia, et ex praecordiis sonent praeconia; recedant vetera, nova sint omnia, corda, voces, et opera. |
At this our solemn feast let holy joys abound, and from the inmost breast let songs of praise resound; let ancient rites depart, and all be new around, in every act, and voice, and heart. |
| Noctis recolitur cena novissima, qua Christus creditur agnum et azyma dedisse fratribus, iuxta legitima priscis indulta patribus. |
Remember we that eve, when, the Last Supper spread, Christ, as we all believe, the Lamb, with leavenless bread, among His brethren shared, and thus the Law obeyed, of all unto their sire declared. |
| Post agnum typicum, expletis epulis, Corpus Dominicum datum discipulis, sic totum omnibus, quod totum singulis, eius fatemur manibus. |
The typic Lamb consumed, the legal Feast complete, the Lord unto the Twelve His Body gave to eat; the whole to all, no less the whole to each did mete with His own hands, as we confess. |
| Dedit fragilibus corporis ferculum, dedit et tristibus sanguinis poculum, dicens: Accipite quod trado vasculum; omnes ex eo bibite. |
He gave them, weak and frail, His Flesh, their Food to be; on them, downcast and sad, His Blood bestowed He: and thus to them He spake, “Receive this Cup from Me, and all of you of this partake.” |
| Sic sacrificium istud instituit, cuius officium committi voluit solis presbyteris, quibus sic congruit, ut sumant, et dent ceteris. |
So He this Sacrifice to institute did will, and charged His priests alone that office to fulfill: tn them He did confide: to whom it pertains still to take, and the rest divide. |
| Panis angelicus fit panis hominum; dat panis caelicus figuris terminum; O res mirabilis: manducat Dominum pauper, servus et humilis. |
Thus Angels’ Bread is made the Bread of man today: the Living Bread from heaven with figures dost away: O wondrous gift indeed! the poor and lowly may upon their Lord and Master feed. |
| Te, trina Deitas unaque, poscimus: sic nos tu visita, sicut te colimus; per tuas semitas duc nos quo tendimus, ad lucem quam inhabitas. |
Thee, therefore, we implore, o Godhead, One in Three, so may Thou visit us as we now worship Thee; and lead us on Thy way, That we at last may see the light wherein Thou dwellest aye. |
Verbum Supernum (O Salutaris Hostia)
A section of one of the Eucharistic hymns composed by St Thomas Aquinas for the feast of Corpus Christi. He wrote it for recitation during the hour of Lauds in the divine office during that feast. O Salutaris Hostia, consisting of the last two stanzas, is typically recited during Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
| Verbum supernum prodiens, nec Patris linquens dexteram, ad opus suum exiens, venit ad vitae vesperam. |
The heavenly Word proceeding forth, yet not leaving the Father’s side, went forth upon His work on earth and reached at length life’s eventide. |
| In mortem a discipulo suis tradendus aemulis, prius in vitae ferculo se tradidit discipulis. |
By false disciple to be given to foemen for His Blood athirst, Himself, the living Bread from heaven, He gave to His disciples first. |
| Quibus sub bina specie carnem dedit et sanguinem; ut duplicis substantiae totum cibaret hominem. |
To them He gave, in twofold kind, His very Flesh, His very Blood: of twofold substance man is made, and He of man would be the Food. |
| Se nascens dedit socium, convescens in edulium, se moriens in pretium, se regnans dat in praemium. |
By birth our fellowman was He, our Food while seated at the board; He died, our ransomer to be; He ever reigns, our great reward. |
| O salutaris hostia, quae caeli pandis ostium, bella premunt hostilia; da robur, fer auxilium. |
O saving Victim, opening wide the gate of heaven to all below: our foes press on from every side; Thine aid supply, Thy strength bestow. |
| Uni trinoque Domino sit sempiterna gloria: qui vitam sine termino nobis donet in patria. Amen. |
To Thy great Name be endless praise, immortal Godhead, One in Three! O grant us endless length of days in our true native land with Thee. Amen. |
Adoro Te Devote
A Eucharistic hymn written by St Thomas Aquinas for the feast of Corpus Christi. Aquinas used this prayer as a private prayer for daily adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. This hymn was added to the Roman Missal in 1570 by Pope Pius V. A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who devoutly recite this hymn.
Adoro te devote, latens Deitas,
Quæ sub his figuris vere latitas;
Tibi se cor meum totum subjicit,
Quia te contemplans totum deficit.
Visus, tactus, gustus in te fallitur,
Sed auditu solo tuto creditur.
Credo quidquid dixit Dei Filius;
Nil hoc verbo veritátis verius.
In cruce latebat sola Deitas,
At hic latet simul et Humanitas,
Ambo tamen credens atque confitens,
Peto quod petivit latro pœnitens.
Plagas, sicut Thomas, non intueor:
Deum tamen meum te confiteor.
Fac me tibi semper magis credere,
In te spem habere, te diligere.
O memoriale mortis Domini!
Panis vivus, vitam præstans homini!
Præsta meæ menti de te vívere,
Et te illi semper dulce sapere.
Pie Pelicane, Jesu Domine,
Me immundum munda tuo sanguine:
Cujus una stilla salvum facere
Totum mundum quit ab omni scelere.
Jesu, quem velatum nunc aspicio,
Oro, fiat illud quod tam sitio:
Ut te revelata cernens facie,
Visu sim beátus tuæ gloriæ. Amen.
Prostrate I adore Thee, Deity unseen,
Who Thy glory hidest ‘neath these shadows mean;
Lo, to Thee surrendered, my whole heart is bowed,
Tranced as it beholds Thee, shrined within the cloud.
Taste, and touch, and vision, to discern Thee fail;
Faith, that comes by hearing, pierces through the veil.
I believe whate’er the Son of God hath told;
What the Truth hath spoken, that for truth I hold.
On the Cross lay hidden but thy Deity,
Here is hidden also Thy Humanity:
But in both believing and confessing, Lord,
Ask I what the dying thief of Thee implored.
Thy dread wounds, like Thomas, though I cannot see,
His be my confession, Lord and God, of Thee,
Make my faith unfeigned ever-more increase,
Give me hope unfading, love that cannot cease.
O memorial wondrous of the Lord’s own death;
Living Bread, that giveth all Thy creatures breath,
Grant my spirit ever by Thy life may live,
To my taste Thy sweetness never-failing give.
Pelican of mercy, Jesus, Lord and God,
Cleanse me, wretched sinner, in Thy Precious Blood:
Blood where one drop for human-kind outpoured
Might from all transgression have the world restored.
Jesus, whom now veiled, I by faith descry,
What my soul doth thirst for, do not, Lord, deny,
That thy face unveiled, I at last may see,
With the blissful vision blest, my God, of Thee. Amen.
O Sacrum Convivium | O Sacred Banquet
O Sacrum convivium, in quo Christus sumitur: recolitur memoria Passionis ejus: mens impletur gratia: et futurae gloriae nobis pignus datur. (T. P. Alleluia.)
O sacred banquet, wherein Christ is received; the memory of His Passion is renewed; the mind is filled with grace; and a pledge of future glory is given unto us. (P. T. Alleluia.)
Adoremus in Aeternum | Adore For Ever
Adoremus in aeternum sanctissimum Sacramentum!
Let us adore for ever the Most Holy Sacrament!
Psalm 116
1. Laudate Dominum, omnes gentes: laudate eum, omnes populi.
2. Quoniam confirmata est super nos misericordia ejus et veritas Domini manet in aeternum.
Gloria Patri…
Adoremus…
1. O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise Him, all ye people.
2. For His mercy is confirmed upon us: and the truth of the Lord remaineth for ever.
Glory be to the Father…
Let us Adore…
Laudate Dominum Omnes Gentes | Praise the Lord All Ye Nations
Laudate Dominum, omnes gentes; laudate eum, omnes populi; quoniam confirmata est super nos misericordia eius et veritas Domini manet in aeternum.
V. Confiteantur tibi populi, Deus.
R. Confiteantur tibi populi omnes.
Oremus:
Protector noster, aspice, Deus, et respice in faciem Christi tui: qui dedit redemptionem semetipsum pro omnibus, et fac ut ab ortu solis usque ad occasum magnificetur nomen tuum in gentibus, ac in omni loco sacrificetur et offeratur nomini tuo oblatio munda. Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise Him, all ye peoples; for His mercy is confirmed upon us: and the truth of the Lord remaineth forever.
V. Let the people praise Thee, O God.
R. Let all the people praise Thee.
Let us pray:
O God, our Protector, behold and look upon the face of Thy Christ, who gave Himself a redemption for all, and grant that from the rising of the sun even to the going down, Thy Name may be great among the Gentiles, and in every place sacrifice and a clean oblation may be offered unto Thy Name. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Benedicite
Canticle of Daniel (3:57-88, 56)
The song of the three children in the fiery furnace.
ANT: Trium puerorum cantemus hymnum: quem cantabant Sancti in camino ignis, benedicentes Dominum. (T.P. Alleluia.)
Benedicite, omnia opera Domini, Domino; laudate et superexaltate eum insaecula.
Benedicite, caeli, Domino, benedicite, angeli Domini, Domino.
Benedicite, aquae omnes, quae super caelos sunt, Domino, benedicat omnis virtutis Domino.
Benedicite, sol et luna, Domino, benedicite, stellae caeli, Domino.
Benedicite, omnis imber et ros, Domino, benedicite, omnes venti, Domino.
Benedicite, ignis et aestus, Domino, benedicite, frigus et aestus, Domino.
Benedicite, rores et pruina, Domino, benedicite, gelu et frigus, Domino.
Benedicite, glacies et nives, Domino, benedicite, noctes et dies, Domino.
Benedicite, lux et tenebrae, Domino, benedicite, fulgura et nubes, Domino.
Benedicat terra Dominum: laudet et superexaltet eum in saecula.
Benedicite, montes et colles, Domino, benedicite, universa germinantia in terra, Domino.
Benedicite, maria et flumina, Domino, benedicite, fontes, Domino.
Benedicite, cete, et omnia, quae moventur in aquis, Domino, benedicite,
omnes volucres caeli, Domino.
Benedicite, omnes bestiae et pecora, Domino, benedicite, filii hominum, Domino.
Benedicite, Israel, Domino, laudate et superexaltate eum in saecula.
Benedicite, sacerdotes Domini, Domino, benedicite, servi Domini, Domino.
Benedicite, spiritus et animae iustorum, Domino, benedicite, sancti et humiles corde, Domino.
Benedicite, Anania, Azaria, Misael, Domino, laudate et superexaltate eum in saecula.
Benedicamus Patrem et Filium cum Sancto Spiritu; laudemus et superexaltemus eum in saecula.
Benedictus es Domine in firmamento caeli: et laudabilis, et gloriosus, et superexaltatus in saecula.
ANT: Let us sing the hymn of the three children, which these holy ones sang of old in the fiery furnace, giving praise to the Lord (P.T. Alleluia.)
Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord, praise and exalt Him above all forever.
Bless the Lord all ye heavens; bless the Lord all ye angels of the Lord.
Bless the Lord all ye waters that are above the heavens; let all powers bless the Lord.
Bless the Lord, ye sun and moon; stars of heaven, bless the Lord.
Bless the Lord, every shower and dew. All ye winds, bless the Lord.
Bless the Lord, ye fire and heat; cold and chill, bless ye the Lord.
Bless the Lord, dews and hoar frosts; frost and cold, bless the Lord.
Bless the Lord, ice and snow; nights and days, bless the Lord.
Bless the Lord, light and darkness; lightning and clouds, bless the Lord.
Let the earth bless the Lord; let it praise and exalt Him above all forever.
Bless the Lord, ye mountains and hills; everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord.
Bless the Lord, seas and rivers; fountains, bless the Lord.
Bless the Lord, ye whales and all that move in the waters; all you fowls of the air, bless the Lord.
Bless the Lord, all ye beasts and cattle; sons of men, bless the Lord.
Bless the Lord, Israel; praise and exalt Him above all for ever.
Bless the Lord, priests of the Lord, servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Bless the Lord, spirits and souls of the just; holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord.
Bless the Lord, Ananias, Azaria, and Misael; praise and exalt Him above all for ever.
Let us bless the Father and the Son, with the Holy Spirit; let us praise and exalt Him above all for ever.
Blessed art Thou, Lord, in the firmament of heaven; and worthy of praise, and glorious, and exalted above all for ever.
Psalm 150
1. Laudate Dominum in sanctis ejus: laudate eum in firmamento virtutis ejus.
2. Laudate eum in virtutibus ejus: laudate eum secundum multitudinem magnitudinis ejus.
3. Laudate eum in sono tubae: laudate eum in psalterio, et cithara.
4. Laudate eum in tympano, et choro: laudate eum in chordis, et organo.
5. Laudate eum in cymbalis benesonantibus: laudate eum in cymbalis jubilationis: omnis spiritus laudet Dominum.
6. Gloria Patri…
1. Praise ye the Lord in His holy places: praise ye Him in the firmament of His power.
2. Praise ye Him for His mighty acts: praise ye Him according to the multitude of His greatness.
3. Praise Him with sound of the trumpet. Praise Him with psaltery and harp.
4. Praise Him with timbrel and dance: praise Him with strings and organs.
5. Praise Him on high-sounding cymbals: praise Him on cymbals of joy: Let every spirit praise the Lord.
6. Glory be to the Father…
The Antiphon is repeated:
Ant: Trium puerorum cantemus hymnum: quem cantabant Sancti in camino ignis, benedicentes Dominum. (T.P. Alleluia.)
Kyrie, eleison. Christe, eleison. Kyrie, eleison. Pater noster…
V. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem.
R. Sed libera nos a malo.
V. Confiteantur tibi, Domine, omnia opera tua.
R. Et Sancti tui benedicant tibi.
V. Exsultabunt Sancti in gloria.
R. Laetabuntur in cubilibus suis.
V. Non nobis, Domine, non nobis.
R. Sed nomini tuo da gloriam.
V. Domine, exaudi orationem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat.
(V. Dominus vobiscum.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo.)
Oremus. Deus qui tribus pueris mitigasti flammas ignium: concede propitius: ut nos famulos tuos non exurat flamma vitiorum.
Actiones nostras quaesumus, Domine, aspirando praeveni, et adjuvando prosequere: ut cuncta nostra oratio et operatio a te semper incipiat, et per te caepta finiatur.
Da nobis, quaesumus Domine, vitiorum nostrorum flammas exstinguere, qui beato Laurentio tribuisti tormentorum suorum incendia superare. Per Christum Dominum nostrum.
R. Amen
Ant: Let us sing the hymn of the three children, which these holy ones sang of old in the fiery furnace, giving praise to the Lord (P.T. Alleluia.)
Lord, have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Our Father…
V. And lead us not into temptation.
R. But deliver us from evil.
V. Let all Thy works praise Thee, O Lord.
R. And let Thy Saints bless Thee.
V. They Saints shall rejoice in glory.
R. They shall rejoice on their beds.
V. Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us.
R. But unto Thy Name give glory.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.
(V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.)
Let us pray. O God, Who didst allay the flames of fire for the three children grant in Thy mercy that the flame of vice may not consume us Thy servants.
Direct we beseech Thee, O Lord, our actions by Thine inspirations, and further them by Thine assistance: that every word and work of ours may begin always from Thee and by Thee be likewise ended.
Quench in us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the flame of vice, even as Thou didst enable blessed Lawrence to overcome his fiery torments. Through Christ Our Lord.
R. Amen.
Benedictus
Prayer of St. Zechariah
BENEDICTUS Dominus Deus Israel,
quia visitavit, et fecit redemptionem plebis suae:
Et erexit cornu salutis nobis
in domo David pueri sui.
Sicut locutus est per os sanctorum,
qui a saeculo sunt, prophetarum eius:
Salutem ex inimicis nostris,
et de manu omnium qui oderunt nos:
Ad faciendam misericordiam cum patribus nostris:
et memorari testamenti sui sancti:
Iusiurandum, quod iuravit ad Abraham patrem nostrum,
daturum se nobis;
Ut sine timore, de manu inimicorum nostrorum liberati,
serviamus illi.
In sanctitate et iustitia coram ipso,
omnibus diebus nostris.
Et tu puer, propheta Altissimi vocaberis:
praeibis enim ante faciem Domini parare vias eius:
Ad dandam scientiam salutis plebi eius:
in remissionem peccatorum eorum:
Per viscera misericordiae Dei nostri:
in quibus visitabit nos, oriens ex alto:
Illuminare his qui in tenebris et in umbra mortis sedent:
ad dirigendos pedes nostros in viam pacis.
BLESSED be the Lord, God of Israel,
because He has visited us and wrought redemption for His people.
And has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the House of David, His servant.
As He hath promised through the mouths of His holy ones,
the prophets of old:
Salvation from our enemies,
and from the hand of all who hate us.
To show mercy to our forefathers
and to be mindful of His holy covenant:
The oath, which He swore to Abraham, our father,
that He would grant us,
That being delivered from the hand of our enemies,
we may serve Him without fear.
In holiness and justice before Him
all our days.
And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most High;
for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways,
To give knowledge of salvation to His people
through forgiveness of their sins.
Because of the compassionate kindness of our God,
the dawn from on high shall break upon us
To shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,
to guide our feet in the way of peace.
End Note:
[1] Fr Raoul Plus, S.J., How to Pray Well, Sophia Press, 1929. pp 7-10. See also his book How to Pray Always, 1926.