Monday, December 18, 2006

Belatedly... the O Antiphons

Appointed for the last days of Advent, here is one of the church's most beautiful and ancient prayer formulae, as offered by the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship.

O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High, pervading and permeating all creation, you order all things with strength and gentleness.

Come now and teach us the way to salvation: Come Lord Jesus!

O Adonai, Ruler of the house of Israel, you appeared in the burning bush to Moses and gave him the law on Sinai.

Come with outstretched arm to save us: Come Lord Jesus!

O Root of Jesse, rising as a sign for all the peoples, before you earthly rulers will keep silent and nations give you honor.

Come quickly to deliver us: Come Lord Jesus!

O Key of David, Scepter over the house of Israel, you open and no one can close; you close and no one can open.

Come to set free the prisoners who live in darkness and the shadow of death:
Come Lord Jesus!

O Ruler of the nations, Monarch for whom the people long, you are the Cornerstone uniting all humanity.

Come save us all, whom you formed out of clay: Come Lord Jesus!

O Immanuel, our Sovereign and Lawgiver, you are the desire of all the nations and Savior of all.

Come and save us, O Lord our God: Come Lord Jesus!

1 comment:

steve said...

Mags,

This is truly lovely. I hadn't heard it before. Thank you very much for sharing it.