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Hymns and Homilies

St Ephrem the Syrian, tr. Burgess, 1853

30. Hymn 30: For the Whole Church

Lord! let Thy right hand raise us,
And extend aid to Thy flock;
That our race may be exalted by Thy favour,
For Thine is the victory!
Thou giver of grace to the upright.
Afford us happiness by Thy power;
Let the day of Thy appearing gladden us,
And may we carry oil in our lamps!

Place a crown on the head of Thy beloved ones,
And let them rejoice in Thee when Thou comest;
May they enter Thy tabernacle with Thee,
And offer praise to Thy greatness.
The cherubim kneel before Thy majesty,
Thou gracious One, full of mercy!
Pontiffs and priests praise Thee, oh Son,
Who is altogether like His Father!

Count us all worthy of Paradise,
In the day appointed for judgment;
May we enter Eden in full company,
And be delighted at Thy table.
Let us be guests at Thy banquet,
And be adorned in the pavilion of light;
And in Thy tents full of brightness,
Number us with Thy worshippers.

Vouchsafe prosperity to Thy Churches,
And sow Thy peace among us;
Let tribes and families give thanks
To the name of the Trinity.
Oh Lord! confirm our souls
In Thy faith and love;
Forgive our trespasses and sins
Through Thy mercy, oh lover of the penitent!