The glory of these forty days

(one verse introduction)

The glory of these forty days
We celebrate with songs of praise;
For Christ, by Whom all things were made,
Himself has fasted and has prayed.

Alone and fasting Moses saw
The loving God Who gave the Law;
And to Elijah, fasting, came
The steeds and chariots of flame.

So Daniel trained his mystic sight,
Delivered from the lions' might;
And John, the Bridegroom's friend, became
The herald of the'Incarnate Name.

Then grant us, Lord, like those who knew
To stay in fast and prayer with you;
Our spirits strengthen with your grace,
Some day bring us to see your Face.

Creator, Child, and Spirit blessed,
To you be every prayer addressed,
Who are in threefold Name adored,
From age to age, the only Lord.

Words: Gregory I (6th C); trans. Maurice F. Bell, 1906
Music: Spires; harm. J.S. Bach
Sequence: Dall Forsythe, The Church of St. John the Evangelist