Categories: hymns, feast-days
Date: 18 March 2008 00:29:32
Great Compline is a service of the Orthodox Church chanted Monday to Thursday during Great Lent. I am making an effort to attend at least one service each week, and I started last night. Again, in the darkness, with light coming only from candles and lamps, and with a few people present, and the constant, slow chanting, it has reminded me of what drew me to Orthodoxy. I really do love these 'quiet' services.
Among a large number of Psalms are some beautiful and moving prayers and chants; I hope to share some with you over the coming weeks. One of my favourite prayers, The Prayer of Manasseh, is also prayed.
One of the chants consists of a series of verses followed by the response For God is with us; we alternate between responses in English and Arabic. Here are the verses:
God is with us, know it you nations and be submissive.Hear it to the ends of the earth.
You mighty shall be defeated.
Even if you should prevail, again you will be defeated.
Whatever plan you conceive, the Lord will destroy.
Whatever word you shall speak shall not abide among you.
Your terror we shall never fear, nor be disturbed by it.
The Lord, our God, him shall we bless, and only him do we fear.
And if I trust in him, it shall be a blessing to me.
And I shall trust in him, and shall, be saved by him.
Lo, I and the children which God has given to me.
The people that walked in darkness saw a great light.
Upon us, who dwell in the land of the shadow of death, a light shall shine.
For a Child was born unto us, a Son, and was given to us.
Whose government is upon his shoulder.
And of his peace, there shall be no boundary.
And his name shall be called: Messenger of the Divine Will.
Wonderful Counsellor.
Mighty God, Master, Prince of Peace.
Father of the age to come.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
God is with us, know it you nations and be submissive.