CHRIST, ENTHRONED IN HIGHEST HEAVEN

 A HYMN FOR THE 15TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

13^th century, translated by R.F. Littledale

 

 

1. Christ, enthroned in highest Heaven,

Hear us crying from the deep,

For the faithful ones departed,

For the souls of all that sleep;

As Thy kneeling Church entreateth,

Hearken, Shepherd of the sheep.

 

2. King of Glory, hear our voices,

Grant Thy faithful rest, we pray;

We have sinned, and may not bide it,

If Thou mark our steps astray;

Yet we plead the saving Victim,

Which for them we bring today.

 

3. That which Thou Thyself hast offered

To Thy Father, offer we;

Let it win for them a blessing,

Bless them, Jesu, set them free;

They are Thine, they wait in patience;

Merciful and gracious be.

 

4. They are Thine, O take them quickly,

Thou their Hope, O raise them high;

Ever hoping, ever trusting,

Unto Thee they strive and cry;

Day and night, both morn and even,

Be, O Christ, their Guardian nigh.

 

5. Let Thy plenteous loving-kindness,

On them, as we pray, be poured;

Let them through Thy boundless mercy,

From all evil be restored;

Hearken to the voices pleading

Of Thy Church, O gracious Lord.

 

6. Hear and answer prayers devoutest,

Break, O Lord, each binding chain,

Dash the gates of death asunder,

Quell the devil and his train;

Bring the souls which Thou hast ransomed

Evermore in joy to reign.