Anthems

Be strong and of good courage. Fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord our God will be with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work of the service of the house of the Lord.

Love bade me welcome; yet my soul drew back, Guilty of dust and sin. But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack From my first entrance in, Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning, If I lack’d anything. “A guest,” I answer’d “worthy to be here.” Love said, “You shall be he.” “I the unkind, ungrateful? Ah, my dear, I cannot look on thee.” Love took my hand, and smiling did reply, “Who made the eyes but I?” “Truth, Lord, but I have marr’d them: let my shame Go where it doth deserve.” “And know you not,” says Love, “who bore the blame?” “My dear, then I will serve.” “You must sit down,” says Love, “and taste my meat:” so I did sit and eat. Words: George Herbert

Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness, leave the gloomy haunts of sadness, come into the daylight’s splendor, there with joy thy praises render unto him whose grace unbounded hath this wondrous banquet founded; high o’er all the heavens he reigneth, yet to dwell with thee he deigneth. Sun, who all my life dost brighten; Light who dost my soul enlighten; Joy, the best that any knoweth; Fount, whence all my being floweth: at thy feet I cry, my Maker, let me be a fit partaker of this blessed food from heaven, for our good, thy glory, given. Jesus, Bread of life, I pray thee, let me gladly here obey thee; never to my hurt invited, be thy love with love requited; from this banquet let me measure, Lord, how vast and deep its treasure; through the gifts thou here dost give me, as thy guest in heaven receive me. Words: Johann Franck

O Sacred Feast, wherein Christ is received, the memory of His Passion is renewed in us, Our souls are filled with grace, and the pledge of everlasting glory is given unto us. Alleluya. Alleluya, Alleluya.

Bread of Angels, made the bread of men; The Bread of heaven puts an end to all symbols: A thing wonderful! The Lord becomes our food: poor, a servant, and humble. We beseech Thee, Godhead One in Three that Thou wilt visit us, as we worship Thee, lead us through Thy ways, We who wish to reach the light in which Thou dwellest. Amen.