Opening Prayer
O burning mountain, O chosen sun,
O perfect moon, O fathomless well,
O unattainable height, O clearness beyond measure,
O wisdom without end, O mercy without limit,
O strength beyond resistance, O crown of all majesty,
The humblest being you created sings your praise.
—Mechtild of Magdeburg, 1210-1280
TEXT
Psalm 98 NRSV
O sing to the Lord a new song,
For he has done marvelous things.
His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him victory.
The Lord has made known his victory;
He has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.
He has remembered his steadfast love
And faithfulness to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
Break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,
With the lyre and the sound of melody.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
Make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord.
Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
The world and those who live in it.
Let the floods clap their hands;
Let the hills sing together for joy at the presence of the Lord,
For he is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
And the peoples with equity.
Prayer of Response
O sweet and loving God,
When I stay asleep too long,
Oblivious to all your many blessings,
Then, please, wake me up,
And sing to me your joyful song.
It is a song without noise or notes.
It is a song of love beyond words,
Of faith beyond the power of human telling.
I can hear it in my soul,
When you awaken me to your presence.
—Mechthild of Magdeburg, 1210-1280