The Lent Prose (Hereford Cathedral, 1982)

From a recorded BBC Radio Choral Evensong from Hereford Cathedral, broadcast on 5 March 1982. This is the English language version of the original 10th century Mozarabic hymn “Attende Domine”, which is especially appropriate for Lent. Hear us, O Lord, have mercy upon us: for we have sinned against thee. To thee, Redeemer, on thy throne of glory: lift we our weeping eyes in holy pleadings: listen, O Jesu, to our supplications. O thou chief cornerstone, right hand of the Father: way of salvation, gate of life celestial: cleanse thou our sinful souls from all defilement. God, we implore thee, in thy glory seated: bow down and hearken to thy weeping children: pity and pardon all our grievous trespasses. Sins oft committed, now we lay before thee: with true contrition, now no more we veil them: grant us, Redeemer, loving absolution. Innocent captive, taken unresisting: falsely accused, and for us sinners sentenced, save us, we pray thee, Jesu, our Redeemer.