The glory of these forty days
We celebrate with songs of praise;For Christ, by whom all things were made,
Himself has fasted and has prayed.
Alone and fasting Moses saw
The loving God who gave the law;
And to Elijah, fasting, came
The steeds and chariots of flame.
So Daniel trained his mystic sight,
Delivered from the lion’s might;
And John, the Bridegroom’s friend, became
The herald of Messiah’s name.
Then grant us, Lord, like them to do
Such things as bring great praise to you;
Our spirits strengthen with your grace
And give us joy to see your face.
O Father, Son and Spirit blest,
To you be every prayer addressed
And by all mankind be adored,
From age to age, the only Lord.
Latin, 6th century
Translator: Maurice F. Bell