The Glory of these Forty Days

(Click here to play tune: Erhalt uns, Herr)

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 be
full oft in fast and prayer with Thee;
Our spirits strengthen with Thy grace,
and give us joy to see Thy face.

Sixth Century Latin Hymn, marvellously translated by Maurice F. Bell