A priest and performer considers religion, the arts, and the often thin space between sacred and secular, church and culture, pulpit and pew.

Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Anima Christi (Soul of Christ) - A Hymn Paraphrase

I've always been drawn to the Anima Christi prayer, included in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius (though not necessarily authored by him). There are a number of translations of the Latin, including this one from Finding God in All Things: A Marquette Prayer Book. While this translation is in the singular, some are plural. Here is a hymn paraphrase I've written for congregational singing, in Common Metre Double (CMD). Recommended tunes are Kingsfold and Forest Green. Feel free to use it, with attribution.

O Spirit of the living Christ, your holiness bestow,         
That through the bread we take and break, salvation we may know.
May your blood shed, the cup we drink, our souls inebriate;
And water from your wounded side our spirits recreate.

Your passion, Christ, will give us strength to bear the cross you bore;
And as we lift our prayers to you, O hear us, we implore.
Within your wounds may each one find a sacred dwelling place
That from you we may not depart, nor fail to see your face.

In all assaults of enemies, help us to persevere;
And when we see the face of death call us to you, Savior dear,
That with your saints and angels bright, in all their company,
Your praise shall be our joy and song throughout eternity.

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