Of the Holy Name of Jesus

O GOD, who hast made the most glorious name of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord to be above every name dear unto thy people, and dreadful only to spirits of evil : mercifully vouchsafe, that all who reverence this Name of JESUS upon earth may receive the support of its holy consolations, during this life present, and be crowned with triumphant gladness in that which is to come; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Abridged from Sarum

Be merciful, O Lord, to us sinners

An Anglo-Catholic litany

Be merciful, O Lord, to us sinners, and at the pleading of thy mother, sorrowing in thine agony and sharing in thy bitter cup, O Jesus mercy.

Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us.

Be merciful O Lord, to us sinners and at the pleading of thy mother, suffering in thy sufferings and bruised with thy stripes, O Jesus mercy.

Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us.

Be merciful, O Lord, to us sinners, and at the pleading of thy mother, who saw thee crowned with thorns and robed with shame, O Jesus mercy.

Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us.

Be merciful, O Lord, to us sinners, and at the pleading of thy mother, whose love unvanquished trod thy way of sorrows, O Jesus mercy;

Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us.

Be merciful, O Lord, to us sinners, and at the pleading of thy mother, whose soul was pierced beneath thy Cross, O Jesus mercy.

Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us.

Eric Milner-White

"Jesu, Jesu, Jesu, have mercy on me."

Saint Margaret Clitherow

Hymn for Lent 2: O Christ the King

O Christ the King, the royal banners rise.
Thy Cross, thy standard we raise to the skies,
And hail thee, “Lord!” and bow before thine eyes.
Praise_ to Jesus! All praise and glory!

Transfigured thou upon the mountain’s height
Revealed the glory of the Bridegroom’s face
And showed to them thy purpose and thy Light.
Praise_ to Jesus! All praise and glory!

The Cross, thy throne where thou wast lifted high
Embracing all the broken world’s dark heart
Till blood and water gushed when pierced was thine.
Praise_ to Jesus! All praise and glory!

Death could not hold thee, nor a tomb contain,
O Love and Life, who now from heav’n dost reign,
The King of kings, the Lord who healeth pain.
Praise_ to Jesus! All praise and glory!

____________________________
Copyright © 2006 by Vincent Uher,
Lenten version Copyright © 2007 by Vincent Uher
This text is sung to the tune Sine Nomine

An Act of Reparation

THE "GOLDEN ARROW" PRAYER

May the most holy, most sacred, most adorable, most incomprehensible and unutterable Name of God be always praised, blessed, loved, adored and glorified, in Heaven, on earth, and under the earth, by all the creatures of God, and by the Sacred Heart of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Amen.

Beautiful Saviour, Mightiest in Mercy

Many of my hymn-texts have begun as poems. I thought today I would give an example with a recent poem of mine that rather easily converted into the regular meter for an hymn. First I will give my poem, and then will follow the hymn version in 11.11.11.5. meter. And by the way, I do like my hymn version sung to Richard Dirksen's Decatur Place or David Hurd's Mighty Savior.


O Mightiest in Mercy

Beautiful Saviour, Mightiest in Mercy,
Light piercing darkness, Joy beyond all sorrow,
Wounded for healing, Dying for our saving,
.....................Sinless Victim and High Priest.

Son of the Father, Child of Mary Mother,
Just Joseph's dear boy, Cause of Great John's leaping,
Mary's Deliverer, Truest friend to Lazarus,
.....................True God from God, our High King.

All laud we bring now praising our Belovèd,
Christ Jesus, Saviour, Victor, and Redeemer
Judge of the Living, Judge of the departed,
.....................Come quickly, Jesus. Come.

© 2007 by Vincent Uher. All Rights Reserved.



The Hymn: Beautiful Saviour, Mightiest in Mercy

Beautiful Saviour, Mightiest in Mercy,
Light piercing darkness, Joy beyond all sorrow,
Wounded for healing, Dying for our saving,
.....................Victim and High Priest.

Son of the Father, Child of Mary Mother,
Just Joseph's dear boy, Cause of Great John's leaping,
Mary's Deliverer, Truest friend to Lazarus,
.....................True God, our High King.

All laud we bring now praising our Belovèd,
Christ Jesus, Saviour, Victor, and Redeemer
Judge of the Living, Judge of the departed,
.....................Come quickly, Jesus.

Words: © 2007 by Vincent Uher. All Rights Reserved.
Other Excellent Suggested tunes:
Iste Confessor
Oblation (which is Crueger's "Lobet den Herren" ),
Coelites Plaudant (Rouen)

Prayers of the Holy Name of Jesus

Prayers to the Most Holy Name

O sweet Name of Jesus, holy above all names in heaven and on earth, and to which every knee, both of men and of angels in heaven, on earth and in hell bends. Thou art the the way of the just, the glory of the saints, the hope of those in need, the balm of the sick, the love of the devout and the consolation of those that suffer.

O, Jesus be to me a help and a protector so that Thy Name may be blessed for all times…..

(Manualis Parvulorum XIII)

Thomas à Kempis

Prayer to the Holy Name - St. Alphonsus
O my Jesus, thou art the Saviour who hast given Thy blood and Thy life for me, I pray Thee to write Thy adorable name on my poor heart; so that having it always imprinted in my heart by love, I may also have it ever on my lips, by invoking it in all my necessities. If the devil tempts me, Thy name will give me strength to resist him; if I lose confidence, Thy name will animate me to hope; if I lose confidence, Thy name will animate me to hope; if I am in affliction, Thy name will comfort me, by reminding me of all Thou hast endured for me. If I find myself cold in Thy love, Thy name will inflame me by reminding me of the love Thou hast shown me. I have fallen into so many sins, because I did not call on Thee; from henceforth Thy name shall be my defense, my refuge, my hope, my only consolation, my only love. Thus do I hope to live, and so do I hope to die, having Thy name always on my lips.

The Incarnation, Birth and Infancy of Jesus Christ; or, The Mysteries of the Faith, St. Alphonsus de Liguori, Redemptorist Fathers, 1927.


Prayer to the Holy Name - St. Bernardine of Siena
O Jesus, Name full of glory, grace, love and strength! Thou art the refuge of those who repent, our banner of warfare in this life, the medicine of souls, the comfort of those who morn, the delight of those who believe, the light of those who preach the true faith, the wages of those who toil, the healing of the sick. To Thee our devotion aspires; by Thee our prayers are received; we delight in contemplating Thee. O Name of Jesus, Thou art the glory of all the saints for eternity. Amen.

St. Bernardine of Siena

Prayer Petition to the Holy Name of Jesus
O God, Thou hast appointed Thine only-begotten Son to be the Saviour of mankind, and Thou didst command His Name to be Jesus. I beg that a most ardent love of Thy Divine Son imprint that Name upon my heart; that it always be on my mind, and frequently on my lips; that it be my defense in temptation, my refuge in danger, and my consolation and strength in the hour of my death.


Holy Name Prayer of Contrition
Most Merciful Jesus, by that Precious Blood which Thou didst willingly shed for sinners, I beg Thee to wash away all my sinfulness and to look mercifully upon me, a poor and unworthy sinner, as I call upon Thy Holy Name. Mercifully grant me, through Thine adorable Name, which is the joy of heaven, the terror of hell, the consolation of the afflicted, the refuge of sinners and the strength of those who repent, the grace of eternal salvation through the holy Name of Jesus. I ask this in Thy Name, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God world without end. Amen.

The Holy Name of Jesus

Bowing the Head at Hearing the Holy Name

The custom of bowing the head at the mention of His Name was formally written into law at the Second Council of Lyons, A.D. 1274, convened by Pope Gregory X:

"Those who assemble in church should extol with an act of special reverence that Name which is above every Name, than which no other under Heaven has been given to people, in which believers must be saved, the Name, that is, of Jesus Christ, Who will save His people from their sins. Each should fulfill in himself that which is written for all, that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow; whenever that glorious Name is recalled, especially during the sacred Mysteries of the Mass, everyone should bow the knees of his heart, which he can do even by a bow of his head."

O Divine Jesus, Thou hast promised that anything we ask of the Eternal Father in Thy name shall be granted.

O Eternal Father, in the name of Jesus, for the love of Jesus, in fulfillment of this promise, and because Jesus has said it, grant us our petitions for the sake of Jesus, Thy Divine Son. Amen.

Source: The Prayer Book by Reverend John P. O'Connell, M.A., S.T.D. and Jex Martin, M.A., The Catholic Press, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, 1954

Behold, How Like a Monarch

Behold, how like a monarch
Peace enters in to reign
when all things rightly ordered
proclaim Christ's true domain.
God crowns each true peacemaker
with blessings from above
to share with friend and neighbour
the treasure of God's love.

The sacrifice of Jesus,
his rising from the dead,
his sending of the Spirit
turns this world on its head.
The promise of our Saviour
sings, 'Heaven is at hand.
Receive the Holy Spirit.
Peace to you and your land.'

Long nights we knew of warfare,
of desperate people's cries.
We see how nations falter
destroyed by greed and lies.
Christ's Cross, a contradiction
"Lay down your life for friends
so justice, hope, and mercy
fill the world's farthest ends."

To put an end to terror
we long to do what's right.
To save the world from horrors,
to vanquish evil's might.
Unless God leads and guides us
we turn Earth into hell.
Christ, shepherd all the nations
so all things shall be well!

Christ's peace, the Church's power,
His peace, our bravest song.
His sacrifice, his bleeding
make peace where once was wrong.
His Gospel mark our actions.
Our actions be as prayers
till Christ rules every nation,
swords beat into ploughshares.

Creator of all nature,
the Word through whom Life came,
the Spirit through us moving,
One God, we praise your Name.
We tell out your great goodness,
your tenderness and might
by which you end all terror.
Your peace crowns all with light.

---

Words: Copyright © 2003 Vincent Uher. All rights reserved.
Suggested tunes: Es flog ein kleins Waldvöglein (Woodbird)
or Passion Chorale (Herzlich thut mich verlangen)
Meter: 76 76 D

Great angels all adore Him

Great angels all adore Him
and hearts both brave and true.
Behold the Living Saviour
Who makes creation new!
Though slain from the foundation
of all the world we know,
He triumphs over evil,
and in His steps we go.

Remember how in Egypt
God's people decked the door
with blood from lambs to mark them
their sons Death would passo'er.
And now God's Son, the Lamb of God
has shed His Blood to sign
the Cross, the Christian s doorway
into the Life divine.

Death's stronghold could not hold Him.
The gates of hell He smashed.
Christ frees from Satan's clutching
all souls His Blood has washed.
Alive and risen from the dead
in victory to reign,
He soon returns. Behold Him!
Hallelujah! Amen!

Words: Copyright © 1998 Vincent Uher. All rights reserved.
Tune: Lancashire

Christ the Good Shepherd

Gentle Reader,

Here is a first draft of a hymn text I wrote last night after praying the 23rd Psalm. Having prayed that psalm so often one might think its value or meaning had been exhausted, but I find it ever fresh, a spring that never runs dry. And when I am suffering, as indeed I am at the moment, I find it a great window with a vista onto what is most beautiful and most true about God and even my own heart's aspirations. Physical difficulties pale in comparison to such tender mercies from Christ the Good Shepherd and Just Judge. There are echoes of the Book of Common Prayer and probably the Bay Psalm Book which together with my own turns of phrase seek to express the Christian meaning of the psalm with all the joy one can muster.

I hope you enjoy reading this first draft which is meant to be sung to the tune Lasst uns erfreuen — the tune normally used for "Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones". God bless and keep you.




Bishop and Guardian of my soul,
Shepherd who keeps me safe and whole, Alleluia ...
Lead me in righteousness always,
For thy Name's sake, within thy ways. Alleluia ...

By clearest waters make me rest.
Restore my soul to brave each test. Alleluia ...
Though death's dark valley be my track.
Nothing I fear; nothing I lack. Alleluia ...

O thou art with me night and day.
My strength and comfort on the Way. Alleluia ...
I feast upon thy gifts divine —
Thy Flesh from bread, thy Blood from wine. Alleluia ...

With oil anoint me, O my King.
Of thee forever will I sing. Alleluia ...
Mercy and goodness fill my days
then home with thee — all shall be praise. Alleluia ...


Words: Copyright © 2007 by Vincent Uher
Tune: Laßt uns erfreuen

Hymn to Jesus

Jesus, Son of Mary,
David's heir, we praise thee.
King and High Priest, we acclaim thee
Splendour of the heavens
As a tiny baby,
Child divine of our dear Lady.
Earth doth stand
In thy hand
Past and future holding,
Love and grace enfolding.

Jesus, raised by Joseph,
Master of construction,
Artist and source of instruction.
Worker of great wonders,
To life raising Lazarus,
Bearer of our sins and sadness.
Nails and cross,
Blood and loss
Sacrifice and mystery.
Masterpiece of mercy.

Jesus Christ, now risen,
In thy mercy listen
To our needs and each petition
Show us how to serve thee
At this urgent hour.
How we need thy grace and power!
Earth still spins,
Mired in sins,
People God-defying.
Innocents are crying.

Jesus, good Physician,
Heal thy Church we pray thee.
By thy Blood defend her daily.
Purify the nations.
Cleanse the ranks of shepherds.
Wash away all false endeavors.
Let us be
One with thee,
Will and purpose pleasing,
Heart and soul appealing.


Words: Copyright © 2002 Vincent Uher. All rights reserved.
Tune: Tysk
Meter: 668 668 666

More precious than all sacred books

More precious than all sacred books
Are you, Lord Christ, the Living Word.
You speak God's life, but who will hear
When we would fight — pride as our sword

........God is our Maker. God is Love.
........God sends us courage from above.


O Saviour, Friend, we must repent,
But who knows how, where to begin?
Open our ears to heed your voice
Before we break your heart again.

........God is our Maker. God is Love.
........God sends us courage from above.


Should we not love as you love us
And drink that Cup which would not pass,
Nail all our wants upon the Cross,
And in you find our needs surpassed?

........God is our Maker. God is Love.
........God sends us courage from above.


Lest idle fears become false gods,
We will trust God, fear no one else;
Return to Christ with every breath
By loving neighbours as ourselves.

........God is our Maker. God is Love.
........God sends us courage from above.


Copyright © 2006 by Vincent Uher
Suggested tunes: Old 113th, alt., St. Catherine, Ryburn (Norman Cocker)

Our Lady of the Sign - The Theotokos Bearing Christ

Click here to see a contemporary icon of "Our Lady of the Sign" that is the official icon of the Archdiocese of Denver in the United States of America. This archdiocese keeps the Feast of Our Lady of the New Advent on December 16th.

Click here. for a beautiful Eastern Orthodox apse containing and ikon of Our Lady of the Sign. Also, an Eastern Orthodox explanation of this ikon is included.

O Christ the King

O Christ the King, the royal banners rise.
Thy Cross, thy standard we raise to the skies,
And hail thee, “Lord!” and bow before thine eyes.
Alleluia. Alleluia.

Transfigured thou upon the mountain’s height
Revealed the glory of the Bridegroom’s face
And showed to them thy purpose and thy Light.
Alleluia. Alleluia.

The Cross, thy throne where thou wast lifted high
Embracing all the broken world’s dark heart
Till blood and water gushed when pierced was thine.
Alleluia. Alleluia.

Death could not hold thee, nor a tomb contain,
O Love and Life, who now from heav’n dost reign,
The King of kings, the Lord who healeth pain.
Alleluia. Alleluia.

____________________________
Copyright © 2006 by Vincent Uher
This text is sung to the tune Sine Nomine

O Living Lord

______________________________________

On the Occasion of the Birthday of Fr. James T. Moore, Ph.D

O Living Lord,
In thine own Mother thou didst rule and reign.
Nine months her womb all heaven did contain.
Thou heaven’s Lord, within her flesh sustained —
Her blood, thy grain.

Come down from heav’n,
O Bread of Angels by her milk once fed,
For thee we hunger, Thou our Living Bread.
Thy precious Blood to sinners, pray, extend,
O Life without end.

Light of the world,
Star of the morning, Sun of righteousness,
From thy pure Chalice we taste holiness.
By thine own flesh our souls and bodies bless,
Divine Presence.

O Mary’s Son,
Blest be thy Father, Maker of all things.
“Blest be thy Spirit, “ all creation sings.
Blest our redemption! Let all bells now ring
For Christ the King.

____________________________
Copyright © 2006 by Vincent Uher
This may be sung to the tune Ora Labora

Lo, How She Brings Life With Her

Lo, how she brings Life with her
Concealed beneath her heart,
Eve’s daughter, brave and chosen,
God’s partner to his art.
Her will knit with divine will
Desires his Word be done.
For God she weaves within her
The body of their Son.

Elisabeth her cousin
A child will bring to birth –
God’s answer to her longing,
A prophet for the Earth.
“Peace be with you,” said Mary.
Her cousin’s babe did dance
The merry steps of best man:
The Bridegroom’s here, at last.

Elisabeth cried out then,
“The child within me leapt!
When he heard your sweet greeting,
With joy my baby stepped.”
She spoke full of the Spirit,
With insight from the Lord,
“How is it you come to me
The Mother of my Lord?”

Great Mary, Anna’s child,
A daughter born to Israel,
A virgin undefiled,
She sang out as a woman
Brought up on Hannah’s song,
“O praise, my soul, God’s greatness.
Rejoice, our Lord is strong.”

All ages call her blessed
Just as she once foretold.
Blest is she amongst women,
Her Child blest from of old.
Blest is she who believes God
Who carries God’s true Word.
Her Son both God and human
Fulfils great Gabriel’s word.

Our Saviour, God of mercy,
Remembers Abraham’s fold.
Praise God who casts down tyrants.
Rejoice! Our God is bold.
So sing we with blest Mary
To magnify the Lord
Who raised up his handmaiden.
Oh, holy is the Lord!


Copyright © 2006 by Vincent Uher
This may be sung to the tune Far Off Lands
or to the tune Wie lieblich ist der Maien

Especially for the liturgical observances of the Visitation, Nativity of St. John Baptist, Advent III, Advent IV and for Masses for the Respecting of Life.

At a Wedding Feast in Cana

At a wedding feast in Cana
Jesus, Mary, and their friends
joined to celebrate a marriage-
covenant which on Love depends.
And the party it went on
till the bowls of wine were gone.
Mary nudged her Son Christ Jesus,
urged him to step up and please us.

"Dearest woman, let's have no show.
You know well it's not my time."
Mary smiled and told the servants,
"Follow all his words sublime.
Do whatever he may say.
It's the way he'll save the day."
And the servants did her bidding
and to Jesus all were listening.

Jesus guided all their actions
and turned water into wine.
How amazing this great wonder
his first miracle and sign!
It was not to raise the dead
or to heal as it is said,
but to keep a party going --
this his first and wondrous showing.

Let us hearken then to Mary
and do all that Christ shall say.
Heal the sick and feed the hungry,
love the living of each day.
Walk on water when we must,
make disciples of the lost.
Raise the dead and banish demons.
Preach and teach through all the seasons.

Praise and worship to the Father
Laud and glory to the Son,
For the Holy Spirit muster
songs of joy on every tongue.
With Our Lady walk the way
leading to Christ's glorious day
when the faithful rise to meet him
and rejoicing we will greet him!


Words: Copyright © 1998 by Vincent Uher. All rights reserved.
Music: Genevan Psalm 42 ("Comfort, Comfort, ye my people")
Meter: 87877788