Den XVI. Sang
A Life Sustained by Grace
The author reflects on God's constant provision from the womb through childhood and into adulthood.
Dear Father, source of goodness, well of health, flood of life, from whose boundless grace flows happiness, life, and fortune, wise and clever teacher, who in the smallest corner of the world holds the eternal book of remembrance. From my first form and nature, as I secretly received from you, I was warmed by your grace in my mother's womb, and I was nourished before I saw the fruitful sky in heaven, with grains of bread standing in the furrow. In my tender childhood, before my gums had teeth, you gave milk from my mother's breast, which was sweetened with loving kisses. In my youth, I daily enjoyed bread at the table of Rose and Aue; the tears of discipline are now so sweet. Wherever I have wandered around, walking in the circle of this world, you have shared the bread with me, now in part and now in whole. I know your providence in my humble calling and toil; I know no hungry meal.
Blessings of Home and Family
A prayer of gratitude for domestic life, children, and the cultivation of spiritual virtue.
You have given me a house and home, helped me along in this world, and my beloved wife, like a vine spreading out. Look at the fruit that stands here; I receive my children from you in my short years of life. Note: Those whom God has not blessed with children can sing this verse like this: You have given me a house and home, helped me along in this world, so that I have all I need for myself and my family. Give, O God! My spiritual fruit must, for you, have a sweeter scent, blossom forth in virtue and discipline.
Gratitude for Daily Bread
A petition for continued provision and a reminder to remain thankful for the physical sustenance provided by God.
You have given me a vessel and a cup for a well-satisfied purpose, so that my enemy may also see it with a heart full of sorrow! May I never forget the bread your hand has given me, or the provision that carries me. Signed by your Word and Spirit, all that your round hand has now set on the table from your rich treasure, give and strengthen us through our food, let our delay be in our dish, that everyone may be healthy and joyful.
The Bread of Life and Final Prayer
The author looks beyond physical food to the spiritual nourishment of the Sacrament and concludes with a prayer for righteousness and charity.
Hold fast to the Church's table, the Sacrament, and your Word, for our soul's bread, which is healthy in life and death. Bless the King, that his land may have a rich table and be in a state of blessed abundance. Make us full from your goodness, keep us in your commandments and righteousness. May we, with a loving spirit, willingly fill the hands of the needy. Let us live in your peace, with a good conscience, and die in faith, well prepared.
Read the original Latin
Hierte Fader, Godheds Rood, Sundheds Kilde, Livsens Flood, Af hvis bundløs Naade-veld Flyder Lykke, Liv og Held, Spiisemester viis og klog, Som i Verdens mindste Krog Holder ævig Opholds Bog.
Fra min første Form og Skik, Som jeg lønlig af dig fik, I min Moders Liv og Barm Blev jeg ved din Naade varm, Og fik Føde før jeg saae Frugtbar Sky paa Himlen gaa, Brødkorn udi Furren staa.
I min spæde Barndoms Stand, Før min Gumme hafde Tand, Gav du Melk af Moders Bryst, Som med kierlig Kys blev kryst, I min Ungdom daglig Brød Jeg hos Roos og Aue nød, Tugtens Graad er nu saa sød.
Hvor jeg haver reyst omkring, Trædt i Verdens Vandre-ring, Har du Brødet med mig deelt Nu i halft og nu i heelt, Jeg ved din Forsynlighed, I mit loulig Kald og Sved, Intet hungrigt Maaltid veed.
Du hâr givet Huus og Hiem, Hiulpet mig i Verden frem, Og min Hustro yndelig Som et Viintræ breder sig, See til Frugten som her staar, Mine Børn jeg af dig faar I mit korte Levnets Aar. NB: Dend som GUD hâr ey velsignet med Børn, kan siunge dette Vers saaledis: Du hâr givet Huus og Hiem, Hiulpet mig i Verden frem, Saa jeg hâr til min’ og mig Ald min Nødtørft rundelig, Giv, O GUd! min Siælis Frugt Maa, dig til en søder Lugt, Spire frem i Dyd og Tugt.
Du hâr skienkt mit Kar og Skaal Til en vel-fornøyed Maal, At min Fiende ogsaa maa Harme-brusten see derpaa! Gid jeg aldrig glemsom er For det Brød din Haand mig skiær, Og din Forsyn til mig bær.
Signed ved dit Ord og Aand, Alt hvad din, den runde Haand Haver nu paa Borde sat Af din rige Forraads Skat, Giv og Styrke ved vor Mad, Drøyelse leg i vort Fad, Hver maa blive sund og glad.
Hold ved lige Kirkens Bord, Sacramentern’ og dit Ord, Til vor Siælis Leve-brød, Som er sundt i Liv og Død: Signe Kongen, at hans Land Rige Madbord blive kand I lyksalig Trive-stand.
Giør os af dit Gode mæt, Hold os i dit Bud og Ræt, Gid vi, med en kierlig Aand, Gierne fylder Armis Haand, Lad os leve i din Fred, Med en god Samvittighed Døe i Troen vel bered.
Spiritual Songs (Selection) companion
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Chosen Portion delivers your morning, midday and night office to your phone — the Hours, without the bells.
Chosen Portion is a modern Book of Hours: it turns the fixed-hour structure this collection preserves into scheduled, tappable daily prayer on your phone.
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