Christ, enthroned in highest Heaven, Hear us crying from the deep, For the faithful ones departed, For the souls of all that sleep; As Thy kneeling Church entreateth, Hearken, Shepherd of the sheep. King of Glory, hear our voices, Grant Thy faithful rest, we pray; We have sinned, and may not bide it, If Thou mark our steps astray; Yet we plead the saving Victim, Which for them we bring today. That which Thou Thyself hast offered To Thy Father, offer we; Let it win for them a blessing, Bless them, Jesu, set them free; They are Thine, they wait in patience; Merciful and gracious be. They are Thine, O take them quickly, Thou their Hope, O raise them high; Ever hoping, ever trusting, Unto Thee they strive and cry; Day and night, both morn and even, Be, O Christ, their Guardian nigh. Let Thy plenteous loving-kindness, On them, as we pray, be poured; Let them through Thy boundless mercy, From all evil be restored; Hearken to the voices pleading Of Thy Church, O gracious Lord. Hear and answer prayers devoutest, Break, O Lord, each binding chain, Dash the gates of death asunder, Quell the devil and his train; Bring the souls which Thou hast ransomed Evermore in joy to reign. |