THE SANCTUARY MASS
original Swedish text by Gunilla Lindén
translated to English by Ingrid Eng
I. Kyrie
Far above us, vast dark heavens unfold
Stars and planets, in never-ending space
You breathe life
Create life on Earth
Please hear our cry
Kyrie eleison
Your blood flows in every river
Your body is torn apart in pieces
You break down and weep
Your tears water the world
Please hear our cry
Kriste eleison
Please hear our cry, Lord
Hear our longing for you
Please hear our cry
Kyrie eleison
II. Gloria and Laudamus
A song rises up from the earth
A greening in praise of the Lord
Eternal sounds soar to the sky
Singing praises, all forms of life
To you we pray
Laudamus
You gave us the gift of this world
We tremble in our gratitude
The world is surrendered to our care
We bless you
Benedicimus
Yes, our voices will grow silent
No longer sing to your glory
Fresh new voices shall honor your name
You who are holiness, eternity
We thank you Lord for all your works
Glorificamus
A new song rises from the earth
The praises will never end
Eternal sounds fill high heaven
Singing praises, all forms of life
Gloria
III. Credo
You welcomed me
I reached out my hand
You were my only hope
The only one that I could believe in
In longing and hope, faltering
Through pain and struggle, seeking
Your presence
You welcome us
You reach out your hand
You are our only hope
The only one that we can believe in
When we need you the most
When we least of all deserve it
You lift us up
You welcome us
You reach out your hand
You are our only hope
The only one that we can believe in
IV. Sanctus
All that’s living and breathing
Praises you, Lord
You who birthed the world, with your word
You came down as one of us
Ever-present
You who are of eternity
Always greater
You make peace, you are mercy
You feed those who hunger
You sooth us
You walk with the persecuted
You are compassionate
You quench our thirst
You care for every living soul
So should we
Hosanna
So shall holiness reveal itself
V. Agnus Dei
You that taketh away
You flow like a river through our hearts
You course through our blood
You taketh away
Come, flow through us today
You who transforms
Shame into blessings
Guilt into mercy
You that takes forth
Come, flow through us today
VI. Let us bless the Lord (Benedicamus)
Walk with us, God
Stay close by all our lives
Above us, below us, around us
We thank you, God
for your gift of life
Protect us, God
Sign your name on our hearts
Above us, below us, around us
Walk with us, God,
Help us spread your peace
Walk with us, God
Stay close by all our lives
Amen