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UPDATE: A reader asked for a look at the translation of the same prayer as it was found in the Sacramentary in use up until November 2011. I've provided that text in the combox on this post.
Just in case you're wondering exactly what it was to which you gave your "Amen" at the beginning of Mass this weekend, here's the text for your prayerful review:
O God, protector of those who hope in you,
without whom nothing has firm foundation, nothing is holy,
bestow in abundance your mercy upon us
and grant that, with you as our ruler and guide,
we may use the good things that pass
in such a way as to hold fast even now
to those that ever endure.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
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What would have been the collect for this day in the former translation? I couldn't find it.
ReplyDeleteGod our Father and protector,
ReplyDeletewithout you nothing is holy,
nothing has value.
Guide us to everlasting life
by helping us use wisely
the blessings you have given to the world.
We ask this...
The Sacramentary, as you'll recall, also included an "Alternate Opening Prayer" for each Sunday. Here's the Alternate Prayer for the 17th Sunday:
God our Father,
open our eyes to see your hand at work
in the splendor of creation,
in the beauty of human life.
Touched by your hand our world is holy.
Help us to cherish the gifts that surround us,
to share your blessings with our brothers and sisters,
and to experience the joy of life in your presence.
We ask this...
Both of these selections are so much nicer than our present version. They're more meaningful and make more sense . Even if not perfect, the English grammar is much better. I find myself getting distracted sometimes hearing the new prayers. "What was that? What did he say? What did that mean?" I'm lost in thought while the liturgy continues.
ReplyDeleteDifferent things appeal to different people, Anne. I was very moved by today's collect, and, though the grammar is more complex, I find it more meaningful than the old translation. If the grammar of the new prayers distracts you, perhaps your parish provides a missal or other liturgy guide with the text. I find it helpful to hear and see things.
ReplyDeleteI think if the person(s) who wrote these new prayers had had to put their name(s) to them, we might have had an entirely different assortment of new prayers. The tongue twisting that is required just to say some of these is ridiculous. It serves no good purpose, and, in fact, causes confusion (and sometimes anger) to those who are trying to understand what is being said (with or without the aid of written texts.) IMO the new prayers do not encourage a prayerful attitude. Quite the contrary.
ReplyDeleteRosemary
These new prayers cause anger? That's quite a strong statement. As for tongue twisting, I have no problem saying or reading them. I wonder if the anger comes more from the idea of someone changing that which was familiar and comfortable to something unfamiliar and challenging. I've found the older I get, the more difficult change becomes...
ReplyDeleteMary
The most beautiful opening prayer in the "old" English translation has been replaced by poor "Latlish" that shows no respect for the rhythms of English syntax. I am sure the new translation is well meant, but it has been, by and large, a mistake. Mistakes should be rectified quickly.
ReplyDelete