New Liturgical Prayers

The New Liturgical Movement, a liturgy website, has gathered together some of the new translations of the "Propers" for Mass here in this online article.

1st Sunday of Advent
Collect
Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that your faithful may resolve
to run forth with righteous deeds,
to meet your Christ who is coming,
so that gathered at His right hand
they may be worthy to possess the heavenly kingdom.

Prayer after Communion
May the mysteries we have celebrated profit us, we pray, O Lord,
for even now, as we journey through the passing world,
you teach us by them to love the things of heaven
and hold fast to what will endure.

2nd Sunday of Advent
Friday
Collect
Grant your people, we pray, almighty God,
to keep wide awake for the coming of your Only-Begotten Son,
that as He Himself, the author of our salvation, has taught,
we may be alert, with lamps alight,
and hurry out to greet Him as He comes.

4th Sunday of Advent
Collect
Stir up your power, we pray, O Lord, and come,
that with you to protect us
we may find rescue
from the looming dangers of our sins,
and with you to set us free,
be found worthy of salvation.

Not bad. But somehow they seem more English than American, especially the "even now," and the phrase about meeting "your Christ." Anyway, we won't know until we see the whole translation. My greatest hope is that the priest at Mass doesn't come out sounding like this, one of my favorite Monty Python bits, above, from "The Meaning of Life."

James Martin, SJ

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Brian Thompson

8 years 6 months ago

I agree. They are not bad, and there are only a few spots where there is a phrasing that strikes the ear as uncommon. However, as usual when such samples surface, I am able to speak them aloud without difficulty in tone, cadence, or understanding. It seems to me that the more we get actual samples of the text, the calmer those who have been apprehensive up to now should become. I am very eager to see what the finished product looks like.

James Lindsay

8 years 6 months ago

I like them, mostly. Prayers such as these should be just a bit formal - people might actually pay attention to them. Then again, you should probably not ask me since I used to consider Nathaniel Hawthorne light reading.

8 years 6 months ago

"consider Nathaniel Hawthorne light reading"

His daughter may become a saint. The beatification process has begun.

Eugene Pagano

8 years 6 months ago

These examples remind me a bit of the contemporary language collects in the Episcopal Church's Book of Common Prayer, contemporary language, but somewhat more formal than the current ICEL prayers.
These prayers do read much better than many of the changes to the Ordinary that are posted on the USCCB web site (http://www.usccb.org/romanmissal/examples.shtml). Coul

d the New Liturgical Movement website article have selected the best written prayers for advocacy reasons?

8 years 6 months ago

JR Cosgrove-now that is a fascinating story...

JAN LARSON REV

8 years 6 months ago

I liked much better the alternative prayer for Advent II approved by ICEL but then rejected by the Vatican. I've used it many times, and received complements on its beauty. Ever had anyone comment on the beautiful composition of an Opening Prayer?
With tender comfort and transforming power you come in our midst,
O god of mercy and might.
Make ready a way in the wilderness,
clear a straight path in our hearts and form us into a resplendent people,
that the advent of your Son
may find us watchful and eager for the glory he reveals.
We ask this through him whose coming is certain,
whose day draws near:
your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you, forever and ever. Amen

8 years 6 months ago

Jan: so beautiful...Thank you.