Penitential
Attende Domine (Hearken, O Lord)
Catholic prayer · Latin text
A Mozarabic hymn of the tenth century, sung in Lent, whose refrain begs the Lord to hear and have mercy on a people that has sinned against Him. The verses move from the confession of sins openly consented to, to those hidden in the heart.
R: Hearken, O Lord, and have mercy, for we have sinned against Thee. Crying, we raise our eyes to Thee, Sovereign King, Redeemer of all. Listen, Christ, to the pleas of the supplicant sinners. R. Thou art at the Right Hand of God the Father, the Keystone, the Way of salvation and Gate of Heaven, cleanse the stains of our sins. R. O God, we beseech Thy majesty to hear our groans; to forgive our sins. R. We confess to Thee our consented sins; we declare our hidden sins with contrite heart; in Thy mercy, O Redeemer, forgive them. R. Thou wert captured, being innocent; brought about without resistance, condemned by impious men with false witnesses. O Christ keep safe those whom Thou hast redeemed. R.
When it is prayed
- lent
- penance
- confession
