The New English Hymnal ‎#101a

101a. The Lamb's high banquet we await

1 The Lamb’s high banquet we await
In snow-white robes of royal state,
And now, the Red Sea’s channel past,
To Christ our Prince we sing at last.

2 Upon the altar of the Cross
His Body has redeemed our loss,
And tasting of his precious Blood,
Our life is hid with Christ in God.

3 That Paschal eve God’s arm was bared,
The devastating angel spared;
By strength of hand our hosts went free
From Pharaoh’s ruthless tyranny.

4 Now Christ our Passover is slain,
The Lamb of God that knows no stain,
And he, the true unleavened Bread,
Is truly our oblation made.

5 *O thou from whom hell’s monarch flies,
O great, O very Sacrifice,
Thy captive people are set free,
And endless life restored in thee.

6 *For Christ, arising from the dead,
From conquered hell victorious sped,
He thrusts the tyrant down to chains,
And Paradise for man regains.

7 Maker of all, to thee we pray,
Fulfil in us thy joy today;
When death assails, grant, Lord, that we
May share thy Paschal victory.

8 To thee who, dead, again dost live,
All glory, Lord, thy people give,
All glory to the Father be
And Spirit blest, eternally. Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: The Lamb's high banquet we await
• Latin Title: Ad cenam Agni providi
• Translator: J. M. Neale, 1818-1866 (alt.)
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1986
• Topic: The Christian Year: Eastertide; Office Hymn
• Source: Latin, probably 7th century

Tune Information

• Name: AD CENAM AGNI
• Key: c minor
• Copyright: Arr. By permission of Oxford Univeristy Press (from "English Praise")