Saturday, May 20, 2006

Litany of the Lover and the Beloved

Well, I finally finished it. I spent Lent meditating upon Song of Solomon and felt led to write a litany. It's still the Easter season so I figure I'm not too late...I thought it fitting to post it here on the day of Fr. Jeffrey's doctoral graduation. He's been my mentor and friend in this Salesian journey and I am very grateful for his guidance and the sharing of his study of St. Francis de Sales. I've been praying this litany daily now and this, along with my Lenten meditations, have radically altered my understanding of God's tremendous love.


Litany of the Lover and the Beloved


Jesus, Pleasing Fragrance Hear Us
Jesus, Heart-throb of Maidens Hear Us
Jesus, Lover of the Dark, Yet Lovely One Hear Us
Jesus, Shepherd Who Leaves Footprints to Follow Hear Us
Jesus, Sweet Myrhh of My Heart Hear Us
Jesus, Handsome Lover Hear Us
Jesus, Host of the Verdant Bed Hear Us
Jesus, Cluster of Henna Blossoms Hear Us

I am Rose of Sharon.
I am lily among thorns.

Jesus, Seed of the Apple Within the Forest Have mercy upon us
Jesus, Cooling Shade Have mercy upon us
Jesus, Sweet Fruit Have mercy upon us
Jesus, Bearer of the Banner of Love Have mercy upon us
Jesus, Strengthener Have mercy upon us

I am refreshed by my Lover.
I am faint with love.

Jesus, Sweet Embracer Pray for us
Jesus, Arouser of Love Pray for us
Jesus, Awakener of Desire Pray for us
Jesus, Lover Pray for us
Jesus, Leaping Gazelle, Young Stag Pray for us
Jesus, Gazer through the lattice at the beauty of
your Beloved Pray for us

I am beckoned.
I arise.
I come into the Spring of my Lover's arms.
I come from my hiding place.
I turn my lovely face to my Lover.
I speak my sweet voice to Him.

Jesus, Possessor of My Soul Bless us
Jesus, Browser Among the Lilies Bless us

I search for my Lover.
I find the one my heart loves and I do not let go!

Jesus, Noble King Mold us
Jesus, Crafter of the Cedars of Lebanon Mold us
Jesus, Craftsman of Silver and Gold Mold us
Jesus, Wearer of the Crown Mold us
Jesus, Rejoicer of Heart Mold us
Jesus, Describer of Beauty Mold us


I am Beautiful!
I have teeth of white and lips of scarlet.
I am elegant.
I am beautiful, there is no flaw in me.

Jesus, Rescuer from the Lion's Den Deliver us
Jesus, Caller Forth form the Haunt of the Leopard Deliver us
Jesus, Possessor of Hearts Deliver us

I have stolen His heart!
I am His sister, His bride.
I have stolen His heart with a glance!
I am a spring enclosed.
I am a locked garden.
I am a sealed fountain.

Jesus, North Wind Blow upon us
Jesus, South Wind Blow upon us
Jesus, Emancipator of the Garden Blow Your Spirit upon us
Jesus, Gatherer of Myrhh and Spice Blow Your Spirit upon us
Jesus, Taster of the Sweetness of Your Beloved Blow Your Spirit upon us
Jesus, Drenched in Dew Blow Your Spirit upon us
Jesus, Disrobed before the Beloved Blow Your Spirit upon us
Jesus, Washed Clean Blow Your Spirit upon us
Jesus, Who Opens the Latch Blow Your Spirit upon us

I awake to my Lover's beckoning.
I arise to open my doors to Him.
Alas, I am too late!
I look for Him and am beaten down.
I tell of Him to all I meet.
I remember His attributes with my lips, with the words of my mouth I tell of His Beauty.
I cry out, "He is my Lover!"
I search for Him in His garden.

Jesus, Gardener of the Beds of Spices Deliver us
Jesus, Gatherer of Lilies Deliver us
Jesus, Browser Among the Lilies Deliver us

I am beautiful!
My Lover sees my beauty and calls me His dove!

Jesus, Fair Bright Majestic One Heal us
Jesus, Admirer of the Open Blossoms Heal us
Jesus, Full of Desire Heal us
Jesus, Among the People Heal us

I am beautiful!
I am pleasing to my Lover.
I am full with the fruit of my Lover.
I belong to my Lover.

Jesus, Arouser of Love Have mercy upon us
Jesus, Seal of My Heart Have mercy upon us
Jesus, Mighty Flame Have mercy upon us
Jesus, Unquenchable Love Have mercy upon us

I am a wall.
I give my vineyard to the One I Love

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