Agnus Dei

O Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the world,
Grant us Thy peace.

--The Agnus Dei

Dona Nobis Pacem. There probably is no simpler or more beautiful prayer in all the world. In the first two verses, we beat our breasts in shame. In the last verse, we raise our eyes to heaven with joyful anticipation. Without your mercy, O Lord, I am lost. Without your peace, O Lord, I am broken. This ancient prayer represents Christianity in its basic form. It is the prayer of sinners, yet the prayer of the redeemed. It is the prayer of the brokenhearted, yet the prayer of those made whole. It is the prayer of those once dead in trespasses and sin, yet the prayer of eternal life. Have mercy, O Lamb of God, have mercy, and grant us your everlasting peace. If these were the last words to pass my lips of clay, I would die safely and content in the love of Christ.

Honor, Liberty, Truth!