This edition was prepared by Paul R. Marchesano — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
First Preces
Staff Notation • Sacred, Preces and Responses
Preview
0
0
Subscribed as
Want Sunday picks sent to another address too?
Free weekly email
Your choir should not be left out in what's trending
Sunday mass selections, psalms, and trending songs in your area — straight to your inbox.
First Preces by Orlando Gibbons — Lyrics
From the Book of Common Prayer, 1662
[First, the Preces are said/sung:]
[Priest.] O Lord, open thou our lips.
Answer. And our mouth shall show forth thy praise.
Priest. O God, make speed to save us.
Answer. O Lord, make haste to help us.
Priest. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
Answer. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Priest. Praise ye the Lord.
Answer. The Lord's Name be praised.
[After the Creed is said, the Responses:]
Priest. The Lord be with you.
Answer. And with thy spirit.
Minister. Let us pray. Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us.
[All.] OUR Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen.
Priest: O Lord, shew thy mercy upon us.
Answer. And grant us thy salvation.
Priest. O Lord, save the King.
Read full lyrics
About First Preces
Orlando Gibbons' First Preces are traditional settings of the opening liturgical responses from the Book of Common Prayer. This SAATB setting, sung in English, offers a rich sonic palette for these familiar versicles and responses. The music is crafted to enhance the devotional and communal nature of the prayers, with the divisions of the choir creating a dialogue between priest and people. The setting moves from the plea for open lips to praise, through the ancient Doxology, and concluding with the traditional responses before the Lord's Prayer. This is a staple of Anglican cathedral music, providing a dignified and moving framework for daily services.
