O Lord, how good it is for us to be Thy guests! How fine it is for us in Thy world. The fields are fragrant, the mountains rise high up into the sky, and the golden rays of sun and the light clouds are reflected in the water. All nature mysteriously speaks about Thee, all is filled with Thy mercy and all carries the seal of Thy love. Blessed be the earth which, with her short-lasting beauty, awakens the yearning for the eternal homeland in Thy kingdom, where in everlasting beauty resounds the song: Alleluia!
Thou broughtest me into this life as if into a wonderful garden. I see the sky deep and blue, the birds as they chirp in flight; I listen to the soothing rustle of trees and the sonorous sound of waters; my mouth is enjoying fragrant and succulent fruits. How wonderful it is in Thy world and how joyous it is to be Thy guest!
Glory to Thee for the feast of life!
Glory to Thee for the scents of lilies of the valley and roses.
Glory to Thee for the abundance and multiplicity of earthly fruits.
Glory to Thee for the glistening of morning dew.
Glory to Thee for the joyous smile of dawn / with which Thou dost waken me.
Glory to Thee for eternal life / and the kingdom of heaven.
Glory to Thee, O God, in ages!
By the power of the Holy Spirit every flower breathes. Thy breath I feel in the quiet movement of the fragrant fields. Observing the harmony of colors I admire Thee. Wherever I look, I see all around me the beauty of the Great One in the little.Glory and thanks to the life-creating God Who covers the earth with flowery meadows, crowns the fields with golden ears of grain and embellishes them with blue cornflowers, and my soul with the joy of contemplation. Be glad and sing to Him: Alleluia!
How wonderful Thou art in the beauty of spring when all earth is being rejuvenated and thousands of sounds sing about Thee: Thou art the spring of life, Thou art the conqueror of death! In the pale moonlight with the song of the nightingale, the valleys and forests rest under a snowy white veil. The whole earth, Thy bride, is awaiting Thee, the Eternal Bridegroom. When Thou so clothest the grass of the field, how art Thou to adorn Thy chosen ones when they resurrect in the future age! How will then our bodies shine forth and our souls glitter!
Glory to Thee Who from the dark depths of the earth / bringeth forth so many colours and scents.
Glory to Thee for the beauty of nature.
Glory to Thee Who hast surrounded us / with thousands of Thy creatures.
Glory to Thee for the depth of thy wisdom / whose seal is borne by all creation.
Glory to Thee for the tender feeling / with which I kiss the trace of Thine invisible foot.
Glory to Thee Who hast from the beginning / lit the glowing light of eternal life.
Glory to Thee for the hope in perfect and eternal beauty.
Glory to Thee, O God, in ages!
How Thou delightest the hearts of those who meditate upon Thee, O God! Thou feedest their souls with Thy Holy Word. Talking with Thee is better than oil and sweeter than honey. Prayer to God refreshes and invigorates; it fills my heart with joy. How majestic then appears this world and all life. Where Thou art not – all is empty. Where Thou art – there is the richness of the soul.There, as living water, is the everlasting song: Alleluia
Glory be to God for All Things
The Akathist is a hymn dedicated to a saint, holy event, or one of the persons of the Holy Trinity (or in this case, His creation). It is a Greek word that means “unseated” - it is a hymn to be sung whilst standing.
Comment by JMC — May 8, 2007 @ 12:22 pm