This edition was prepared by Barry Johnston — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Bethel
Staff Notation • Sacred, Hymns
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Bethel by Anonymous — Lyrics
Oratio pauperis, cum anxius fuerit, et in conspectu Domini effuderit precem suam.
Domine, exaudi orationem meam,
et clamor meus ad te veniat.
Non avertas faciem tuam a me:
in quacumque die tribulor, inclina ad me aurem tuam;
in quacumque die invocavero te, velociter exaudi me.
Quia defecerunt sicut fumus dies mei,
et ossa mea sicut cremium aruerunt.
Percussus sum ut foenum, et aruit cor meum,
quia oblitus sum comedere panem meum.
A voce gemitus mei adhaesit os meum carni meae.
Similis factus sum pellicano solitudinis;
factus sum sicut nycticorax in domicilio.
Vigilavi, et factus sum sicut passer solitarius in tecto.
Tota die exprobrabant mihi inimici mei,
et qui laudabant me adversum me jurabant:
quia cinerem tamquam panem manducabam,
et potum meum cum fletu miscebam,
a facie irae et indignationis tuae:
quia elevans allisisti me.
Dies mei sicut umbra declinaverunt,
et ego sicut foenum arui.
Tu autem, Domine, in aeternum permanes,
et memoriale tuum in generationem et generationem.
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About Bethel
This sacred hymn for SATB voices opens with a heartfelt plea for divine attention during times of suffering. The text, presented in both Latin and English, draws directly from the Psalms, describing a soul overwhelmed by affliction, feeling isolated and forgotten. The composer, anonymous, sets these poignant words with a moving, devotional spirit. The music likely reflects the somber yet hopeful nature of the prayer, providing a powerful expression of faith in the face of adversity. It is a profound meditation on dependence on God, suitable for moments of reflection and communal supplication.
