O Rex Gentium

Verse 1

O God, on whom the nations wait, And kingdoms far away, Who midst the Gentiles shall be great, When all souls must obey:

Verse 2

Behold the lands where Satan reigns Upon his cruel throne, Who sit in darkness and in chains And worship wood and stone.

Verse 3

Your ancient heritage behold, And Abram’s faithful seed, And lead them to the holy fold Wherein your ransomed feed.

Verse 4

Far from the west bid hatred’s lot, And unbelief and pride. How long shall those who love you not Your seamless coat divide?

Verse 5

How long will you forget the east, Where first your truth was spread, Where pilgrims once your name confessed, And holy martyrs bled?

Verse 6

Lead sinners from the paths of sin, Let scorners hear your voice, And let all heritics come in, And make your church rejoice!

Verse 7

We wait in faith, we wait in prayer Until the happy morn When you will come our flesh to share And for our sakes be born.

Verse 8

To God, the mighty and the just, Are praise and glory due, To him in whom the nations trust, And Holy Ghost, to you.