Texts for “Lux Aeterna: A Jazz Requiem”

In loving memory of Jo Anne Evans Ramsden Matechak, Glenn W. Carter, Loraine McQuown Strong Laubach, and Arthur M. Phillips, III

1. Through the Shadowlands (Psalm 23:4)

Through the Shadowlands,                            

You walk with me in darkness.

With You, I fear no evil.

Your rod and staff, they comfort me.

2. Lord, Have Mercy / Kyrie Eleison  (Psalm 130:1-4)

Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us.

Spirit, look upon those you love. Lord, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. 

Spirit, come and redeem our loss. Lord, have mercy on us.

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.       

Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my prayer.

If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, who could stand?

But there is forgiveness with you that you may be revered.

Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. 

Spirit, heal our broken wings. Christ, have mercy on us.

3. Pie Jesu

Pie Jesu Domine Dona eis Requiem    

        (Pious Lord Jesus, give them rest)

Pie Jesu Domine Dona eis Requiem Sempiternem. 

        (Pious Lord Jesus, give them eternal rest)

4. Agnus Dei / Lamb of God  (John 1:29)

Lamb of God, who takes away our sin, 

Lamb of God the Shepherd of our Souls,

Lamb of God who sits upon the throne,

Grant them rest and give us peace.

5. Lux Aeterna / Light Eternal  (Revelation 14:3)

Into Light, everlasting light, grant to them, O Lord.

With your saints forever more, for You are gracious.

Holy God, give to them eternal rest. 

May the Light that lasts forever shine upon them.

May God's name be blessed forever, and to all Eternity.

May the peace that comes from heaven give peace to all.

Holy God, give to them eternal rest. 

May the Light that lasts forever shine upon them.

Blessed are the dead who from now on die in the Lord. 

The Spirit says they rest and all their deeds shall follow them.

6. Blessed!   (Matthew 5:1-12)

Blessed are the poor in spirit, theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed are those who grieve, they shall be comforted.

Rejoice and be glad! for heaven has come close to you.

Rejoice and be glad! You've been claimed as one of God's own.

Blessed are all the meek, they will inherit the land.

Blessed are the mercy-full, mercy shall be given to them.

Rejoice and be glad! for this is the way of the Lord.

Rejoice and be glad! For heaven embraces the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst, they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are those who seek God's justice they shall be found.

If some curse and lie about you because you resemble the Christ,

Be glad, keep faith, and persevere. Receive the blessing of God!

Blessed are the pure in heart, they shall see our Jesus.

Blessed are the makers of peace. they shall be children of God.

Rejoice and be glad! God's dominion is here and now.

Rejoice and be glad! God's justice makes a home in you.

7. Words of Commendation

    (Revelation 14:13, Psalm 116:13, Isaiah 25:8, Revelation 21:4, 

     Revelation 7:17, Matthew 5:6, Psalm 23:2-3)

And I heard a Voice from heaven, calling out to me: 

Blessed are those who die in the Lord.

They rest from their works, which follow them.

Precious in God's sight is the death of his faithful ones. 

God shall wipe all tears from their eyes. 

Death shall be no more. 

For the Lamb who is on the throne shall be their Shepherd. 

He will guide them to the springs of life.

They will hunger no more and thirst no more. 

Lead us beside still waters, restore my soul,                  

and grant us peace which will abide.

For you are God, the source of life, who gives us life forever.

8. Shadows Into Light (instrumental)

All music composed by Bill Carter © Presbybop Music (BMI)