Sibylline Prayer and Hymn Extracts

Sibylline Prayer and Hymn Extracts

[Selected hymnic and prayer passages drawn from the Sibylline Oracles.]

There is one God alone, who reigns,

uncreated, almighty, and unseen,

who alone beholds all things,

yet is seen by no eye of flesh.

He is the maker of heaven and earth, of the sea and the heights of the mountains, the springs of the rivers and the unmeasured waters. He gives breath to all that lives, and into him all things return.

Worship not the works of your own hands —

stone and wood, silver and gold,

the dumb idols, the dead images;

but worship the living God,

who alone is, and was, and shall be.

O wretched mortals, turn from the darkness; wash your bodies in running rivers, stretch out your hands to heaven, and ask forgiveness for your deeds. Heal bitter ungodliness with words of praise, and God will grant you a change of heart, and will not destroy. His anger will cease if all in the heart practice honored godliness.

Happy are they upon the earth

who love the great God,

blessing him before they drink and eat,

trusting in his mercy.

Theirs is the day that does not end.

[Fragment breaks here]