What is the source of this prayer?

This prayer comes from Breviarium Romanum (1962), the official liturgical book of the 1962 Roman Rite (Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite).

When is this prayer used?

This prayer is used during Passiontide at Lauds in the traditional Divine Office.

DIVINUM OFFICIUM Versicle

Versiculus (ad Laudes)

Tempus Passionis - Versiculus ad Laudes

This versicle at Lauds during Passiontide draws from Psalm 21:22 (Vulgate): 'From the lion's mouth save me, O Lord, and my lowness from the horns of the unicorns.' Psalm 21, quoted by Christ on the Cross ('My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?'), provides the imagery of ferocious beasts representing the enemies surrounding the dying Savior.

LATINE

V. De ore leonis libera me, Domine. R. Et a cornibus unicornium humilitatem meam.

ENGLISH

V. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God. R. And defend me from them that rise up against me.

NOTA

FONS

Breviarium Romanum (1962)

USUS

Tempus Passionis - Versiculus ad Laudes

HORA

Lauds

TEMPVS

passiontide

GENVS

Versicle

About This Prayer

Prayer Text

Liturgical Notes