Night Prayer for 20th January 2021 – A Commemoration of Richard Rolle

An order of night prayer. Richard Rolle of Hampole, the Yorkshire mystic died on this day in 1349. He is best remembered for The Fire of Love, a work expressing and exploring contemplative prayer as practiced by him.

Ripon Cathedral Choir recorded a setting of one of prayers, which you can read below and access the link on Soundcloud if you would like to hear it.

A Prayer by Richard Rolle

Till Thou teach it, my God, to me —
Till I hear the still voice of Thy Spirit,
Who speaketh for ever of Thee —
Till I hear the celestial singing,
And learn the new song of Thy grace,
And then shall I tell forth the marvels
I learnt in Thy secret place.
Thy marvels, not mine, far surpassing
All thoughts of my heart must they be —
I can but declare the glad tidings,
As Thou hast declared them to me.