The 'O' Antiphons for Gaza: O Clavis David

Autun Cathedral St Lazare. Main Portal

20th December

O Clavis David

O Key of David and sceptre of the House of Israel;
you open and no one can shut;
you shut and no one can open:
Come and lead the prisoners from the prison house,
those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

...

O Christ, holder of the key to eternal life,

giver of the key to all who ask,

that they may act in Your name

and always serve You in others.

O Christ, the living door

that is unlocked

at our calling

by the voice and acts of love and mercy,

but barred against all

who refuse to let go of sin,

those who reject Your Holy Spirit.

Lead us all to turn that key

To open that door,

O Gentle and Merciful Christ

our true and humble ruler,

our only Servant King.

O key of David;

may all of us in darkness,

in the prison of the shadow of death;

particularly those in places of conflict

such as the land of your birth,

be given the keys of the Kingdom

to unlock all that divides us

and so find freedom with You for ever.