I’m not a professional translator or a great Latinist. However, I did spend a number of years working for a major Scripture translation organization, so I am always bemused by various translations. In the course of preparing Lauds for the Saturday after Ash Wednesday (for a conference), I thought the closing prayer in my English Liturgy of the Hours was pretty thin gruel. So I consulted the Latin and then I consulted Universalis, which now uses the updated collects.
Latin original: Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, infirmitaten nostram propitius respice, atque ad protegendum now dexteram tuae maiestatis extende. Per Dominum.
Universalis: All-powerful and ever-living God, look with compassion on our frailty, and for our protection stretch out to us your strong right hand. Through our Lord.
Liturgy of the Hours in English: Father, look upon our weakness and reach out to help us with your loving power. Through our Lord.
Thin gruel to a good streak – or since it’s Lent, a good lobster.
