Abraham, taught by the Angel, utters the Celestial Song and prays for Enlightenment (Chapter XVII.).
1 And while he yet spake (and) lo! fire came against us round about, and a voice was in the fire like a voice of many waters, like the sound of the sea in its uproar. And the angel bent his head with me and worshipped. And I desired to fall down upon the earth, and the high place, on which we stood, [at one moment rose upright,] but at another rolled downwards.
2 And he said: “Only worship, Abraham, and utter the song which I have taught thee;” because there was no earth to fall upon. And I worshipped only, and uttered the song which he had taught me. And he said: “Recite without ceasing.” And I recited, and he also himself with me recited the song:
3 Eternal, mighty, Holy, El,
God only—Supreme!
4 Thou who art self-originated, incorruptible, spotless,
5 Uncreate, immaculate, immortal,
Self-complete, self-illuminating;
6 Without father, without mother, unbegotten, Exalted, fiery One!
7 Lover of men, benevolent, bountiful,
8 jealous over me and very compassionate;
9 Eli, that is, My God—
10 Eternal, mighty holy Sabaoth,
11 very glorious El, El, El, El, Jaoel!
12 Thou art He whom my soul hath loved!
13 Eternal Protector, shining like fire,
14 Whose voice is like the thunder,
15 Whose look is like the lightning, all-seeing,
16 Who receiveth the prayers of such as honour Thee!
17 [And turneth away from the requests of such as embarrass with the embarrassment of their provocations,
18 Who dissolveth the confusions of the world which arise from the ungodly and righteous in the corruptible age, renewing the age of the righteous!]
19 Thou, O Light, shinest before the light of the
20 morning upon Thy creatures,
21 [so that it becometh day upon the earth,]
22 And in Thy heavenly dwelling places there is no
need of any other light
23 than (that) of the unspeakable splendour from the
lights of Thy countenance.
24 Accept my prayer [and be well-pleased with it],
25 likewise also the sacrifice which Thou hast prepared
Thee through me who sought Thee!
26 Accept me favourably, and shew me, and teach me,
27 And make known to Thy servant as thou hast promised me!