"**Venite Exultemus Domino**" is a very significant phrase in Christian liturgy, serving as the opening words of a specific psalm that functions as an **invitatory** to daily prayer. Here's a breakdown of its information: 1. **Meaning and Origin:** * **Latin Phrase:** "Venite Exultemus Domino" translates to **"Come, let us exult/rejoice in the Lord."** * **Biblical Source:** It is the opening verse of **Psalm 95** in the Vulgate (Latin Bible) and many Christian traditions. In the Masoretic Text (Hebrew) and some Protestant Bibles, it is numbered **Psalm 94**. * The full opening verse is often: "Venite, exultemus Domino; jubilemus Deo salutari nostro." (Come, let us rejoice in the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the God of our salvation.) 2. **Liturgical Use (The "Canticle"):** * **The Invitatory Psalm:** Psalm 95 (or 94) is famously known as the **Invitatory Psalm** because of its role in inviting the faithful to prayer at the beginning of the daily office. * **Divine Office / Liturgy of the Hours (Roman Catholic):** It is an integral part of the **Divine Office**, specifically sung or recited at the very beginning of the first hour of the day, typically **Matins** (now called the **Office of Readings**) and **Lauds** (Morning Prayer). * It prepares the heart and mind for prayer, setting a tone of praise, adoration, and humble listening. * It is often recited with an **antiphon** that changes daily or seasonally, reflecting the liturgical calendar. * **Anglican/Episcopal Tradition:** In the **Book of Common Prayer**, Psalm 95 is known simply as the "**Venite**" and is sung or said at the opening of **Morning Prayer** (Matins). Sometimes Psalm 100 (the *Jubilate Deo*) is used as an alternative. 3. **Contents of Psalm 95 (94):** The psalm itself has three main parts, making it particularly suitable as an invitatory: * **A Call to Praise and Adoration (vv. 1-7a):** It invites worship, acknowledging God as creator, shepherd, and king. * "For he is the Lord our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand." * **A Warning Against Hardening Hearts (vv. 7b-11):** It serves as a solemn reminder of the Israelites' disobedience in the wilderness (Meribah and Massah) and the consequences of refusing to listen to God's voice. * "Today, if you hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness..." * "Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest." * **An Invitation to Enter God's Rest:** Implied through the warning, it encourages listeners to respond positively to God's call and enter into his promised rest. 4. **Significance:** * **Call to Worship:** It functions as a powerful summons to acknowledge God's presence, greatness, and saving power. * **Preparation for Prayer:** It helps to focus the mind and heart on the sacred task of prayer, moving from secular concerns to spiritual ones. * **Thematic Introduction:** Its themes of praise, creation, God's sovereignty, and the warning against disobedience provide a rich theological foundation for the daily readings and prayers that follow. * **Timeless Relevance:** The call to listen to God's voice "today" makes it perennially relevant for every believer. 5. **Musical Settings:** The *Venite* has been set to music countless times throughout history, most notably in **Gregorian chant**, but also by many classical and contemporary composers, both for choir and congregational singing. In summary, "Venite Exultemus Domino" refers to the opening words of Psalm 95 (or 94), which functions as a foundational "Invitatory Psalm" in Christian liturgy. It calls the faithful to rejoice in the Lord, acknowledge His creation and sovereignty, and heed His warning against a hardened heart, setting the stage for daily prayer and worship.