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Sursum Corda

The American Church Dictionary and Cyclopedia

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Dictionaries
American Church Dictionary
• Sursum Corda
Webster Dictionary
• Sursum Corda
Encyclopedias
McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia
• Sursum Corda

The Latin title of that portion of the Communion Office which begins, "Lift up your hearts," which the Latin words mean. This is found almost word for word in every known Liturgy from the earliest times, and without doubt has come down to us from the Apostolic Age. Even at so early a date as A.D. 252 we find St. Cyprian giving an explanation of the meaning and purpose of the Sursum Corda as follows: "It is for this cause that the Priest before worship uses words of introduction and puts the minds of his brethren in preparation by saying, 'Lift up your hearts'; that while the people answer, 'We lift them up unto the Lord,' they may be reminded that there is nothing for them to think of except the Lord."