1 Then I saw at the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a book, with writing inside and out, and sealed with seven seals; 2 and I saw a mighty angel who was proclaiming in a loud voice – ‘Who is worthy to open the book and break its seals?’ 3 But no one either in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the book or look within it. 4 At this I wept long, because no one could be found who was worthy to open the book or look within it. 5 But one of the elders said to me – ‘Do not weep. The Lion conquered – the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Scion of David – and can therefore open the book with its seven seals.’

6 Then, within the space between the throne and the four creatures, and in the midst of the elders, I saw, standing, a Lamb, which seemed to have been sacrificed. It had seven horns and seven eyes. (These eyes are the seven spirits of God, and they are sent into all the world.) 7 The Lamb came forward; and he has taken the book from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. 8 And, when he had taken the book, the four creatures and the twenty-four elders prostrated themselves before the Lamb, each of them holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense. (These are the prayers of Christ’s people.) 9 And they are singing a new song –