Prayer Book Psalter

"Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving!"

Psalm 147:7

Concerning the Psalter

The Psalter is a body of liturgical poetry. It is designed for vocal,

congregational use, whether by singing or reading. There are several

traditional methods of psalmody. The exclusive use of a single method

makes the recitation of the Psalter needlessly monotonous. The

traditional methods, each of which can be elaborate or simple, are the

following:

Direct recitation denotes the reading or chanting of a whole psalm, or portion of a psalm, in unison. It is particularly appropriate for the psalm verses suggested in the lectionary for use between the Lessons at the Eucharist, when the verses are recited rather than sung, and may often be found a satisfactory method of chanting them.

Antiphonal recitation is the verse-by-verse alternation between groups of singers or readers; e.g., between choir and congregation, or between one side of the congregation and the other. The alternate recitation concludes either with the Gloria Patri, or with a refrain (called the antiphon) recited in unison. This is probably the most satisfying method for reciting the psalms in the Daily Office.

Responsorial recitation is the name given to a method of psalmody in which the verses of a psalm are sung by a solo voice, with the choir and congregation singing a refrain after each verse or group of verses. This was the traditional method of singing the Venite, and the restoration of Invitatory Antiphons for the Venite makes possible a recovery of this form of sacred song in the Daily Office. It was also a traditional manner of chanting the psalms between the Lessons at the Eucharist, and it is increasingly favored by modern composers.

Responsive recitation is the method which has been most frequently used in Episcopal churches, the minister alternating with the congregation, verse by verse. The version of the Psalms which follows is set out in lines of poetry. The lines correspond to Hebrew versification, which is not based on meter or rhyme, but on parallelism of clauses, a symmetry of form and sense. The parallelism can take the form of similarity (The waters have lifted up, O

Lord / the waters have lifted up their voice; / the waters have lifted up

their pounding waves. Psalm 93:4), or of contrast (The Lord knows the

ways of the righteous; / but the way of the wicked is doomed. Psalm 1:6),

or of logical expansion (Our eyes look to the Lord our God, / until he

show us his mercy. Psalm 123:3).

The most common verse is a couplet, but triplets are very frequent, and quatrains are not unknown; although quatrains are usually distributed over two verses.

An asterisk divides each verse into two parts for reading or chanting. In reading, a distinct pause should be made at the asterisk.

Three terms are used in the Psalms with reference to God: Elohim (“God”), Adonai (“Lord”) and the personal name YHWH. The “Fourletter Name” (Tetragrammaton) is probably to be vocalized Yahweh; but this is by no means certain, because from very ancient times it has been considered too sacred to be pronounced; and, whenever it occurred, Adonai was substituted for it. In the oldest manuscripts, the Divine Name was written in antique and obsolete letters; in more recent manuscripts and in printed Bibles, after the invention of vowel points, the Name was provided with the vowels of the word Adonai. This produced a hybrid form which has been transliterated “Jehovah.”

The Hebrew reverence and reticence with regard to the Name of God has been carried over into the classical English versions, the Prayer Book Psalter and the King James Old Testament, where it is regularly rendered “Lord”. In order to distinguish it, however, from “Lord” as a translation of Adonai, YHWH is represented in capital and small capital letters: LORD.

From time to time, the Hebrew text has Adonai and YHWH in conjunction. Then, the Hebrew custom is to substitute Elohim forYHWH, and our English tradition follows suit, rendering the combined title as “Lord GOD.”

In two passages (Psalm 68:4 and Psalm 83:18), the context requires that the Divine Name be spelled out, and it appears as YAHWEH. A similar construction occurs in the Canticle, “The Song of Moses.”

The ancient praise-shout, “Hallelujah,” has been restored, in place of its English equivalent, “Praise the Lord.” The Hebrew form has been used, rather than the Latin form “Alleluia,” as being more appropriate to this context; but also to regain for dur liturgy a form of the word that is familiar from its use in many well-known anthems. The word may, if desired, be omitted during the season of Lent.

Chanting

This version of Psalter has had the chanting points (’) added from the Lutheran Book of Worship. Chanting is not usually difficult, nor is it singing. It is musical speaking in one or more tones. In chanting tonal quality is not as important as clear articulation and maintenance of a flowing pace. Syllables are not to be lumped together, but as in good speech each must receive its due. Chanting using the points can easily be done by going a tone higher at the first point and a tone lower at the point in the second half of the verse.

Prayers

The prayers at the end of each Psalm in this Psalter are taken from the Anglican Church of Canada's Book of Alternative Services.

Book One

First Day: Morning Prayer

1 Beatus vir qui non abiit

1 Happy are they who have not walked in the counsel ’of the wicked, *

nor lingered in the way of sinners,

nor sat in the seats ’of the scornful!

2 Their delight is in the law ’of the LORD, *

and they meditate on his law ’day and night.

3 They are like trees planted by streams of water,

bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that ’do not wither; *

everything they ’do shall prosper.

4 It is not so ’with the wicked; *

they are like chaff which the wind ’blows away.

5 Therefore the wicked shall not stand upright when ’judgment comes, *

nor the sinner in the council ’of the righteous.

6 For the LORD knows the way ’of the righteous, *

but the way of the wick ’ed is doomed.

Giver of life, save us from the desert of faithlessness and nourish us with the living water of your word, that we may bring forth fruit that will last, in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour.

2 Quare fremuerunt gentes?

1 Why are the nations ’in an uproar? *

Why do the peoples mutter ’empty threats?

2 Why do the kings of the earth rise up in revolt,

and the princes ’plot together, *

against the LORD and against ’his Anointed?

3 “Let us break their ’yoke,” they say; *

“let us cast off their ’bonds from us.”

4 He whose throne is in heav’en is laughing; *

the Lord has them ’in derision.

5 Then he speaks to them ’in his wrath, *

and his rage fills ’them with terror.

6 “I myself have ’set my king *

upon my holy ’hill of Zion.”

7 Let me announce the decree ’of the LORD: *

he said to me, “You are my Son;

this day have I be’gotten you.

8 Ask of me, and I will give you the nations for ’your inheritance *

and the ends of the earth for ’your possession.

9 You shall crush them with an ’iron rod *

and shatter them like a ’piece of pottery."

10 And now, you ’kings, be wise; *

be warned, you rulers ’of the earth.

11 Submit to the ’LORD with fear, *

and with trembling ’bow before him;

12 Lest he be angry ’and you perish; *

for his wrath is ’quickly kindled.

13 Happy ’are they all *

who take re’fuge in him!

Ruler of heaven and earth, you sent your only Son into the world to be our Redeemer, and by raising him from the dead you gave him victory over all his enemies. Show us the power of your saving love and bring us to share in your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

3 Domine, quid multiplicati

1 LORD, how many adversar’ies I have! *

how many there are who rise ’up against me!

2 How many there are who ’say of me, *

“There is no help for him ’in his God.”

3 But you, O LORD, are a ’shield about me; *

you are my glory, the one who lifts ’up my head.

4 I call aloud up’on the LORD, *

and he answers me from his ’holy hill;

5 I lie down and ’go to sleep; *

I wake again, because the ’LORD sustains me.

6 I do not fear the multi’tudes of people *

who set themselves against me ’all around.

7 Rise up, O LORD; set me free, ’O my God; *

surely, you will strike all my enemies across the face,

you will break the teeth ’of the wicked.

8 Deliverance belongs ’to the LORD. *

Your blessing be up’on your people!

Shield and protector of all, hear the prayers of all those who call upon you, and set them free from violence, persecution, and fear, that all may know that deliverance belongs to you. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Redeemer.

4 Cum invocarem

1 Answer me when I call, O God, defender ’of my cause; *

you set me free when I am hard-pressed;

have mercy on me and ’hear my prayer.

2 “You mortals, how long will you dishon’or my glory; *

how long will you worship dumb idols

and run af’ter false gods?”

3 Know that the LORD does wonders ’for the faithful; *

when I call upon the LORD, ’he will hear me.

4 Tremble, then, and ’do not sin; *

speak to your heart in silence up’on your bed.

5 Offer the appointed ’sacrifices *

and put your trust ’in the LORD.

6 Many are saying, “Oh, that we might see ’better times!” *

Lift up the light of your countenance upon ’us, O LORD.

7 You have put gladness ’in my heart, *

more than when grain and wine and ’oil increase.

8 I lie down in peace; at once I ’fall asleep; *

for only you, LORD, make me ’dwell in safety.

Faithful defender, do not let our hearts be troubled, but fill us with such confidence and joy that we may sleep in peace and rise in your light; through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

5 Verba mea auribus

1 Give ear to my ’words, O LORD; *

consider my ’meditation.

2 Hearken to my cry for help, my King ’and my God, *

for I make my ’prayer to you.

3 In the morning, LORD, you ’hear my voice; *

early in the morning I make my appeal and ’watch for you.

4 For you are not a God who takes pleas’ure in wickedness, *

and evil cannot ’dwell with you.

5 Braggarts cannot stand ’in your sight; *

you hate all those ’who work wickedness.

6 You destroy those ’who speak lies; *

the bloodthirsty and deceitful, O LORD, ’you abhor.

7 But as for me, through the greatness of your mercy I will

go in’to your house; *

I will bow down toward your holy temple in ’awe of you.

8 Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness,

because of those who lie in ’wait for me; *

make your way ’straight before me.

9 For there is no truth ’in their mouth; *

there is destruction ’in their heart;

10 Their throat is an ’open grave; *

they flatter ’with their tongue.

11 Declare them guilt’y, O God; *

let them fall, because ’of their schemes.

12 Because of their many transgressions ’cast them out, *

for they have re’belled against you.

13 But all who take refuge in you ’will be glad; *

they will sing out their ’joy for ever.

14 You will ’shelter them, *

so that those who love your Name may ex’ult in you.

15 For you, O LORD, will ’bless the righteous; *

you will defend them with your favor as ’with a shield.

Source of all justice and goodness, you hate deception and evil. Lead us in the paths of righteousness and keep us from falling into sin, that we may sing out our joy in Jesus Christ our Redeemer.

First Day: Evening Prayer

6 Domine, ne in furore

1 LORD, do not rebuke me ’in your anger; *

do not punish me ’in your wrath.

2 Have pity on me, LORD, for ’I am weak; *

heal me, LORD, for my ’bones are racked.

3 My spirit ’shakes with terror; *

how long, O ’LORD, how long?

4 Turn, O LORD, and de’liver me; *

save me for your ’mercy's sake.

5 For in death no one re’members you; *

and who will give you thanks ’in the grave?

6 I grow weary because ’of my groaning; *

every night I drench my bed

and flood my ’couch with tears.

7 My eyes are wast’ed with grief *

and worn away because of ’all my enemies.

8 Depart from me, all ’evildoers, *

for the LORD has heard the sound ’of my weeping.

9 The LORD has heard my ’supplication; *

the LORD ac’cepts my prayer.

10 All my enemies shall be confounded and ’quake with fear; *

they shall turn back and suddenly be ’put to shame.

God of mercy and tenderness, giver of life and conqueror of death, look upon our weakness and grief, and restore us to health, that we may sing a new song to your praise; through Jesus Christ our risen Lord.

7 Domine, Deus meus

1 O LORD my God, I take ref’uge in you; *

save and deliver me from all ’who pursue me;

2 Lest like a lion they tear ’me in pieces *

and snatch me away with none to de’liver me.

3 O LORD my God, if I have ’done these things: *

if there is any wickedness ’in my hands,

4 If I have repaid my ’friend with evil, *

or plundered him who without cause ’is my enemy;

5 Then let my enemy pursue and ’overtake me, *

trample my life into the ground,

and lay my honor ’in the dust.

6 Stand up, O LORD, ’in your wrath; *

rise up against the fury ’of my enemies.

7 Awake, O my God, ’decree justice; *

let the assembly of the peoples ’gather round you.

8 Be seated on your lofty throne, ’O Most High; *

O LORD, ’judge the nations.

9 Give judgment for me according to my

righteous’ness, O LORD, *

and according to my innocence, ’O Most High.

10 Let the malice of the wicked come to an end,

but estab’lish the righteous; *

for you test the mind and heart, O ’righteous God.

11 God is my shield ’and defense; *

he is the savior of the ’true in heart.

12 God is a ’righteous judge; *

God sits in judgment ’every day.

13 If they will not repent, God will ’whet his sword; *

he will bend his bow and ’make it ready.

14 He has prepared his weap’ons of death; *

he makes his arrows ’shafts of fire.

15 Look at those who are in la’bor with wickedness, *

who conceive evil, and give birth ’to a lie.

16 They dig a pit and ’make it deep *

and fall into the hole that ’they have made.

17 Their malice turns back upon ’their own head; *

their violence falls on ’their own scalp.

18 I will bear witness that the ’LORD is righteous; *

I will praise the Name of the ’LORD Most High.

Righteous judge of the nations, you know the secrects of our hearts; our sins are not hidden from you. Rise to our defence and strengthen us in the faith, that we may struggle against evil and bear witness to your justice, in the name of Jesus Christ our Redeemer.

8 Domine, Dominus noster

1 O LORD our ’Governor, *

how exalted is your Name in ’all the world!

2 Out of the mouths of in’fants and children *

your majesty is praised a’bove the heavens.

3 You have set up a stronghold against your ’adversaries, *

to quell the enemy and ’the avenger.

4 When I consider your heavens, the work ’of your fingers, *

the moon and the stars you have set ’in their courses,

5 What is man that you should be mind’ful of him? *

the son of man that you should ’seek him out?

6 You have made him but little lower ’than the angels; *

you adorn him with glo’ry and honor;

7 You give him mastery over the works ’of your hands; *

you put all things un’der his feet:

8 All ’sheep and oxen, *

even the wild beasts ’of the field,

9 The birds of the air, the fish ’of the sea, *

and whatsoever walks in the paths ’of the sea.

10 O LORD our ’Governor, *

how exalted is your Name in ’all the world!

Blessed are you, creator of heaven and earth; amid the immensity of the universe, you are mindful of us and seek us out. Blessed are you for the gift of your Son, who humbled himself to share our life that we might be raised with him to glory and splendour. Blessed be your holy name, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever.

Second Day: Morning Prayer

9 Confitebor tibi

1 I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with ’my whole heart; *

I will tell of all your mar’velous works.

2 I will be glad and re’joice in you; *

I will sing to your Name, ’O Most High.

3 When my enemies are ’driven back, *

they will stumble and perish ’at your presence.

4 For you have maintained my right ’and my cause; *

you sit upon your throne ’judging right.

5 You have rebuked the ungodly and de’stroyed the wicked; *

you have blotted out their name for ev’er and ever.

6 As for the enemy, they are finished, in per’petual ruin, *

their cities plowed under, the memory ’of them perished;

7 But the LORD is en’throned for ever; *

he has set up this ’throne for judgment.

8 It is he who rules the ’world with righteousness; *

he judges the peo’ples with equity.

9 The LORD will be a refuge for ’the oppressed, *

a refuge in ’time of trouble.

10 Those who know your Name will put their ’trust in you, *

for you never forsake those who seek ’you, O LORD.

11 Sing praise to the LORD who ’dwells in Zion; *

proclaim to the peoples the things ’he has done.

12 The Avenger of blood will re’member them; *

he will not forget the cry of ’the afflicted.

13 Have pity on ’me, O LORD; *

see the misery I suffer from those who hate me,

O you who lift me up from the ’gate of death;

14 So that I may tell of all your praises

and rejoice in ’your salvation *

in the gates of the cit’y of Zion.

15 The ungodly have fallen into the ’pit they dug, *

and in the snare they set is their ’own foot caught.

16 The LORD is known by his ’acts of justice; *

the wicked are trapped in the works of ’their own hands.

17 The wicked shall be given over ’to the grave, *

and also all the people ’that forget God.

18 For the needy shall not always ’be forgotten, *

and the hope of the poor shall not per’ish for ever.

19 Rise up, O LORD, let not the ungodly have the ’upper hand; *

let them be ’judged before you.

20 Put fear upon ’them, O LORD; *

let the ungodly know they ’are but mortal.

Righteous Judge, hear the cries of your people. Rescue them from the hands of their oppressors, and save them from the gates of death, that we may always rejoice in your help; through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Defender.

10 Ut quid, Domine?

1 Why do you stand so far ’off, O LORD, *

and hide yourself in ’time of trouble?

2 The wicked arrogantly perse’cute the poor, *

but they are trapped in the schemes they ’have devised.

3 The wicked boast of their ’heart's desire; *

the covetous curse and re’vile the LORD.

4 The wicked are so proud that they care ’not for God; *

their only thought is, "God ’does not matter."

5 Their ways are devious at all times;

your judgments are far above out ’of their sight; *

they defy ’all their enemies.

6 They say in their heart, "I shall ’not be shaken; *

no harm shall happen ’to me ever."

7 Their mouth is full of cursing, deceit, ’and oppression; *

under their tongue are mis’chief and wrong.

8 They lurk in ambush in public squares

and in secret places they mur’der the innocent; *

they spy ’out the helpless.

9 They lie in wait, like a lion in a covert;

they lie in wait to seize up’on the lowly; *

they seize the lowly and drag them away ’in their net.

10 The innocent are broken and hum’bled before them; *

the helpless fall be’fore their power.

11 They say in their heart, "God ’has forgotten; *

he hides his face; he will ’never notice."

12 Rise up, O LORD;

lift up your ’hand, O God; *

do not forget ’the afflicted.

13 Why should the wicked ’revile God? *

why should they say in their heart, "You ’do not care"?

14 Surely, you behold troub’le and misery; *

you see it and take it into ’your own hand.

15 The helpless commit them’selves to you, *

for you are the help’er of orphans.

16 Break the power of the wick’ed and evil; *

search out their wickedness until ’you find none.

17 The LORD is King for ev’er and ever; *

the ungodly shall perish ’from his land.

18 The LORD will hear the desire ’of the humble; *

you will strengthen their heart and your ’ears shall hear;

19 To give justice to the orphan ’and oppressed, *

so that mere mortals may strike ter’ror no more.

Helper of the helpless, do not hide your face from the troubles of your people. Give them strength and comfort in times of affliction, that we may proclaim the joyous news of freedom in Jesus Christ our Saviour.

11 In Domino confido

1 In the LORD have I ’taken refuge; *

how then can you say to me,

“Fly away like a bird ’to the hilltop;

2 For see how the wicked bend the bow

and fit their arrows ’to the string, *

to shoot from ambush at the ’true of heart.

3 When the foundations are be’ing destroyed, *

what can the ’righteous do?”

4 The LORD is in his ’holy temple; *

the LORD'S throne ’is in heaven.

5 His eyes behold the inhab’ited world; *

his piercing eye ’weighs our worth.

6 The LORD weighs the righteous as well ’as the wicked, *

but those who delight in violence ’he abhors.

7 Upon the wicked he shall rain coals of fire and

’burning sulphur; *

a scorching wind shall ’be their lot.

8 For the LORD is righteous;

he delights in ’righteous deeds; *

and the just shall ’see his face.

God our refuge, deliver us from viloence and evil, and guide us in the paths of righteousness, that on the day of judgement we may rejoice to see you face to face; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.

Second Day: Evening Prayer

12 Salvum me fac

1 Help me, LORD, for there is no god’ly one left; *

the faithful have vanished ’from among us.

2 Everyone speaks falsely ’with his neighbor; *

with a smooth tongue they speak from a ’double heart.

3 Oh, that the LORD would cut off ’all smooth tongues, *

and close the lips that ut’ter proud boasts!

4 Those who say, “With our tongue will ’we prevail; *

our lips are our own; who is lord ’over us?”

5 “Because the needy are oppressed,

and the poor cry ’out in misery, “

I will rise up," says the LORD,

“and give them the ’help they long for.”

6 The words of the LORD ’are pure words, *

like silver refined from ore

and purified seven times ’in the fire.

7 O LORD, watch ’over us *

and save us from this genera’tion for ever.

8 The wicked prowl on ’every side, *

and that which is worthless is highly ’prized by everyone.

God of truth, protector of your people, come to the aid of all who are poor and opressed. By the power of your life-giving word lead us in the ways of peace and integrity, and give us the help we long for in Jesus Christ our Saviour.

13 Usquequo, Domine?

1 How long, O LORD?

will you forget ’me for ever? *

how long will you hide your ’face from me?

2 How long shall I have perplexity in my mind,

and grief in my heart, day ’after day? *

how long shall my enemy triumph ’over me?

3 Look upon me and answer me, O ’LORD my God; *

give light to my eyes, lest I ’sleep in death;

4 Lest my enemy say, "I have prevailed ’over him," *

and my foes rejoice that ’I have fallen.

5 But I put my trust ’in your mercy; *

my heart is joyful because of your ’saving help.

6 I will sing to the LORD, for he has dealt ’with me richly; *

I will praise the Name of the ’Lord Most High.

Loving and merciful God, hear the prayers of those who cry to you, and shine with the light of your presence on those who live in the shadow of death. May we rejoice in your saving help and sing you songs of praise in the name of our risen Saviour, Jesus Christ.

14 Dixit insipiens

1 The fool has said in his heart, “There ’is no God.” *

All are corrupt and commit abominable acts;

there is none who does ’any good.

2 The LORD looks down from heaven up’on us all, *

to see if there is any who is wise,

if there is one who seeks ’after God.

3 Every one has proved faithless;

all alike ’have turned bad; *

there is none who does good; ’no, not one.

4 Have they no knowledge, all those ’evildoers *

who eat up my people like bread

and do not call up’on the LORD?

5 See how they trem’ble with fear, *

because God is in the company ’of the righteous.

6 Their aim is to confound the plans of ’the afflicted, *

but the LORD ’is their refuge.

7 Oh, that Israel's deliverance would come ’out of Zion! *

when the LORD restores the fortunes of his people,

Jacob will rejoice and Isra’el be glad.

God of wisdom and love, without you neither truth nor holiness can survive. Show your mighty presence among us, and make us glad in proclaiming your deliverance in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Third Day: Morning Prayer

15 Domine, quis habitabit?

1 LORD, who may dwell in your ’tabernacle? *

who may abide upon your ’holy hill?

2 Whoever leads a blameless life and does ’what is right, *

who speaks the truth ’from his heart.

3 There is no guile upon his tongue;

he does no evil ’to his friend; *

he does not heap contempt up’on his neighbor.

4 In his sight the wicked ’is rejected, *

but he honors those who ’fear the LORD.

5 He has sworn to ’do no wrong *

and does not take ’back his word.

6 He does not give his money in ’hope of gain, *

nor does he take a bribe a’gainst the innocent.

7 Whoever ’does these things *

shall never be ’overthrown.

God of love, teach us to walk blamelessly in your ways, that our whole life may be established in you, and that we may come to the place prepared for us by your Son, Jesus Christ our Redeemer.

16 Conserva me, Domine

1 Protect me, O God, for I take ref’uge in you; *

I have said to the LORD, “You are my Lord,

my good a’bove all other.”

2 All my delight is upon the godly that are ’in the land, *

upon those who are noble a’mong the people.

3 But those who run after ’other gods *

shall have their troubles ’multiplied.

4 Their libations of blood I ’will not offer, *

nor take the names of their gods up’on my lips.

5 O LORD, you are my portion ’and my cup; *

it is you who up’hold my lot.

6 My boundaries enclose a ’pleasant land; *

indeed, I have a ’goodly heritage.

7 I will bless the LORD who ’gives me counsel; *

my heart teaches me, night ’after night.

8 I have set the LORD al’ways before me; *

because he is at my right hand I ’shall not fall.

9 My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spir’it rejoices; *

my body also shall ’rest in hope.

10 For you will not abandon me ’to the grave, *

nor let your holy one ’see the Pit.

11 You will show me the ’path of life; *

in your presence there is fullness of joy,

and in your right hand are pleasures for’evermore.

Gracious God, we bless your holy name for the heritage you have given us. Show us the path of life, that we may follow it in hope, and come to know the joy of the resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ.

17 Exaudi, Domine

1 Hear my plea of innocence, O LORD;

give heed ’to my cry; *

listen to my prayer, which does not come from ’lying lips.

2 Let my vindication come forth ’from your presence; *

let your eyes be ’fixed on justice.

3 Weigh my heart, summon ’me by night, *

melt me down; you will find no impurit’y in me.

4 I give no offense with my mouth as ’others do; *

I have heeded the words ’of your lips.

5 My footsteps hold fast to the ways ’of your law; *

in your paths my feet ’shall not stumble.

6 I call upon you, O God, for you will ’answer me; *

incline your ear to me and ’hear my words.

7 Show me your marvelous ’loving-kindness, *

O Savior of those who take refuge at your right hand

from those who rise ’up against them.

8 Keep me as the apple ’of your eye; *

hide me under the shadow ’of your wings,

9 From the wicked ’who assault me, *

from my deadly enemies ’who surround me.

10 They have closed their ’heart to pity, *

and their mouth ’speaks proud things.

11 They press me hard,

now ’they surround me, *

watching how they may cast me ’to the ground,

12 Like a lion, greedy ’for its prey, *

and like a young lion lurking in ’secret places.

13 Arise, O LORD; confront them and ’bring them down; *

deliver me from the wicked ’by your sword.

14 Deliver me, O LORD, ’by your hand *

from those whose portion in life ’is this world;

15 Whose bellies you fill ’with your treasure, *

who are well supplied with children

and leave their wealth to their ’little ones.

16 But at my vindication I shall ’see your face; *

when I awake, I shall be satisfied, behold’ing

your likeness.

God of truth and justice, watch over your people in adversity, that we may know the wonders of your love and see the glory of your presence; through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Third Day: Evening Prayer

18

Part I Diligam te, Domine.

1 I love you, O ’LORD my strength, *

O LORD my stronghold, my crag, ’and my haven.

2 My God, my rock in whom I ’put my trust, *

my shield, the horn of my salvation, and my refuge;

you are worth’y of praise.

3 I will call up’on the LORD, *

and so shall I be saved ’from my enemies.

4 The breakers of death rolled ’over me, *

and the torrents of oblivion made ’me afraid.

5 The cords of hell en’tangled me, *

and the snares of death were ’set for me.

6 I called upon the LORD in ’my distress *

and cried out to my ’God for help.

7 He heard my voice from his heav’enly dwelling; *

my cry of anguish came ’to his ears.

8 The earth ’reeled and rocked; *

the roots of the mountains shook;

they reeled because ’of his anger.

9 Smoke rose from his nostrils

and a consuming fire out ’of his mouth; *

hot burning coals blazed ’forth from him.

10 He parted the heavens ’and came down *

with a storm cloud un’der his feet.

11 He mounted on cheru’bim and flew; *

he swooped on the wings ’of the wind.

12 He wrapped dark’ness about him; *

he made dark waters and thick clouds ’his pavilion.

13 From the brightness of his presence, ’through the clouds, *

burst hailstones and ’coals of fire.

14 The LORD thundered ’out of heaven; *

the Most High ut’tered his voice.

15 He loosed his arrows and ’scattered them; *

he hurled thunderbolts and ’routed them.

16 The beds of the seas were uncovered,

and the foundations of the ’world laid bare, *

at your battle cry, O LORD,

at the blast of the breath ’of your nostrils.

17 He reached down from on ’high and grasped me; *

he drew me out ’of great waters.

18 He delivered me from my strong enemies

and from those who ’hated me; *

for they were too might’y for me.

19 They confronted me in the day of ’my disaster; *

but the LORD was ’my support.

20 He brought me out into an ’open place; *

he rescued me because he delight’ed in me.

Part II Et retribuet mihi

21 The LORD rewarded me because of my ’righteous dealing; *

because my hands were clean he re’warded me;

22 For I have kept the ways ’of the LORD *

and have not offended a’gainst my God;

23 For all his judgments are be’fore my eyes, *

and his decrees I have not put a’way from me;

24 For I have been blame’less with him *

and have kept myself ’from iniquity;

25 Therefore the LORD rewarded me according to my

’righteous dealing, *

because of the cleanness of my hands ’in his sight.

26 With the faithful you show yourself faith’ful, O God; *

with the forthright you show ’yourself forthright.

27 With the pure you show ’yourself pure, *

but with the crooked ’you are wily.

28 You will save a ’lowly people, *

but you will humble the ’haughty eyes.

29 You, O LORD, ’are my lamp; *

my God, you make my ’darkness bright.

30 With you I will break down ’an enclosure; *

with the help of my God I will scale ’any wall.

31 As for God, his ways are perfect;

the words of the LORD are tried ’in the fire; *

he is a shield to all who ’trust in him.

32 For who is God, ’but the LORD? *

who is the Rock, ex’cept our God?

33 It is God who girds me a’bout with strength *

and makes my ’way secure.

34 He makes me sure-footed ’like a deer *

and lets me stand firm ’on the heights.

35 He trains my ’hands for battle *

and my arms for bending even a ’bow of bronze.

36 You have given me your ’shield of victory; *

your right hand also sustains me;

your loving care ’makes me great.

37 You lengthen my ’stride beneath me, *

and my ankles do ’not give way.

38 I pursue my enemies and ’overtake them; *

I will not turn back till I ’have destroyed them.

39 I strike them down, and they ’cannot rise; *

they fall defeated ’at my feet.

40 You have girded me with strength ’for the battle; *

you have cast down my adversaries beneath me;

you have put my ene’mies to flight.

41 I destroy those who hate me;

they cry out, but there is ’none to help them; *

they cry to the LORD, but he ’does not answer.

42 I beat them small like dust be’fore the wind; *

I trample them like mud ’in the streets.

43 You deliver me from the strife ’of the peoples; *

you put me at the head ’of the nations.

44 A people I have not known shall serve me;

no sooner shall they hear than they ’shall obey me; *

strangers will ’cringe before me.

45 The foreign peoples ’will lose heart; *

they shall come trembling out ’of their strongholds.

46 The LORD lives! Blessed ’is my Rock! *

Exalted is the God of ’my salvation!

47 He is the God who ’gave me victory *

and cast down the peo’ples beneath me.

48 You rescued me from the fury of my enemies;

you exalted me above those who ’rose against me; *

you saved me from my ’deadly foe.

49 Therefore will I extol you among the na’tions, O LORD, *

and sing praises ’to your Name.

50 He multiplies the victories ’of his king; *

he shows loving-kindness to his anointed,

to David and his descend’ants for ever.

Praise to you, God of our salvation, you come to our help and set us free. May your strength be our shield and your word be our lamp, that we may serve you with pure hearts and find victory through our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Fourth Day: Morning Prayer

19 Caeli enarrant

1 The heavens declare the glo’ry of God, *

and the firmament ’shows his handiwork.

2 One day tells its tale ’to another, *

and one night imparts knowledge ’to another.

3 Although they have no ’words or language, *

and their voices ’are not heard,

4 Their sound has gone out in’to all lands, *

and their message to the ends ’of the world.

5 In the deep has he set a pavilion ’for the sun; *

it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber;

it rejoices like a champion to ’run its course.

6 It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens

and runs about to the end of ’it again; *

nothing is hidden from its ’burning heat.

7 The law of the LORD is perfect

and re’vives the soul; *

the testimony of the LORD is sure

and gives wisdom ’to the innocent.

8 The statutes of the LORD are just

and re’joice the heart; *

the commandment of the LORD is clear

and gives light ’to the eyes.

9 The fear of the LORD is clean

and en’dures for ever; *

the judgments of the LORD are true

and righteous ’altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold,

more than ’much fine gold, *

sweeter far than honey,

than honey ’in the comb.

11 By them also is your ser’vant enlightened, *

and in keeping them there is ’great reward.

12 Who can tell how often ’he offends? *

cleanse me from my ’secret faults.

13 Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins;

let them not get dominion ’over me; *

then shall I be whole and sound,

and innocent of a ’great offense.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my

heart be acceptable ’in your sight, *

O LORD, my strength and ’my redeemer.

Gracious creator of heaven and earth, your Word has come among us as the true Sun of righteousness, and the good news of his birth has gone out to the ends of the world. Open our eyes to the light of your law, that we may be purified from sin and serve you without reproach for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Light and our Life.

20 Exaudiat te Dominus

1 May the LORD answer you in the ’day of trouble, *

the Name of the God of Ja’cob defend you;

2 Send you help from his ’holy place *

and strengthen you ’out of Zion;

3 Remember ’all your offerings *

and accept ’your burnt sacrifice;

4 Grant you your ’heart's desire *

and prosper ’all your plans.

5 We will shout for joy at your victory

and triumph in the Name ’of our God; *

may the LORD grant all ’your requests.

6 Now I know that the LORD gives victory to ’his anointed; *

he will answer him out of his holy heaven,

with the victorious strength of ’his right hand.

7 Some put their trust in chariots and ’some in horses, *

but we will call upon the Name of the ’LORD our God.

8 They collapse ’and fall down, *

but we will arise ’and stand upright.

9 O LORD, give victory ’to the king *

and answer us ’when we call.

God, our hope and our defence, protect all those who call upon your name, that they may stand upright in the day of trouble, and share in the victory of your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.

21 Domine, in virtute tua

1 The king rejoices in your ’strength, O LORD; *

how greatly he exults ’in your victory!

2 You have given him his ’heart's desire; *

you have not denied him the request ’of his lips.

3 For you meet him with blessings ’of prosperity, *

and set a crown of fine gold up’on his head.

4 He asked you for life, and you gave ’it to him: *

length of days, for ev’er and ever.

5 His honor is great, because ’of your victory; *

splendor and majesty have you bestowed ’upon him.

6 For you will give him everlast’ing felicity *

and will make him glad with the joy ’of your presence.

7 For the king puts his trust ’in the LORD; *

because of the loving-kindness of the Most High, he

’will not fall.

8 Your hand will lay hold upon ’all your enemies; *

your right hand will seize all ’those who hate you.

9 You will make them like a ’fiery furnace *

at the time of your appear’ing, O LORD;

10 You will swallow them up ’in your wrath, *

and fire ’shall consume them.

11 You will destroy their offspring ’from the land *

and their descendants from among the peoples ’of the earth.

12 Though they intend evil against you

and devise ’wicked schemes, *

yet they shall ’not prevail.

13 For you will put ’them to flight *

and aim your ar’rows at them.

14 Be exalted, O LORD, ’in your might; *

we will sing and ’praise your power.

Giver of life and source of all blessings, may the leaders of the nations serve your people with justice and protect them from violence, hardship, and exploitation. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and our King.

Fourth Day: Evening Prayer

22 Deus, Deus meus

1 My God, my God, why have you for’saken me? *

and are so far from my cry

and from the words of ’my distress?

2 O my God, I cry in the daytime, but you ’do not answer; *

by night as well, but I ’find no rest.

3 Yet you are the ’Holy One, *

enthroned upon the prais’es of Israel.

4 Our forefathers put their ’trust in you; *

they trusted, and you de’livered them.

5 They cried out to you and ’were delivered; *

they trusted in you and were not ’put to shame.

6 But as for me, I am a worm ’and no man, *

scorned by all and despised ’by the people.

7 All who see me laugh ’me to scorn; *

they curl their lips and wag ’their heads, saying,

8 “He trusted in the LORD; let him de’liver him; *

let him rescue him, if he de’lights in him.”

9 Yet you are he who took me out ’of the womb, *

and kept me safe upon my ’mother's breast.

10 I have been entrusted to you ever since ’I was born; *

you were my God when I was still in my

’mother's womb.

11 Be not far from me, for trou’ble is near, *

and there is ’none to help.

12 Many young bulls en’circle me; *

strong bulls of Bas’han surround me.

13 They open wide their ’jaws at me, *

like a ravening and a ’roaring lion.

14 I am poured out like water;

all my bones are ’out of joint; *

my heart within my breast is ’melting wax.

15 My mouth is dried out like a pot-sherd;

my tongue sticks to the roof ’of my mouth; *

and you have laid me in the dust ’of the grave.

16 Packs of dogs close me in,

and gangs of evildoers cir’cle around me; *

they pierce my hands and my feet;

I can count ’all my bones.

17 They stare and gloat ’over me; *

they divide my garments among them;

they cast lots ’for my clothing.

18 Be not far a’way, O LORD; *

you are my strength; hast’en to help me.

19 Save me ’from the sword, *

my life from the power ’of the dog.

20 Save me from the ’lion's mouth, *

my wretched body from the horns ’of wild bulls.

21 I will declare your Name ’to my brethren; *

in the midst of the congregation ’I will praise you.

22 Praise the LORD, ’you that fear him; *

stand in awe of him, O offspring of Israel;

all you of Jacob's ’line, give glory.

23 For he does not despise nor abhor the poor in their poverty;

neither does he hide his ’face from them; *

but when they cry to ’him he hears them.

24 My praise is of him in the ’great assembly; *

I will perform my vows in the presence of those who

’worship him.

25 The poor shall eat and be satisfied,

and those who seek the ’LORD shall praise him: *

“May your heart ’live for ever!”

26 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn ’to

the LORD, *

and all the families of the nations ’bow before him.

27 For kingship belongs ’to the LORD; *

he rules ’over the nations.

28 To him alone all who sleep in the earth bow ’down

in worship; *

all who go down to the dust ’fall before him.

29 My soul shall live for him;

my descend’ants shall serve him; *

they shall be known as the ’LORD’S for ever.

30 They shall come and make known to a people ’yet unborn *

the saving deeds that ’he has done.

Father, your tortured Son felt abandoned, and cried out in anguish from the cross, yet you delivered him. He overcame the bonds of death and rose in triumph from the grave. Do not hide your face from those who cry out to you: feed the hungry, strengthen the weak, and break the chains of the oppressed, that your people may rejoice in your saving deeds. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour.

23 Dominus regit me

1 The LORD ’is my shepherd; *

I shall not ’be in want.

2 He makes me lie down ’in green pastures *

and leads me be’side still waters.

3 He re’vives my soul *

and guides me along right pathways ’for his Name's sake.

4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I shall ’fear no evil; *

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff, they ’comfort me.

5 You spread a table before me in the presence of those

who ’trouble me; *

you have anointed my head with oil,

and my cup is ’running over.

6 Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days

’of my life, *

and I will dwell in the house of the ’LORD for ever.

Glory to you, Jesus Christ, our good shepherd. In the waters of baptism you give us new birth, at your table you nourish us with heavenly food, and in your goodness and mercy, you guide us beyond the terrors of evil and death to your Father's home to dwell in eternal light. Glory to you for ever.

Fifth Day: Morning Prayer

24 Domini est terra

1 The earth is the LORD'S and all ’that is in it, *

the world and all who ’dwell therein.

2 For it is he who founded it up’on the seas *

and made it firm upon the rivers ’of the deep.

3 “Who can ascend the hill ’of the LORD? *

and who can stand in his ’holy place?”

4 “Those who have clean hands and ’a pure heart, *

who have not pledged themselves to falsehood,

nor sworn by what ’is a fraud.

5 They shall receive a blessing ’from the Lord *

and a just reward from the God of ’their salvation.”

6 Such is the generation of ’those who seek him, *

of those who seek your face, O ’God of Jacob.

7 Lift up your heads, O gates;

lift them high, O ever’lasting doors; *

and the King of glory ’shall come in.

8 “Who is this ’King of glory?” *

“The LORD, strong and mighty,

the LORD, might’y in battle.”

9 Lift up your heads, O gates;

lift them high, O ever’lasting doors; *

and the King of glory ’shall come in.

10 “Who is he, this ’King of glory?” *

“The LORD of hosts,

he is the ’King of glory.”

Creator and ruler of all, open our hearts that the King of glory may enter, and bring us rejoicing to your holy mountain, where you live and reign, now and forever.

25 Ad te, Domine, levavi

1 To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul;

my God, I put my ’trust in you; *

let me not be humiliated,

nor let my enemies triumph ’over me.

2 Let none who look to you be ’put to shame; *

let the treacherous be disappointed ’in their schemes.

3 Show me your ’ways, O LORD, *

and teach ’me your paths.

4 Lead me in your ’truth and teach me, *

for you are the God of my salvation;

in you have I trusted ’all the day long.

5 Remember, O LORD, your compass’ion and love, *

for they are from ’everlasting.

6 Remember not the sins of my youth and ’my transgressions; *

remember me according to your love

and for the sake of your good’ness, O LORD.

7 Gracious and upright ’is the LORD; *

therefore he teaches sinners ’in his way.

8 He guides the humble in ’doing right *

and teaches his way ’to the lowly.

9 All the paths of the LORD are ’love and faithfulness *

to those who keep his covenant and his ’testimonies.

10 For your Name's ’sake, O LORD, *

forgive my sin, for ’it is great.

11 Who are they who ’fear the LORD? *

he will teach them the way that ’they should choose.

12 They shall dwell ’in prosperity, *

and their offspring shall inher’it the land.

13 The LORD is a friend to ’those who fear him *

and will show ’them his covenant.

14 My eyes are ever looking ’to the LORD, *

for he shall pluck my feet out ’of the net.

15 Turn to me and have pit’y on me, *

for I am left alone ’and in misery.

16 The sorrows of my heart ’have increased; *

bring me out ’of my troubles.

17 Look upon my adversit’y and misery *

and forgive me ’all my sin.

18 Look upon my enemies, for ’they are many, *

and they bear a violent hat’red against me.

19 Protect my life and de’liver me; *

let me not be put to shame, for I have trust’ed in you.

20 Let integrity and upright’ness preserve me, *

for my hope has ’been in you.

21 Deliver Isra’el, O God, *

out of ’all his troubles.

God of compassion and love, forgive our sins, relieve our misery, satisfy our longing, and fulfil all our hopes for peace; through your Son Jesus Christ our Redeemer.

26 Judica me, Domine

1 Give judgment for me, O LORD,

for I have lived ’with integrity; *

I have trusted in the Lord and ’have not faltered.

2 Test me, O ’LORD, and try me; *

examine my heart ’and my mind.

3 For your love is be’fore my eyes; *

I have walked faith’fully with you.

4 I have not sat ’with the worthless, *

nor do I consort with ’the deceitful.

5 I have hated the company of ’evildoers; *

I will not sit down ’with the wicked.

6 I will wash my hands in inno’cence, O LORD, *

that I may go in procession ’round your altar,

7 Singing aloud a song ’of thanksgiving *

and recounting all your won’derful deeds.

8 LORD, I love the house in ’which you dwell *

and the place where your glo’ry abides.

9 Do not sweep me a’way with sinners, *

nor my life with those who ’thirst for blood,

10 Whose hands are full of ’evil plots, *

and their right hand ’full of bribes.

11 As for me, I will live ’with integrity; *

redeem me, O LORD, and have pit’y on me.

12 My foot stands on ’level ground; *

in the full assembly I will ’bless the LORD.

God of love and mercy, give us clean hands and pure hearts, that we may walk in innocence and come to your eternal dwelling, to praise you in the company of your saints for ever.

Fifth Day: Evening Prayer

27 Dominus illuminatio

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation;

whom then ’shall I fear? *

the LORD is the strength of my life;

of whom then shall I ’be afraid?

2 When evildoers came upon me to eat ’up my flesh, *

it was they, my foes and my adversaries, who

stum’bled and fell.

3 Though an army should en’camp against me, *

yet my heart shall not ’be afraid;

4 And though war should rise ’up against me, *

yet will I put my ’trust in him.

5 One thing have I asked of the LORD;

one ’thing I seek; *

that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days

’of my life;

6 To behold the fair beauty ’of the LORD *

and to seek him ’in his temple.

7 For in the day of trouble he shall keep me safe

’in his shelter; *

he shall hide me in the secrecy of his dwelling

and set me high up’on a rock.

8 Even now he lifts ’up my head *

above my enemies ’round about me.

9 Therefore I will offer in his dwelling an oblation

with sounds ’of great gladness; *

I will sing and make music ’to the LORD.

10 Hearken to my voice, O LORD, ’when I call; *

have mercy on me and ’answer me.

11 You speak in my heart and say, ’"Seek my face." *

Your face, LORD, ’will I seek.

12 Hide not your ’face from me, *

nor turn away your servant ’in displeasure.

13 You have been my helper;

cast me ’not away; *

do not forsake me, O God of ’my salvation.

14 Though my father and my moth’er forsake me, *

the LORD ’will sustain me.

15 Show me your ’way, O LORD; *

lead me on a level path, because ’of my enemies.

16 Deliver me not into the hand of my ’adversaries, *

for false witnesses have risen up against me,

and also those ’who speak malice.

17 What if I had not believed

that I should see the goodness ’of the LORD *

in the land ’of the living!

18 O tarry and await the LORD’S pleasure;

be strong, and he shall com’fort your heart; *

wait patiently ’for the LORD.

Faithful God, the shelter of all who hope in you, may those who seek your face be set free from fear and distress, and come to see your goodness in the land of the living; through Jesus Christ, our Light and our Salvation.

28 Ad te, Domine

1 O LORD, I call to you;

my Rock, do not be deaf ’to my cry; *

lest, if you do not hear me,

I become like those who go down ’to the Pit.

2 Hear the voice of my prayer when I cry ’out to you, *

when I lift up my hands to your ho’ly of holies.

3 Do not snatch me away with the wicked or with the

’evildoers, *

who speak peaceably with their neighbors,

while strife is ’in their hearts.

4 Repay them according ’to their deeds, *

and according to the wickedness ’of their actions.

5 According to the work of their ’hands repay them, *

and give them their ’just deserts.

6 They have no understanding of the LORD’S doings,

nor of the works ’of his hands; *

therefore he will break them down and not

’build them up.

7 Blessed ’is the LORD! *

for he has heard the voice ’of my prayer.

8 The LORD is my strength ’and my shield; *

my heart trusts in him, and I ’have been helped;

9 Therefore my heart danc’es for joy, *

and in my song ’will I praise him.

10 The LORD is the strength ’of his people, *

a safe refuge for ’his anointed.

11 Save your people and bless ’your inheritance; *

shepherd them and carry ’them for ever.

Blessed are you, strong Shepherd of your people. You hear us when we lift up our hands in prayer, and through your Son Jesus Christ you give us the promise of an eternal inheritance. Blessed are you for ever.

29 Afferte Domino

1 Ascribe to the ’LORD, you gods, *

ascribe to the LORD glo’ry and strength.

2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory ’due his Name; *

worship the LORD in the beaut’y of holiness.

3 The voice of the LORD is upon the waters;

the God of ’glory thunders; *

the LORD is upon the ’mighty waters.

4 The voice of the LORD is a pow’erful voice; *

the voice of the LORD is a ’voice of splendor.

5 The voice of the LORD breaks the ’cedar trees; *

the LORD breaks the ce’dars of Lebanon;

6 He makes Lebanon skip ’like a calf, *

and Mount Hermon like a ’young wild ox.

7 The voice of the LORD splits the flames of fire;

the voice of the LORD ’shakes the wilderness; *

the LORD shakes the wilder’ness of Kadesh.

8 The voice of the LORD makes the ’oak trees writhe *

and strips the ’forests bare.

9 And in the temple ’of the LORD *

all are ’crying, “Glory!”

10 The LORD sits enthroned ’above the flood; *

the LORD sits enthroned as ’King for evermore.

11 The LORD shall give strength ’to his people; *

the LORD shall give his people the bless’ing of peace.

God of mystery and power, open our eyes to the flame of your love, and open our ears tot he thunder of your justice, that we may receive your gifts of blessing and peace, tot he glory of your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Sixth Day: Morning Prayer

30 Exaltabo te, Domine

1 I will exalt you, O LORD,

because you have lift’ed me up *

and have not let my enemies triumph ’over me.

2 O LORD my God, I cried ’out to you, *

and you restored ’me to health.

3 You brought me up, O LORD, ’from the dead; *

you restored my life as I was going down ’to the grave.

4 Sing to the LORD, you ser’vants of his; *

give thanks for the remembrance ’of his holiness.

5 For his wrath endures but the twinkling ’of an eye, *

his favor ’for a lifetime.

6 Weeping may ’spend the night, *

but joy comes ’in the morning.

7 While I felt secure, I said,

“I shall never ’be disturbed. *

You, LORD, with your favor, made me as strong ’as

the mountains.”

8 Then you ’hid your face, *

and I was ’filled with fear.

9 I cried to ’you, O LORD; *

I pleaded with ’the Lord, saying,

10 “What profit is there in my blood, if I go down ’to the Pit? *

will the dust praise you or de’clare your faithfulness?

11 Hear, O LORD, and have mer’cy upon me; *

O LORD, ’be my helper."

12 You have turned my wailing ’into dancing; *

you have put off my sack-cloth and clothed ’me with joy.

13 Therefore my heart sings to you ’without ceasing; *

O LORD my God, I will give you ’thanks for ever.

God our Father, glorious in giving and restoring life, do not hide your face from your people overcome with loneliness and fear; turn our mourning into dancing and raise up with your Son, that we may rejoice in your precence forever.

31 In te, Domine, speravi

1 In you, O LORD, have I taken refuge;

let me never be ’put to shame; *

deliver me ’in your righteousness.

2 Incline your ’ear to me; *

make haste to de’liver me.

3 Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe,

for you are my crag ’and my stronghold; *

for the sake of your Name, lead ’me and guide me.

4 Take me out of the net that they have secretly ’set for me, *

for you are my tow’er of strength.

5 Into your hands I com’mend my spirit, *

for you have redeemed me,

O LORD, O ’God of truth.

6 I hate those who cling to ’worthless idols, *

and I put my trust ’in the LORD.

7 I will rejoice and be glad because ’of your mercy; *

for you have seen my affliction;

you know ’my distress.

8 You have not shut me up in the power ’of the enemy; *

you have set my feet in ’an open place.

9 Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I ’am in trouble; *

my eye is consumed with sorrow,

and also my throat ’and my belly.

10 For my life is wasted with grief,

and my ’years with sighing; *

my strength fails me because of affliction,

and my bones ’are consumed.

11 I have become a reproach to all my enemies and

even to my neighbors,

a dismay to those of ’my acquaintance; *

when they see me in the street ’they avoid me.

12 I am forgotten like a dead man, ’out of mind; *

I am as useless as a ’broken pot.

13 For I have heard the whispering of the crowd;

fear is ’all around; *

they put their heads together against me;

they plot to ’take my life.

14 But as for me, I have trusted in ’you, O LORD. *

I have said, “You ’are my God.

15 My times are ’in your hand; *

rescue me from the hand of my enemies,

and from those who ’persecute me.

16 Make your face to shine up’on your servant, *

and in your loving’-kindness save me.”

17 LORD, let me not be ashamed for having called ’upon you; *

rather, let the wicked be put to shame;

let them be silent ’in the grave.

18 Let the lying lips be silenced which speak a’gainst

the righteous, *

haughtily, disdainfully, and ’with contempt.

19 How great is your goodness, O LORD!

which you have laid up for ’those who fear you; *

which you have done in the sight of all

for those who put their ’trust in you.

20 You hide them in the covert of your presence from those

who ’slander them; *

you keep them in your shelter from the ’strife of tongues.

21 Blessed ’be the LORD! *

for he has shown me the wonders of his love in a

’besieged city.

22 Yet I said in my alarm,

“I have been cut off from the sight ’of your eyes.” *

Nevertheless, you heard the sound of my entreaty

when I cried ’out to you.

23 Love the LORD, all you who ’worship him; *

the LORD protects the faithful,

but repays to the full those ’who act haughtily.

24 Be strong and let your ’heart take courage, *

all you who wait ’for the LORD.

Helper of the helpless, comfort of the afflicted, may your servants who stand in the midst of evil find strength in knowledge of your presence, and praise you for the wonders of your love; through Jesus Christ our redeemer.

Sixth Day: Evening Prayer

32 Beati quorum

1 Happy are they whose transgressions ’are forgiven, *

and whose sin is ’put away!

2 Happy are they to whom the LORD im’putes no guilt, *

and in whose spirit there ’is no guile!

3 While I held my tongue, my bones with’ered away, *

because of my groaning ’all day long.

4 For your hand was heavy upon me ’day and night; *

my moisture was dried up as in the ’heat of summer.

5 Then I acknowledged my ’sin to you, *

and did not con’ceal my guilt.

6 I said, “I will confess my transgressions ’to the LORD.” *

Then you forgave me the guilt ’of my sin.

7 Therefore all the faithful will make their prayers to you in

’time of trouble; *

when the great waters overflow, they ’shall not reach them.

8 You are my hiding-place;

you preserve ’me from trouble; *

you surround me with shouts ’of deliverance.

9 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way that ’you

should go; *

I will guide you ’with my eye.

10 Do not be like horse or mule, which have no ’understanding; *

who must be fitted with bit and bridle,

or else they will ’not stay near you.”

11 Great are the tribulations ’of the wicked; *

but mercy embraces those who trust ’in the LORD.

12 Be glad, you righteous, and rejoice ’in the LORD; *

shout for joy, all who are ’true of heart.

Watch over us, loving God, and when we fall into sin teach us to aclnowledge our guilt. May we forgive and be forgiven, for the sake of your Son our Saviour.

33 Exultate, justi

1 Rejoice in the ’LORD, you righteous; *

it is good for the just ’to sing praises.

2 Praise the LORD ’with the harp; *

play to him upon the psalter’y and lyre.

3 Sing for him a ’new song; *

sound a fanfare with all your skill up’on the trumpet.

4 For the word of the ’LORD is right, *

and all his ’works are sure.

5 He loves righteous’ness and justice; *

the loving-kindness of the LORD fills ’the whole earth.

6 By the word of the LORD were the ’heavens made, *

by the breath of his mouth all the heav’enly hosts.

7 He gathers up the waters of the ocean as ’in a water-skin *

and stores up the depths ’of the sea.

8 Let all the earth ’fear the LORD; *

let all who dwell in the world stand in ’awe of him.

9 For he spoke, and it ’came to pass; *

he commanded, and ’it stood fast.

10 The LORD brings the will of the na’tions to naught; *

he thwarts the designs ’of the peoples.

11 But the LORD’S will stands ’fast for ever, *

and the designs of his heart from ’age to age.

12 Happy is the nation whose God ’is the LORD! *

happy the people he has chosen to ’be his own!

13 The LORD looks ’down from heaven, *

and beholds all the people ’in the world.

14 From where he sits enthroned he ’turns his gaze *

on all who dwell ’on the earth.

15 He fashions all the ’hearts of them *

and understands ’all their works.

16 There is no king that can be saved by a ’mighty army; *

a strong man is not delivered by ’his great strength.

17 The horse is a vain hope ’for deliverance; *

for all its strength it ’cannot save.

18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon ’those who fear him, *

on those who wait up’on his love,

19 To pluck their ’lives from death, *

and to feed them in ’time of famine.

20 Our soul waits ’for the LORD; *

he is our help ’and our shield.

21 Indeed, our heart rejoic’es in him, *

for in his holy Name we ’put our trust.

22 Let your loving-kindness, O LORD, ’be upon us, *

as we have put our ’trust in you.

Blessed are you, Creator of the universe. In your loving kindness you watch over your choosen people. Make us witnesses to your truth and intruments of your peace, that all may know you as the God of justice, and praise your holy name; through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

34 Benedicam Domi

1 I will bless the LORD ’at all times; *

his praise shall ever be ’in my mouth.

2 I will glory ’in the LORD; *

let the humble hear ’and rejoice.

3 Proclaim with me the greatness ’of the LORD; *

let us exalt his ’Name together.

4 I sought the LORD, and he ’answered me *

and delivered me out of ’all my terror.

5 Look upon him ’and be radiant, *

and let not your faces ’be ashamed.

6 I called in my affliction and ’the LORD heard me *

and saved me from ’all my troubles.

7 The angel of the LORD encompasses ’those who fear him, *

and he will de’liver them.

8 Taste and see that the ’LORD is good; *

happy are they who ’trust in him!

9 Fear the LORD, you that ’are his saints, *

for those who fear ’him lack nothing.

10 The young lions lack and ’suffer hunger, *

but those who seek the LORD lack nothing ’that is good.

11 Come, children, and lis’ten to me; *

I will teach you the fear ’of the LORD.

12 Who among ’you loves life *

and desires long life to en’joy prosperity?

13 Keep your tongue from ’evil-speaking *

and your lips from ’lying words.

14 Turn from evil ’and do good; *

seek peace ’and pursue it.

15 The eyes of the LORD are up’on the righteous, *

and his ears are open ’to their cry.

16 The face of the LORD is against those ’who do evil, *

to root out the remembrance of them ’from the earth.

17 The righteous cry, and ’the LORD hears them *

and delivers them from ’all their troubles.

18 The LORD is near to the ’brokenhearted *

and will save those whose spir’its are crushed.

19 Many are the troubles ’of the righteous, *

but the LORD will deliver him out ’of them all.

20 He will keep safe ’all his bones; *

not one of them ’shall be broken.

21 Evil shall ’slay the wicked, *

and those who hate the righteous ’will be punished.

22 The LORD ransoms the life ’of his servants, *

and none will be punished who ’trust in him.

Hear us, Lord, when we cry to you. Calm our bodies and minds with the peace which passes understanding, and makes us radiant with the knowledge of your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Seventh Day: Morning Prayer

35 Judica, Domine

1 Fight those who fight ’me, O LORD; *

attack those who are at’tacking me.

2 Take up ’shield and armor *

and rise ’up to help me.

3 Draw the sword and bar the way against those

’who pursue me; *

say to my soul, “I am ’your salvation.”

4 Let those who seek after my life be ’shamed and humbled; *

let those who plot my ruin fall back and ’be dismayed.

5 Let them be like chaff be’fore the wind, *

and let the angel of the LORD drive ’them away.

6 Let their way be ’dark and slippery, *

and let the angel of the ’LORD pursue them.

7 For they have secretly spread a net for me with’out a cause; *

without a cause they have dug a pit to take ’me alive.

8 Let ruin come upon them ’unawares; *

let them be caught in the net they hid;

let them fall into the ’pit they dug.

9 Then I will be joyful ’in the LORD; *

I will glory ’in his victory.

10 My very bones will say, “LORD, ’who is like you? *

You deliver the poor from those who are too strong for them,

the poor and needy from ’those who rob them."

11 Malicious witnesses rise ’up against me; *

they charge me with matters I know noth’ing about.

12 They pay me evil in ex’change for good; *

my soul is full ’of despair.

13 But when they were sick I ’dressed in sack-cloth *

and humbled my’self by fasting.

14 I prayed with my whole heart,

as one would for a friend ’or a brother; *

I behaved like one who mourns for his mother,

bowed ’down and grieving.

15 But when I stumbled, they were glad and gath’ered together;

they gathered against me; *

strangers whom I did not know tore me to pieces and

’would not stop.

16 They put me to the ’test and mocked me; *

they gnashed at me ’with their teeth.

17 O Lord, how long will ’you look on? *

rescue me from the roaring beasts,

and my life from ’the young lions.

18 I will give you thanks in the ’great congregation; *

I will praise you in the ’mighty throng.

19 Do not let my treacherous foes rejoice ’over me, *

nor let those who hate me without a cause

wink ’at each other.

20 For they do not plan for peace, *

but invent deceitful schemes against the

quiet ’in the land.

21 They opened their mouths at me and said, *

“Aha! we saw it with ’our own eyes.”

22 You saw it, O LORD; do ’not be silent; *

O Lord, be not ’far from me.

23 Awake, arise, ’to my cause! *

to my defense, my God ’and my Lord!

24 Give me justice, O LORD my God,

according ’to your righteousness; *

do not let them triumph ’over me.

25 Do not let them say in their hearts,

“Aha! just ’what we want!” *

Do not let them say, "We have swal’lowed him up."

26 Let all who rejoice at my ruin be ashamed ’and disgraced; *

let those who boast against me be clothed with

dis’may and shame.

27 Let those who favor my cause sing out with joy ’and be glad; *

let them say always, "Great is the LORD,

who desires the prosperity ’of his servant."

28 And my tongue shall be talking ’of your righteousness *

and of your praise all ’the day long.

God of our salvation, come quickly to free the poor from their oppressors, and establish your reign of justice on earth, that your people may sing out with joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

36 Dixit injustus

1 There is a voice of rebellion deep in the heart ’of the wicked; *

there is no fear of God be’fore his eyes.

2 He flatters himself in ’his own eyes *

that his hateful sin will not ’be found out.

3 The words of his mouth are wicked ’and deceitful; *

he has left off acting wisely and ’doing good.

4 He thinks up wickedness upon his bed

and has set himself in ’no good way; *

he does not abhor that ’which is evil.

5 Your love, O LORD, reaches ’to the heavens, *

and your faithfulness ’to the clouds.

6 Your righteousness is like the strong mountains,

your justice like ’the great deep; *

you save both man and ’beast, O LORD.

7 How priceless is your ’love, O God! *

your people take refuge under the

shadow ’of your wings.

8 They feast upon the abundance ’of your house; *

you give them drink from the river of ’your delights.

9 For with you is the ’well of life, *

and in your light ’we see light.

10 Continue your loving-kindness to ’those who know you, *

and your favor to those who are ’true of heart.

11 Let not the foot of the ’proud come near me, *

nor the hand of the wicked push ’me aside.

12 See how they are fallen, those ’who work wickedness! *

they are cast down and shall not be ’able to rise.

God of justice and mercy, open the eyes of sinners that they may see the light of your truth, know the power of your love, and share in the bounty of your heavenly table; through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Seventh Day: Evening Prayer

37

Part I Noli aemulari

1 Do not fret yourself because of ’evildoers; *

do not be jealous of those ’who do wrong.

2 For they shall soon wither ’like the grass, *

and like the green grass ’fade away.

3 Put your trust in the LORD ’and do good; *

dwell in the land and feed ’on its riches.

4 Take delight ’in the LORD, *

and he shall give you your ’heart's desire.

5 Commit your way to the LORD and put your ’trust in him, *

and he will bring ’it to pass.

6 He will make your righteousness as clear ’as the light *

and your just dealing ’as the noonday.

7 Be still be’fore the LORD *

and wait patient’ly for him.

8 Do not fret yourself over the ’one who prospers, *

the one who succeeds in ’evil schemes.

9 Refrain from anger, leave ’rage alone; *

do not fret yourself; it leads on’ly to evil.

10 For evildoers shall ’be cut off, *

but those who wait upon the LORD shall possess the land.

11 In a little while the wicked shall ’be no more; *

you shall search out their place, but they will ’not be there.

12 But the lowly shall pos’sess the land; *

they will delight in abun’dance of peace.

13 The wicked plot a’gainst the righteous *

and gnash at them ’with their teeth.

14 The Lord laughs ’at the wicked, *

because he sees that their ’day will come.

15 The wicked draw their sword and bend their bow

to strike down the ’poor and needy, *

to slaughter those who are upright ’in their ways.

16 Their sword shall go through ’their own heart, *

and their bow ’shall be broken.

17 The little that the ’righteous has *

is better than great riches ’of the wicked.

18 For the power of the wicked ’shall be broken, *

but the LORD up’holds the righteous.

Part II Novit Dominus

19 The LORD cares for the lives ’of the godly, *

and their inheritance shall ’last for ever.

20 They shall not be ashamed ’in bad times, *

and in days of famine they shall ’have enough.

21 As for the wicked, ’they shall perish, *

and the enemies of the LORD, like the glory of

the meadows, shall vanish;

they shall van’ish like smoke.

22 The wicked borrow and do ’not repay, *

but the righteous are gener’ous in giving.

23 Those who are blessed by God shall poss’ess the land, *

but those who are cursed by him shall ’be destroyed.

24 Our steps are directed ’by the LORD; *

he strengthens those in whose way ’he delights.

25 If they stumble, they shall ’not fall headlong, *

for the LORD holds them ’by the hand.

26 I have been young and now ’I am old, *

but never have I seen the righteous forsaken,

or their children ’begging bread.

27 The righteous are always generous ’in their lending, *

and their children shall ’be a blessing.

28 Turn from evil, ’and do good, *

and dwell in the ’land for ever.

29 For the ’LORD loves justice; *

he does not forsake his ’faithful ones.

30 They shall be kept ’safe for ever, *

but the offspring of the wicked shall ’be destroyed.

31 The righteous shall pos’sess the land *

and dwell in ’it for ever.

32 The mouth of the righteous ’utters wisdom, *

and their tongue speaks ’what is right.

33 The law of their God is ’in their heart, *

and their footsteps ’shall not falter.

34 The wicked spy ’on the righteous *

and seek occa’sion to kill them.

35 The LORD will not abandon them ’to their hand, *

nor let them be found guilty when ’brought to trial.

36 Wait upon the LORD and ’keep his way; *

he will raise you up to possess the land,

and when the wicked are cut off, ’you will see it.

37 I have seen the wicked ’in their arrogance, *

flourishing like a tree ’in full leaf.

38 I went by, and behold, they ’were not there; *

I searched for them, but they could ’not be found.

39 Mark those who are honest;

ob’serve the upright; *

for there is a future ’for the peaceable.

40 Transgressors shall be destroyed, ’one and all; *

the future of the wicked ’is cut off.

41 But the deliverance of the righteous comes ’from the LORD; *

he is their stronghold in ’time of trouble.

42 The LORD will help them and ’rescue them; *

he will rescue them from the wicked and deliver them,

because they seek ref’uge in him.

God our strength, give us the humility to trust in your loving care, and the patience to be faithful in seeking your kingdom, that we may come to share in the inheritance of your saints, through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Eighth Day: Morning Prayer

38 Domine, ne in furore

1 O LORD, do not rebuke me ’in your anger; *

do not punish me ’in your wrath.

2 For your arrows have al’ready pierced me, *

and your hand presses ’hard upon me.

3 There is no health in my flesh,

because of your ’indignation; *

there is no soundness in my body, because ’of my sin.

4 For my iniquities ’overwhelm me; *

like a heavy burden they are too much for ’me to bear.

5 My wounds ’stink and fester *

by reason ’of my foolishness.

6 I am utterly bowed ’down and prostrate; *

I go about in mourning all ’the day long.

7 My loins are filled with ’searing pain; *

there is no health ’in my body.

8 I am utterly ’numb and crushed; *

I wail, because of the groaning ’of my heart.

9 O Lord, you know all ’my desires, *

and my sighing is not hid’den from you.

10 My heart is pounding, my ’strength has failed me, *

and the brightness of my eyes is ’gone from me.

11 My friends and companions draw back from ’my affliction; *

my neighbors stand a’far off.

12 Those who seek after my life lay ’snares for me; *

those who strive to hurt me speak of my ruin

and plot treachery all ’the day long.

13 But I am like the deaf who ’do not hear, *

like those who are mute and who do not o’pen their mouth.

14 I have become like one who ’does not hear *

and from whose mouth comes ’no defense.

15 For in you, O LORD, have I ’fixed my hope; *

you will answer me, O ’Lord my God.

16 For I said, “Do not let them rejoice at ’my expense, *

those who gloat over me when ’my foot slips.”

17 Truly, I am on the ’verge of falling, *

and my pain is al’ways with me.

18 I will confess ’my iniquity *

and be sorry ’for my sin.

19 Those who are my enemies without ’cause are mighty, *

and many in number are those who wrong’fully hate me.

20 Those who repay evil for good ’slander me, *

because I follow the course ’that is right.

21 O LORD, do ’not forsake me; *

be not far from me, ’O my God.

22 Make ’haste to help me, *

O Lord of ’my salvation.

God of compassion, when we are weighed down by the burden of our sins, help us to remember that you do not forsake us, but show mercy through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

39 Dixi, Custodiam

1 I said, “I will keep watch up’on my ways, *

so that I do not offend ’with my tongue.

2 I will put a muzzle ’on my mouth *

while the wicked are ’in my presence.”

3 So I held my tongue ’and said nothing; *

I refrained from rash words;

but my pain be’came unbearable.

4 My heart was hot within me;

while I pondered, the fire burst ’into flame; *

I spoke out ’with my tongue:

5 LORD, let me know my end and the number ’of my days, *

so that I may know how ’short my life is.

6 You have given me a mere handful of days,

and my lifetime is as nothing ’in your sight; *

truly, even those who stand erect are but a ’puff of wind.

7 We walk about like a shadow,

and in vain we ’are in turmoil; *

we heap up riches and cannot tell who will ’gather them.

8 And now, what ’is my hope? *

O Lord, my hope ’is in you.

9 Deliver me from all ’my transgressions *

and do not make me the taunt ’of the fool.

10 I fell silent and did not o’pen my mouth, *

for surely it was ’you that did it.

11 Take your af’fliction from me; *

I am worn down by the blows ’of your hand.

12 With rebukes for sin you punish us;

like a moth you eat away all that is ’dear to us; *

truly, everyone is but a ’puff of wind.

13 Hear my prayer, O LORD,

and give ear ’to my cry; *

hold not your peace ’at my tears.

14 For I am but a so’journer with you, *

a wayfarer, as all my ’forebears were.

15 Turn your gaze from me, that I may be ’glad again, *

before I go my way and ’am no more.

God our hope, when we are troubled by fear and uncertainty, teach us to commit our lives to your care and to go forward on our pilgrimage, trusting in the knowledge of your love and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.

40 Expectans, expectavi

1 I waited patiently up’on the LORD; *

he stooped to me and ’heard my cry.

2 He lifted me out of the desolate pit, out of the ’mire and clay; *

he set my feet upon a high cliff and made my ’footing sure.

3 He put a new song in my mouth,

a song of praise ’to our God; *

many shall see, and stand in awe,

and put their trust ’in the LORD.

4 Happy are they who trust ’in the LORD! *

they do not resort to evil spirits or turn ’to false gods.

5 Great things are they that you have done, O LORD my God!

how great your wonders and your ’plans for us! *

there is none who can be com’pared with you.

6 Oh, that I could make them ’known and tell them! *

but they are more than ’I can count.

7 In sacrifice and offering you ’take no pleasure *

(you have given me ’ears to hear you);

8 Burnt-offering and sin-offering you have ’not required, *

and so I said, “Be’hold, I come.

9 In the roll of the book it is written con’cerning me: *

‘I love to do your will, O my God;

your law is deep ’in my heart.’”

10 I proclaimed righteousness in the great ’congregation; *

behold, I did not restrain my lips;

and that, O ’LORD, you know.

11 Your righteousness have I not hidden in my heart;

I have spoken of your faithfulness and ’your deliverance; *

I have not concealed your love and faithfulness from the

great ’congregation.

12 You are the LORD;

do not withhold your com’passion from me; *

let your love and your faithfulness keep me ’safe for ever,

13 For innumerable troubles have crowded upon me;

my sins have overtaken me, and I ’cannot see; *

they are more in number than the hairs of my head,

and ’my heart fails me.

14 Be pleased, O LORD, to de’liver me; *

O LORD, make ’haste to help me.

15 Let them be ashamed and altogether dismayed

who seek after my life ’to destroy it; *

let them draw back and be disgraced

who take pleasure ’in my misfortune.

16 Let those who say “Aha!” and gloat over me ’be confounded, *

because they ’are ashamed.

17 Let all who seek you rejoice in you ’and be glad; *

let those who love your salvation continually say,

“Great ’is the LORD!”

18 Though I am poor ’and afflicted, *

the Lord will have re’gard for me.

19 You are my helper and ’my deliverer; *

do not tarry, ’O my God.

God our saviour, hear our prayer for all who suffer at the hands of others, and especially for those who suffer for the sake of justice. Raise and comfort them, and lead us all in the paths of loving service. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.

Eighth Day: Evening Prayer

41 Beatus qui intelligit

1 Happy are they who consider the ’poor and needy! *

the LORD will deliver them in the ’time of trouble.

2 The LORD preserves them and keeps them alive,

so that they may be happy ’in the land; *

he does not hand them over to the will ’of their enemies.

3 The LORD sustains them ’on their sickbed *

and ministers to them ’in their illness.

4 I said, “LORD, be merci’ful to me; *

heal me, for I have ’sinned against you.”

5 My enemies are saying wicked ’things about me: *

“When will he die, and ’his name perish?”

6 Even if they come to see me, they speak ’empty words; *

their heart collects false rumors;

they go out’side and spread them.

7 All my enemies whisper togeth’er about me *

and devise e’vil against me.

8 “A deadly thing," they say, "has fast’ened on him; *

he has taken to his bed and will never get ’up again.”

9 Even my best friend, whom I trusted,

who broke ’bread with me, *

has lifted up his heel and ’turned against me.

10 But you, O LORD, be merciful to me and ’raise me up, *

and I ’shall repay them.

11 By this I know you are ’pleased with me, *

that my enemy does not triumph ’over me.

12 In my integrity you ’hold me fast, *

and shall set me before your ’face for ever.

13 Blessed be the LORD ’God of Israel, *

from age to age. A’men. Amen.

Remember us, gracious God, when we are lonely and depressed, and support us in the dark night of grief and despair, for your love is faithful and you do not forget your broken ones. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.

Book Two

42 Quemadmodum

1 As the deer longs ’for the water-brooks, *

so longs my soul for ’you, O God.

2 My soul is athirst for God, athirst for the ’living God; *

when shall I come to appear before the pres’ence of God?

3 My tears have been my food ’day and night, *

while all day long they say to me,

“Where now ’is your God?”

4 I pour out my soul when I think ’on these things; *

how I went with the multitude and led them into the

’house of God,

5 With the voice of praise ’and thanksgiving, *

among those ’who keep holy-day.

6 Why are you so full of heaviness, ’O my soul? *

and why are you so disquiet’ed within me?

7 Put your ’trust in God; *

for I will yet give thanks to him,

who is the help of my countenance, ’and my God.

8 My soul is heav’y within me; *

therefore I will remember you from the land of Jordan,

and from the peak of Mizar among the ’heights of Hermon.

9 One deep calls to another in the noise ’of your cataracts; *

all your rapids and floods have gone ’over me.

10 The LORD grants his loving-kindness ’in the daytime; *

in the night season his song is with me,

a prayer to the God ’of my life.

11 I will say to the God of my strength,

“Why have you for’gotten me? *

and why do I go so heavily while the enemy

op’presses me?”

12 While my bones are ’being broken, *

my enemies mock me ’to my face;

13 All day ’long they mock me *

and say to me, “Where now ’is your God?”

14 Why are you so full of heaviness, ’O my soul? *

and why are you so disquiet’ed within me?

15 Put your ’trust in God; *

for I will yet give thanks to him,

who is the help of my countenance, ’and my God.

Gracious God, in the night of distress we forget the days of sun and joy. Even when we do not know your presence, preserve us from the dark torrent of despair. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

43 Judica me, Deus

1 Give judgment for me, O God,

and defend my cause against an un’godly people; *

deliver me from the deceitful ’and the wicked.

2 For you are the God of my strength;

why have you put ’me from you? *

and why do I go so heavily while the enemy

op’presses me?

3 Send out your light and your truth, that ’they may lead me, *

and bring me to your holy hill

and ’to your dwelling;

4 That I may go to the altar of God,

to the God of my ’joy and gladness; *

and on the harp I will give thanks to you, O ’God my God.

5 Why are you so full of heaviness, ’O my soul? *

and why are you so disquiet’ed within me?

6 Put your ’trust in God; *

for I will yet give thanks to him,

who is the help of my countenance, ’and my God.

God of mercy, deliver those who are weighed down by fear and depression, and give them joy and gladness in your presence. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.

Ninth Day: Morning Prayer

44 Deus, auribus

1 We have heard with our ears, O God,

our forefa’thers have told us, *

the deeds you did in their days,

in the ’days of old.

2 How with your hand you drove the peoples out

and planted our forefathers ’in the land; *

how you destroyed nations and made your ’people flourish.

3 For they did not take the land by their sword,

nor did their arm win the vic’tory for them; *

but your right hand, your arm, and the

light of your countenance,

because you ’favored them.

4 You are my King ’and my God; *

you command victor’ies for Jacob.

5 Through you we pushed back our ’adversaries; *

through your Name we trampled on those who

rose ’up against us.

6 For I do not rely ’on my bow, *

and my sword does not give ’me the victory.

7 Surely, you gave us victory over our ’adversaries *

and put those who hate ’us to shame.

8 Every day we glor’ied in God, *

and we will praise your ’Name for ever.

9 Nevertheless, you have rejected and ’humbled us *

and do not go forth ’with our armies.

10 You have made us fall back before our ’adversary, *

and our enemies have ’plundered us.

11 You have made us like sheep ’to be eaten *

and have scattered us a’mong the nations.

12 You are selling your people ’for a trifle *

and are making no profit on the ’sale of them.

13 You have made us the scorn ’of our neighbors, *

a mockery and derision to ’those around us.

14 You have made us a byword a’mong the nations, *

a laughing-stock a’mong the peoples.

15 My humiliation is dai’ly before me, *

and shame has cov’ered my face;

16 Because of the taunts of the mockers ’and blasphemers, *

because of the enemy ’and avenger.

17 All this has ’come upon us; *

yet we have not forgotten you,

nor have we be’trayed your covenant.

18 Our heart nev’er turned back, *

nor did our footsteps stray ’from your path;

19 Though you thrust us down into a ’place of misery, *

and covered us over ’with deep darkness.

20 If we have forgotten the Name ’of our God, *

or stretched out our hands to ’some strange god,

21 Will not God ’find it out? *

for he knows the secrets ’of the heart.

22 Indeed, for your sake we are killed all ’the day long; *

we are accounted as sheep ’for the slaughter.

23 Awake, O Lord! why ’are you sleeping? *

Arise! do not reject ’us for ever.

24 Why have you hid’den your face *

and forgotten our affliction ’and oppression?

25 We sink down in’to the dust; *

our body cleaves ’to the ground.

26 Rise ’up, and help us, *

and save us, for the sake of your ’steadfast love.

God of hosts, be present with those who suffer for no fault of their own: the broken victims of war, oppression, indifference, and neglect. May we see in their sufferings the wounds of Christ, and share with them in his gift of new life. We ask this in his name.

45 Eructavit cor meum

1 My heart is stirring with a noble song;

let me recite what I have fashioned ’for the king; *

my tongue shall be the pen of ’a skilled writer.

2 You are the fair’est of men; *

grace flows from your lips,

because God has blessed ’you for ever.

3 Strap your sword upon your thigh, O ’mighty warrior, *

in your pride and ’in your majesty.

4 Ride out and conquer in the ’cause of truth *

and for the ’sake of justice.

5 Your right hand will show you ’marvelous things; *

your arrows are very sharp, O ’mighty warrior.

6 The peoples are falling ’at your feet, *

and the king's enemies are ’losing heart.

7 Your throne, O God, endures for ev’er and ever, *

a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom;

you love righteousness and ’hate iniquity.

8 Therefore God, your God, has a’nointed you *

with the oil of gladness a’bove your fellows.

9 All your garments are fragrant with myrrh, al’oes, and cassia, *

and the music of strings from ivory palaces ’makes you glad.

10 Kings’ daughters stand among the ladies ’of the court; *

on your right hand is the queen,

adorned with the ’gold of Ophir.

11 “Hear, O daughter; consider and ’listen closely; *

forget your people and your ’father's house.

12 The king will have pleasure ’in your beauty; *

he is your master; therefore ’do him honor.

13 The people of Tyre are here ’with a gift; *

the rich among the people ’seek your favor."

14 All glorious is the princess ’as she enters; *

her gown is ’cloth-of-gold.

15 In embroidered apparel she is brought ’to the king; *

after her the bridesmaids follow ’in procession.

16 With joy and gladness ’they are brought, *

and enter into the palace ’of the king.

17 “In place of fathers, O king, you ’shall have sons; *

you shall make them princes over ’all the earth.

18 I will make your name to be remembered

from one generation ’to another; *

therefore nations will praise you for ev’er and ever.”

Gracious God, your love unites heaven and earth in a new festival of gladness. Lift our spirits to learn the way of joy that leads us to your banquet hall, where all is golden with praise. We ask this through Jesus Christ the Lord.

46 Deus noster refugium

1 God is our ref’uge and strength, *

a very present ’help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the ’earth be moved, *

and though the mountains be toppled into the

depths ’of the sea;

3 Though its waters ’rage and foam, *

and though the mountains tremble ’at its tumult.

4 The LORD of ’hosts is with us; *

the God of Jacob ’is our stronghold.

5 There is a river whose streams make glad the cit’y of God, *

the holy habitation of ’the Most High.

6 God is in the midst of her;

she shall not be ’overthrown; *

God shall help her at the ’break of day.

7 The nations make much ado, and the king’doms are shaken; *

God has spoken, and the earth shall ’melt away.

8 The LORD of ’hosts is with us; *

the God of Jacob ’is our stronghold.

9 Come now and look upon the works ’of the LORD, *

what awesome things he has ’done on earth.

10 It is he who makes war to cease in ’all the world; *

he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear,

and burns the ’shields with fire.

11 “Be still, then, and know that ’I am God; *

I will be exalted among the nations;

I will be exalted ’in the earth.”

12 The LORD of ’hosts is with us; *

the God of Jacob ’is our stronghold.

God our strength, your power is for peace, and the pride of your mighty acts secures the city of the humble. Teach us to put our trust in your salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Ninth Day: Evening Prayer

47 Omnes gentes, plaudite

1 Clap your hands, ’all you peoples; *

shout to God with a ’cry of joy.

2 For the LORD Most High is ’to be feared; *

he is the great King over ’all the earth.

3 He subdues the ’peoples under us, *

and the nations un’der our feet.

4 He chooses our inheri’tance for us, *

the pride of Jacob ’whom he loves.

5 God has gone up ’with a shout, *

the LORD with the sound ’of the ram's-horn.

6 Sing praises to ’God, sing praises; *

sing praises to our ’King, sing praises.

7 For God is King of ’all the earth; *

sing praises with ’all your skill.

8 God reigns o’ver the nations; *

God sits upon his ’holy throne.

9 The nobles of the peoples have gath’ered together *

with the people of the ’God of Abraham.

10 The rulers of the earth be’long to God, *

and he is high’ly exalted.

Blessed are you, God of all the earth; you have called us out of every people and nation to be royal priesthood and citizens of your holy city. May our words of praise call the world to turn to the joy of fellowship with you, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

48 Magnus Dominus

1 Great is the LORD, and highly ’to be praised; *

in the city of our God is his ’holy hill.

2 Beautiful and lofty, the joy of all the earth, is the

’hill of Zion, *

the very center of the world and the city of ’the great King.

3 God is ’in her citadels; *

he is known to be ’her sure refuge.

4 Behold, the kings of the ’earth assembled *

and marched for’ward together.

5 They looked and ’were astounded; *

they retreated and ’fled in terror.

6 Trembling ’seized them there; *

they writhed like a woman in childbirth,

like ships of the sea when the ’east wind shatters them.

7 As we have heard, so have we seen,

in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city ’of our God; *

God has established ’her for ever.

8 We have waited in silence on your loving-kind’ness, O God, *

in the midst ’of your temple.

9 Your praise, like your Name, O God, reaches ’to

the world's end; *

your right hand is ’full of justice.

10 Let Mount Zion be glad

and the cities of Ju’dah rejoice, *

because ’of your judgments.

11 Make the circuit of Zion;

walk ’round about her; *

count the number ’of her towers.

12 Consider well her bulwarks;

exam’ine her strongholds; *

that you may tell those ’who come after.

13 This God is our God for ev’er and ever; *

he shall be our guide for ’evermore.

Gracious God, you have made us fellow-citizens with the saints in the city of your eternal light. In the time of storm, when the foundations shake, teach us to wait in silence on your steadfast and transforming love, made known to us in Jesus Christ our Lord.

49 Audite haec, omnes

1 Hear this, all you peoples;

hearken, all you who dwell ’in the world, *

you of high degree and low, rich and ’poor together.

2 My mouth shall ’speak of wisdom, *

and my heart shall meditate on ’understanding.

3 I will incline my ear ’to a proverb *

and set forth my riddle up’on the harp.

4 Why should I be afraid in ’evil days, *

when the wickedness of those at my ’heels surrounds me,

5 The wickedness of those who put their trust ’in their goods, *

and boast of ’their great riches?

6 We can never ran’som ourselves, *

or deliver to God the price ’of our life;

7 For the ransom of our life ’is so great, *

that we should never have ’enough to pay it,

8 In order to live for ev’er and ever, *

and never ’see the grave.

9 For we see that the wise die also;

like the dull and stu’pid they perish *

and leave their wealth to those who come ’after them.

10 Their graves shall be their homes for ever,

their dwelling places from generation to ’generation, *

though they call the lands after ’their own names.

11 Even though honored, they cannot ’live for ever; *

they are like the ’beasts that perish.

12 Such is the way of those who foolishly trust ’in themselves, *

and the end of those who delight in ’their own words.

13 Like a flock of sheep they are destined to die;

Death ’is their shepherd; *

they go down straightway ’to the grave.

14 Their form shall ’waste away, *

and the land of the dead shall ’be their home.

15 But God will ran’som my life; *

he will snatch me from the ’grasp of death.

16 Do not be envious when some ’become rich, *

or when the grandeur of their ’house increases;

17 For they will carry nothing away ’at their death, *

nor will their grandeur ’follow them.

18 Though they thought highly of themselves ’while they lived, *

and were praised for ’their success,

19 They shall join the company ’of their forebears, *

who will never see the ’light again.

20 Those who are honored, but have no ’understanding, *

are like the ’beasts that perish.

God of our salvation, save us from envy, and teach us to be content with what is enough. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.

Tenth Day: Morning Prayer

50 Deus deorum

1 The LORD, the God of ’gods, has spoken; *

he has called the earth from the rising of the sun ’to

its setting.

2 Out of Zion, perfect ’in its beauty, *

God reveals him’self in glory.

3 Our God will come and will ’not keep silence; *

before him there is a consuming flame,

and round about him a ’raging storm.

4 He calls the heavens and the earth ’from above *

to witness the judgment ’of his people.

5 “Gather before me my ’loyal followers, *

those who have made a covenant with me

and sealed ’it with sacrifice.”

6 Let the heavens declare the rightness ’of his cause; *

for God him’self is judge.

7 Hear, O my people, and I will speak:

“O Israel, I will bear wit’ness against you; *

for I am ’God, your God.

8 I do not accuse you because ’of your sacrifices; *

your offerings are al’ways before me.

9 I will take no bull-calf ’from your stalls, *

nor he-goats out ’of your pens;

10 For all the beasts of the for’est are mine, *

the herds in their thousands up’on the hills.

11 I know every bird ’in the sky, *

and the creatures of the fields are ’in my sight.

12 If I were hungry, I ’would not tell you, *

for the whole world is mine and all ’that is in it.

13 Do you think I eat the ’flesh of bulls, *

or drink the ’blood of goats?

14 Offer to God a sacrifice ’of thanksgiving *

and make good your vows to ’the Most High.

15 Call upon me in the ’day of trouble; *

I will deliver you, and you shall ’honor me.”

16 But to the wick’ed God says: *

“Why do you recite my statutes,

and take my covenant up’on your lips;

17 Since you ’refuse discipline, *

and toss my words be’hind your back?

18 When you see a thief, you make ’him your friend, *

and you cast in your lot ’with adulterers.

19 You have loosed your ’lips for evil, *

and harnessed your tongue ’to a lie.

20 You are always speaking evil ’of your brother *

and slandering your own ’mother's son.

21 These things you have done, and ’I kept still, *

and you thought that I ’am like you."

22 “I have made my ’accusation; *

I have put my case in order be’fore your eyes.

23 Consider this well, you who ’forget God, *

lest I rend you and there be none to de’liver you.

24 Whoever offers me the sacrifice of thanksgiving

’honors me; *

but to those who keep in my way will I show

the salva’tion of God."

Blessed are you, God of glory; you call us to give up all our vain attempts to reach you, and to come before you in thanksgiving for your great salvation, shown to us in Jesus Christ our Lord.

51 Miserere mei, Deus

1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your

’loving-kindness; *

in your great compassion blot out ’my offenses.

2 Wash me through and through ’from my wickedness *

and cleanse me ’from my sin.

3 For I know ’my transgressions, *

and my sin is ev’er before me.

4 Against you only ’have I sinned *

and done what is evil ’in your sight.

5 And so you are justified ’when you speak *

and upright ’in your judgment.

6 Indeed, I have been wicked ’from my birth, *

a sinner from my ’mother's womb.

7 For behold, you look for truth ’deep within me, *

and will make me understand ’wisdom secretly.

8 Purge me from my sin, and I ’shall be pure; *

wash me, and I shall be ’clean indeed.

9 Make me hear of ’joy and gladness, *

that the body you have broken ’may rejoice.

10 Hide your face ’from my sins *

and blot out all ’my iniquities.

11 Create in me a clean ’heart, O God, *

and renew a right spir’it within me.

12 Cast me not away ’from your presence *

and take not your holy ’Spirit from me.

13 Give me the joy of your saving ’help again *

and sustain me with your bount’iful Spirit.

14 I shall teach your ways ’to the wicked, *

and sinners shall re’turn to you.

15 Deliver me from ’death, O God, *

and my tongue shall sing of your righteousness,

O God of ’my salvation.

16 Open my ’lips, O Lord, *

and my mouth shall pro’claim your praise.

17 Had you desired it, I would have ’offered sacrifice, *

but you take no delight ’in burnt-offerings.

18 The sacrifice of God is a ’troubled spirit; *

a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will ’not despise.

19 Be favorable and gra’cious to Zion, *

and rebuild the walls ’of Jerusalem.

20 Then you will be pleased with the appointed sacrifices,

with burnt-offerings ’and oblations; *

then shall they offer young bullocks up’on your altar.

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hidden. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord.

52 Quid gloriaris?

1 You tyrant, why do you ’boast of wickedness *

against the godly ’all day long?

2 You plot ruin;

your tongue is like a ’sharpened razor, *

O worker ’of deception.

3 You love evil ’more than good *

and lying more than speak’ing the truth.

4 You love all ’words that hurt, *

O you de’ceitful tongue.

5 Oh, that God would demol’ish you utterly, *

topple you, and snatch you from your dwelling,

and root you out of the land ’of the living!

6 The righteous shall ’see and tremble, *

and they shall laugh ’at him, saying,

7 “This is the one who did not take God ’for a refuge, *

but trusted in great wealth

and relied ’upon wickedness.”

8 But I am like a green olive tree in the ’house of God; *

I trust in the mercy of God for ev’er and ever.

9 I will give you thanks for what ’you have done *

and declare the goodness of your Name in the presence

’of the godly.

God of the oppressed, we pray for all those who suffer injustice at the hands of cruel and indifferent rulers, especially for the innocent victims of war. Give them strength and patience, and hasten the day when the kingdoms of this world will own the perfect law of love, made known to us in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Tenth Day: Evening Prayer

53 Dixit insipiens

1 The fool has said in his heart, “There ’is no God.” *

All are corrupt and commit abominable acts;

there is none who does ’any good.

2 God looks down from heaven up’on us all, *

to see if there is any who is wise,

if there is one who seeks ’after God.

3 Every one has proved faithless;

all alike ’have turned bad; *

there is none who does good; ’no, not one.

4 Have they no knowledge, those ’evildoers *

who eat up my people like bread

and do not call ’upon God?

5 See how greatly they tremble,

such trembling as ’never was; *

for God has scattered the bones of the enemy;

they are put to shame, because God has re’jected them.

6 Oh, that Israel's deliverance would come ’out of Zion! *

when God restores the fortunes of his people

Jacob will rejoice and Isra’el be glad.

God of hope, in times of trouble save us from blind despair and help us to wait in confidence for the bloom of new life which, in the darkness, we cannot imagine. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.

54 Deus, in nomine

1 Save me, O God, ’by your Name; *

in your might, de’fend my cause.

2 Hear my ’prayer, O God; *

give ear to the words ’of my mouth.

3 For the arrogant have risen up against me,

and the ruthless have ’sought my life, *

those who have no re’gard for God.

4 Behold, God ’is my helper; *

it is the Lord who sus’tains my life.

5 Render evil to those who ’spy on me; *

in your faithful’ness, destroy them.

6 I will offer you a ’freewill sacrifice *

and praise your Name, O LORD, for ’it is good.

7 For you have rescued me from ’every trouble, *

and my eye has seen the ruin ’of my foes.

God of mercy, hear our prayer and come to our aid, that from the rising of the sun to its setting we may offer you a pure sacrifice of praise, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

55 Exaudi, Deus

1 Hear my ’prayer, O God; *

do not hide yourself from ’my petition.

2 Listen to me and ’answer me; *

I have no peace, because ’of my cares.

3 I am shaken by the noise ’of the enemy *

and by the pressure ’of the wicked;

4 For they have cast an evil ’spell upon me *

and are set against ’me in fury.

5 My heart ’quakes within me, *

and the terrors of death have fall’en upon me.

6 Fear and trembling have come ’over me, *

and horror ’overwhelms me.

7 And I said, “Oh, that I had wings ’like a dove! *

I would fly away and be at rest.

8 I would flee to a ’far-off place *

and make my lodging ’in the wilderness.

9 I would hasten ’to escape *

from the stormy ’wind and tempest.”

10 Swallow them up, O Lord;

con’found their speech; *

for I have seen violence and strife ’in the city.

11 Day and night the watchmen make their rounds

up’on her walls, *

but trouble and misery are in the ’midst of her.

12 There is corruption ’at her heart; *

her streets are never free of oppression ’and deceit.

13 For had it been an adversary who taunted me,

then I ’could have borne it; *

or had it been an enemy who vaunted himself against me,

then I could have ’hidden from him.

14 But it was you, a man after ’my own heart, *

my companion, my own fa’miliar friend.

15 We took sweet coun’sel together, *

and walked with the throng in the ’house of God.

16 Let death come upon them suddenly;

let them go down alive in’to the grave; *

for wickedness is in their dwellings, in their ’very midst.

17 But I will call ’upon God, *

and the LORD will de’liver me.

18 In the evening, in the morning, and at noonday,

I will complain ’and lament, *

and he will ’hear my voice.

19 He will bring me safely back from the battle

’waged against me; *

for there are man’y who fight me.

20 God, who is enthroned of old, will hear me and

’bring them down; *

they never change; they do ’not fear God.

21 My companion stretched forth his hand a’gainst his comrade; *

he has bro’ken his covenant.

22 His speech is soft’er than butter, *

but war is ’in his heart.

23 His words are smooth’er than oil, *

but they ’are drawn swords.

24 Cast your burden upon the LORD,

and he ’will sustain you; *

he will never let the ’righteous stumble.

25 For you will bring the bloodthirsty ’and deceitful *

down to the pit of destruc’tion, O God.

26 They shall not live out ’half their days, *

but I will put my ’trust in you.

God of grace, when we are frightened and alone, help us to trust you and cast our burdens upon you, that we may be upheld by your saving strength. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ.

Eleventh Day: Morning Prayer

56 Miserere mei, Deus

1 Have mercy on me, O God,

for my enemies are ’hounding me; *

all day long they assault ’and oppress me.

2 They hound me all ’the day long; *

truly there are many who fight against me, ’O Most High.

3 Whenever I ’am afraid, *

I will put my ’trust in you.

4 In God, whose word I praise,

In God I trust and will not ’be afraid, *

for what can flesh ’do to me?

5 All day long they dam ’age my cause; *

their only thought is to ’do me evil.

6 They band together; they ’lie in wait; *

they spy upon my footsteps;

because they ’seek my life.

7 Shall they escape de ’spite their wickedness? *

O God, in your anger, cast ’down the peoples.

8 You have noted my lamentation;

put my tears in ’to your bottle; *

are they not recorded ’in your book?

9 Whenever I call upon you, my enemies will be ’put to flight; *

this I know, for God is ’on my side.

10 In God the LORD, whose word I praise,

in God I trust and will not ’be afraid, *

for what can mortals ’do to me?

11 I am bound by the vow I made to ’you, O God; *

I will present to ’you thank-offerings;

12 For you have rescued my soul from death and my ’feet

from stumbling, *

that I may walk before God in the light ’of the living.

Giver of courage, when our path is hard and dangerous, give us the grace of quiet confidence. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, the way, the truth, and the life.

57 Miserere mei, Deus

1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful,

for I have taken ref’uge in you; *

in the shadow of your wings will I take refuge

until this time of trouble ’has gone by.

2 I will call upon the ’Most High God, *

the God who main’tains my cause.

3 He will send from heaven and save me;

he will confound those who tram’ple upon me; *

God will send forth his love ’and his faithfulness.

4 I lie in the midst of lions that ’devour the people; *

their teeth are spears and arrows,

their tongue ’a sharp sword.

5 They have laid a net for my feet,

and I ’am bowed low; *

they have dug a pit before me,

but have fallen into ’it themselves.

6 Exalt yourself above the heav’ens, O God, *

and your glory over ’all the earth.

7 My heart is firmly fixed, O God, my ’heart is fixed; *

I will sing ’and make melody.

8 Wake ’up, my spirit;

awake, lute and harp; *

I myself will wak’en the dawn.

9 I will confess you among the peo’ples, O LORD; *

I will sing praise to you a’mong the nations.

10 For your loving-kindness is greater ’than the heavens, *

and your faithfulness reaches ’to the clouds.

11 Exalt yourself above the heav’ens, O God, *

and your glory over ’all the earth.

God our help and strength, look with mercy on all who are opressed in mind, body, or human dignity. Shield and protect them, and give them that wholeness which is your will for all your children. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.

58 Si vere utique

1 Do you indeed decree righteous’ness, you rulers? *

do you judge the peo’ples with equity?

2 No; you devise evil ’in your hearts, *

and your hands deal out violence ’in the land.

3 The wicked are perverse ’from the womb; *

liars go astray ’from their birth.

4 They are as venomous ’as a serpent, *

they are like the deaf adder which ’stops its ears,

5 Which does not heed the voice ’of the charmer, *

no matter how skill’ful his charming.

6 O God, break their teeth ’in their mouths; *

pull the fangs of the young li’ons, O LORD.

7 Let them vanish like water ’that runs off; *

let them wither like ’trodden grass.

8 Let them be like the snail that ’melts away, *

like a stillborn child that never ’sees the sun.

9 Before they bear fruit, let them be cut down ’like a brier; *

like thorns and thistles let them be ’swept away.

10 The righteous will be glad when they ’see the vengeance; *

they will bathe their feet in the blood ’of the wicked.

11 And they will say,

“Surely, there is a reward ’for the righteous; *

surely, there is a God who rules ’in the earth.”

God of justice, sweep away all tyranny and violence that righteousness and equity may prevail among your people. We ask in the name of Jesus Christ.

Eleventh Day: Evening Prayer

59 Eripe me de inimicis

1 Rescue me from my ene’mies, O God; *

protect me from those who rise ’up against me.

2 Rescue me from ’evildoers *

and save me from those who thirst ’for my blood.

3 See how they lie in wait for my life,

how the mighty gather togeth’er against me; *

not for any offense or fault of ’mine, O LORD.

4 Not because of any ’guilt of mine *

they run and prepare them’selves for battle.

5 Rouse yourself, come to my ’side, and see; *

for you, LORD God of hosts, are ’Israel's God.

6 Awake, and punish all ’the ungodly; *

show no mercy to those who are faith’less and evil.

7 They go to and fro ’in the evening; *

they snarl like dogs and run a’bout the city.

8 Behold, they boast with their mouths,

and taunts are ’on their lips; *

“For who,” they ’say, “will hear us?”

9 But you, O LORD, you ’laugh at them; *

you laugh all the ungod’ly to scorn.

10 My eyes are fixed on you, ’O my Strength; *

for you, O God, ’are my stronghold.

11 My merciful God ’comes to meet me; *

God will let me look in triumph ’on my enemies.

12 Slay them, O God, lest my peo’ple forget; *

send them reeling by your might

and put them down, O ’Lord our shield.

13 For the sins of their mouths, for the words of their lips,

for the cursing and lies ’that they utter, *

let them be caught ’in their pride.

14 Make an end of them ’in your wrath; *

make an end of them, and they shall ’be no more.

15 Let everyone know that God ’rules in Jacob, *

and to the ends ’of the earth.

16 They go to and fro ’in the evening; *

they snarl like dogs and run a’bout the city.

17 They for’age for food, *

and if they are not ’filled, they howl.

18 For my part, I will sing ’of your strength; *

I will celebrate your love ’in the morning;

19 For you have be’come my stronghold, *

a refuge in the day ’of my trouble.

20 To you, O my Strength, ’will I sing; *

for you, O God, are my stronghold and my mer’ciful God.

God of power, deliver us from evil and confirm our trust in you, that with our rising we may sing of your justice and exult in your mercy. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.

60 Deus, repulisti nos

1 O God, you have cast us off and ’broken us; *

you have been angry;

oh, take us back to ’you again.

2 You have shaken the earth and ’split it open; *

repair the cracks in it, ’for it totters.

3 You have made your peo’ple know hardship; *

you have given us wine that ’makes us stagger.

4 You have set up a banner for ’those who fear you, *

to be a refuge from the power ’of the bow.

5 Save us by your right hand and ’answer us, *

that those who are dear to you may ’be delivered.

6 God spoke from his holy ’place and said: *

“I will exult and parcel out Shechem;

I will divide the val’ley of Succoth.

7 Gilead is mine and Manas’seh is mine; *

Ephraim is my helmet and Ju’dah my scepter.

8 Moab is my wash-basin,

on Edom I throw down my san’dal to claim it, *

and over Philistia will I ’shout in triumph.”

9 Who will lead me into ’the strong city? *

who will bring me ’into Edom?

10 Have you not cast us ’off, O God? *

you no longer go out, O God, ’with our armies.

11 Grant us your help a’gainst the enemy, *

for vain is the ’help of man.

12 With God we will do ’valiant deeds, *

and he shall tread our enemies ’under foot.

God of mercy, you have called us out of exile and darkness to be citizens and priests in your kingdom of light. Make us strong in your cause of steadfast love and justice. We ask this in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

61 Exaudi, Deus

1 Hear my ’cry, O God, *

and listen ’to my prayer.

2 I call upon you from the ends of the earth

with heaviness ’in my heart; *

set me upon the rock that is high’er than I.

3 For you have ’been my refuge, *

a strong tower a’gainst the enemy.

4 I will dwell in your ’house for ever; *

I will take refuge under the cover ’of your wings.

5 For you, O God, have ’heard my vows; *

you have granted me the heritage of those

who ’fear your Name.

6 Add length of days ’to the king's life; *

let his years extend over many ’generations.

7 Let him sit enthroned before ’God for ever; *

bid love and faithfulness watch ’over him.

8 So will I always sing the praise ’of your Name, *

and day by day I will ful’fill my vows.

God of our salvation, when we are depressed and fearful, teach us the way of quiet confidence and hope. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.

Twelfth Day: Morning Prayer

62 Nonne Deo?

1 For God alone my soul in ’silence waits; *

from him comes ’my salvation.

2 He alone is my rock and ’my salvation, *

my stronghold, so that I shall not be ’greatly shaken.

3 How long will you assail me to crush me,

all of ’you together, *

as if you were a leaning fence, a ’toppling wall?

4 They seek only to bring me down from my ’place of honor; *

lies are their ’chief delight.

5 They bless ’with their lips, *

but in their ’hearts they curse.

6 For God alone my soul in ’silence waits; *

truly, my hope ’is in him.

7 He alone is my rock and ’my salvation, *

my stronghold, so that I shall ’not be shaken.

8 In God is my safety ’and my honor; *

God is my strong rock ’and my refuge.

9 Put your trust in him al’ways, O people, *

pour out your hearts before him, for God ’is our refuge.

10 Those of high degree are but a ’fleeting breath, *

even those of low estate can’not be trusted.

11 On the scales they are lighter ’than a breath, *

all of ’them together.

12 Put no trust in extortion;

in robbery take no ’empty pride; *

though wealth increase, set not your ’heart upon it.

13 God has spoken once, twice ’have I heard it, *

that power be’longs to God.

14 Steadfast love is ’yours, O Lord, *

for you repay everyone according ’to his deeds.

Lord God, in a threatening world we look to you as our rock of hope. Hear us as we pour out our hearts to you, and give us your grace and protection, through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

63 Deus, Deus meus

1 O God, you are my God; eager’ly I seek you; *

my soul thirsts for you, my flesh faints for you,

as in a barren and dry land where there ’is no water.

2 Therefore I have gazed upon you in your ’holy place, *

that I might behold your power ’and your glory.

3 For your loving-kindness is better than ’life itself; *

my lips shall ’give you praise.

4 So will I bless you as long ’as I live *

and lift up my hands ’in your Name.

5 My soul is content, as with mar’row and fatness, *

and my mouth praises you with ’joyful lips,

6 When I remember you up’on my bed, *

and meditate on you in ’the night watches.

7 For you have ’been my helper, *

and under the shadow of your wings I ’will rejoice.

8 My soul ’clings to you; *

your right hand ’holds me fast.

9 May those who seek my life ’to destroy it *

go down into the depths ’of the earth;

10 Let them fall upon the edge ’of the sword, *

and let them be ’food for jackals.

11 But the king will rejoice in God;

all those who swear by him ’will be glad; *

for the mouth of those who speak lies ’shall be stopped.

Eternal Love, our hearts are restless until they rest in you. Let your glory shine on us, that our lives may proclaim your goodness, our work give you honour, and our voices praise you forever; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.

64 Exaudi, Deus

1 Hear my voice, O God, when ’I complain; *

protect my life from fear ’of the enemy.

2 Hide me from the conspiracy ’of the wicked, *

from the mob of ’evildoers.

3 They sharpen their tongue ’like a sword, *

and aim their bitter ’words like arrows,

4 That they may shoot down the blame’less from ambush; *

they shoot without warning and are ’not afraid.

5 They hold fast to their ’evil course; *

they plan how they may ’hide their snares.

6 They say, "Who will see us?

who will find ’out our crimes? *

we have thought out a ’perfect plot."

7 The human mind and heart ’are a mystery; *

but God will loose an arrow at them,

and suddenly they ’will be wounded.

8 He will make them trip o’ver their tongues, *

and all who see them will ’shake their heads.

9 Everyone will stand in awe and de’clare God's deeds; *

they will recog’nize his works.

10 The righteous will rejoice in the LORD and put their ’trust

in him, *

and all who are true of ’heart will glory.

Heavenly Father, you gave your Son victory over those who plotted evil against him and when he cried to you in his agony, you delivered him from the fear of his enemies. May those who suffer with him find refuge in you, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Twelfth Day: Evening Prayer

65 Te decet hymnus

1 You are to be praised, O ’God, in Zion; *

to you shall vows be performed ’in Jerusalem.

2 To you that hear prayer shall ’all flesh come, *

because of their transgressions.

3 Our sins are stron’ger than we are, *

but you will ’blot them out.

4 Happy are they whom you choose

and draw to your ’courts to dwell there! *

they will be satisfied by the beauty of your house,

by the holiness ’of your temple.

5 Awesome things will you show us in your righteousness,

O God of ’our salvation, *

O Hope of all the ends of the earth

and of the seas that are ’far away.

6 You make fast the mountains’by your power; *

they are girded a’bout with might.

7 You still the roaring ’of the seas, *

the roaring of their waves,

and the clamor ’of the peoples.

8 Those who dwell at the ends of the earth will tremble at your

’marvelous signs; *

you make the dawn and the dusk to ’sing for joy.

9 You visit the earth and water it abundantly;

you make it ’very plenteous; *

the river of God is ’full of water.

10 You pre’pare the grain, *

for so you provide ’for the earth.

11 You drench the furrows and smooth ’out the ridges; *

with heavy rain you soften the ground and ’bless its increase.

12 You crown the year ’with your goodness, *

and your paths over’flow with plenty.

13 May the fields of the wilderness be ’rich for grazing, *

and the hills be ’clothed with joy.

14 May the meadows cover themselves with flocks,

and the valleys cloak them’selves with grain; *

let them shout for ’joy and sing.

Lord God, joy marks your presence; beauty, abundance, and peace are the tokens of your work in all creation. Work also in our lives, that by these signs we may see the splendour of your love and praise you through Jesus Christ our Lord.

66 Jubilate Deo

1 Be joyful in God, ’all you lands; *

sing the glory of his Name;

sing the glory ’of his praise.

2 Say to God, “How awesome ’are your deeds! *

because of your great strength your enemies

’cringe before you.

3 All the earth bows ’down before you, *

sings to you, sings ’out your Name.”

4 Come now and see the ’works of God, *

how wonderful he is in his doing ’toward all people.

5 He turned the sea into dry land,

so that they went through the wat’er on foot, *

and there we re’joiced in him.

6 In his might he rules for ever;

his eyes keep watch o’ver the nations; *

let no rebel rise ’up against him.

7 Bless our ’God, you peoples; *

make the voice of his praise ’to be heard;

8 Who holds our ’souls in life, *

and will not allow our ’feet to slip.

9 For you, O ’God, have proved us; *

you have tried us just as sil’ver is tried.

10 You brought us in’to the snare; *

you laid heavy burdens up’on our backs.

11 You let enemies ride over our heads;

we went through ’fire and water; *

but you brought us out into a place ’of refreshment.

12 I will enter your house with burnt-offerings

and will pay ’you my vows, *

which I promised with my lips

and spoke with my mouth when I ’was in trouble.

13 I will offer you sacrifices of fat beasts

with the ’smoke of rams; *

I will give you ’oxen and goats.

14 Come and listen, all you ’who fear God, *

and I will tell you what he has ’done for me.

15 I called out to him ’with my mouth, *

and his praise was ’on my tongue.

16 If I had found evil ’in my heart, *

the Lord would ’not have heard me;

17 But in truth ’God has heard me; *

he has attended to the voice ’of my prayer.

18 Blessed be God, who has not reject’ed my prayer, *

nor withheld his ’love from me.

God of power and might, you bring your people out of darkness and slavery into light and freedom through the waters of salvation. Receive our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, and keep us always in your steadfast love, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

67 Deus misereatur

1 May God be merciful to ’us and bless us, *

show us the light of his countenance and ’come to us.

2 Let your ways be known ’upon earth, *

your saving health a’mong all nations.

3 Let the peoples praise ’you, O God; *

let all the ’peoples praise you.

4 Let the nations be glad and ’sing for joy, *

for you judge the peoples with equity

and guide all the nations ’upon earth.

5 Let the peoples praise ’you, O God; *

let all the ’peoples praise you.

6 The earth has brought ’forth her increase; *

may God, our own God, give ’us his blessing.

7 May God give ’us his blessing, *

and may all the ends of the earth stand in ’awe of him.

Blessed are you, Lord our God, light of the earth and health of the nations; you lead us in the way of justice and mercy, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thirteenth Day: Morning Prayer

68 Exsurgat Deus

1 Let God arise, and let his ene’mies be scattered; *

let those who hate him ’flee before him.

2 Let them vanish like smoke when the wind drives ’it away; *

as the wax melts at the fire, so let the wicked perish at

the pres’ence of God.

3 But let the righteous be glad and rejoice ’before God; *

let them also be mer’ry and joyful.

4 Sing to God, sing praises to his Name;

exalt him who rides up’on the heavens; *

YAHWEH is his Name, re’joice before him!

5 Father of orphans, defend’er of widows, *

God in his holy ’habitation!

6 God gives the solitary a home and brings forth prisoners

’into freedom; *

but the rebels shall live ’in dry places.

7 O God, when you went forth be’fore your people, *

when you marched ’through the wilderness,

8 The earth shook, and the skies poured down rain,

at the presence of God, the ’God of Sinai, *

at the presence of God, the ’God of Israel.

9 You sent a gracious rain, O God, upon ’your inheritance; *

you refreshed the land when ’it was weary.

10 Your people found their ’home in it; *

in your goodness, O God, you have made provision

’for the poor.

11 The Lord ’gave the word; *

great was the company of women who ’bore the tidings:

12 “Kings with their armies are flee’ing away; *

the women at home are divid’ing the spoils.”

13 Though you lingered a’mong the sheepfolds, *

you shall be like a dove whose wings are covered with silver,

whose feathers are ’like green gold.

14 When the Almighty ’scattered kings, *

it was like snow fall’ing in Zalmon.

15 O mighty mountain, O ’hill of Bashan! *

O rugged mountain, O ’hill of Bashan!

16 Why do you look with envy, O rugged mountain,

at the hill which God chose for his ’resting place? *

truly, the LORD will dwell ’there for ever.

17 The chariots of God are twenty thousand,

even thous’ands of thousands; *

the Lord comes in holi’ness from Sinai.

18 You have gone up on high and led captivity captive;

you have received gifts even ’from your enemies, *

that the LORD God might ’dwell among them.

19 Blessed be the Lord ’day by day, *

the God of our salvation, who ’bears our burdens.

20 He is our God, the God of ’our salvation; *

God is the LORD, by whom we ’escape death.

21 God shall crush the heads ’of his enemies, *

and the hairy scalp of those who go on still ’in their

wickedness.

22 The Lord has said, “I will bring them ’back from Bashan; *

I will bring them back from the depths ’of the sea;

23 That your foot may be ’dipped in blood, *

the tongues of your dogs in the blood ’of your enemies.”

24 They see your proces’sion, O God, *

your procession into the sanctuary, my God ’and my King.

25 The singers go before, musicians ’follow after, *

in the midst of maidens playing up’on the hand-drums.

26 Bless God in the ’congregation; *

bless the LORD, you that are of the foun’tain of Israel.

27 There is Benjamin, least of the tribes, at the head;

the princes of Judah ’in a company; *

and the princes of Zebul’on and Naphtali.

28 Send forth your ’strength, O God; *

establish, O God, what you have ’wrought for us.

29 Kings shall bring ’gifts to you, *

for your temple's sake ’at Jerusalem.

30 Rebuke the wild beast ’of the reeds, *

and the peoples, a herd of wild bulls ’with its calves.

31 Trample down those who lust ’after silver; *

scatter the peoples that de’light in war.

32 Let tribute be brought ’out of Egypt; *

let Ethiopia stretch out her ’hands to God.

33 Sing to God, O kingdoms ’of the earth; *

sing praises ’to the Lord.

34 He rides in the heavens, the ’ancient heavens; *

he sends forth his voice, his ’mighty voice.

35 Ascribe pow’er to God; *

his majesty is over Israel;

his strength is ’in the skies.

36 How wonderful is God in his ’holy places! *

the God of Israel giving strength and power to his people!

’Blessed be God!

Blessed are you, Lord God of truth and justice; you open our hearts and our mouths to pray and to praise. Guide now our feet in your holy way, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thirteenth Day: Evening Prayer

69 Salvum me fac

1 Save ’me, O God, *

for the waters have risen up ’to my neck.

2 I am sinking ’in deep mire, *

and there is no firm ground ’for my feet.

3 I have come in’to deep waters, *

and the torrent washes ’over me.

4 I have grown weary with my crying;

my throat ’is inflamed; *

my eyes have failed from looking ’for my God.

5 Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hairs

of my head;

my lying foes who would destroy ’me are mighty. *

Must I then give back what I ’never stole?

6 O God, you ’know my foolishness, *

and my faults are not hid’den from you.

7 Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me,

Lord ’GOD of hosts; *

let not those who seek you be disgraced because of me,

O ’God of Israel.

8 Surely, for your sake have I suf’fered reproach, *

and shame has cov’ered my face.

9 I have become a stranger to ’my own kindred, *

an alien to my ’mother's children.

10 Zeal for your house has eat’en me up; *

the scorn of those who scorn you has fall’en upon me.

11 I humbled my’self with fasting, *

but that was turned to ’my reproach.

12 I put on ’sack-cloth also, *

and became a by’word among them.

13 Those who sit at the gate mur’mur against me, *

and the drunkards make ’songs about me.

14 But as for me, this is my ’prayer to you, *

at the time you have ’set, O LORD:

15 “In your great mer’cy, O God, *

answer me with your un’failing help.

16 Save me from the mire; do not ’let me sink; *

let me be rescued from those who hate me

and out of ’the deep waters.

17 Let not the torrent of waters wash over me,

neither let the deep swal’low me up; *

do not let the Pit shut its ’mouth upon me.

18 Answer me, O LORD, for your ’love is kind; *

in your great compassion, ’turn to me.”

19 “Hide not your face ’from your servant; *

be swift and answer me, for I am ’in distress.

20 Draw near to me ’and redeem me; *

because of my enemies de’liver me.

21 You know my reproach, my shame, and ’my dishonor; *

my adversaries are all ’in your sight.”

22 Reproach has broken my heart, and it can’not be healed; *

I looked for sympathy, but there was none,

for comforters, but I ’could find no one.

23 They gave me ’gall to eat, *

and when I was thirsty, they gave me vine’gar to drink.

24 Let the table before them ’be a trap *

and their sacred ’feasts a snare.

25 Let their eyes be darkened, that they ’may not see, *

and give them continual trembling ’in their loins.

26 Pour out your indigna’tion upon them, *

and let the fierceness of your anger ’overtake them.

27 Let their ’camp be desolate, *

and let there be none to dwell ’in their tents.

28 For they persecute him whom ’you have stricken *

and add to the pain of those whom ’you have pierced.

29 Lay to their charge guilt ’upon guilt, *

and let them not receive your ’vindication.

30 Let them be wiped out of the book ’of the living *

and not be written a’mong the righteous.

31 As for me, I am afflicted ’and in pain; *

your help, O God, will lift me ’up on high.

32 I will praise the Name of ’God in song; *

I will proclaim his greatness ’with thanksgiving.

33 This will please the LORD more than an of’fering of oxen, *

more than bullocks with ’horns and hoofs.

34 The afflicted shall see ’and be glad; *

you who seek God, your ’heart shall live.

35 For the LORD listens ’to the needy, *

and his prisoners he does ’not despise.

36 Let the heavens and ’the earth praise him, *

the seas and all that ’moves in them;

37 For God will save Zion and rebuild the cit’ies of Judah; *

they shall live there and have it ’in possession.

38 The children of his servants will in’herit it, *

and those who love his Name will ’dwell therein.

Blessed are you, God of our hope; you restore the fallen and rebuild the broken walls. Teach us the song of thanksgiving for you are the strength of your people; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

70 Deus, in adjutorium

1 Be pleased, O God, to de’liver me; *

O LORD, make ’haste to help me.

2 Let those who seek my life be ashamed

and altogeth’er dismayed; *

let those who take pleasure in my misfortune

draw back and ’be disgraced.

3 Let those who say to me “Aha!” and gloat over ’me turn back, *

because they ’are ashamed.

4 Let all who seek you rejoice and be ’glad in you; *

let those who love your salvation say for ever,

“Great ’is the LORD!”

5 But as for me, I am ’poor and needy; *

come to me speedi’ly, O God.

6 You are my helper and ’my deliverer; *

O LORD, ’do not tarry.

Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, and grant us peace in our day. In your mercy keep us free from sin and protect us from all anxiety, as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Fourteenth Day: Morning Prayer

71 In te, Domine, speravi

1 In you, O LORD, have I ’taken refuge; *

let me never ’be ashamed.

2 In your righteousness, deliver me and ’set me free; *

incline your ear to ’me and save me.

3 Be my strong rock, a castle to ’keep me safe; *

you are my crag ’and my stronghold.

4 Deliver me, my God, from the hand ’of the wicked, *

from of the clutches of the evildoer and ’the oppressor.

5 For you are my hope, ’O LORD God, *

my confidence since ’I was young.

6 I have been sustained by you ever since I was born;

from my mother's womb you have ’been my strength; *

my praise shall be al’ways of you.

7 I have become a por’tent to many; *

but you are my refuge ’and my strength.

8 Let my mouth be full ’of your praise *

and your glory all ’the day long.

9 Do not cast me off in ’my old age; *

forsake me not when ’my strength fails.

10 For my enemies are talk’ing against me, *

and those who lie in wait for my life take coun’sel together.

11 They say, “God has forsaken him;

go after ’him and seize him; *

because there is none ’who will save.”

12 O God, be not ’far from me; *

come quickly to help me, ’O my God.

13 Let those who set themselves against me be put to shame and

’be disgraced; *

let those who seek to do me evil be covered with scorn

’and reproach.

14 But I shall always ’wait in patience, *

and shall praise you ’more and more.

15 My mouth shall recount your mighty acts

and saving deeds ’all day long; *

though I cannot know the num’ber of them.

16 I will begin with the mighty works of ’the Lord GOD; *

I will recall your righteousness, ’yours alone.

17 O God, you have taught me since ’I was young, *

and to this day I tell of your won’derful works.

18 And now that I am old and gray-headed, O God, do ’not

forsake me, *

till I make known your strength to this generation

and your power to all who ’are to come.

19 Your righteousness, O God, reaches ’to the heavens; *

you have done great things;

who is like ’you, O God?

20 You have showed me great troubles ’and adversities, *

but you will restore my life

and bring me up again from the deep places ’of the earth.

21 You strengthen me ’more and more; *

you enfold and ’comfort me,

22 Therefore I will praise you upon the lyre for your

faithfulness, ’O my God; *

I will sing to you with the harp, O Holy ’One of Israel.

23 My lips will sing with joy when I ’play to you, *

and so will my soul, which you ’have redeemed.

24 My tongue will proclaim your righteousness ’all day long, *

for they are ashamed and disgraced who sought

to ’do me harm.

Holy God, be our strength and our salvation, that we may never be ashamed to praise you for your mighty acts. We ask this through Jesus Christ.

72 Deus, judicium

1 Give the King your jus’tice, O God, *

and your righteousness to ’the King's son;

2 That he may rule your ’people righteously *

and the ’poor with justice.

3 That the mountains may bring prosperity ’to the people, *

and the little ’hills bring righteousness.

4 He shall defend the needy a’mong the people; *

he shall rescue the poor and crush ’the oppressor.

5 He shall live as long as the sun and ’moon endure, *

from one generation ’to another.

6 He shall come down like rain upon ’the mown field, *

like showers that wa’ter the earth.

7 In his time shall the ’righteous flourish; *

there shall be abundance of peace till the moon shall

’be no more.

8 He shall rule from ’sea to sea, *

and from the River to the ends ’of the earth.

9 His foes shall bow ’down before him, *

and his enemies ’lick the dust.

10 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles ’shall pay tribute, *

and the kings of Arabia and Saba ’offer gifts.

11 All kings shall bow ’down before him, *

and all the nations ’do him service.

12 For he shall deliver the poor who cries out ’in distress, *

and the oppressed who ’has no helper.

13 He shall have pity on the low’ly and poor; *

he shall preserve the lives ’of the needy.

14 He shall redeem their lives from oppress’ion and violence, *

and dear shall their blood be ’in his sight.

15 Long may he live!

and may there be given to him gold ’from Arabia; *

may prayer be made for him always,

and may they bless him all ’the day long.

16 May there be abundance of grain on the earth,

growing thick even ’on the hilltops; *

may its fruit flourish like Lebanon,

and its grain like grass up’on the earth.

17 May his Name remain for ever

and be established as long as the ’sun endures; *

may all the nations bless themselves in him and

’call him blessed.

18 Blessed be the Lord GOD, the ’God of Israel, *

who alone does ’wondrous deeds!

19 And blessed be his glorious ’Name for ever! *

and may all the earth be filled with his glory.

A’men. Amen.

O God, bring our nation and all nations to a sense of justice and equity, that proverty, opression, and violence may vanish and all may know peace and plenty. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ.

Book Three

Fourteenth Day: Evening Prayer

73 Quam bonus Israel!

1 Truly, God is ’good to Israel, *

to those who are ’pure in heart.

2 But as for me, my feet had ’nearly slipped; *

I had almost ’tripped and fallen;

3 Because I en’vied the proud *

and saw the prosperity ’of the wicked:

4 For they suf’fer no pain, *

and their bodies are ’sleek and sound;

5 In the misfortunes of others they ’have no share; *

they are not afflicted as ’others are;

6 Therefore they wear their pride ’like a necklace *

and wrap their violence about them ’like a cloak.

7 Their iniquity comes ’from gross minds, *

and their hearts overflow with ’wicked thoughts.

8 They scoff and ’speak maliciously; *

out of their haughtiness they ’plan oppression.

9 They set their mouths a’gainst the heavens, *

and their evil speech runs ’through the world.

10 And so the people ’turn to them *

and find in ’them no fault.

11 They say, “How ’should God know? *

is there knowledge in ’the Most High?”

12 So then, these ’are the wicked; *

always at ease, they in’crease their wealth.

13 In vain have I kept ’my heart clean, *

and washed my ’hands in innocence.

14 I have been afflicted ’all day long, *

and punished ’every morning.

15 Had I gone on speak’ing this way, *

I should have betrayed the generation ’of your children.

16 When I tried to under’stand these things, *

it was too ’hard for me;

17 Until I entered the sanctuar’y of God *

and discerned the end ’of the wicked.

18 Surely, you set them in ’slippery places; *

you cast them ’down in ruin.

19 Oh, how suddenly do they come ’to destruction, *

come to an end, and per’ish from terror!

20 Like a dream when one awak’ens, O Lord, *

when you arise you will make their ’image vanish.

21 When my mind be’came embittered, *

I was sorely wounded ’in my heart.

22 I was stupid and had no ’understanding; *

I was like a brute beast ’in your presence.

23 Yet I am al’ways with you; *

you hold me by ’my right hand.

24 You will guide me ’by your counsel, *

and afterwards receive ’me with glory.

25 Whom have I in heav’en but you? *

and having you I desire nothing ’upon earth.

26 Though my flesh and my heart should ’waste away, *

God is the strength of my heart and my por’tion for ever.

27 Truly, those who forsake ’you will perish; *

you destroy all who ’are unfaithful.

28 But it is good for me to ’be near God; *

I have made the Lord ’GOD my refuge.

29 I will speak of ’all your works *

in the gates of the cit’y of Zion.

Most High, you know our faithfulness, and our blindness to the rewards of goodness. Guide us with your counsel and be the strength of our hearts, that we may not fall but but rejoice in the life of your eternal city; through Jesus Christ our Mediator.

74 Ut quid, Deus?

1 O God, why have you utterly ’cast us off? *

why is your wrath so hot against the sheep ’of your pasture?

2 Remember your congregation that you purchased ’long ago, *

the tribe you redeemed to be your inheritance,

and Mount Zion ’where you dwell.

3 Turn your steps toward the ’endless ruins; *

the enemy has laid waste everything in your ’sanctuary.

4 Your adversaries roared in your ’holy place; *

they set up their banners as tok’ens of victory.

5 They were like men coming up with axes to a ’grove of trees; *

they broke down all your carved work with hatch’ets

and hammers.

6 They set fire to your ’holy place; *

they defiled the dwelling-place of your Name

and razed it ’to the ground.

7 They said to themselves, “Let us destroy them al’together.” *

They burned down all the meeting-places of God

’in the land.

8 There are no signs for us to see;

there is no ’prophet left; *

there is not one among us who ’knows how long.

9 How long, O God, will the adver’sary scoff? *

will the enemy blaspheme your ’Name for ever?

10 Why do you draw ’back your hand? *

why is your right hand hidden ’in your bosom?

11 Yet God is my King from ’ancient times, *

victorious in the midst ’of the earth.

12 You divided the sea ’by your might *

and shattered the heads of the dragons up’on the waters;

13 You crushed the heads ’of Leviathan *

and gave him to the people of the des’ert for food.

14 You split open ’spring and torrent; *

you dried up ever-’flowing rivers.

15 Yours is the day, yours al’so the night; *

you established the moon ’and the sun.

16 You fixed all the boundaries ’of the earth; *

you made both sum’mer and winter.

17 Remember, O Lord, how the en’emy scoffed, *

how a foolish people des’pised your Name.

18 Do not hand over the life of your dove ’to wild beasts; *

never forget the lives ’of your poor.

19 Look up’on your covenant; *

the dark places of the earth are ’haunts of violence.

20 Let not the oppressed turn a’way ashamed; *

let the poor and needy ’praise your Name.

21 Arise, O God, main’tain your cause; *

remember how fools revile you ’all day long.

22 Forget not the clamor of your ’adversaries, *

the unending tumult of those who rise ’up against you.

O God, when violence threatens and destruction seems at hand, help us to remember that you maintain your cause and still rule your universe through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Fifteenth Day: Morning Prayer

75 Confitebimur tibi

1 We give thanks, O God, we ’give you thanks, *

calling upon your Name and declaring all your

won’derful deeds.

2 “I will appoint a ’time,” says God; *

“I will ’judge with equity.

3 Though all the earth and its inhabit’ants are quaking, *

I will make its ’pillars fast.

4 I will say to the boasters, ’‘Boast no more,’ *

and to the wicked, ‘Do not ’toss your horns;

5 Do not toss your ’horns so high, *

nor speak with ’a proud neck.’”

6 For judgment is neither from the east nor ’from the west, *

nor yet from the wilderness ’or the mountains.

7 It is ’God who judges; *

he puts down one and lifts ’up another.

8 For in the LORD’S hand there is a cup,

full of spiced and foaming wine, which ’he pours out, *

and all the wicked of the earth shall drink and

’drain the dregs.

9 But I will re’joice forever; *

I will sing praises to the ’God of Jacob.

10 He shall break off all the horns ’of the wicked; *

but the horns of the righteous shall ’be exalted.

O God, let not pride stiffen our necks, but help us to give you thanks and praise your name forever, through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

76 Notus in Judaea

1 In Judah ’is God known; *

his Name is ’great in Israel.

2 At Salem is his ’tabernacle, *

and his dwelling ’is in Zion.

3 There he broke the ’flashing arrows, *

the shield, the sword, and the weap’ons of battle.

4 How glo’rious you are! *

more splendid than the ever’lasting mountains!

5 The strong of heart have been despoiled;

they sink ’into sleep; *

none of the warriors can ’lift a hand.

6 At your rebuke, O ’God of Jacob, *

both horse and rid’er lie stunned.

7 What terror ’you inspire! *

who can stand before you when ’you are angry?

8 From heaven you ’pronounced judgment; *

the earth was afraid ’and was still;

9 When God rose ’up to judgment *

and to save all the oppressed ’of the earth.

10 Truly, wrathful Edom will ’give you thanks, *

and the remnant of Hamath will ’keep your feasts.

11 Make a vow to the LORD your ’God and keep it; *

let all around him bring gifts to him who is worthy

’to be feared.

12 He breaks the spir’it of princes, *

and strikes terror in the kings ’of the earth.

Judge eternal, love is the government of your holy city and the indictment of the proud. We give thanks for the great salvation you have revealed in Jesus Christ our Lord.

77 Voce mea ad Domi

1 I will cry a’loud to God; *

I will cry aloud, and ’he will hear me.

2 In the day of my trouble I ’sought the Lord; *

my hands were stretched out by night and did not tire;

I refused ’to be comforted.

3 I think of God, ’I am restless, *

I ponder, and my ’spirit faints.

4 You will not let my ’eyelids close; *

I am troubled and I ’cannot speak.

5 I consider the ’days of old; *

I remember the ’years long past;

6 I commune with my heart ’in the night; *

I ponder and ’search my mind.

7 Will the Lord cast me ’off for ever? *

will he no more ’show his favor?

8 Has his loving-kindness come to an ’end for ever? *

has his promise failed for ’evermore?

9 Has God forgotten ’to be gracious? *

has he, in his anger, withheld ’his compassion?

10 And I said, “My ’grief is this: *

the right hand of the Most High has ’lost its power.”

11 I will remember the works ’of the LORD, *

and call to mind your wonders ’of old time.

12 I will meditate on ’all your acts *

and ponder your ’mighty deeds.

13 Your way, O ’God, is holy; *

who is so great a god ’as our God?

14 You are the God ’who works wonders *

and have declared your power a’mong the peoples.

15 By your strength you have re’deemed your people, *

the children of Ja’cob and Joseph.

16 The waters saw you, O God;

the waters saw ’you and trembled; *

the very ’depths were shaken.

17 The clouds poured out water;

’the skies thundered; *

your arrows flashed ’to and fro;

18 The sound of your thunder was in the whirlwind;

your lightnings lit ’up the world; *

the earth trem’bled and shook.

19 Your way was in the sea,

and your paths in ’the great waters, *

yet your footsteps ’were not seen.

20 You led your people ’like a flock *

by the hand of Mos’es and Aaron.

God of saving power, remember us in times of sorrow and despair. Redeem us with your strength and guide us through the wilderness. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ.

Fifteenth Day: Evening Prayer

78

Part I Attendite, popule

1 Hear my teaching, ’O my people; *

incline your ears to the words ’of my mouth.

2 I will open my mouth ’in a parable; *

I will declare the mysteries of ’ancient times.

3 That which we have heard and known,

and what our forefa’thers have told us, *

we will not hide ’from their children.

4 We will recount to generations to come

the praiseworthy deeds and the power ’of the LORD, *

and the wonderful works ’he has done.

5 He gave his decrees to Jacob

and established a ’law for Israel, *

which he commanded them to ’teach their children;

6 That the generations to come might know,

and the children ’yet unborn; *

that they in their turn might tell it ’to their children;

7 So that they might put their ’trust in God, *

and not forget the deeds of God,

but keep ’his commandments;

8 And not be like their forefathers,

a stubborn and rebellious ’generation, *

a generation whose heart was not steadfast,

and whose spirit was not faith’ful to God.

9 The people of Ephraim, armed ’with the bow, *

turned back in the ’day of battle;

10 They did not keep the coven’ant of God, *

and refused to walk ’in his law;

11 They forgot what ’he had done, *

and the wonders ’he had shown them.

12 He worked marvels in the sight ’of their forefathers, *

in the land of Egypt, in the ’field of Zoan.

13 He split open the sea and let ’them pass through; *

he made the waters stand ’up like walls.

14 He led them with a ’cloud by day, *

and all the night through with a ’glow of fire.

15 He split the hard rocks ’in the wilderness *

and gave them drink as from ’the great deep.

16 He brought streams out ’of the cliff, *

and the waters gushed ’out like rivers.

17 But they went on sin’ning against him, *

rebelling in the desert against ’the Most High.

18 They tested God ’in their hearts, *

demanding food ’for their craving.

19 They railed against ’God and said, *

“Can God set a table ’in the wilderness?

20 True, he struck the rock, the waters gushed out, and the

gullies ’overflowed; *

but is he able to give bread

or to provide meat ’for his people?”

21 When the LORD heard this, he was ’full of wrath; *

a fire was kindled against Jacob,

and his anger mounted ’against Israel;

22 For they had no ’faith in God, *

nor did they put their trust in his ’saving power.

23 So he commanded the ’clouds above *

and opened the ’doors of heaven.

24 He rained down manna upon ’them to eat *

and gave them ’grain from heaven.

25 So mortals ate the ’bread of angels; *

he provided for them ’food enough.

26 He caused the east wind to blow ’in the heavens *

and led out the south wind ’by his might.

27 He rained down flesh upon ’them like dust *

and winged birds like the sand ’of the sea.

28 He let it fall in the midst ’of their camp *

and round a’bout their dwellings.

29 So they ate and ’were well filled, *

for he gave them ’what they craved.

30 But they did not ’stop their craving, *

though the food was still ’in their mouths.

31 So God's anger mount’ed against them; *

he slew their strongest men

and laid low the ’youth of Israel.

32 In spite of all this, they ’went on sinning *

and had no faith in his won’derful works.

33 So he brought their days to an end ’like a breath *

and their years in ’sudden terror.

34 Whenever he slew them, ’they would seek him, *

and repent, and diligently ’search for God.

35 They would remember that God ’was their rock, *

and the Most High God ’their redeemer.

36 But they flattered him ’with their mouths *

and lied to him ’with their tongues.

37 Their heart was not stead’fast toward him, *

and they were not faithful ’to his covenant.

38 But he was so merciful that he forgave their sins

and did ’not destroy them; *

many times he held back his anger

and did not permit his wrath ’to be roused.

39 For he remembered that they ’were but flesh, *

a breath that goes forth and does ’not return.

Part II Quoties exacerbaverunt

40 How often the people disobeyed him ’in the wilderness *

and offended him ’in the desert!

41 Again and again they ’tempted God *

and provoked the Holy ’One of Israel.

42 They did not remem’ber his power *

in the day when he ransomed them ’from the enemy;

43 How he wrought his ’signs in Egypt *

and his omens in the ’field of Zoan.

44 He turned their rivers ’into blood, *

so that they could not drink ’of their streams.

45 He sent swarms of flies among them, which ’ate them up, *

and frogs, ’which destroyed them.

46 He gave their crops to the ’caterpillar, *

the fruit of their toil ’to the locust.

47 He killed their ’vines with hail *

and their syca’mores with frost.

48 He delivered their catt’le to hailstones *

and their livestock ’to hot thunderbolts.

49 He poured out upon them his ’blazing anger: *

fury, indignation, and distress,

a troop of des’troying angels.

50 He gave full rein to his anger;

he did not spare their ’souls from death; *

but delivered their lives ’to the plague.

51 He struck down all the first’born of Egypt, *

the flower of manhood in the dwell’ings of Ham.

52 He led out his peo’ple like sheep *

and guided them in the wilderness ’like a flock.

53 He led them to safety, and they were ’not afraid; *

but the sea over’whelmed their enemies.

54 He brought them to his ’holy land, *

the mountain his right ’hand had won.

55 He drove out the Canaanites before them

and apportioned an inheritance to ’them by lot; *

he made the tribes of Israel to dwell ’in their tents.

56 But they tested the Most High God, ’and defied him, *

and did not keep ’his commandments.

57 They turned away and were disloyal ’like their fathers; *

they were undependable like ’a warped bow.

58 The grieved him ’with their hill-altars *

they provoked his displeasure ’with their idols.

59 When God heard this, ’he was angry *

and utterly re’jected Israel.

60 He forsook the ’shrine at Shiloh, *

the tabernacle where he had lived a’mong his people.

61 He delivered the ark in’to captivity, *

his glory into the adver’sary's hand.

62 He gave his people ’to the sword *

and was angered against ’his inheritance.

63 The fire consumed ’their young men; *

there were no wedding songs ’for their maidens.

64 Their priests fell ’by the sword, *

and their widows made no ’lamentation.

65 Then the LORD woke as ’though from sleep, *

like a warrior re’freshed with wine.

66 He struck his enemies ’on the backside *

and put them to per’petual shame.

67 He rejected the ’tent of Joseph *

and did not choose the ’tribe of Ephraim;

68 He chose instead the ’tribe of Judah *

and Mount Zion, ’which he loved.

69 He built his sanctuary like the ’heights of heaven, *

like the earth which he found’ed for ever.

70 He chose Dav’id his servant, *

and took him away ’from the sheepfolds.

71 He brought him from follow’ing the ewes, *

to be a shepherd over Jacob his people

and over Israel ’his inheritance.

72 So he shepherded them with a faithful ’and true heart *

and guided them with the skillfulness ’of his hands.

God of pilgrims, strengthen our faith, we pray. Guide us through the uncertainties of our journey, and hold before us the vision of your eternal kingdom, made known to us in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Sixteenth Day: Morning Prayer

79 Deus, venerunt

1 O God, the heathen have come into your inheritance;

they have profaned your ’holy temple; *

they have made Jerusalem a ’heap of rubble.

2 They have given the bodies of your servants as food for the

birds ’of the air, *

and the flesh of your faithful ones to the beasts

’of the field.

3 They have shed their blood like water on every side

’of Jerusalem, *

and there was no one to ’bury them.

4 We have become a reproach ’to our neighbors, *

an object of scorn and derision to ’those around us.

5 How long will you be an’gry, O LORD? *

will your fury blaze like ’fire for ever?

6 Pour out your wrath upon the heathen who ’have not

known you *

and upon the kingdoms that have not called up’on

your Name.

7 For they have ’devoured Jacob *

and made his dwel’ling a ruin.

8 Remember not our past sins;

let your compassion be ’swift to meet us; *

for we have been brought ’very low.

9 Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory ’of your Name; *

deliver us and forgive us our sins, ’for your Name's sake.

10 Why should the heathen say, “Where ’is their God?” *

Let it be known among the heathen and in our sight

that you avenge the shedding of your ’servants' blood.

11 Let the sorrowful sighing of the prisoners ’come before you, *

and by your great might spare those who are

con’demned to die.

12 May the revilings with which they reviled ’you, O Lord, *

return seven-fold in’to their bosoms.

13 For we are your people and the sheep ’of your pasture; *

we will give you thanks for ever

and show forth your praise from ’age to age.

Gracious God, in times of sorrow and depression, when hope itself seems lost, help us to remember the transforming power of your steadfast love and to give thanks for that new life we cannot now imagine. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour.

80 Qui regis Israel

1 Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph ’like a flock; *

shine forth, you that are enthroned up’on the cherubim.

2 In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, ’and Manasseh, *

stir up your strength and ’come to help us.

3 Restore us, O ’God of hosts; *

show the light of your countenance, and we ’shall be saved.

4 O LORD ’God of hosts, *

how long will you be angered

despite the prayers ’of your people?

5 You have fed them with the ’bread of tears; *

you have given them bowls of ’tears to drink.

6 You have made us the derision ’of our neighbors, *

and our enemies laugh ’us to scorn.

7 Restore us, O ’God of hosts; *

show the light of your countenance, and we ’shall be saved.

8 You have brought a vine ’out of Egypt; *

you cast out the nations and ’planted it.

9 You prepared the ’ground for it; *

it took root and ’filled the land.

10 The mountains were covered ’by its shadow *

and the towering cedar trees ’by its boughs.

11 You stretched out its tendrils ’to the Sea *

and its branches ’to the River.

12 Why have you broken ’down its wall, *

so that all who pass by pluck ’off its grapes?

13 The wild boar of the forest has ’ravaged it, *

and the beasts of the field have ’grazed upon it.

14 Turn now, O God of hosts, look down from heaven;

behold and ’tend this vine; *

preserve what your right ’hand has planted.

15 They burn it with ’fire like rubbish; *

at the rebuke of your countenance ’let them perish.

16 Let your hand be upon the man of ’your right hand, *

and son of man you have made so strong ’for yourself.

17 And so will we never turn a’way from you; *

give us life, that we may call up’on your Name.

18 Restore us, O LORD ’God of hosts; *

show the light of your countenance, and we ’shall be saved.

Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ, our good shepherd; you have led us to the kingdom of your Father's love. Forgive our careless indifference to your loving care for all your creatures, and remake us in the likeness of your new and risen life. We ask this in your name.

81 Exultate Deo

1 Sing with joy to ’God our strength *

and raise a loud shout to the ’God of Jacob.

2 Raise a song and ’sound the timbrel, *

the merry harp, ’and the lyre.

3 Blow the ram's-horn at ’the new moon, *

and at the full moon, the day ’of our feast.

4 For this is a stat’ute for Israel, *

a law of the ’God of Jacob.

5 He laid it as a solemn charge ’upon Joseph, *

when he came out of the ’land of Egypt.

6 I heard an unfamil’iar voice saying, *

“I eased his shoulder from the burden;

his hands were set free from bear’ing the load.”

7 You called on me in trouble, ’and I saved you; *

I answered you from the secret place of thunder

and tested you at the wat’ers of Meribah.

8 Hear, O my people, and I will ad’monish you: *

O Israel, if you would but list’en to me!

9 There shall be no strange ’god among you; *

you shall not worship a ’foreign god.

10 I am the LORD your God,

who brought you out of the land of E’gypt and said, *

“Open your mouth wide, and ’I will fill it.”

11 And yet my people did not ’hear my voice, *

and Israel would ’not obey me.

12 So I gave them over to the stubbornness ’of their hearts, *

to follow their ’own devices.

13 Oh, that my people would lis’ten to me! *

that Israel would walk ’in my ways!

14 I should soon sub’due their enemies *

and turn my hand a’gainst their foes.

15 Those who hate the LORD would ’cringe before him, *

and their punishment would ’last for ever.

16 But Israel would I feed with the ’finest wheat *

and satisfy him with honey ’from the rock.

Father, forgive our foolish ways, and feed us always with that living bread which is given for the life of the world, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Sixteenth Day: Evening Prayer

82 Deus stetit

1 God takes his stand in the coun’cil of heaven; *

he gives judgment in the midst ’of the gods:

2 “How long will you ’judge unjustly, *

and show favor ’to the wicked?

3 Save the weak ’and the orphan; *

defend the hum’ble and needy;

4 Rescue the weak ’and the poor; *

deliver them from the power ’of the wicked.

5 They do not know, neither do they understand;

they go a’bout in darkness; *

all the foundations of the ’earth are shaken.

6 Now I say to you, '’You are gods, *

and all of you children of ’the Most High;

7 Nevertheless, you shall ’die like mortals, *

and fall like ’any prince.'”

8 Arise, O God, and ’rule the earth, *

for you shall take all nations ’for your own.

Strength of the weak, Defender of the needy, Rescuer of the poor, deliver us fromt he power of wikedness, that we may rejoice in your justice now and forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

83 Deus, quis similis

1 O God, do ’not be silent; *

do not keep still nor hold your ’peace, O God;

2 For your enemies ’are in tumult, *

and those who hate you have lifted ’up their heads.

3 They take secret counsel a’gainst your people *

and plot against those whom ’you protect.

4 They have said, "Come, let us wipe them out from a’mong

the nations; *

let the name of Israel be remem’bered no more."

5 They have con’spired together; *

they have made an alli’ance against you:

6 The tents of Edom ’and the Ishmaelites; *

the Moabites ’and the Hagarenes;

7 Gebal, and Am’mon, and Amalek; *

the Philistines and those who ’dwell in Tyre.

8 The Assyrians al’so have joined them, *

and have come to help the peo’ple of Lot.

9 Do to them as you ’did to Midian, *

to Sisera, and to Jabin at the riv’er of Kishon:

10 They were de’stroyed at Endor; *

they became like dung up’on the ground.

11 Make their leaders like Or’eb and Zeëb, *

and all their commanders like Zebah ’and Zalmunna,

12 Who said, “Let us take ’for ourselves *

the fields of God as ’our possession.”

13 O my God, make them like ’whirling dust *

and like chaff be’fore the wind;

14 Like fire that burns ’down a forest, *

like the flame that sets moun’tains ablaze.

15 Drive them ’with your tempest *

and terrify them ’with your storm;

16 Cover their faces with ’shame, O LORD, *

that they may ’seek your Name.

17 Let them be disgraced and terri’fied for ever; *

let them be put to confus’ion and perish.

18 Let them know that you, whose ’Name is YAHWEH, *

you alone are the Most High over ’all the earth.

Lord, dispel from us the error of pride and the illusions of greatness, and help us to abandon every vice and stand in awe of you, for you alone are the Most High over all the world now and for ever.

84 Quam dilecta!

1 How dear to me is your dwelling, O ’LORD of hosts! *

My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of

the LORD;

my heart and my flesh rejoice in the ’living God.

2 The sparrow has found her a house

and the swallow a nest where she may ’lay her young; *

by the side of your altars, O LORD of hosts,

my King ’and my God.

3 Happy are they who dwell ’in your house! *

they will always be ’praising you.

4 Happy are the people whose strength ’is in you! *

whose hearts are set on the ’pilgrims' way.

5 Those who go through the desolate valley will find

it a ’place of springs, *

for the early rains have covered it with ’pools of water.

6 They will climb from ’height to height, *

and the God of gods will reveal him’self in Zion.

7 LORD God of hosts, ’hear my prayer; *

hearken, O ’God of Jacob.

8 Behold our defend’er, O God; *

and look upon the face of ’your Anointed.

9 For one day in your courts is better than

a thousand in ’my own room, *

and to stand at the threshold of the house of my God

than to dwell in the tents ’of the wicked.

10 For the LORD God is both ’sun and shield; *

he will give ’grace and glory;

11 No good thing will the ’LORD withhold *

from those who walk ’with integrity.

12 O ’LORD of hosts, *

happy are they who put their ’trust in you!

God of pilgrims, teach us to recognize your dwelling-place in the love, generousity, and support of those with whom we share our journey, and help us to worship you in response to those who need our care; for all the world is your temple and every human heart is a sign of your presence, made known to us in Jesus Christ our Lord.

85 Benedixisti, Domine

1 You have been gracious to your ’land, O LORD, *

you have restored the good for’tune of Jacob.

2 You have forgiven the iniquity ’of your people *

and blotted out ’all their sins.

3 You have withdrawn ’all your fury *

and turned yourself from your wrathful ’indignation.

4 Restore us then, O ’God our Savior; *

let your anger de’part from us.

5 Will you be displeased with ’us for ever? *

will you prolong your anger from ’age to age?

6 Will you not give us ’life again, *

that your people may re’joice in you?

7 Show us your mer’cy, O LORD, *

and grant us ’your salvation.

8 I will listen to what the LORD ’God is saying, *

for he is speaking peace to his faithful people

and to those who turn their ’hearts to him.

9 Truly, his salvation is very near to ’those who fear him, *

that his glory may dwell ’in our land.

10 Mercy and truth have ’met together; *

righteousness and peace have ’kissed each other.

11 Truth shall spring up ’from the earth, *

and righteousness shall look ’down from heaven.

12 The LORD will indeed ’grant prosperity, *

and our land will ’yield its increase.

13 Righteousness shall ’go before him, *

and peace shall be a pathway ’for his feet.

God of grace, you loved the world so much that you gave your only Son to be our Saviour. Help us to rejoice in our salvation by showing mercy truth, and by walking in the way of righteousness and peace. We ask this in his name and for his sake.

Seventeenth Day: Morning Prayer

86 Inclina, Domine

1 Bow down your ear, O LORD, and ’answer me, *

for I am poor ’and in misery.

2 Keep watch over my life, for ’I am faithful; *

save your servant who puts his ’trust in you.

3 Be merciful to me, O LORD, for you ’are my God; *

I call upon you all ’the day long.

4 Gladden the soul ’of your servant, *

for to you, O LORD, I lift ’up my soul.

5 For you, O L, are good ’and forgiving, *

and great is your love toward all who ’call upon you.

6 Give ear, O LORD, ’to my prayer, *

and attend to the voice of my ’supplications.

7 In the time of my trouble I will ’call upon you, *

for you will ’answer me.

8 Among the gods there is none like ’you, O LORD, *

nor anything ’like your works.

9 All the nations you have made will come and

worship ’you, O LORD, *

and glori’fy your Name.

10 For you are great;

you do ’wondrous things; *

and you ’alone are God.

11 Teach me your way, O LORD,

and I will walk ’in your truth; *

knit my heart to you that I may ’fear your Name.

12 I will thank you, O LORD my God, with ’all my heart, *

and glorify your Name for ’evermore.

13 For great is your ’love toward me; *

you have delivered me from the neth’ermost Pit.

14 The arrogant rise up against me, O God,

and a band of violent men ’seeks my life; *

they have not set you be’fore their eyes.

15 But you, O LORD, are gracious and full ’of compassion, *

slow to anger, and full of kind’ness and truth.

16 Turn to me and have mer’cy upon me; *

give your strength to your servant;

and save the child ’of your handmaid.

17 Show me a sign of your favor,

so that those who hate me may see it and ’be ashamed; *

because you, O LORD, have helped me and com’forted me.

God of mercy, fill us with the love of your name, and help us to proclaim you before the world, that all peoples may celebrate your glory in Jesus Christ our Lord.

87 Fundamenta ejus

1 On the holy mountain stands the city ’he has founded; *

the LORD loves the gates of Zion

more than all the dwell’ings of Jacob.

2 Glorious things are spok’en of you, *

O city ’of our God.

3 I count Egypt and Babylon among ’those who know me; *

behold Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia:

in Zion ’were they born.

4 Of Zion it shall be said, “Everyone was ’born in her, *

and the Most High himself ’shall sustain her.”

5 The LORD will record as he en’rolls the peoples, *

“These al’so were born there.”

6 The singers and the danc’ers will say, *

“All my fresh springs ’are in you.”

God of eternal light, open our eyes to the vision of your holy city coming down from heaven; make our hearts sensitive to your presence, and our wills eager to join in the comfort and healing you bring to all the world. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.

88 Domine, Deus

1 O LORD, my ’God, my Savior, *

by day and night I ’cry to you.

2 Let my prayer enter in’to your presence; *

incline your ear to my ’lamentation.

3 For I am ’full of trouble; *

my life is at the brink ’of the grave.

4 I am counted among those who go down ’to the Pit; *

I have become like one who ’has no strength;

5 Lost a’mong the dead, *

like the slain who lie ’in the grave,

6 Whom you remem’ber no more, *

for they are cut off ’from your hand.

7 You have laid me in the depths ’of the Pit, *

in dark places, and in ’the abyss.

8 Your anger weighs up’on me heavily, *

and all your great waves ’overwhelm me.

9 You have put my friends far from me;

you have made me to be ab’horred by them; *

I am in prison and can’not get free.

10 My sight has failed me be’cause of trouble; *

LORD, I have called upon you daily;

I have stretched out my ’hands to you.

11 Do you work wonders ’for the dead? *

will those who have died stand up and ’give you thanks?

12 Will your loving-kindness be declared ’in the grave? *

your faithfulness in the land ’of destruction?

13 Will your wonders be known ’in the dark? *

or your righteousness in the country where all

’is forgotten?

14 But as for me, O LORD, I cry to ’you for help; *

in the morning my prayer ’comes before you.

15 LORD, why have you re’jected me? *

why have you hidden your ’face from me?

16 Ever since my youth, I have been wretched and at the

’point of death; *

I have borne your terrors with a ’troubled mind.

17 Your blazing anger has swept ’over me; *

your terrors ’have destroyed me;

18 They surround me all day long ’like a flood; *

they encompass me on ’every side.

19 My friend and my neighbor you have put a’way from me, *

and darkness is my on’ly companion.

O Lord, when we are plunged into the darkness of despair make known to us the wonders of your grace, for you alone are God and from you comes all our help and strength. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ.

Seventeenth Day: Evening Prayer

89

Part I Misericordias Domini

1 Your love, O LORD, for ever ’will I sing; *

from age to age my mouth will pro’claim your faithfulness.

2 For I am persuaded that your love is estab’lished for ever; *

you have set your faithfulness firmly ’in the heavens.

3 “I have made a covenant with my ’chosen one; *

I have sworn an oath to Da’vid my servant:

4 'I will establish your ’line for ever, *

and preserve your throne for all ’generations.'”

5 The heavens bear witness to your won’ders, O LORD, *

and to your faithfulness in the assembly of the ’holy ones;

6 For who in the skies can be compared ’to the LORD? *

who is like the LORD a’mong the gods?

7 God is much to be feared in the council of the ’holy ones, *

great and terrible to all those ’round about him.

8 Who is like you, LORD ’God of hosts? *

O mighty LORD, your faithfulness is ’all around you.

9 You rule the raging ’of the sea *

and still the surging ’of its waves.

10 You have crushed Rahab of the deep with a ’deadly wound; *

you have scattered your enemies with your ’mighty arm.

11 Yours are the heavens; the earth al’so is yours; *

you laid the foundations of the world and all ’that is in it.

12 You have made the north ’and the south; *

Tabor and Hermon rejoice ’in your Name.

13 You have a ’mighty arm; *

strong is your hand and high is ’your right hand.

14 Righteousness and justice are the foundations ’of your throne; *

love and truth go be’fore your face.

15 Happy are the people who know the ’festal shout! *

they walk, O LORD, in the light ’of your presence.

16 They rejoice daily ’in your Name; *

they are jubilant ’in your righteousness.

17 For you are the glory ’of their strength, *

and by your favor our might ’is exalted.

18 Truly, the LORD ’is our ruler; *

The Holy One of Israel ’is our King.

Part II Tunc locutus es

19 You spoke once in vision and said to your ’faithful people: *

“I have set the crown upon a warrior

and have exalted one chosen out ’of the people.

20 I have found Da’vid my servant; *

with my holy oil have I a’nointed him.

21 My hand will ’hold him fast *

and my arm will ’make him strong.

22 No enemy ’shall deceive him, *

nor any wicked man ’bring him down.

23 I will crush his ’foes before him *

and strike down ’those who hate him.

24 My faithfulness and love shall ’be with him, *

and he shall be victorious ’through my Name.

25 I shall make his domin’ion extend *

from the Great Sea ’to the River.

26 He will say to me, “You ’are my Father, *

my God, and the rock of ’my salvation.'

27 I will make ’him my firstborn *

and higher than the kings ’of the earth.

28 I will keep my love for ’him for ever, *

and my covenant will stand ’firm for him.

29 I will establish his ’line for ever *

and his throne as the ’days of heaven.”

30 “If his children for’sake my law *

and do not walk according ’to my judgments;

31 If they ’break my statutes *

and do not keep ’my commandments;

32 I will punish their transgressions ’with a rod *

and their iniquities ’with the lash;

33 But I will not take my ’love from him, *

nor let my faithful’ness prove false.

34 I will not ’break my covenant, *

nor change what has gone out ’of my lips.

35 Once for all I have sworn ’by my holiness: *

'I will not ’lie to David.

36 His line shall en’dure for ever *

and his throne as the ’sun before me;

37 It shall stand fast for evermore ’like the moon, *

the abiding witness ’in the sky.'”

38 But you have cast off and rejected ’your anointed; *

you have become en’raged at him.

39 You have broken your covenant ’with your servant, *

defiled his crown, and hurled it ’to the ground.

40 You have breached ’all his walls *

and laid his strong’holds in ruins.

41 All who pass ’by despoil him; *

he has become the scorn ’of his neighbors.

42 You have exalted the right hand ’of his foes *

and made all his ene’mies rejoice.

43 You have turned back the edge ’of his sword *

and have not sustained ’him in battle.

44 You have put an end ’to his splendor *

and cast his throne ’to the ground.

45 You have cut short the days ’of his youth *

and have covered ’him with shame.

46 How long will you hide yourself, O LORD?

will you hide your’self for ever? *

how long will your anger ’burn like fire?

47 Remember, LORD, how ’short life is, *

how frail you have ’made all flesh.

48 Who can live and ’not see death? *

who can save himself from the power ’of the grave?

49 Where, Lord, are your loving-kindness’es of old, *

which you promised David ’in your faithfulness?

50 Remember, Lord, how your ser’vant is mocked, *

how I carry in my bosom the taunts of ’many peoples,

51 The taunts your enemies have ’hurled, O LORD, *

which they hurled at the heels of ’your anointed.

52 Blessed be the ’LORD for evermore! *

Amen, I ’say, Amen.

Remember us, gracious God, when we cannot see your way and purpose, and renew in us the joy of your kingdom of light and life. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.

Book Four

Eighteenth Day: Morning Prayer

90 Domine, refugium

1 Lord, you have ’been our refuge *

from one generation ’to another.

2 Before the mountains were brought forth,

or the land and the ’earth were born, *

from age to age ’you are God.

3 You turn us back to the ’dust and say, *

“Go back, O ’child of earth.”

4 For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday

when ’it is past *

and like a watch ’in the night.

5 You sweep us away ’like a dream; *

we fade away suddenly ’like the grass.

6 In the morning it is ’green and flourishes; *

in the evening it is dried ’up and withered.

7 For we consume away in ’your displeasure; *

we are afraid because of your wrathful ’indignation.

8 Our iniquities you have ’set before you, *

and our secret sins in the light ’of your countenance.

9 When you are angry, all our ’days are gone; *

we bring our years to an end ’like a sigh.

10 The span of our life is seventy years,

perhaps in strength ’even eighty; *

yet the sum of them is but labor and sorrow,

for they pass away quickly and ’we are gone.

11 Who regards the power ’of your wrath? *

who rightly fears your ’indignation?

12 So teach us to num’ber our days *

that we may apply our ’hearts to wisdom.

13 Return, O LORD; how long ’will you tarry? *

be gracious ’to your servants.

14 Satisfy us by your loving-kindness ’in the morning; *

so shall we rejoice and be glad all the days ’of our life.

15 Make us glad by the measure of the days that you af’flicted us *

and the years in which we suf’fered adversity.

16 Show your ser’vants your works *

and your splendor ’to their children.

17 May the graciousness of the LORD our God ’be upon us; *

prosper the work of our hands;

pros’per our handiwork.

Eternal Father of our mortal race, in Jesus Christ your grace has come upon us. For his sake, prosper the work of our hands until he returns to gladden our hearts forever.

91 Qui habitat

1 He who dwells in the shelter of ’the Most High, *

abides under the shadow of ’the Almighty.

2 He shall say to the LORD,

“You are my refuge ’and my stronghold, *

my God in whom I ’put my trust.”

3 He shall deliver you from the snare ’of the hunter *

and from the ’deadly pestilence.

4 He shall cover you with his pinions,

and you shall find refuge un’der his wings; *

his faithfulness shall be a ’shield and buckler.

5 You shall not be afraid of any terr’or by night, *

nor of the arrow that ’flies by day;

6 Of the plague that stalks ’in the darkness, *

nor of the sickness that lays ’waste at mid-day.

7 A thousand shall fall at your side

and ten thousand at ’your right hand, *

but it shall ’not come near you.

8 Your eyes have only ’to behold *

to see the reward ’of the wicked.

9 Because you have made the ’LORD your refuge, *

and the Most High your ’habitation,

10 There shall no evil hap’pen to you, *

neither shall any plague come ’near your dwelling.

11 For he shall give his angels charge ’over you, *

to keep you in ’all your ways.

12 They shall bear you ’in their hands, *

lest you dash your foot a’gainst a stone.

13 You shall tread upon the li’on and the adder; *

you shall trample the young lion and the serpent

un’der your feet.

14 Because he is bound to me in love,

therefore will I de’liver him; *

I will protect him, because he ’knows my Name.

15 He shall call upon me, and I will ’answer him; *

I am with him in trouble;

I will rescue him and bring ’him to honor.

16 With long life will I sat’isfy him, *

and show him ’my salvation.

Gracious God, in times of anxiety and stress, teach us to wait in quietness for your protection and defence, made known to us in Jesus Christ our Lord.

92 Bonum est confiteri

1 It is a good thing to give thanks ’to the LORD, *

and to sing praises to your Name, ’O Most High;

2 To tell of your loving-kindness early ’in the morning *

and of your faithfulness in ’the night season;

3 On the psaltery, and ’on the lyre, *

and to the melody ’of the harp.

4 For you have made me glad by your ’acts, O LORD; *

and I shout for joy because of the works ’of your hands.

5 LORD, how great ’are your works! *

your thoughts are ’very deep.

6 The dullard does not know,

nor does the fool ’understand, *

that though the wicked grow like weeds,

and all the workers of iniq’uity flourish,

7 They flourish only to be de’stroyed for ever; *

but you, O LORD, are exalted for ’evermore.

8 For lo, your enemies, O LORD,

lo, your ene’mies shall perish, *

and all the workers of iniquity ’shall be scattered.

9 But my horn you have exalted like the horns ’of wild bulls; *

I am anointed ’with fresh oil.

10 My eyes also gloat o’ver my enemies, *

and my ears rejoice to hear the doom of the wicked who

rise ’up against me.

11 The righteous shall flourish ’like a palm tree, *

and shall spread abroad like a ce’dar of Lebanon.

12 Those who are planted in the house ’of the LORD *

shall flourish in the courts ’of our God;

13 They shall still bear fruit ’in old age; *

they shall be ’green and succulent;

14 That they may show how up’right the LORD is, *

my Rock, in whom there ’is no fault.

O Most High, at all times and in all seasons you are worthy of our greatful praise; grant us the insight to perceive the greatness of your works, the certainty of being founded on our eternal rock, and the wisdom to sing the praises of your name, in and through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Eighteenth Day: Evening Prayer

93 Dominus regnavit

1 The LORD is King;

he has put on splen’did apparel; *

the LORD has put on his apparel

and girded him’self with strength.

2 He has made the whole world so sure *

that it can’not be moved;

3 Ever since the world began, your throne has ’been established; *

you are from ’everlasting.

4 The waters have lifted up, O LORD,

the waters have lifted ’up their voice; *

the waters have lifted up their ’pounding waves.

5 Mightier than the sound of many waters,

mightier than the breakers ’of the sea, *

mightier is the LORD who ’dwells on high.

6 Your testimonies are ’very sure, *

and holiness adorns your house, O LORD,

for ever and for ’evermore.

Blessed are you, Lord God, king of the universe; in awe and wonder we bow before the mystery of your power and might, for you are Lord for ever and ever.

94 Deus ultionum

1 O LORD ’God of vengeance, *

O God of vengeance, ’show yourself.

2 Rise up, O Judge ’of the world; *

give the arrogant their ’just deserts.

3 How long shall the wick’ed, O LORD, *

how long shall the ’wicked triumph?

4 They bluster ’in their insolence; *

all evildoers are ’full of boasting.

5 They crush your peo’ple, O LORD, *

and afflict your ’chosen nation.

6 They murder the widow ’and the stranger *

and put the or’phans to death.

7 Yet they say, "The LORD ’does not see, *

the God of Jacob ’takes no notice."

8 Consider well, you dullards a’mong the people; *

when will you fools ’understand?

9 He that planted the ear, does ’he not hear? *

he that formed the eye, does ’he not see?

10 He who admonishes the nations, will ’he not punish? *

he who teaches all the world, has ’he no knowledge?

11 The LORD knows our ’human thoughts; *

how like a puff of ’wind they are.

12 Happy are they whom you in’struct, O Lord! *

whom you teach out ’of your law;

13 To give them rest in ’evil days, *

until a pit is dug ’for the wicked.

14 For the LORD will not aban’don his people, *

nor will he for’sake his own.

15 For judgment will a’gain be just, *

and all the true of heart will ’follow it.

16 Who rose up for me a’gainst the wicked? *

who took my part against the ’evildoers?

17 If the LORD had not come ’to my help, *

I should soon have dwelt in the ’land of silence.

18 As often as I said, “My ’foot has slipped,” *

your love, O ’LORD, upheld me.

19 When many cares ’fill my mind, *

your consolations ’cheer my soul.

20 Can a corrupt tribunal have any ’part with you, *

one which frames evil ’into law?

21 They conspire against the life ’of the just *

and condemn the inno’cent to death.

22 But the LORD has be’come my stronghold, *

and my God the rock ’of my trust.

23 He will turn their wickedness back upon them

and destroy them in ’their own malice; *

the LORD our God ’will destroy them.

O just Judge of all the world, when the dark power of evil threatens your creation, may we, through your strength within us, maintain the sure knowledge of your love and mercy, which we see in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Nineteenth Day: Morning Prayer

95 Venite, exultemus

1 Come, let us sing ’to the LORD; *

let us shout for joy to the Rock of ’our salvation.

2 Let us come before his presence ’with thanksgiving *

and raise a loud shout to ’him with psalms.

3 For the LORD ’is a great God, *

and a great King a’bove all gods.

4 In his hand are the caverns ’of the earth, *

and the heights of the hills ’are his also.

5 The sea is his, ’for he made it, *

and his hands have molded ’the dry land.

6 Come, let us bow down, and ’bend the knee, *

and kneel before the ’LORD our Maker.

7 For he is our God,

and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep ’of his hand.*

Oh, that today you would hearken ’to his voice!

8 Harden not your hearts,

as your forebears did ’in the wilderness, *

at Meribah, and on that day at Massah,

when they ’tempted me.

9 They put me ’to the test, *

though they had ’seen my works.

10 Forty years long I detested that genera’tion and said, *

“This people are wayward in their hearts;

they do not ’know my ways.”

11 So I swore ’in my wrath, *

“They shall not enter in’to my rest.”

Creator of all, we give you thanks for a world full of wonder, but above all because you have called us into a holy fellowship with you and with each other. Guide us in ways of this your new creation, rooted and grounded in Jesus Christ our Lord.

96 Cantate Domino

1 Sing to the LORD ’a new song; *

sing to the LORD, all ’the whole earth.

2 Sing to the LORD and ’bless his Name; *

proclaim the good news of his salvation from ’day to day.

3 Declare his glory a’mong the nations *

and his wonders a’mong all peoples.

4 For great is the LORD and greatly ’to be praised; *

he is more to be feared ’than all gods.

5 As for all the gods of the nations, they ’are but idols; *

but it is the LORD who ’made the heavens.

6 Oh, the majesty and magnificence ’of his presence! *

Oh, the power and the splendor of his ’sanctuary!

7 Ascribe to the LORD, you families ’of the peoples; *

ascribe to the LORD hon’or and power.

8 Ascribe to the LORD the honor ’due his Name; *

bring offerings and come in’to his courts.

9 Worship the LORD in the beau’ty of holiness; *

let the whole earth trem’ble before him.

10 Tell it out among the nations: “The ’LORD is King! *

he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved;

he will judge the peo’ples with equity.”

11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;

let the sea thunder and all ’that is in it; *

let the field be joyful and all that ’is therein.

12 Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy

before the LORD ’when he comes, *

when he comes to ’judge the earth.

13 He will judge the ’world with righteousness *

and the peoples ’with his truth.

97 Dominus regnavit

1 The LORD is King;

let the ’earth rejoice; *

let the multitude of the ’isles be glad.

2 Clouds and darkness are ’round about him, *

righteousness and justice are the foundations ’of his throne.

3 A fire ’goes before him *

and burns up his enemies on ’every side.

4 His lightnings light ’up the world; *

the earth sees it and ’is afraid.

5 The mountains melt like wax at the presence ’of the LORD, *

at the presence of the Lord of ’the whole earth.

6 The heavens de’clare his righteousness, *

and all the peoples ’see his glory.

7 Confounded be all who worship carved images

and delight ’in false gods! *

Bow down before him, ’all you gods.

8 Zion hears and is glad, and the cities of Ju’dah rejoice, *

because of your judg’ments, O LORD.

9 For you are the LORD,

most high over ’all the earth; *

you are exalted far a’bove all gods.

10 The LORD loves those ’who hate evil; *

he preserves the lives of his saints

and delivers them from the hand ’of the wicked.

11 Light has sprung up ’for the righteous, *

and joyful gladness for those who ’are truehearted.

12 Rejoice in the ’LORD, you righteous, *

and give thanks to his ’holy Name.

Almighty God, your whole creation declares your glory. May we perceive you in all your works and live in the light of your righteousness, through him who is the light of your righteousness, through him who is the light of the world, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Nineteenth Day: Evening Prayer

98 Cantate Domino

1 Sing to the LORD ’a new song, *

for he has done ’marvelous things.

2 With his right hand and his ’holy arm *

has he won for him’self the victory.

3 The LORD has made ’known his victory; *

his righteousness has he openly shown in

the sight ’of the nations.

4 He remembers his mercy and faithfulness to

the ’house of Israel, *

and all the ends of the earth have seen the

victory ’of our God.

5 Shout with joy to the LORD, ’all you lands; *

lift up your voice, re’joice, and sing.

6 Sing to the LORD ’with the harp, *

with the harp and the ’voice of song.

7 With trumpets and the sound ’of the horn *

shout with joy before the ’King, the LORD.

8 Let the sea make a noise and all ’that is in it, *

the lands and those who ’dwell therein.

9 Let the rivers ’clap their hands, *

and let the hills ring out with joy before the LORD,

when he comes to ’judge the earth.

10 In righteousness shall he ’judge the world *

and the peo’ples with equity.

Lord God, we see you in all your works, and we join our voices with the song of your whole creation in praising you, in and through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

99 Dominus regnavit

1 The LORD is King;

let the ’people tremble; *

he is enthroned upon the cherubim;

let ’the earth shake.

2 The LORD is ’great in Zion; *

he is high a’bove all peoples.

3 Let them confess his Name, which is ’great and awesome; *

he is the ’Holy One.

4 “O mighty King, lover of justice,

you have es’tablished equity; *

you have executed justice and righteous’ness in Jacob.”

5 Proclaim the greatness of the LORD our God

and fall down be’fore his footstool; *

he is the ’Holy One.

6 Moses and Aaron among his priests,

and Samuel among those who call up’on his Name, *

they called upon the LORD, and he ’answered them.

7 He spoke to them out of the pil’lar of cloud; *

they kept his testimonies and the decree ’that he gave them.

8 “O LORD our God, you answered ’them indeed; *

you were a God who forgave them,

yet punished them for their ’evil deeds.”

9 Proclaim the greatness of the LORD our God

and worship him upon his ’holy hill; *

for the LORD our God is the ’Holy One.

Lord our God, ruler of the universe, you love what is right. Lead us in your righteousness, that we may live to praise you, through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

100 Jubilate Deo

1 Be joyful in the LORD, ’all you lands; *

serve the LORD with gladness

and come before his presence ’with a song.

2 Know this: The LORD him’self is God; *

he himself has made us, and we are his;

we are his people and the sheep ’of his pasture.

3 Enter his gates with thanksgiving;

go into his ’courts with praise; *

give thanks to him and call up’on his Name.

4 For the LORD is good;

his mercy is ’everlasting; *

and his faithfulness endures from ’age to age.

God our Father, you have created us as your people, and you sustain us with your hand. Help us always to give you thanks, for you alone are worthy of thanksgiving and praise and honour, now and for ever.

101 Misericordiam ed judicium

1 I will sing of mer’cy and justice; *

to you, O LORD, will ’I sing praises.

2 I will strive to follow a blameless course;

oh, when will you ’come to me? *

I will walk with sincerity of heart with’in my house.

3 I will set no worthless thing be’fore my eyes; *

I hate the doers of evil deeds;

they shall not re’main with me.

4 A crooked heart shall be ’far from me; *

I will ’not know evil.

5 Those who in secret slander their neighbors I ’will destroy; *

those who have a haughty look and a proud

heart I can’not abide.

6 My eyes are upon the faithful in the land, that they may

’dwell with me, *

and only those who lead a blameless life shall

’be my servants.

7 Those who act deceitfully shall not dwell ’in my house, *

and those who tell lies shall not continue ’in my sight.

8 I will soon destroy all the wicked ’in the land, *

that I may root out all evildoers from the city ’of the LORD.

Loving God, help us to love what is truly perfect, so that we may neither speak what is evil nor do what is wrong. Then bring us to stand in your presence, to sing of your mercy and justice in the company of all your saints, through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Twentieth Day: Morning Prayer

102 Domine, exaudi

1 LORD, hear my prayer, and let my cry ’come before you; *

hide not your face from me in the day ’of my trouble.

2 Incline your ’ear to me; *

when I call, make haste to ’answer me,

3 For my days drift a’way like smoke, *

and my bones are hot as ’burning coals.

4 My heart is smitten like ’grass and withered, *

so that I forget to ’eat my bread.

5 Because of the voice ’of my groaning *

I am but ’skin and bones.

6 I have become like a vulture ’in the wilderness, *

like an owl a’mong the ruins.

7 I lie a’wake and groan; *

I am like a sparrow, lonely ’on a house-top.

8 My enemies revile me ’all day long, *

and those who scoff at me have taken an ’oath against me.

9 For I have eaten ash’es for bread *

and mingled my ’drink with weeping.

10 Because of your indigna’tion and wrath *

you have lifted me up and thrown ’me away.

11 My days pass away ’like a shadow, *

and I wither ’like the grass.

12 But you, O LORD, en’dure for ever, *

and your Name from ’age to age.

13 You will arise and have compassion on Zion,

for it is time to have mer’cy upon her; *

indeed, the appointed ’time has come.

14 For your servants love her ’very rubble, *

and are moved to pity even ’for her dust.

15 The nations shall fear your ’Name, O LORD, *

and all the kings of the ’earth your glory.

16 For the LORD will ’build up Zion, *

and his glory ’will appear.

17 He will look with favor on the prayer ’of the homeless; *

he will not de’spise their plea.

18 Let this be written for a future ’generation, *

so that a people yet unborn may ’praise the LORD.

19 For the LORD looked down from his holy ’place on high; *

from the heavens he be’held the earth;

20 That he might hear the groan ’of the captive *

and set free those con’demned to die;

21 That they may declare in Zion the Name ’of the LORD, *

and his praise ’in Jerusalem;

22 When the peoples are gath’ered together, *

and the kingdoms also, to ’serve the LORD.

23 He has brought down my strength be’fore my time; *

he has shortened the number ’of my days;

24 And I said, “O my God,

do not take me away in the midst ’of my days; *

your years endure throughout all ’generations.

25 In the beginning, O LORD, you laid the foundations

’of the earth, *

and the heavens are the work ’of your hands;

26 They shall perish, but you will endure;

they all shall wear out ’like a garment; *

as clothing you will change them,

and they ’shall be changed;

27 But you are al’ways the same, *

and your years will ’never end.

28 The children of your servants ’shall continue, *

and their offspring shall stand fast ’in your sight.”

God of unchanging mercy, look with compassion upon all who suffer: the sick and the friendless, the homeless and the captive, the weary and the depressed. Be present to them in the power of your healing love; give them health, comfort, and hope; and bring them to share in the life of your risen Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.

103 Benedic, anima mea

1 Bless the LORD, ’O my soul, *

and all that is within me, bless his ’holy Name.

2 Bless the LORD, ’O my soul, *

and forget not ’all his benefits.

3 He forgives ’all your sins *

and heals all ’your infirmities;

4 He redeems your life ’from the grave *

and crowns you with mercy and ’loving-kindness;

5 He satisfies you ’with good things, *

and your youth is renewed ’like an eagle's.

6 The LORD ex’ecutes righteousness *

and judgment for all who ’are oppressed.

7 He made his ways ’known to Moses *

and his works to the chil’dren of Israel.

8 The LORD is full of compas’sion and mercy, *

slow to anger and ’of great kindness.

9 He will not al’ways accuse us, *

nor will he keep his an’ger for ever.

10 He has not dealt with us according ’to our sins, *

nor rewarded us according ’to our wickedness.

11 For as the heavens are high ’above the earth, *

so is his mercy great upon ’those who fear him.

12 As far as the east is ’from the west, *

so far has he removed our ’sins from us.

13 As a father cares ’for his children, *

so does the LORD care for ’those who fear him.

14 For he himself knows whereof ’we are made; *

he remembers that we ’are but dust.

15 Our days are ’like the grass; *

we flourish like a flower ’of the field;

16 When the wind goes over it, ’it is gone, *

and its place shall know ’it no more.

17 But the merciful goodness of the LORD endures for ever

on ’those who fear him, *

and his righteousness on ’children's children;

18 On those who ’keep his covenant *

and remember his command’ments and do them.

19 The LORD has set his ’throne in heaven, *

and his kingship has dominion ’over all.

20 Bless the LORD, you angels of his,

you mighty ones who ’do his bidding, *

and hearken to the voice ’of his word.

21 Bless the LORD, all ’you his hosts, *

you ministers of his who ’do his will.

22 Bless the LORD, all you works of his,

in all places of ’his dominion; *

bless the LORD, ’O my soul.

God of infinite mercy and forgiveness, by the cross and resurrection of Jesus your Son, wash away our sins and deliver us from our infirmities of body and spirit, that we may live with him his risen life, to the praise and glory of your holy name.

Twentieth Day: Evening Prayer

104 Benedic, anima mea

1 Bless the LORD, ’O my soul; *

O LORD my God, how excellent is your greatness!

you are clothed with majes’ty and splendor.

2 You wrap yourself with light as ’with a cloak *

and spread out the heavens ’like a curtain.

3 You lay the beams of your chambers in the wat’ers above; *

you make the clouds your chariot;

you ride on the wings ’of the wind.

4 You make the ’winds your messengers *

and flames of ’fire your servants.

5 You have set the earth upon ’its foundations, *

so that it never shall move at ’any time.

6 You covered it with the Deep as ’with a mantle; *

the waters stood higher ’than the mountains.

7 At your re’buke they fled; *

at the voice of your thunder they hast’ened away.

8 They went up into the hills and down to the vall’eys beneath, *

to the places you had appoint’ed for them.

9 You set the limits that they ’should not pass; *

they shall not again cov’er the earth.

10 You send the springs in’to the valleys; *

they flow be’tween the mountains.

11 All the beasts of the field drink their ’fill from them, *

and the wild asses ’quench their thirst.

12 Beside them the birds of the air ’make their nests *

and sing a’mong the branches.

13 You water the mountains from your dwell’ing on high; *

the earth is fully satisfied by the fruit ’of your works.

14 You make grass grow for ’flocks and herds *

and plants to ’serve mankind;

15 That they may bring forth food ’from the earth, *

and wine to glad’den our hearts,

16 Oil to make a ’cheerful countenance, *

and bread to strength’en the heart.

17 The trees of the LORD are ’full of sap, *

the cedars of Lebanon ’which he planted,

18 In which the birds ’build their nests, *

and in whose tops the stork ’makes his dwelling.

19 The high hills are a refuge for the ’mountain goats, *

and the stony cliffs for ’the rock badgers.

20 You appointed the moon to ’mark the seasons, *

and the sun knows the time ’of its setting.

21 You make darkness that it ’may be night, *

in which all the beasts of the ’forest prowl.

22 The lions roar af’ter their prey *

and seek their ’food from God.

23 The sun rises, and they ’slip away *

and lay themselves down ’in their dens.

24 Man goes forth ’to his work *

and to his labor un’til the evening.

25 O LORD, how manifold ’are your works! *

in wisdom you have made them all;

the earth is full ’of your creatures.

26 Yonder is the great and wide sea

with its living things too man’y to number, *

creatures both ’small and great.

27 There move the ships,

and there is ’that Leviathan, *

which you have made for the ’sport of it.

28 All of them ’look to you *

to give them their food ’in due season.

29 You give it to them; they ’gather it; *

you open your hand, and they are filled ’with good things.

30 You hide your face, and ’they are terrified; *

you take away their breath,

and they die and return ’to their dust.

31 You send forth your Spirit, and they ’are created; *

and so you renew the face ’of the earth.

32 May the glory of the LORD en’dure for ever; *

may the LORD rejoice in ’all his works.

33 He looks at the earth ’and it trembles; *

he touches the mountains ’and they smoke.

34 I will sing to the LORD as long ’as I live; *

I will praise my God while I ’have my being.

35 May these words ’of mine please him; *

I will rejoice ’in the LORD.

36 Let sinners be consumed out ’of the earth, *

and the wicked ’be no more.

37 Bless the LORD, ’O my soul. *

’Hallelujah!

O God of eternal light, heaven and earth are the work of your hands, all creation sings your praise and beauty. As in the beginning, by your Spirit, you gave life and order to all that is, so by the same Spirit redeem us and all things, through Christ our Lord.

Twenty-first Day: Morning Prayer

105

Part I Confitemini Domino

1 Give thanks to the LORD and call up’on his Name; *

make known his deeds a’mong the peoples.

2 Sing to him, sing prais’es to him, *

and speak of all his ’marvelous works.

3 Glory in his ’holy Name; *

let the hearts of those who seek the ’LORD rejoice.

4 Search for the LORD ’and his strength; *

continually ’seek his face.

5 Remember the marvels ’he has done, *

his wonders and the judgments ’of his mouth,

6 O offspring of Abra’ham his servant, *

O children of Ja’cob his chosen.

7 He is the ’LORD our God; *

his judgments prevail in ’all the world.

8 He has always been mindful ’of his covenant, *

the promise he made for a thousand ’generations:

9 The covenant he ’made with Abraham, *

the oath that he ’swore to Isaac,

10 Which he established as a stat’ute for Jacob, *

an everlasting cove’nant for Israel,

11 Saying, “To you will I give the ’land of Canaan *

to be your allot’ted inheritance.”

12 When they were ’few in number, *

of little account, and sojourners ’in the land,

13 Wandering from nation to na’tion *

and from one kingdom ’to another,

14 He let no ’one oppress them *

and rebuked kings ’for their sake,

15 Saying, “Do not touch ’my anointed *

and do my pro’phets no harm.”

16 Then he called for a famine ’in the land *

and destroyed the sup’ply of bread.

17 He sent a ’man before them, *

Joseph, who was sold ’as a slave.

18 They bruised his ’feet in fetters; *

his neck they put in an ’iron collar.

19 Until his prediction ’came to pass, *

the word of the LORD ’tested him.

20 The king sent ’and released him; *

the ruler of the peoples ’set him free.

21 He set him as a master o’ver his household, *

as a ruler over all ’his possessions,

22 To instruct his princes according ’to his will *

and to teach his ’elders wisdom.

Part II Et intravit Israel

23 Israel came ’into Egypt, *

and Jacob became a sojourner in the ’land of Ham.

24 The LORD made his people exceed’ingly fruitful; *

he made them stronger ’than their enemies;

25 Whose heart he turned, so that they hat’ed his people, *

and dealt unjustly ’with his servants.

26 He sent Mos’es his servant, *

and Aaron whom ’he had chosen.

27 They worked his ’signs among them, *

and portents in the ’land of Ham.

28 He sent darkness, and ’it grew dark; *

but the Egyptians rebelled a’gainst his words.

29 He turned their waters ’into blood *

and caused their ’fish to die.

30 Their land was over’run by frogs, *

in the very chambers ’of their kings.

31 He spoke, and there came ’swarms of insects *

and gnats within ’all their borders.

32 He gave them hailstones in’stead of rain, *

and flames of fire through’out their land.

33 He blasted their vines ’and their fig trees *

and shattered every tree ’in their country.

34 He spoke, and the ’locust came, *

and young locusts ’without number,

35 Which ate up all the green plants ’in their land *

and devoured the fruit ’of their soil.

36 He struck down the firstborn ’of their land, *

the firstfruits of ’all their strength.

37 He led out his people with sil’ver and gold; *

in all their tribes there was not ’one that stumbled.

38 Egypt was glad ’of their going, *

because they were a’fraid of them.

39 He spread out a cloud ’for a covering *

and a fire to give light ’in the night season.

40 They asked, and ’quails appeared, *

and he satisfied them with ’bread from heaven.

41 He opened the rock, and ’water flowed, *

so the river ran in ’the dry places.

42 For God remembered his ’holy word *

and Abra’ham his servant.

43 So he led forth his peo’ple with gladness, *

his chosen with ’shouts of joy.

44 He gave his people the lands ’of the nations, *

and they took the fruit of ’others' toil,

45 That they might ’keep his statutes *

and observe his laws.

’Hallelujah!

God of our salvation, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, you have fufilled your promise to our ancestors in the faith to redeem the world from slavery and to lead us into the promised land. Grant us living water from the rock and bread from heaven, that we may survive our desert pilgrimage and praise you for ever, through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.

Twenty-first Day: Evening Prayer

106

Part I Confitemini Domino

1 Hallelujah!

Give thanks to the LORD, for ’he is good, *

for his mercy en’dures for ever.

2 Who can declare the mighty acts ’of the LORD *

or show forth ’all his praise?

3 Happy are those who ’act with justice *

and always do ’what is right!

4 Remember me, O LORD, with the favor you have

’for your people, *

and visit me with your ’saving help;

5 That I may see the prosperity of your elect

and be glad with the gladness ’of your people, *

that I may glory with ’your inheritance.

6 We have sinned as our ’forebears did; *

we have done wrong ’and dealt wickedly.

7 In Egypt they did not consider your marvelous works,

nor remember the abundance ’of your love; *

they defied the Most High ’at the Red Sea.

8 But he saved them ’for his Name's sake, *

to make his ’power known.

9 He rebuked the Red Sea, and ’it dried up, *

and he led them through the deep as ’through a desert.

10 He saved them from the hand of those who ’hated them *

and redeemed them from the hand ’of the enemy.

11 The waters covered ’their oppressors; *

not one of ’them was left.

12 Then they be’lieved his words *

and sang him ’songs of praise.

13 But they soon for’got his deeds *

and did not wait ’for his counsel.

14 A craving seized them ’in the wilderness, *

and they put God to the test ’in the desert.

15 He gave them ’what they asked, *

but sent leanness in’to their soul.

16 They envied Moses ’in the camp, *

and Aaron, the holy one ’of the LORD.

17 The earth opened and ’swallowed Dathan *

and covered the company ’of Abiram.

18 Fire blazed up a’gainst their company, *

and flames de’voured the wicked.

Part II Et fecerunt vitulum

19 Israel made a bull-’calf at Horeb *

and worshiped a ’molten image;

20 And so they ex’changed their Glory *

for the image of an ox that ’feeds on grass.

21 They forgot ’God their Savior, *

who had done great ’things in Egypt,

22 Wonderful deeds in the ’land of Ham, *

and fearful things ’at the Red Sea.

23 So he would have destroyed them,

had not Moses his chosen stood before him’ in the breach, *

to turn away his wrath from con’suming them.

24 They refused the ’pleasant land *

and would not be’lieve his promise.

25 They grumbled ’in their tents *

and would not listen to the voice ’of the LORD.

26 So he lifted his ’hand against them, *

to overthrow them ’in the wilderness,

27 To cast out their seed a’mong the nations, *

and to scatter them through’out the lands.

28 They joined themselves ’to Baal-Peor *

and ate sacrifices offered ’to the dead.

29 They provoked him to anger ’with their actions, *

and a plague broke ’out among them.

30 Then Phinehas stood up and ’interceded, *

and the plague came ’to an end.

31 This was reckoned to ’him as righteousness *

throughout all gener’ations for ever.

32 Again they provoked his anger at the wa’ters of Meribah, *

so that he punished Moses be’cause of them;

33 For they so embit’tered his spirit *

that he spoke rash words ’with his lips.

34 They did not de’stroy the peoples *

as the LORD had com’manded them.

35 They intermingled ’with the heathen *

and learned their ’pagan ways,

36 So that they wor’shiped their idols, *

which became a ’snare to them.

37 They sacri’ficed their sons *

and their daughters to ’evil spirits.

38 They shed innocent blood,

the blood of their ’sons and daughters, *

which they offered to the idols of Canaan,

and the land was de’filed with blood.

39 Thus they were polluted ’by their actions *

and went whoring in their ’evil deeds.

40 Therefore the wrath of the LORD was kindled ’against

his people *

and he abhorred ’his inheritance.

41 He gave them over to the hand ’of the heathen, *

and those who hated them ruled ’over them.

42 Their ene’mies oppressed them, *

and they were humbled un’der their hand.

43 Many a time did he deliver them,

but they rebelled through their ’own devices, *

and were brought down in their iniq’uity.

44 Nevertheless, he saw ’their distress, *

when he heard their ’lamentation.

45 He remembered his coven’ant with them *

and relented in accordance with ’his great mercy.

46 He caused them ’to be pitied *

by those who ’held them captive.

47 Save us, O LORD our God,

and gather us from a’mong the nations, *

that we may give thanks to your holy Name

and glory ’in your praise.

48 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,

from everlasting to ’everlasting; *

and let all the people say, "Amen!"

’Hallelujah!

God our Father, remembering your covenant you graciously pardoned those who rebelled against you. Grant that where sin abounds, grace may abound more, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Book Five

Twenty-second Day: Morning Prayer

107

Part I Confitemini Domino

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for ’he is good, *

and his mercy en’dures for ever.

2 Let all those whom the LORD has re’deemed proclaim *

that he redeemed them from the hand ’of the foe.

3 He gathered them out ’of the lands; *

from the east and from the west,

from the north and ’from the south.

4 Some wandered in ’desert wastes; *

they found no way to a city where ’they might dwell.

5 They were hung’ry and thirsty; *

their spirits lang’uished within them.

6 Then they cried to the LORD ’in their trouble, *

and he delivered them from ’their distress.

7 He put their feet on ’a straight path *

to go to a city where ’they might dwell.

8 Let them give thanks to the LORD ’for his mercy *

and the wonders he does ’for his children.

9 For he satisf’ies the thirsty *

and fills the hungry ’with good things.

10 Some sat in darkness ’and deep gloom, *

bound fast in miser’y and iron;

11 Because they rebelled against the ’words of God *

and despised the counsel of ’the Most High.

12 So he humbled their spirits ’with hard labor; *

they stumbled, and there was ’none to help.

13 Then they cried to the LORD ’in their trouble, *

and he delivered them from ’their distress.

14 He led them out of darkness ’and deep gloom *

and broke their ’bonds asunder.

15 Let them give thanks to the LORD ’for his mercy *

and the wonders he does ’for his children.

16 For he shatters the ’doors of bronze *

and breaks in two the ’iron bars.

17 Some were fools and took to re’bellious ways; *

they were afflicted because ’of their sins.

18 They abhorred all man’ner of food *

and drew near ’to death's door.

19 Then they cried to the LORD ’in their trouble, *

and he delivered them from ’their distress.

20 He sent forth his ’word and healed them *

and saved them ’from the grave.

21 Let them give thanks to the LORD ’for his mercy *

and the wonders he does ’for his children.

22 Let them offer a sacrifice ’of thanksgiving *

and tell of his acts with ’shouts of joy.

23 Some went down to the ’sea in ships *

and plied their trade ’in deep waters;

24 They beheld the works ’of the LORD *

and his wonders ’in the deep.

25 Then he spoke, and a stormy ’wind arose, *

which tossed high the waves ’of the sea.

26 They mounted up to the heavens and fell back ’to the depths; *

their hearts melted because ’of their peril.

27 They reeled and stag’gered like drunkards *

and were at ’their wits' end.

28 Then they cried to the LORD ’in their trouble, *

and he delivered them from ’their distress.

29 He stilled the storm ’to a whisper *

and quieted the waves ’of the sea.

30 Then were they glad because ’of the calm, *

and he brought them to the harbor ’they were bound for.

31 Let them give thanks to the LORD ’for his mercy *

and the wonders he does ’for his children.

32 Let them exalt him in the congregation ’of the people *

and praise him in the council ’of the elders.

Part II Posuit flumina

33 The LORD changed rivers ’into deserts, *

and water-springs into ’thirsty ground,

34 A fruitful land ’into salt flats, *

because of the wickedness of ’those who dwell there.

35 He changed deserts into ’pools of water *

and dry land into ’water-springs.

36 He settled the ’hungry there, *

and they founded a cit’y to dwell in.

37 They sowed fields, and ’planted vineyards, *

and brought in a ’fruitful harvest.

38 He blessed them, so that they ’increased greatly; *

he did not let their ’herds decrease.

39 Yet when they were diminished ’and brought low, *

through stress of adversit’y and sorrow,

40 (He pours con’tempt on princes *

and makes them wander in ’trackless wastes)

41 He lifted up the poor ’out of misery *

and multiplied their families like ’flocks of sheep.

42 The upright will see this ’and rejoice, *

but all wickedness will ’shut its mouth.

43 Whoever is wise will pon’der these things, *

and consider well the mercies ’of the LORD.

O God, the divine seeker, you are light to the lost, bread to the hungry, deliverance to captive, healing to the sick, eternal vision to the dying, and harbour to every soul in peril. Gather the wanderers from every corner of the world into the community of your mercy and grace, that we may eternally praise you for our salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Twenty-second Day: Evening Prayer

108 Paratum cor meum

1 My heart is firmly fixed, O God, my ’heart is fixed; *

I will sing ’and make melody.

2 Wake up, my spirit;

awake, ’lute and harp; *

I myself will wak’en the dawn.

3 I will confess you among the peo’ples, O LORD; *

I will sing praises to you a’mong the nations.

4 For your loving-kindness is greater ’than the heavens, *

and your faithfulness reaches ’to the clouds.

5 Exalt yourself above the heav’ens, O God, *

and your glory over ’all the earth.

6 So that those who are dear to you may ’be delivered, *

save with your right hand and ’answer me.

7 God spoke from his holy ’place and said, *

“I will exult and parcel out Shechem;

I will divide the val’ley of Succoth.

8 Gilead is mine and Manas’seh is mine; *

Ephraim is my helmet and Ju’dah my scepter.

9 Moab is my washbasin,

on Edom I throw down my san’dal to claim it, *

and over Philistia will I ’shout in triumph.”

10 Who will lead me into ’the strong city? *

who will bring me ’into Edom?

11 Have you not cast us ’off, O God? *

you no longer go out, O God, ’with our armies.

12 Grant us your help a’gainst the enemy, *

for vain is the ’help of man.

13 With God we will do ’valiant deeds, *

and he shall tread our enemies ’under foot.

O God, your love is wider than all the universe and your mercy greater than the heights of heaven. When we are tempted to break faith with you, put a new song of love on our lips, that we may sing your praises to all the nations on earth, through your Son, our only hope and defence.

109 Deus, laudem

1 Hold not your tongue, O God ’of my praise; *

for the mouth of the wicked,

the mouth of the deceitful, is o’pened against me.

2 They speak to me with a ’lying tongue; *

they encompass me with hateful words

and fight against me with’out a cause.

3 Despite my love, ’they accuse me; *

but as for me, I ’pray for them.

4 They repay e’vil for good, *

and hatred ’for my love.

5 Set a wicked ’man against him, *

and let an accuser stand at ’his right hand.

6 When he is judged, let him ’be found guilty, *

and let his appeal ’be in vain.

7 Let his ’days be few, *

and let another ’take his office.

8 Let his chil’dren be fatherless, *

and his wife be’come a widow.

9 Let his children be ’waifs and beggars; *

let them be driven from the ruins ’of their homes.

10 Let the creditor seize every’thing he has; *

let strangers plun’der his gains.

11 Let there be no one to ’show him kindness, *

and none to pity his fa’therless children.

12 Let his descendants ’be destroyed, *

and his name be blotted out in the next ’generation.

13 Let the wickedness of his fathers be remembered be’fore

the LORD, *

and his mother's sin not be ’blotted out;

14 Let their sin be always be’fore the LORD; *

but let him root out their names ’from the earth;

15 Because he did not remember ’to show mercy, *

but persecuted the poor and needy

and sought to kill the ’brokenhearted.

16 He loved cursing,

let it ’come upon him; *

he took no delight in blessing,

let it de’part from him.

17 He put on cursing ’like a garment, *

let it soak into his body like water

and into his ’bones like oil;

18 Let it be to him like the cloak which he

wraps a’round himself, *

and like the belt that he ’wears continually.

19 Let this be the recompense from the LORD to ’my accusers, *

and to those who speak ’evil against me.

20 But you, O Lord my God,

oh, deal with me according ’to your Name; *

for your tender mercy's sake, de’liver me.

21 For I am ’poor and needy, *

and my heart is wound’ed within me.

22 I have faded away like a shadow ’when it lengthens; *

I am shaken off ’like a locust.

23 My knees are ’weak through fasting, *

and my flesh is wast’ed and gaunt.

24 I have become a re’proach to them; *

they see and ’shake their heads.

25 Help me, O ’LORD my God; *

save me for your ’mercy's sake.

26 Let them know that this ’is your hand, *

that you, O ’LORD, have done it.

27 They may curse, but ’you will bless; *

let those who rise up against me be put to shame,

and your servant ’will rejoice.

28 Let my accusers be clothed ’with disgrace *

and wrap themselves in their shame as ’in a cloak.

29 I will give great thanks to the LORD ’with my mouth; *

in the midst of the multitude ’will I praise him;

30 Because he stands at the right hand ’of the needy, *

to save his life from those who ’would condemn him.

God, source of all truth and love, the comfort and consolation of the reproached and friendless, in your great mercy draw near to deliver the poor, the needy, and the wounded of heart; through the one who suffered rejection and rebuke for us all, Jesus Chirst our Lord.

Twenty-third Day: Morning Prayer

110 Dixit Dominus

1 The LORD said to my Lord, “Sit ’at my right hand, *

until I make your ene’mies your footstool.”

2 The LORD will send the scepter of your power ’out of Zion, *

saying, “Rule over your enemies ’round about you.

3 Princely state has been yours from the day ’of your birth; *

in the beauty of holiness have I begotten you,

like dew from the womb ’of the morning.”

4 The LORD has sworn and he will ’not recant: *

“You are a priest for ever after the order ’of Melchizedek.”

5 The Lord who is at your right hand

will smite kings in the day ’of his wrath; *

he will rule ’over the nations.

6 He will heap ’high the corpses; *

he will smash heads over ’the wide earth.

7 He will drink from the brook be’side the road; *

therefore he will lift ’high his head.

Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords, born as a man, exalted now on high, priest of the new covenant, judge who will come at the end of time, glory to you for ever and ever.

111 Confitebor tibi

1 Hallelujah!

I will give thanks to the LORD with ’my whole heart, *

in the assembly of the upright, in the ’congregation.

2 Great are the deeds ’of the LORD! *

they are studied by all who de’light in them.

3 His work is full of majes’ty and splendor, *

and his righteousness en’dures for ever.

4 He makes his marvelous works to ’be remembered; *

the LORD is gracious and full ’of compassion.

5 He gives food to ’those who fear him; *

he is ever mindful ’of his covenant.

6 He has shown his people the power ’of his works *

in giving them the lands ’of the nations.

7 The works of his hands are faithful’ness and justice; *

all his command’ments are sure.

8 They stand fast for ’ever and ever, *

because they are done in ’truth and equity.

9 He sent redemption to his people;

he commanded his cov’enant for ever; *

holy and awesome ’is his Name.

10 The fear of the LORD is the begin’ning of wisdom; *

those who act accordingly have a good understanding;

his praise en’dures for ever.

Generous and bountiful God, give us grace always to thank you and share your gifts with others, that the world may be filled with the joy of our Saviour Jesus Christ.

112 Beatus vir

1 Hallelujah!

Happy are they who ’fear the Lord *

and have great delight in ’his commandments!

2 Their descendants will be mighty ’in the land; *

the generation of the upright ’will be blessed.

3 Wealth and riches will be ’in their house, *

and their righteousness will ’last for ever.

4 Light shines in the darkness ’for the upright; *

the righteous are merciful and full ’of compassion.

5 It is good for them to be gener’ous in lending *

and to manage their af’fairs with justice.

6 For they will nev’er be shaken; *

the righteous will be kept in everlas’ting remembrance.

7 They will not be afraid of any ’evil rumors; *

their heart is right;

they put their trust ’in the Lord.

8 Their heart is established and ’will not shrink, *

until they see their desire up’on their enemies.

9 They have given freely ’to the poor, *

and their righteousness stands fast for ever;

they will hold up their ’head with honor.

10 The wicked will see it and be angry;

they will gnash their teeth and ’pine away; *

the desires of the wick’ed will perish.

God of light, teach us to love each other as you love us, that we may bring peace and joy to the world, and rejoice in the kingdom of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

113 Laudate, pueri

1 Hallelujah!

Give praise, you servants ’of the LORD; *

praise the Name ’of the LORD.

2 Let the Name of the ’LORD be blessed, *

from this time forth for ’evermore.

3 From the rising of the sun to its ’going down *

let the Name of the ’LORD be praised.

4 The LORD is high a’bove all nations, *

and his glory a’bove the heavens.

5 Who is like the LORD our God, who sits en’throned on high, *

but stoops to behold the heavens ’and the earth?

6 He takes up the weak out ’of the dust *

and lifts up the poor ’from the ashes.

7 He sets them ’with the princes, *

with the princes ’of his people.

8 He makes the woman of a ’childless house *

to be a joyful moth’er of children.

We magnify your name, O Lord, in all times and places. You subdue the arrogant and raise the humble; you feed the hungry and reveal the poverty of wealth. We give thanks for your salvation, made known in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Twenty-third Day: Evening Prayer

114 In exitu Israel

1 Hallelujah!

When Israel came ’out of Egypt, *

the house of Jacob from a people ’of strange speech,

2 Judah became God's ’sanctuary *

and Israel ’his dominion.

3 The sea beheld ’it and fled; *

Jordan turned ’and went back.

4 The mountains ’skipped like rams, *

and the little hills ’like young sheep.

5 What ailed you, O sea, ’that you fled? *

O Jordan, that ’you turned back?

6 You mountains, that you ’skipped like rams? *

you little hills ’like young sheep?

7 Tremble, O earth, at the presence ’of the Lord, *

at the presence of the ’God of Jacob,

8 Who turned the hard rock into a ’pool of water *

and flint-stone into a ’flowing spring.

Source of all life, you have brought us to new being through the waters of baptism. May your love shown in our lives become a wonder and a beacon of hope to the whole human family. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.

115 Non nobis, Domine

1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us,

but to your ’Name give glory; *

because of your love and because ’of your faithfulness.

2 Why should the ’heathen say, *

“Where then ’is their God?”

3 Our God ’is in heaven; *

whatever he wills to ’do he does.

4 Their idols are sil’ver and gold, *

the work of ’human hands.

5 They have mouths, but they ’cannot speak; *

eyes have they, but they ’cannot see;

6 They have ears but they ’cannot hear; *

noses, but they ’cannot smell;

7 They have hands, but they cannot feel;

feet, but they ’cannot walk; *

they make no sound ’with their throat.

8 Those who make ’them are like them, *

and so are all who put their ’trust in them.

9 O Israel, trust ’in the LORD; *

he is their help ’and their shield.

10 O house of Aaron, trust ’in the LORD; *

he is their help ’and their shield.

11 You who fear the LORD, trust ’in the LORD; *

he is their help ’and their shield.

12 The LORD has been mindful of us, and ’he will bless us; *

he will bless the house of Israel;

he will bless the’ house of Aaron;

13 He will bless those who ’fear the LORD, *

both small and ’great together.

14 May the LORD increase you ’more and more, *

you and your children ’after you.

15 May you be blessed ’by the LORD, *

the maker of heav’en and earth.

16 The heaven of heavens ’is the LORD'S, *

but he entrusted the earth ’to its peoples.

17 The dead do not ’praise the LORD, *

nor all those who go down ’into silence;

18 But we will ’bless the LORD, *

from this time forth for evermore.

’Hallelujah!

God, you delivered Israel from worship of false gods. Redeem, we pray, your people in every age from the pursuit of all that is worthless and untrue in human life; through Jesus our Saviour, who came to bring us life in all its fullness.

Twenty-fourth Day: Morning Prayer

116 Dilexi, quoniam

1 I love the LORD, because he has heard the voice of

my ’supplication, *

because he has inclined his ear to me whenever

I ’called upon him.

2 The cords of death entangled me;

the grip of the grave took ’hold of me; *

I came to ’grief and sorrow.

3 Then I called upon the Name ’of the LORD: *

“O LORD, I pray you, ’save my life.”

4 Gracious is the ’LORD and righteous; *

our God is full ’of compassion.

5 The LORD watches ’over the innocent; *

I was brought very low, ’and he helped me.

6 Turn again to your rest, ’O my soul. *

for the LORD has treat’ed you well.

7 For you have rescued my’ life from death, *

my eyes from tears, and my ’feet from stumbling.

8 I will walk in the presence ’of the LORD *

in the land ’of the living.

9 I believed, even when I said,

“I have been brought ’very low.” *

In my distress I said, “No one ’can be trusted.”

10 How shall I re’pay the LORD *

for all the good things he has ’done for me?

11 I will lift up the cup ’of salvation *

and call upon the Name ’of the LORD.

12 I will fulfill my vows ’to the LORD *

in the presence of ’all his people.

13 Precious in the sight ’of the LORD *

is the death ’of his servants.

14 O LORD, I ’am your servant; *

I am your servant and the child of your handmaid;

you have freed me ’from my bonds.

15 I will offer you the sacrifice ’of thanksgiving *

and call upon the Name ’of the LORD.

16 I will fulfill my vows ’to the LORD *

in the presence of ’all his people,

17 In the courts of ’the LORD'S house, *

in the midst of you, O Jerusalem.

’Hallelujah!

Eternal God, faithful in your tender compassion, you give us hope for our life here and hereafter through the victory of your only Son. When we share his cup of salvation, revive in us the joy of this everlasting gift. We ask this in his name.

117 Laudate Domi

1 Praise the LORD, ’all you nations; *

laud him, ’all you peoples.

2 For his loving-kindness toward ’us is great, *

and the faithfulness of the LORD endures for ever.

’Hallelujah!

Faithful God, your loving kindness for all people is revealed in Jesus Christ. Let your kingdom come now in peace and justice in all the world. We ask this in his name.

118 Confitemini Domino

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for ’he is good; *

his mercy en’dures for ever.

2 Let Israel ’now proclaim, *

“His mercy en’dures for ever.”

3 Let the house of Aaron ’now proclaim, *

“His mercy en’dures for ever.”

4 Let those who fear the LORD ’now proclaim, *

“His mercy en’dures for ever.”

5 I called to the LORD in ’my distress; *

the LORD answered by set’ting me free.

6 The LORD is at my side, therefore I ’will not fear; *

what can anyone ’do to me?

7 The LORD is at my ’side to help me; *

I will triumph over ’those who hate me.

8 It is better to rely ’on the LORD *

than to put any ’trust in flesh.

9 It is better to rely ’on the LORD *

than to put any ’trust in rulers.

10 All the ungodly en’compass me; *

in the Name of the LORD I ’will repel them.

11 They hem me in, they hem me in ’on every side; *

in the name of the LORD I ’will repel them.

12 They swarm about me like bees;

they blaze like a ’fire of thorns; *

in the name of the LORD I ’will repel them.

13 I was pressed so hard that I al’most fell, *

but the LORD came ’to my help.

14 The LORD is my strength ’and my song, *

and he has become ’my salvation.

15 There is a sound of exulta’tion and victory *

in the tents ’of the righteous:

16 “The right hand of the ’LORD has triumphed! *

the right hand of the LORD is exalted!

the right hand of the ’LORD has triumphed!”

17 I shall not ’die, but live, *

and declare the works ’of the LORD.

18 The LORD has pun’ished me sorely, *

but he did not hand me ov’er to death.

19 Open for me the ’gates of righteousness; *

I will enter them;

I will offer thanks ’to the LORD.

20 “This is the gate ’of the LORD; *

he who is right’eous may enter.”

21 I will give thanks to you, for you ’answered me *

and have become ’my salvation.

22 The same stone which the build’ers rejected *

has become the chief ’cornerstone.

23 This is ’the LORD'S doing, *

and it is marvelous ’in our eyes.

24 On this day the ’LORD has acted; *

we will rejoice and be ’glad in it.

25 Hosanna, ’LORD, hosanna! *

LORD, send us ’now success.

26 Blessed is he who comes in the name ’of the Lord; *

we bless you from the house ’of the LORD.

27 God is the LORD; he has ’shined upon us; *

form a procession with branches up to the horns ’of the altar.

28 “You are my God, and ’I will thank you; *

you are my God, and I ’will exalt you.”

29 Give thanks to the LORD, for ’he is good; *

his mercy en’dures for ever.

Holy and mighty God, your Son's triumph over sin and death has opened to us the gate of eternal life. Purify our hearts that we may follow where he has gone and share in the radiance of his glory. We ask this for the sake of our risen Lord.

Twenty-fourth Day: Evening Prayer

119

Aleph Beati immaculati

1 Happy are they whose ’way is blameless, *

who walk in the law ’of the LORD!

2 Happy are they who observe ’his decrees *

and seek him with ’all their hearts!

3 Who never do ’any wrong, *

but always walk ’in his ways.

4 You laid down ’your commandments, *

that we should ’fully keep them.

5 Oh, that my ways were made ’so direct *

that I might ’keep your statutes!

6 Then I should not be ’put to shame, *

when I regard all ’your commandments.

7 I will thank you with an ’unfeigned heart, *

when I have learned your ’righteous judgments.

8 I will ’keep your statutes; *

do not utter’ly forsake me.

Beth In quo corrigit?

9 How shall a young man ’cleanse his way? *

By keeping ’to your words.

10 With my whole ’heart I seek you; *

let me not stray from ’your commandments.

11 I treasure your promise ’in my heart, *

that I may not ’sin against you.

12 Blessed are ’you, O LORD; *

instruct me ’in your statutes.

13 With my lips will ’I recite *

all the judgments ’of your mouth.

14 I have taken greater delight in the way of ’your decrees *

than in all man’ner of riches.

15 I will meditate on ’your commandments *

and give attention ’to your ways.

16 My delight is ’in your statutes; *

I will not for’get your word.

Gimel Retribue servo tuo

17 Deal bountifully ’with your servant, *

that I may live and ’keep your word.

18 Open my eyes, that ’I may see *

the wonders ’of your law.

19 I am a stranger ’here on earth; *

do not hide your command’ments from me.

20 My soul is consumed ’at all times *

with longing ’for your judgments.

21 You have re’buked the insolent; *

cursed are they who stray from ’your commandments!

22 Turn from me shame ’and rebuke, *

for I have kept ’your decrees.

23 Even though rulers sit and ’plot against me, *

I will meditate ’on your statutes.

24 For your decrees are ’my delight, *

and they ’are my counselors.

Daleth Adhaesit pavimento

25 My soul cleaves ’to the dust; *

give me life according ’to your word.

26 I have confessed my ways, and you ’answered me; *

instruct me ’in your statutes.

27 Make me understand the way of ’your commandments, *

that I may meditate on your ’marvelous works.

28 My soul melts ’away for sorrow; *

strengthen me according ’to your word.

29 Take from me the ’way of lying; *

let me find grace ’through your law.

30 I have chosen the ’way of faithfulness; *

I have set your judg’ments before me.

31 I hold fast to ’your decrees; *

O LORD, let me not be ’put to shame.

32 I will run the way of ’your commandments, *

for you have set my ’heart at liberty.

Twenty-fifth Day: Morning Prayer

He Legem pone

33 Teach me, O LORD, the way ’of your statutes, *

and I shall keep it ’to the end.

34 Give me understanding, and I shall ’keep your law; *

I shall keep it with ’all my heart.

35 Make me go in the path of ’your commandments, *

for that is ’my desire.

36 Incline my heart to ’your decrees *

and not to ’unjust gain.

37 Turn my eyes from watching ’what is worthless; *

give me life ’in your ways.

38 Fulfill your promise ’to your servant, *

which you make to ’those who fear you.

39 Turn away the reproach ’which I dread, *

because your judg’ments are good.

40 Behold, I long for ’your commandments; *

in your righteousness pre’serve my life.

Waw Et veniat super me

41 Let your loving-kindness come to ’me, O LORD, *

and your salvation, according ’to your promise.

42 Then shall I have a word for ’those who taunt me, *

because I trust ’in your words.

43 Do not take the word of truth out ’of my mouth, *

for my hope is ’in your judgments.

44 I shall continue to ’keep your law; *

I shall keep it for ev’er and ever.

45 I will ’walk at liberty, *

because I study ’your commandments.

46 I will tell of your decrees ’before kings *

and will not ’be ashamed.

47 I delight in ’your commandments, *

which I have ’always loved.

48 I will lift up my hands to ’your commandments, *

and I will meditate ’on your statutes.

Zayin Memor esto verbi tui

49 Remember your word ’to your servant, *

because you have giv’en me hope.

50 This is my comfort ’in my trouble, *

that your promise ’gives me life.

51 The proud have derid’ed me cruelly, *

but I have not turned ’from your law.

52 When I remember your judg’ments of old, *

O LORD, I ’take great confort.

53 I am filled with a ’burning rage, *

because of the wicked who for’sake your law.

54 Your statutes have been like ’songs to me *

wherever I have lived ’as a stranger.

55 I remember your Name in the ’night, O LORD, *

and dwell up’on your law.

56 This is how it has ’been with me, *

because I have kept ’your commandments.

Heth Portio mea, Domine

57 You only are my por’tion, O LORD; *

I have promised to ’keep your words.

58 I entreat you with ’all my heart, *

be merciful to me according ’to your promise.

59 I have consid’ered my ways *

and turned my feet toward ’your decrees.

60 I hasten and ’do not tarry *

to keep ’your commandments.

61 Though the cords of the wicked en’tangle me, *

I do not for’get your law.

62 At midnight I will rise to ’give you thanks, *

because of your ’righteous judgments.

63 I am a companion of ’all who fear you *

and of those who keep ’your commandments.

64 The earth, O LORD, is full ’of your love; *

instruct me ’in your statutes.

Teth Bonitatem fecisti

65 O LORD, you have dealt graciously ’with your servant, *

according ’to your word.

66 Teach me discern’ment and knowledge, *

for I have believed in ’your commandments.

67 Before I was afflicted I ’went astray, *

but now I ’keep your word.

68 You are good and you ’bring forth good; *

instruct me ’in your statutes.

69 The proud have smeared ’me with lies, *

but I will keep your commandments with ’my whole heart.

70 Their heart is ’gross and fat, *

but my delight is ’in your law.

71 It is good for me that I have ’been afflicted, *

that I might ’learn your statutes.

72 The law of your mouth is dear’er to me *

than thousands in ’gold and silver.

Twenty-fifth Day: Evening Prayer

Yodh Manus tuae fecerunt me

73 Your hands have made me and ’fashioned me; *

give me understanding, that I may learn ’your

commandments.

74 Those who fear you will be glad ’when they see me, *

because I trust ’in your word.

75 I know, O LORD, that your judg’ments are right *

and that in faithfulness you have af’flicted me.

76 Let your loving-kindness ’be my comfort, *

as you have promised ’to your servant.

77 Let your compassion come to me, that ’I may live, *

for your law is ’my delight.

78 Let the arrogant be put to shame, for they wrong ’me

with lies; *

but I will meditate on ’your commandments.

79 Let those who fear you ’turn to me, *

and also those who know ’your decrees.

80 Let my heart be sound ’in your statutes, *

that I may not be ’put to shame.

Kaph Defecit in salutare

81 My soul has longed for ’your salvation; *

I have put my hope ’in your word.

82 My eyes have failed from watching ’for your promise, *

and I say, “When will you ’comfort me?”

83 I have become like a leather flask ’in the smoke, *

but I have not forgot’ten your statutes.

84 How much longer ’must I wait? *

when will you give judgment against those who

per’secute me?

85 The proud have dug ’pits for me; *

they do not ’keep your law.

86 All your command’ments are true; *

help me, for they persecute ’me with lies.

87 They had almost made an end of ’me on earth, *

but I have not forsaken ’your commandments.

88 In your loving-kind’ness, revive me, *

that I may keep the decrees ’of your mouth.

Lamedh In aeternum, Domine

89 O LORD, your word is ’everlasting; *

it stands firm ’in the heavens.

90 Your faithfulness remains from one generation ’to another; *

you established the earth, and ’it abides.

91 By your decree these continue ’to this day, *

for all things ’are your servants.

92 If my delight had not been ’in your law, *

I should have perished in ’my affliction.

93 I will never forget ’your commandments, *

because by them you ’give me life.

94 I am yours; oh, that ’you would save me! *

for I study ’your commandments.

95 Though the wicked lie in wait for me ’to destroy me, *

I will apply my mind to ’your decrees.

96 I see that all things come ’to an end, *

but your commandment ’has no bounds.

Mem Quomodo dilexi!

97 Oh, how ’I love your law! *

all the day long it is ’in my mind.

98 Your commandment has made me wiser ’than my enemies, *

and it is ’always with me.

99 I have more understanding than ’all my teachers, *

for your decrees ’are my study.

100 I am wiser ’than the elders, *

because I observe ’your commandments.

101 I restrain my feet from every ’evil way, *

that I may ’keep your word.

102 I do not shrink ’from your judgments, *

because you your’self have taught me.

103 How sweet are your words ’to my taste! *

they are sweeter than honey ’to my mouth.

104 Through your commandments I gain ’understanding; *

therefore I hate every ’lying way.

Twenty-sixth Day: Morning Prayer

Nun Lucerna pedibus meis

105 Your word is a lantern ’to my feet *

and a light up’on my path.

106 I have sworn and ’am determined *

to keep your ’righteous judgments.

107 I am ’deeply troubled; *

preserve my life, O LORD, according ’to your word.

108 Accept, O LORD, the willing tribute ’of my lips, *

and teach ’me your judgments.

109 My life is always ’in my hand, *

yet I do not for’get your law.

110 The wicked have set a ’trap for me, *

but I have not strayed from ’your commandments.

111 Your decrees are my inheri’tance for ever; *

truly, they are the joy ’of my heart.

112 I have applied my heart to ful’fill your statutes *

for ever and ’to the end.

Samekh Iniquos odio habui

113 I hate those who have a di’vided heart, *

but your law ’do I love.

114 You are my ref’uge and shield; *

my hope is ’in your word.

115 Away from ’me, you wicked! *

I will keep the commandments ’of my God.

116 Sustain me according to your promise, that ’I may live, *

and let me not be disappointed ’in my hope.

117 Hold me up, and I ’shall be safe, *

and my delight shall be ever ’in your statutes.

118 You spurn all who stray ’from your statutes; *

their deceitfulness ’is in vain.

119 In your sight all the wicked of the earth ’are but dross; *

therefore I love ’your decrees.

120 My flesh trembles with ’dread of you; *

I am afraid ’of your judgments.

Ayin Feci judicium

121 I have done what is ’just and right; *

do not deliver me to ’my oppressors.

122 Be surety for your ’servant's good; *

let not the ’proud oppress me.

123 My eyes have failed from watching for ’your salvation *

and for your ’righteous promise.

124 Deal with your servant according to your ’loving-kindness *

and teach ’me your statutes.

125 I am your servant; grant me ’understanding, *

that I may know ’your decrees.

126 It is time for you to ’act, O LORD, *

for they have bro’ken your law.

127 Truly, I love ’your commandments *

more than gold and ’precious stones.

128 I hold all your commandments to be ’right for me; *

all paths of falsehood ’I abhor.

Pe Mirabilia

129 Your de’crees are wonderful; *

therefore I obey them with ’all my heart.

130 When your word goes forth ’it gives light; *

it gives understanding ’to the simple.

131 I open my ’mouth and pant; *

I long for ’your commandments.

132 Turn to ’me in mercy, *

as you always do to those who ’love your Name.

133 Steady my footsteps ’in your word; *

let no iniquity have dominion ’over me.

134 Rescue me from those ’who oppress me, *

and I will keep ’your commandments.

135 Let your countenance shine up’on your servant *

and teach ’me your statutes.

136 My eyes shed ’streams of tears, *

because people do not ’keep your law.

Sadhe Justus es, Domine

137 You are right’eous, O LORD, *

and upright ’are your judgments.

138 You have issued ’your decrees *

with justice and in ’perfect faithfulness.

139 My indignation ’has consumed me, *

because my enemies for’get your words.

140 Your word has been tested ’to the uttermost, *

and your servant ’holds it dear.

141 I am small and of lit’tle account, *

yet I do not forget ’your commandments.

142 Your justice is an ever’lasting justice *

and your law ’is the truth.

143 Trouble and distress have ’come upon me, *

yet your commandments are ’my delight.

144 The righteousness of your decrees is ’everlasting; *

grant me understanding, that ’I may live.

Twenty-sixth Day: Evening Prayer

Qoph Clamavi in toto corde meo

145 I call with ’my whole heart; *

answer me, O LORD, that I may ’keep your statutes.

146 I call to you;

oh, that ’you would save me! *

I will keep ’your decrees.

147 Early in the morning I cry ’out to you, *

for in your word ’is my trust.

148 My eyes are open in ’the night watches, *

that I may meditate up’on your promise.

149 Hear my voice, O LORD, according to your ’loving-kindness; *

according to your judgments, ’give me life.

150 They draw near who in malice per’secute me; *

they are very far ’from your law.

151 You, O LORD, are ’near at hand, *

and all your command’ments are true.

152 Long have I known from ’your decrees *

that you have established ’them for ever.

Resh Vide humilitatem

153 Behold my affliction and de’liver me, *

for I do not for’get your law.

154 Plead my cause ’and redeem me; *

according to your promise, ’give me life.

155 Deliverance is far ’from the wicked, *

for they do not stud’y your statutes.

156 Great is your compas’sion, O LORD; *

preserve my life, according ’to your judgments.

157 There are many who persecute ’and oppress me, *

yet I have not swerved from ’your decrees.

158 I look with loathing ’at the faithless, *

for they have not ’kept your word.

159 See how I love ’your commandments! *

O LORD, in your mer’cy, preserve me.

160 The heart of your ’word is truth; *

all your righteous judgments endure for ’evermore.

Shin Principes persecuti sunt

161 Rulers have persecuted me with’out a cause, *

but my heart stands in awe ’of your word.

162 I am as glad because ’of your promise *

as one who ’finds great spoils.

163 As for lies, I hate ’and abhor them, *

but your law ’is my love.

164 Seven times a day ’do I praise you, *

because of your ’righteous judgments.

165 Great peace have they who ’love your law; *

for them there is no ’stumbling block.

166 I have hoped for your salva’tion, O LORD, *

and have fulfilled ’your commandments.

167 I have kept ’your decrees *

and I have ’loved them deeply.

168 I have kept your commandments ’and decrees, *

for all my ways ’are before you.

Taw Appropinquet deprecatio

169 Let my cry come before ’you, O LORD; *

give me understanding, according ’to your word.

170 Let my supplication ’come before you; *

deliver me, according ’to your promise.

171 My lips shall pour ’forth your praise, *

when you teach ’me your statutes.

172 My tongue shall sing ’of your promise, *

for all your command’ments are righteous.

173 Let your hand be read’y to help me, *

for I have chosen ’your commandments.

174 I long for your salva’tion, O LORD, *

and your law is ’my delight.

175 Let me live, and ’I will praise you, *

and let your ’judgments help me.

176 I have gone astray like a sheep ’that is lost; *

search for your servant,

for I do not forget ’your commandments.

Lord, you are just and all your commandments are eternal. Teach us to love you with all our heart and to love our neighbour as ourselves, for the sake of Jesus our Lord.

or

God, as your only Son revealed you still at work in your creation, so through Christ your living Word enable us to know your love and to share it with others. We ask this in his name.

or

As of old, O Lord our God, you gave commandments to make one nation just and true, so by your incarnate Word you make all peoples one in grace and in the perfect freedom of your service. We give thanks to you through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Twenty-seventh Day: Morning Prayer

120 Ad Dominum

1 When I was in trouble, I called ’to the LORD; *

I called to the LORD, and he ’answered me.

2 Deliver me, O LORD, from ’lying lips *

and from the de’ceitful tongue.

3 What shall be done to you, and what ’more besides, *

O you de’ceitful tongue?

4 The sharpened arrows ’of a warrior, *

along with hot ’glowing coals.

5 How hateful it is that I must ’lodge in Meshech *

and dwell among the ’tents of Kedar!

6 Too long have I ’had to live *

among the ene’mies of peace.

7 I am on the ’side of peace, *

but when I speak of it, they ’are for war.

Eternal Source of truth and peace, guard your people from the folly of rash and slanderous speech, that the words of our mouth may not cause hurt and rejection, but rather healing and unity; through Christ our Lord.

121 Levavi oculos

1 I lift up my eyes ’to the hills; *

from where is my ’help to come?

2 My help comes ’from the LORD, *

the maker of heav’en and earth.

3 He will not let your ’foot be moved *

and he who watches over you will not ’fall asleep.

4 Behold, he who keeps watch ’over Israel *

shall neither slumb’er nor sleep;

5 The LORD himself watches’over you; *

the LORD is your shade at ’your right hand,

6 So that the sun shall not strike ’you by day, *

nor the ’moon by night.

7 The LORD shall preserve you ’from all evil; *

it is he who shall ’keep you safe.

8 The LORD shall watch over your going out and

your ’coming in, *

from this time forth for ’evermore.

Be present, merciful God, and protect us in times of danger, so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this life may rest in your eternal changelessness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

122 Laetatus sum

1 I was glad when they ’said to me, *

“Let us go to the house ’of the LORD.”

2 Now our ’feet are standing *

within your gates, ’O Jerusalem.

3 Jerusalem is built ’as a city *

that is at unity ’with itself;

4 To which the tribes go up,

the tribes ’of the LORD, *

the assembly of Israel,

to praise the Name ’of the LORD.

5 For there are the ’thrones of judgment, *

the thrones of the ’house of David.

6 Pray for the peace ’of Jerusalem: *

“May they pros’per who love you.

7 Peace be with’in your walls *

and quietness with’in your towers.

8 For my brethren and com’panions' sake, *

I pray for ’your prosperity.

9 Because of the house of the ’LORD our God, *

I will seek to ’do you good.”

Lord Jesus, give us the peace of the new Jerusalem. Bring all nations into your kingdom to share your gifts, that they may render thanks to you without end and may come to your eternal city, where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever.

123 Ad te levavi oculos meos

1 To you I lift ’up my eyes, *

to you enthroned ’in the heavens.

2 As the eyes of servants look to the hand ’of their masters, *

and the eyes of a maid to the hand ’of her mistress,

3 So our eyes look to the ’LORD our God, *

until he show ’us his mercy.

4 Have mercy upon us, O ’LORD, have mercy, *

for we have had more than enough ’of contempt,

5 Too much of the scorn of the in’dolent rich, *

and of the derision ’of the proud.

King of love, rule in the hearts of all people on earth through your Son Jesus Christ, that we may become one family and one kingdom serving you by serving each other. We ask this in his name.

124 Nisi quia Dominus

1 If the LORD had not been ’on our side, *

let Isra’el now say;

2 If the LORD had not been ’on our side, *

when enemies rose ’up against us;

3 Then would they have swallowed us ’up alive *

in their fierce ’anger toward us;

4 Then would the waters have ’overwhelmed us *

and the torrent gone ’over us;

5 Then would the ’raging waters *

have gone right ’over us.

6 Blessed ’be the LORD! *

he has not given us over to be a prey ’for their teeth.

7 We have escaped like a bird from the snare ’of the fowler; *

the snare is broken, and we ’have escaped.

8 Our help is in the Name ’of the LORD, *

the maker of heav’en and earth.

Helper and Defender of Israel, rescue the peoples of the world from destructive anger, and set us free to love and serve each other in the peace of Christ our Lord.

125 Qui confidunt

1 Those who trust in the LORD are ’like Mount Zion, *

which cannot be moved, but stands ’fast for ever.

2 The hills stand a’bout Jerusalem; *

so does the LORD stand round about his people,

from this time forth for ’evermore.

3 The scepter of the wicked shall not hold sway over the

land allotted ’to the just, *

so that the just shall not put their ’hands to evil.

4 Show your goodness, O LORD, to those ’who are good *

and to those who are ’true of heart.

5 As for those who turn aside to crooked ways,

the LORD will lead them away with the ’evildoers; *

but peace be u’pon Israel.

Lord, surround your people with your presence. Do not let us stretch out our hands to evil deeds, or be destroyed by the snares of the enemy, but bring us to share the land prepared for the saints in light, where you live and reign, God, now and forever.

Twenty-seventh Day: Evening Prayer

126 In convertendo

1 When the LORD restored the for’tunes of Zion, *

then were we like ’those who dream.

2 Then was our mouth ’filled with laughter, *

and our tongue with ’shouts of joy.

3 Then they said a’mong the nations, *

“The LORD has done great ’things for them.”

4 The LORD has done great ’things for us, *

and we are ’glad indeed.

5 Restore our for’tunes, O LORD, *

like the watercourses ’of the Negev.

6 Those who ’sowed with tears *

will reap with ’songs of joy.

7 Those who go out weeping, carry’ing the seed, *

will come again with joy, shoulder’ing their sheaves.

Praise to you, God of our salvation. Your generous gifts surpass all that we can ask or imagine. You have delivered us from the exile of sin and restored us to new life in Jesus Christ our Saviour. Glory and honour and praise to you for ever and ever.

127 Nisi Dominus

1 Unless the LORD ’builds the house, *

their labor is in v’ain who build it.

2 Unless the LORD watches o’ver the city, *

in vain the watchman ’keeps his vigil.

3 It is in vain that you rise so early and go to ’bed so late; *

vain, too, to eat the bread of toil,

for he gives to his be’loved sleep.

4 Children are a heritage ’from the LORD, *

and the fruit of the womb ’is a gift.

5 Like arrows in the hand ’of a warrior *

are the children ’of one's youth.

6 Happy is the man who has his quiver ’full of them! *

he shall not be put to shame

when he contends with his enemies ’in the gate.

Gracious Father, watch over the Church, built on the foundation of your love. Help us so to live and proclaim the gospel that many may find life in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

128 Beati omnes

1 Happy are they all who ’fear the LORD, *

and who follow ’in his ways!

2 You shall eat the fruit ’of your labor; *

happiness and prosperity ’shall be yours.

3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine with’in your house, *

your children like olive shoots round ’about your table.

4 The man who ’fears the LORD *

shall thus in’deed be blessed.

5 The LORD bless ’you from Zion, *

and may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days

’of your life.

6 May you live to see your ’children's children; *

may peace be ’upon Israel.

Gracious God, giver of life in it's fullness, you take no pleasure in human want but intend your bounty to be shared among your children. Lead us in the ways of justice and peace, for Jesus Christ's sake.

129 Saepe expugnaverunt

1 “Greatly have they oppressed me ’since my youth,” *

let Isra’el now say;

2 “Greatly have they oppressed me ’since my youth, *

but they have not pre’vailed against me.”

3 The plowmen plowed up’on my back *

and made their ’furrows long.

4 The LORD, the ’Righteous One, *

has cut the cords ’of the wicked.

5 Let them be put to shame ’and thrown back, *

all those who are ene’mies of Zion.

6 Let them be like grass up’on the housetops, *

which withers before it ’can be plucked;

7 Which does not fill the hand ’of the reaper, *

nor the bosom of him who ’binds the sheaves;

8 So that those who go by say not so much as,

“The LORD ’prosper you. *

We wish you well in the Name ’of the LORD.”

Save us, gracious God, from the dark forces that threaten the lives of your people, in the nations and societies and in the human spirit. Deliver us from cynicism and violence, from jealousy and indifference, from fear and despair. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.

130 De profundis

1 Out of the depths have I called to you, O LORD;

LORD, ’hear my voice; *

let your ears consider well the voice of my ’supplication.

2 If you, LORD, were to note what is ’done amiss, *

O LORD, ’who could stand?

3 For there is forgive’ness with you; *

therefore you ’shall be feared.

4 I wait for the LORD; my soul ’waits for him; *

in his word ’is my hope.

5 My soul waits for the LORD,

more than watchmen ’for the morning, *

more than watchmen ’for the morning.

6 O Israel, wait ’for the LORD, *

for with the LORD ’there is mercy;

7 With him there is plen’teous redemption, *

and he shall redeem Israel from ’all their sins.

Rescue us, O God for whom we wait, from the depths of depression and despair. May we trust in your mercy, know the fullness of your redemption, and share in the glory of your kingdom; through our Saviour Jesus Christ.

131 Domine, non est

1 O LORD, I ’am not proud; *

I have no ’haughty looks.

2 I do not occupy myself ’with great matters, *

or with things that are too ’hard for me.

3 But I still my soul and make it quiet,

like a child upon its ’mother's breast; *

my soul is quiet’ed within me.

4 O Israel, wait up’on the LORD, *

from this time forth for ’evermore.

God of earthquake, wind, and fire, may we know you also in the voice of silence. Teach us the way of quiet, that we may find our peace in your presence, in the pattern of our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Twenty-eighth Day: Morning Prayer

132 Memento, Domine

1 LORD, re’member David, *

and all the hardships ’he endured;

2 How he swore an oath ’to the LORD *

and vowed a vow to the Mighty ’One of Jacob:

3 “I will not come under the roof ’of my house, *

nor climb up in’to my bed;

4 I will not allow my ’eyes to sleep, *

nor let my ’eyelids slumber;

5 Until I find a place ’for the LORD, *

a dwelling for the Mighty ’One of Jacob.”

6 “The ark! We heard it ’was in Ephratah; *

we found it in the ’fields of Jearim.

7 Let us go to God's ’dwelling place; *

let us fall upon our knees be’fore his footstool.”

8 Arise, O LORD, into your ’resting-place, *

you and the ark ’of your strength.

9 Let your priests be ’clothed with righteousness; *

let your faithful people ’sing with joy.

10 For your servant ’David's sake, *

do not turn away the face of ’your Anointed.

11 The LORD has sworn an ’oath to David; *

in truth, he ’will not break it:

12 “A son, the fruit ’of your body *

will I set up’on your throne.

13 If your children keep my covenant

and my testimonies that ’I shall teach them, *

their children will sit upon your throne for ’evermore.”

14 For the LORD has ’chosen Zion; *

he has desired her for his ’habitation:

15 “This shall be my resting-’place for ever; *

here will I dwell, for I de’light in her.

16 I will surely bless ’her provisions, *

and satisfy her ’poor with bread.

17 I will clothe her priests ’with salvation, *

and her faithful people will re’joice and sing.

18 There will I make the horn of ’David flourish; *

I have prepared a lamp for ’my Anointed.

19 As for his enemies, I will clothe ’them with shame; *

but as for him, his ’crown will shine."

Gracious God, you have taught us in our Saviour Jesus Christ that you are present wherever there is love, and that two or three who gather in his name are citizens of your eternal city. Feed us with the bread of life, that we may grow to recognize in every human heart a sign of your presence and an opportunity to serve you. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

133 Ecce, quam bonum!

1 Oh, how good and pleas’ant it is, *

when brethren live togeth’er in unity!

2 It is like fine oil up’on the head *

that runs down up’on the beard,

3 Upon the ’beard of Aaron, *

and runs down upon the collar ’of his robe.

4 It is like the ’dew of Hermon *

that falls upon the ’hills of Zion.

5 For there the LORD has or’dained the blessing: *

life for ’evermore.

Creator of the universe, from whom all things come, to whom all things return, give your people such unity of heart and mind, that all the world may grow in the life of your eternal kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

134 Ecce nunc

1 Behold now, bless the LORD, all you servants ’of the LORD, *

you that stand by night in the house ’of the LORD.

2 Lift up your hands in the holy place and ’bless the LORD; *

the LORD who made heaven and earth bless

you ’out of Zion.

God our creator and redeemer, give us grateful hearts and willing hands, that we may worthily praise your name and build your kingdom among all people, to the glory of your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.

135 Laudate nomen

1 Hallelujah!

Praise the Name ’of the LORD; *

give praise, you servants ’of the LORD.

2 You who stand in the house ’of the LORD, *

in the courts of the house ’of our God.

3 Praise the LORD, for the ’LORD is good; *

sing praises to his Name, for ’it is lovely.

4 For the LORD has chosen Jacob ’for himself *

and Israel for his ’own possession.

5 For I know that the ’LORD is great, *

and that our Lord is a’bove all gods.

6 The LORD does whatever pleases him, in heaven ’and on earth, *

in the seas and ’all the deeps.

7 He brings up rain clouds from the ends ’of the earth; *

he sends out lightning with the rain,

and brings the winds out ’of his storehouse.

8 It was he who struck down the first’born of Egypt, *

the firstborn both of ’man and beast.

9 He sent signs and wonders into the midst of ’you, O Egypt, *

against Pharaoh and ’all his servants.

10 He overthrew ’many nations *

and put mighty ’kings to death:

11 Sihon, king of the Amorites,

and Og, the ’king of Bashan, *

and all the kings’doms of Canaan.

12 He gave their land to be ’an inheritance, *

an inheritance for Isra’el his people.

13 O LORD, your Name is ’everlasting; *

your renown, O LORD, endures from ’age to age.

14 For the LORD gives his ’people justice *

and shows compassion ’to his servants.

15 The idols of the heathen are sil’ver and gold, *

the work of ’human hands.

16 They have mouths, but they ’cannot speak; *

eyes have they, but they ’cannot see.

17 They have ears, but they ’cannot hear; *

neither is there any breath ’in their mouth.

18 Those who make ’them are like them, *

and so are all who put their ’trust in them.

19 Bless the LORD, O ’house of Israel; *

O house of Aaron, ’bless the LORD.

20 Bless the LORD, O ’house of Levi; *

you who fear the LORD, ’bless the LORD.

21 Blessed be the LORD ’out of Zion, *

who dwells in Jerusalem.

’Hallelujah!

God of freedom, you brought your people out of slavery with a mighty hand and gave them a law of love and justice. Deliver us from every temptaion to be satisifed with false imitations of your will: with talk of peace that masks for war, and thanks for plenty that leaves the poor unfed. We pray for the coming of your kingdom, founded in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Twenty-eighth Day: Evening Prayer

136 Confitemini

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for ’he is good, *

for his mercy en’dures for ever.

2 Give thanks to the ’God of gods, *

for his mercy en’dures for ever.

3 Give thanks to the ’Lord of lords, *

for his mercy en’dures for ever.

4 Who only ’does great wonders, *

for his mercy en’dures for ever;

5 Who by wisdom ’made the heavens, *

for his mercy en’dures for ever;

6 Who spread out the earth up’on the waters, *

for his mercy en’dures for ever;

7 Who creat’ed great lights, *

for his mercy end’ures for ever;

8 The sun to ’rule the day, *

for his mercy en’dures for ever;

9 The moon and the stars to gov’ern the night, *

for his mercy en’dures for ever.

10 Who struck down the first’born of Egypt, *

for his mercy en’dures for ever;

11 And brought out Israel ’from among them, *

for his mercy en’dures for ever;

12 With a mighty hand and a ’stretched-out arm, *

for his mercy en’dures for ever;

13 Who divided the Red ’Sea in two, *

for his mercy en’dures for ever;

14 And made Israel to pass ’through the midst of it, *

for his mercy en’dures for ever;

15 But swept Pharaoh and his army in’to the Red Sea, *

for his mercy en’dures for ever;

16 Who led his people ’through the wilderness, *

for his mercy en’dures for ever.

17 Who struck ’down great kings, *

for his mercy en’dures for ever;

18 And slew ’mighty kings, *

for his mercy en’dures for ever;

19 Sihon, king ’of the Amorites, *

for his mercy en’dures for ever;

20 And Og, the ’king of Bashan, *

for his mercy en’dures for ever;

21 And gave away their lands for ’an inheritance, *

for his mercy en’dures for ever;

22 An inheritance for Isra’el his servant, *

for his mercy en’dures for ever.

23 Who remembered us in our ’low estate, *

for his mercy end’ures for ever;

24 And delivered us ’from our enemies, *

for his mercy en’dures for ever;

25 Who gives food ’to all creatures, *

for his mercy en’dures for ever.

26 Give thanks to the ’God of heaven, *

for his mercy en’dures for ever.

Maker and Sustainer of all things, Source of all life and goodness, help us always to love and serve one another, and to worship you with joy and gladness, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

137 Super flumina

1 By the waters of Babylon we sat ’down and wept, *

when we remembered ’you, O Zion.

2 As for our harps, we ’hung them up *

on the trees in the midst ’of that land.

3 For those who led us away captive asked us for a song,

and our oppressors ’called for mirth: *

“Sing us one of the ’songs of Zion.”

4 How shall we sing ’the LORD'S song *

upon an ’alien soil?

5 If I forget you, ’O Jerusalem, *

let my right hand for’get its skill.

6 Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth

if I do not re’member you, *

if I do not set Jerusalem above my ’highest joy.

7 Remember the day of Jerusalem, O LORD,

against the peo’ple of Edom, *

who said, “Down with it! down with it!

even ’to the ground!”

8 O Daughter of Babylon, doomed ’to destruction, *

happy the one who pays you back

for what you have ’done to us!

9 Happy shall he be who takes your ’little ones, *

and dashes them a’gainst the rock!

God of courage and compassion, comfort the exiled and oppressed, strengthen the faith of your people, and bring us all to our true home, the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Chrsit.

138 Confitebor tibi

1 I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with ’my whole heart; *

before the gods I will ’sing your praise.

2 I will bow down toward your holy temple

and ’praise your Name, *

because of your ’love and faithfulness;

3 For you have glori’fied your Name *

and your word a’bove all things.

4 When I called, you an’swered me; *

you increased my ’strength within me.

5 All the kings of the earth will praise ’you, O LORD, *

when they have heard the words ’of your mouth.

6 They will sing of the ways ’of the LORD, *

that great is the glory ’of the LORD.

7 Though the LORD be high, he cares ’for the lowly; *

he perceives the haughty ’from afar.

8 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you ’keep me safe; *

you stretch forth your hand against the fury of my enemies;

your right ’hand shall save me.

9 The LORD will make good his pur’pose for me; *

O LORD, your love endures for ever;

do not abandon the works ’of your hands.

God of creation and fufilment, help us to seek and discover your purposes, that we may become willing instruments of your grace, and that all the world may come to love and praise your name, in the kingdom of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Twenty-ninth Day: Morning Prayer

139 Domine, probasti

1 LORD, you have searched me ’out and known me; *

you know my sitting down and my rising up;

you discern my thoughts ’from afar.

2 You trace my journeys and my ’resting-places *

and are acquainted with ’all my ways.

3 Indeed, there is not a word ’on my lips, *

but you, O LORD, know it ’altogether.

4 You press upon me behind ’and before *

and lay your ’hand upon me.

5 Such knowledge is too wonder’ful for me; *

it is so high that I cannot at’tain to it.

6 Where can I go then ’from your Spirit? *

where can I flee ’from your presence?

7 If I climb up to heaven, ’you are there; *

if I make the grave my bed, you ’are there also.

8 If I take the wings ’of the morning *

and dwell in the uttermost parts ’of the sea,

9 Even there your ’hand will lead me *

and your right hand ’hold me fast.

10 If I say, “Surely the darkness will ’cover me, *

and the light around me ’turn to night,”

11 Darkness is not dark to you;

the night is as bright ’as the day; *

darkness and light to you are ’both alike.

12 For you yourself created my ’inmost parts; *

you knit me together in my ’mother's womb.

13 I will thank you because I am mar’velously made; *

your works are wonderful, and I ’know it well.

14 My body was not hid’den from you, *

while I was being made in secret

and woven in the depths ’of the earth.

15 Your eyes beheld my limbs, yet unfinished in the womb;

all of them were written ’in your book; *

they were fashioned day by day,

when as yet there was ’none of them.

16 How deep I find your ’thoughts, O God! *

how great is the ’sum of them!

17 If I were to count them, they would be more in number

’than the sand; *

to count them all, my life span would need to

’be like yours.

18 Oh, that you would slay the wick’ed, O God! *

You that thirst for blood, de’part from me.

19 They speak despiteful’ly against you; *

your enemies take your ’Name in vain.

20 Do I not hate those, O ’LORD, who hate you? *

and do I not loathe those who rise ’up against you?

21 I hate them with a ’perfect hatred; *

they have become ’my own enemies.

22 Search me out, O God, and ’know my heart; *

try me and know my ’restless thoughts.

23 Look well whether there be any wicked’ness in me *

and lead me in the way that ’is everlasting.

God of mystery and power, even our minds and hearts are the veils and signs of your presence. We come in silent wonder to learn the way of simplicity, the eternal road that leads to love for you and for your whole creation. We come as your Son Jesus Christ taught us, and in his name.

140 Eripe me, Domine

1 Deliver me, O LORD, from ’evildoers; *

protect me ’from the violent,

2 Who devise evil ’in their hearts *

and stir up strife ’all day long.

3 They have sharpened their tongues ’like a serpent; *

adder's poison is un’der their lips.

4 Keep me, O LORD, from the hands ’of the wicked; *

protect me from the violent,

who are determined to ’trip me up.

5 The proud have hidden a snare for me

and stretched out a ’net of cords; *

they have set traps for me ’along the path.

6 I have said to the LORD, “You ’are my God; *

listen, O LORD, to my ’supplication.

7 O Lord GOD, the strength of ’my salvation, *

you have covered my head in the ’day of battle.

8 Do not grant the desires of the wick’ed, O LORD, *

nor let their ’evil plans prosper.

9 Let not those who surround me lift ’up their heads; *

let the evil of their lips ’overwhelm them.

10 Let hot burning coals ’fall upon them; *

let them be cast into the mire, never to rise ’up again.”

11 A slanderer shall not be established ’on the earth, *

and evil shall hunt ’down the lawless.

12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause ’of the poor *

and render justice ’to the needy.

13 Surely, the righteous will give thanks ’to your Name, *

and the upright shall continue ’in your sight.

Save us, Lord, from all the terror and oppression; strengthen us to maintain the cause of the poor, that justice may roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.

Twenty-ninth Day: Evening Prayer

141 Domine, clamavi

1 O LORD, I call to you; come ’to me quickly; *

hear my voice when I ’cry to you.

2 Let my prayer be set forth in your ’sight as incense, *

the lifting up of my hands as the ’evening sacrifice.

3 Set a watch before my mouth, O LORD,

and guard the door ’of my lips; *

let not my heart incline to any ’evil thing.

4 Let me not be occupied in wickedness with ’evildoers, *

nor eat of ’their choice foods.

5 Let the righteous smite me in friendly rebuke;

let not the oil of the unrighteous a’noint my head; *

for my prayer is continually against their ’wicked deeds.

6 Let their rulers be overthrown in ’stony places, *

that they may know my ’words are true.

7 As when a plowman turns over the ’earth in furrows, *

let their bones be scattered at the mouth ’of the grave.

8 But my eyes are turned to ’you, Lord GOD; *

in you I take refuge;

do not strip me ’of my life.

9 Protect me from the snare which they have ’laid for me *

and from the traps of the ’evildoers.

10 Let the wicked fall into ’their own nets, *

while I my’self escape.

God our protector and guide, incline our hearts to turn from evil and do good, that our lives may be a prayer for the coming of your kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

142 Voce mea ad Domine

1 I cry to the LORD ’with my voice; *

to the LORD I make loud ’supplication.

2 I pour out my com’plaint before him *

and tell him ’all my trouble.

3 When my spirit languishes within me, you ’know my path; *

in the way wherein I walk they have hidden a ’trap for me.

4 I look to my right hand and find no ’one who knows me; *

I have no place to flee to, and no one ’cares for me.

5 I cry out to ’you, O LORD; *

I say, "You are my refuge,

my portion in the land ’of the living."

6 Listen to my cry for help, for I have been brought ’very low; *

save me from those who pursue me,

for they are too ’strong for me.

7 Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks ’to your Name; *

when you have dealt bountifully with me,

the righteous will gath’er around me.

God our consoler and redeemer, save your people coerced and made captive by the powers of evil, and bring us into the way of freedom and liberty prepared by the sacrifice of your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.

143 Domine, exaudi

1 LORD, hear my prayer,

and in your faithfulness heed my ’supplications; *

answer me ’in your righteousness.

2 Enter not into judgment ’with your servant, *

for in your sight shall no one liv’ing be justified.

3 For my enemy has sought my life;

he has crushed me ’to the ground; *

he has made me live in dark places like those who

’are long dead.

4 My spirit ’faints within me; *

my heart within ’me is desolate.

5 I remember the time past;

I muse upon ’all your deeds; *

I consider the works ’of your hands.

6 I spread out my ’hands to you; *

my soul gasps to you like a ’thirsty land.

7 O LORD, make haste to answer me; my ’spirit fails me; *

do not hide your face from me

or I shall be like those who go down ’to the Pit.

8 Let me hear of your loving-kindness in the morning,

for I put my ’trust in you; *

show me the road that I must walk,

for I lift up my ’soul to you.

9 Deliver me from my ene’mies, O LORD, *

for I flee to ’you for refuge.

10 Teach me to do what pleases you, for you ’are my God; *

let your good Spirit lead me on ’level ground.

11 Revive me, O LORD, ’for your Name's sake; *

for your righteousness' sake, bring me ’out of trouble.

12 Of your goodness, destroy my enemies

and bring all my ’foes to naught, *

for truly I ’am your servant.

God of our hope, when we are distracted by care and sickness, help us to recognize your image in ourselves and others, that we may be made whole and the world becomes the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Thirtieth Day: Morning Prayer

144 Benedictus Dominus

1 Blessed be the ’LORD my rock! *

who trains my hands to fight and my fin’gers to battle;

2 My help and my fortress, my stronghold and ’my deliverer, *

my shield in whom I trust,

who subdues the peoples ’under me.

3 O LORD, what are we that you should ’care for us? *

mere mortals that you should ’think of us?

4 We are like a ’puff of wind; *

our days are like a ’passing shadow.

5 Bow your heavens, O LORD, ’and come down; *

touch the mountains, and ’they shall smoke.

6 Hurl the lightning and ’scatter them; *

shoot out your ar’rows and rout them.

7 Stretch out your hand ’from on high; *

rescue me and deliver me from the great waters,

from the hand of ’foreign peoples,

8 Whose mouths ’speak deceitfully *

and whose right hand is ’raised in falsehood.

9 O God, I will sing to you ’a new song; *

I will play to you on a ’ten-stringed lyre.

10 You give victor’y to kings *

and have rescued Da’vid your servant.

11 Rescue me from the ’hurtful sword *

and deliver me from the hand of ’foreign peoples,

12 Whose mouths ’speak deceitfully *

and whose right hand is ’raised in falsehood.

13 May our sons be like plants well nurtured ’from their youth, *

and our daughters like sculptured corners ’of a palace.

14 May our barns be filled to overflowing with all man’ner

of crops; *

may the flocks in our pastures increase by thousands

and tens of thousands;

may our cattle be ’fat and sleek.

15 May there be no breaching of the walls, no going ’into exile, *

no wailing in the ’public squares.

16 Happy are the people of whom ’this is so! *

happy are the people whose God ’is the LORD!

Generous and bountiful God, give compassion to the prosperous and comfort to the needy, that all people may come to love and praise you, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

145 Exaltabo te, Deus

1 I will exalt you, O ’God my King, *

and bless your Name for ev’er and ever.

2 Every day ’will I bless you *

and praise your Name for ev’er and ever.

3 Great is the LORD and greatly ’to be praised; *

there is no end ’to his greatness.

4 One generation shall praise your works ’to another *

and shall de’clare your power.

5 I will ponder the glorious splendor ’of your majesty *

and all your ’marvelous works.

6 They shall speak of the might of your ’wondrous acts, *

and I will tell ’of your greatness.

7 They shall publish the remembrance of ’your great goodness; *

they shall sing of your ’righteous deeds.

8 The LORD is gracious and full ’of compassion, *

slow to anger and ’of great kindness.

9 The LORD is loving to ’everyone *

and his compassion is over ’all his works.

10 All your works praise ’you, O LORD, *

and your faithful ’servants bless you.

11 They make known the glory ’of your kingdom *

and speak ’of your power;

12 That the peoples may know ’of your power *

and the glorious splendor ’of your kingdom.

13 Your kingdom is an ever’lasting kingdom; *

your dominion endures through’out all ages.

14 The LORD is faithful in ’all his words *

and merciful in ’all his deeds.

15 The LORD upholds all ’those who fall; *

he lifts up those who ’are bowed down.

16 The eyes of all wait upon ’you, O LORD, *

and you give them their food ’in due season.

17 You open ’wide your hand *

and satisfy the needs of every ’living creature.

18 The LORD is righteous in ’all his ways *

and loving in ’all his works.

19 The LORD is near to those who call ’upon him, *

to all who call up’on him faithfully.

20 He fulfills the desire of ’those who fear him; *

he hears their ’cry and helps them.

21 The LORD preserves all ’those who love him, *

but he destroys ’all the wicked.

22 My mouth shall speak the praise ’of the LORD; *

let all flesh bless his holy Name for ev’er and ever.

Almighty God, give us grace to know you more and more, that knowing we may love and loving we may praise, that the whole world may hear your name and worship you, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

146 Lauda, anima mea

1 Hallelujah!

Praise the LORD, ’O my soul! *

I will praise the LORD as long as I live;

I will sing praises to my God while I ’have my being.

2 Put not your trust in rulers, nor in any ’child of earth, *

for there is no ’help in them.

3 When they breathe their last, they ’return to earth, *

and in that day ’their thoughts perish.

4 Happy are they who have the God of Jacob ’for their help! *

whose hope is in the ’LORD their God;

5 Who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that ’is in them; *

who keeps his prom’ise for ever;

6 Who gives justice to those who ’are oppressed, *

and food to ’those who hunger.

7 The LORD sets the prisoners free;

the LORD opens the eyes ’of the blind; *

the LORD lifts up those who ’are bowed down;

8 The LORD loves the righteous;

the LORD cares ’for the stranger; *

he sustains the orphan and widow,

but frustrates the way ’of the wicked.

9 The LORD shall ’reign for ever, *

your God, O Zion, throughout all generations.

’Hallelujah!

God our creator and redeemer, inspire your people, in prosperity or adversity, to turn always to you, eternal source of life, health, and goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thirtieth Day: Evening Prayer

147 Laudate Dominum

1 Hallelujah!

How good it is to sing praises ’to our God! *

how pleasant it is to honor ’him with praise!

2 The LORD re’builds Jerusalem; *

he gathers the ex’iles of Israel.

3 He heals the ’brokenhearted *

and binds ’up their wounds.

4 He counts the number ’of the stars *

and calls them all ’by their names.

5 Great is our LORD and might’y in power; *

there is no limit ’to his wisdom.

6 The LORD lifts ’up the lowly, *

but casts the wicked ’to the ground.

7 Sing to the LORD ’with thanksgiving; *

make music to our God up’on the harp.

8 He covers the heav’ens with clouds *

and prepares rain ’for the earth;

9 He makes grass to grow up’on the mountains *

and green plants to ’serve mankind.

10 He provides food for ’flocks and herds *

and for the young ravens ’when they cry.

11 He is not impressed by the might ’of a horse; *

he has no pleasure in the strength ’of a man;

12 But the LORD has pleasure in ’those who fear him, *

in those who await his ’gracious favor.

13 Worship the LORD, ’O Jerusalem; *

praise your ’God, O Zion;

14 For he has strengthened the bars ’of your gates; *

he has blessed your child’ren within you.

15 He has established peace ’on your borders; *

he satisfies you with the ’finest wheat.

16 He sends out his command ’to the earth, *

and his word runs ’very swiftly.

17 He gives ’snow like wool; *

he scatters hoar’frost like ashes.

18 He scatters his ’hail like bread crumbs; *

who can stand a’gainst his cold?

19 He sends forth his ’word and melts them; *

he blows with his wind, and the ’waters flow.

20 He declares his ’word to Jacob, *

his statutes and his judg’ments to Israel.

21 He has not done so to any ’other nation; *

to them he has not revealed his judgments.

’Hallelujah!

God of the universe, Lord of life, give us grace to see you in all your works, in all creatures, all people, and in our hearts, that we may faithfully serve you and worthily praise your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

148 Laudate Dominum

1 Hallelujah!

Praise the LORD ’from the heavens; *

praise him ’in the heights.

2 Praise him, all you an’gels of his; *

praise him, ’all his host.

3 Praise him, ’sun and moon; *

praise him, all you ’shining stars.

4 Praise him, heav’en of heavens, *

and you waters a’bove the heavens.

5 Let them praise the Name ’of the LORD; *

for he commanded, and they ’were created.

6 He made them stand fast for ev’er and ever; *

he gave them a law which shall not ’pass away.

7 Praise the LORD ’from the earth, *

you sea-monsters ’and all deeps;

8 Fire and hail, ’snow and fog, *

tempestuous wind, do’ing his will;

9 Mountains ’and all hills, *

fruit trees ’and all cedars;

10 Wild beasts ’and all cattle, *

creeping things and ’winged birds;

11 Kings of the earth ’and all peoples, *

princes and all rulers ’of the world;

12 Young ’men and maidens, *

old and ’young together.

13 Let them praise the Name ’of the LORD, *

for his Name only is exalted,

his splendor is over ’earth and heaven.

14 He has raised up strength for his people

and praise for all his ’loyal servants, *

the children of Israel, a people who are near him.

’Hallelujah!

Blessed are you, Lord our God, creator of heaven and earth; you open our eyes to see the wonders around us, and our hearts and mouths to praise you. Now give us strength for loving service, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

149 Cantate Domino

1 Hallelujah!

Sing to the LORD ’a new song; *

sing his praise in the congregation ’of the faithful.

2 Let Israel rejoice ’in his Maker; *

let the children of Zion be joyful ’in their King.

3 Let them praise his Name ’in the dance; *

let them sing praise to him with timb’rel and harp.

4 For the LORD takes pleasure ’in his people *

and adorns the ’poor with victory.

5 Let the faithful ’rejoice in triumph; *

let them be joyful ’on their beds.

6 Let the praises of God be ’in their throat *

and a two-edged sword ’in their hand;

7 To wreak vengeance ’on the nations *

and punishment ’on the peoples;

8 To bind their ’kings in chains *

and their nobles with ’links of iron;

9 To inflict on them the judg’ment decreed; *

this is glory for all his faithful people.

’Hallelujah!

Accept our praise, God of justice, defender of the oppressed. Give us grace to join in this your holy work, that all the world may see your glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

150 Laudate Dominum

1 Hallelujah!

Praise God in his ’holy temple; *

praise him in the firmament ’of his power.

2 Praise him for his ’mighty acts; *

praise him for his ex’cellent greatness.

3 Praise him with the blast ’of the ram's-horn; *

Praise him with ’lyre and harp.

4 Praise him with tim’brel and dance; *

praise him with ’strings and pipe.

5 Praise him with re’sounding cymbals; *

praise him with loud-’clanging cymbals.

6 Let everything ’that has breath *

praise the LORD.

’Hallelujah!

Maker of the universe, Source of all life, give us grace to serve you with our whole heart, that we may faithfully perform your will and joyfully participate in your creation, to the praise and glory of your name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Index

An index of psalms taken from the 1945 Episcolpal Lectionary under 28 thematic headings.

God the Creator

8, 19; 33; 65, 111; 104; 145; 147.

God the Redeemer

33; 102:15; 103; 111, 126; 113, 114; 130, 138.

God the Judge

1, 11; 7; 46, 97; 50; 62, 82; 75, 76; 90; 96; 98.

God's Glory

18:1-20; 29, 99; 36:5 & 46; 148, 150.

God's Sovereignty

24, 93; 46, 47; 72; 89:1-19; 96, 97; 98, 99; 112, 146; 145.

God's Wisdom

33; 104 111, 113; 139; 145; 147.

God's Law

19; 50; 62, 111; 119; 147.

God's Providence

23, 121; 33; 34; 37:26 & 124; 89:1-19; 139; 145; 146; 147.

God's Mercy

23, 100; 32, 130; 57, 61; 62, 63; 73; 77; 85; 86; 103; 118; 145.

The Incarnation

2, 110; 8, 113; 85, 111; 89:1-30; 102:15; 132.

The Passion

22; 40:1-16; 42; 54, 130; 69:1-22, 30-37; 88; 116.

The Church

46, 111; 48; 84; 122, 133; 147)

Worship

5; 26, 43; 63, 65; 66; 67, 122; 84, 138; 96, 100; 102:15; 116.

Thanksgiving

30, 67; 65; 92, 100; 98, 111; 103; 107; 116; 134, 138; 145; 147; 148, 150.

Prayer

4, 5; 17; 20, 28; 31; 54, 61; 84; 86; 102:15; 141:1-4; 142.

Trust In God

27; 31; 57, 146; 62, 63; 71; 73; 77; 91; 118; 121, 124, 125 123, 143.

God our Refuge

4, 20; 17; 37; 46; 49; 54, 61; 71; 91; 103; 121, 146.

Divine Guidance

25; 43, 85; 80; 111, 112.

In Time of Trouble

3, 11; 12, 13; 18:1-20; 20, 46; 30, 146; 40:1-16; 49; 57, 85; 62, 63; 80; 86; 90; 107:1-16; 118; 144.

Righteousness

1, 15; 11, 12; 18:21-35; 19; 26; 34; 40:1-16; 92; 111, 112.

Peace

29, 46; 76; 85; 98, 100; 124, 125, 126.

The Transitoriness of Life

39; 49; 90; 102:15.

The Hope of Immortality

16, 146; 30, 121; 42; 49; 66; 73; 103; 116; 139.

Morning

3, 20; 5, 63; 90; 143.

Evening

4, 31:1-6, 91, 134; 13, 121 16, 17; 77.

Penitential Psalms

6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143.

Prepparation for Holy Communion

23, 36:5; 25; 26, 43; 41; 63; 84, 122; 85; 86; 130, 133; 139.

Thanksgiving after Holy Communion

8, 15; 18:1-20; 19; 27; 29, 30; 34; 100, 110; 103 118; 145; 150.

†