This order is for use when a priest is being instituted and inducted as the rector of a parish. It may also be used for the installation of deans and canons of cathedrals, or the inauguration of other ministries, diocesan or parochial, including vicars of missions and assistant ministers. Alterations in the service are then made according to circumstances.
The chief minister is normally the bishop; but, if necessary, a deputy may be appointed. The bishop, when present, is the chief celebrant of the Eucharist. In the bishop’s absence, a priest being inducted is the chief celebrant.
Other priests, if any, who serve in the same congregation also stand with the chief celebrant at the Altar, and deacons assist according to their order.
Lay persons from the congregation read the Old Testament Lesson and the Epistle, and perform other actions as indicated in the rubrics. A deacon or priest reads the Gospel. Other clergy of the diocese participate in this celebration as an expression of the collegiality of the ministry in which they share.
Ministers of other Churches may appropriately be invited to participate.
The new minister, if a deacon, should read the Gospel, prepare the elements at the Offertory, assist the celebration at the Altar, and dismiss the congregation.
A lay person being instituted should read one of the Lessons and assist where appropriate.
Additional Directions are on page 564.
558 New Ministry
Celebration of a New Ministry
A hymn, psalm, or anthem may be sung.
The Institution
The Wardens, standing before the bishop with the new minister, say these or similar words
Bishop N., we have come together today to welcome N.N., who has been chosen to serve as Rector of (name of church). We believe that he is well qualified, and that he has been prayerfully and lawfully selected.
The Bishop may read the Letter of Institution, or else may state the purpose of the new ministry.
The Bishop then says
N., do you, in the presence of this congregation, commit yourself to this new trust and responsibility?
New Minister
I do.
The Bishop then addresses the congregation
Will you who witness this new beginning support and uphold N. in this ministry?
People
We will.
New Ministry 559
Let us then offer our prayers to God for all his people, for this congregation, and for N. their Rector.
The Litany for Ordinations, or some other appropriate litany, is led by a person appointed. At the end of the litany, the Bishop, standing, says the following or some other Collect, first saying
The Lord be with you.
People
And also with you.
Bishop
Let us pray.
Everliving God, strengthen and sustain N., that with patience and understanding he may love and care for your people; and grant that together they may follow Jesus Christ, offering to you their gifts and talents; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
At the Liturgy of the Word
The Readings are selected from the following list, or in accordance with the directions on page 565.
Old Testament Joshua 1:7-9, or Numbers 11:16-17,24-25a Psalm 43, or 132:1-9, or 146, or 133 and 134 (especially suitable for use in the evening) Epistle Romans 12:1-18, or Ephesians 4:7,11-16 Gospel John 15:9-16, or Luke 10:1-2, or John 14:11-15
The Sermon
After the Sermon, and any responses to it, the congregation sings a hymn.
560 New Ministry
The Induction
Representatives of the congregation and of the clergy of the diocese stand before the bishop with the new minister. Any of the presentations that follow may be added to, omitted, or adapted, as appropriate to the nature of the new ministry, and to the order of the minister. In the absence of the bishop, the deputy substitutes the words given in parentheses.
Representatives of the congregation present a Bible, saying
N., accept this Bible, and be among us (or be in this place) as one who proclaims the Word.
People
Amen.
The Bishop presents a vessel of water, saying
N., take this water, and help me (help the bishop) baptize in obedience to our Lord.
People
Amen.
Others present a stole or other symbol, saying
N., receive this stole, and be among us as a pastor and priest.
People
Amen.
Others present a book of prayers or other symbol, saying
N., receive this book, and be among us as a man of prayer.
People
Amen.
Others present olive oil or some other symbol, saying
N., use this oil, and be among us as a healer and reconciler.
People
Amen.
New Ministry 561
If the new minister is the rector or vicar of the parish, a Warden may now present the keys of the church, saying
N., receive these keys, and let the doors of this place be open to all people.
People
Amen.
Representative clergy of the diocese present the Constitution and Canons of this Church, saying
N., obey these Canons, and be among us to share in the councils of this diocese.
People
Amen.
Other Representatives of the congregation present bread and wine, saying
N., take this bread and wine, and be among us to break the Bread and bless the Cup.
People
Amen.
The Bishop then says
N., let all these be signs of the ministry which is mine and yours (the Bishop’s and yours) in this place.
People
Amen.
The new Minister, if a priest, may then kneel in the midst of the church, and may say
O Lord my God, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; yet you have called your servant to stand in your house, and to serve at your altar. To you and to your service I devote myself, body, soul, and spirit. Fill my memory with the record of your mighty works; enlighten my understanding with the light of your Holy Spirit; and may all the desires of my heart and will center in what you would have me do. Make
562 New Ministry
me an instrument of your salvation for the people entrusted to my care, and grant that I may faithfully administer your holy Sacraments, and by my life and teaching set forth your true and living Word. Be always with me in carrying out the duties of my ministry. In prayer, quicken my devotion; in praises, heighten my love and gratitude; in preaching, give me readiness of thought and expression; and grant that, by the clearness and brightness of your holy Word, all the world may be drawn into your blessed kingdom. All this I ask for the sake of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Bishop then presents the new minister to the congregation, saying
Greet your new Rector.
When appropriate, the family of the new minister may also be presented at this time.
The Congregation expresses its approval. Applause is appropriate.
The Bishop greets the new minister.
The new Minister then says to the people
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People
And also with you.
The new Minister then greets other members of the clergy, family members, and the congregation. The People greet one another.
At the Eucharist
The service continues with the Offertory.
The Bishop, or in the Bishop’s absence a Priest beginning a new ministry, standing at the Lord’s Table as chief celebrant, and joined by the other clergy, proceeds with the Great Thanksgiving of the Eucharist.
New Ministry 563
Except on Major Feasts, the Preface may be that for Apostles and Ordinations.
After Communion
At the Induction of a priest or deacon, in place of the usual post- communion prayer, the Bishop leads the people in the following prayer; but if the new minister is a lay person, the usual postcommunion prayer is used.
Almighty Father, we thank you for feeding us with the holy food of the Body and Blood of your Son, and for uniting us through him in the fellowship of your Holy Spirit. We thank you for raising up among us faithful servants for the ministry of your Word and Sacraments. We pray that N. may be to us an effective example in word and action, in love and patience, and in holiness of life. Grant that we, with him, may serve you now, and always rejoice in your glory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
A newly inducted Priest may, at the bishop’s request, pronounce a blessing.
A Deacon, or a Priest if no deacon is present, dismisses the assembly.
Additional Directions
The Institution, the Ministry of the Word, and the Induction should occur at the entrance of the chancel, or in some other place where the bishop and other ministers may be clearly seen and heard by the people.
The Letter of Institution is appropriate for the induction of a rector of a parish, the dean of a cathedral, and others having similar tenure of office.
564 New Ministry
Its wording may be altered by the bishop when circumstances require. In other cases, the bishop may state briefly the nature of the person’s office and the authority being conferred.
The new minister is normally presented to the bishop by the wardens of the parish, but additional, or other, persons may do this when desired.
The Litany may be sung or said standing or kneeling, but the bishop always stands for the salutation and Collect at the end of it. The Collect of the Day, or a Collect of the season, or another prayer suitable to the occasion, may be used instead.
Before the Gospel, there may be one or two Readings from Scripture. Any of the Readings, including the Gospel, may be selected from the Proper of the Day, or from the passages cited in the service. Other passages suitable to the circumstances may be substituted. Appropriate selections may be found in the service for the Ordination of a Deacon or in the Lectionary for Various Occasions.
The sermon may be preached by the bishop, the new minister, or some other person; or an address about the work of the congregation and of the new minister may be made. Representatives of the congregation or of the community, the bishop, or other persons present, may speak in response to the address or sermon.
The symbols presented should be large enough to be visible to all and should remain in the sight of the congregation during the Induction. The vestments and bread and wine may be used in the Eucharist which follows.
The priest’s prayer on page 562 is appropriate only for rectors of parishes, vicars of missions, hospital chaplains, and other priests having similar canonical charge.
For the Great Thanksgiving, any of the authorized eucharistic prayers may be used.
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.
582 Psalter
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 I 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: Elobim (“God”), Adonai (“Lord”) and the personal name YHWH. The “Four- letter 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 render “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 for YHWH, and our English tradition follows suit, rendering the combine title as “Lord GOD.”
Psalter 583
In two passages (Psalm 68:4 andPsalm 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 our 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.
584 Psalter
The Psalter
Book One
First Day: Morning Prayer
I 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 wicked is doomed.
Psalm 1 585
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 heaven 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 begotten 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.
586 Psalm 2
13
Happy are they all * who take refuge in him!
3 Domine, quid multiplicati
1
LORD, how many adversaries 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 upon 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 multitudes 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 upon your people!
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.
Psalm 3, 4 587
2
“You mortals, how long will you dishonor my glory; * how long will you worship dumb idols and run after 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 upon 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.
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 pleasure in wickedness, * and evil cannot dwell with you.
5
Braggarts cannot stand in your sight; * you hate all those who work wickedness.
588 Psalm 5
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 into 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 guilty, O God; * let them fall, because of their schemes.
12
Because of their many transgressions cast them out, * for they have rebelled 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 exult in you.
15
For you, O LORD, will bless the righteous; * you will defend them with your favor as with a shield.
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.
Psalm 6 589
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 deliver me; * save me for your mercy’s sake.
5
For in death no one remembers 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 wasted 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 accepts my prayer.
10
All my enemies shall be confounded and quake with fear; * they shall turn back and suddenly be put to shame.
7 Domine, Deus meus
1
O LORD my God, I take refuge 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 deliver me.
3
O LORD my God, if I have done these things: * if there is any wickedness in my hands,
590 Psalm 7
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 righteousness, O LORD, * and according to my innocence, O Most High.
10
Let the malice of the wicked come to an end, but establish 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 weapons of death; * he makes his arrows shafts of fire.
15
Look at those who are in labor with wickedness, * who conceive evil, and give birth to a lie.
Psalm 7 591
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.
8 Domine, Dominus noster
1
O LORD our Governor, * how exalted is your Name in all the world!
2
Out of the mouths of infants and children * your majesty is praised above 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 mindful 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 glory and honor;
7
You give him mastery over the works of your hands; * you put all things under 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!
592 Psalm 8
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 marvelous works.
2
I will be glad and rejoice 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 destroyed the wicked; * you have blotted out their name for ever and ever.
6
As for the enemy, they are finished, in perpetual ruin, * their cities plowed under, the memory of them perished;
7
But the LORD is enthroned for ever; * he has set up this throne for judgment.
8
It is he who rules the world with righteousness; * he judges the peoples 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 remember them; * he will not forget the cry of the afflicted.
Psalm 9 593
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 city 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 perish 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.
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 persecute 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 revile the LORD.
4
The wicked are so proud that they care not for God; * their only thought is, “God does not matter.”
594 Psalm 10
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 mischief and wrong.
8
They lurk in ambush in public squares and in secret places they murder the innocent; * they spy out the helpless.
9
They lie in wait, like a lion in a covert; they lie in wait to seize upon the lowly; * they seize the lowly and drag them away in their net.
10
The innocent are broken and humbled before them; * the helpless fall before 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 trouble and misery; * you see it and take it into your own hand.
15
The helpless commit themselves to you, * for you are the helper of orphans.
16
Break the power of the wicked and evil; * search out their wickedness until you find none.
Psalm 10 595
17
The LORD is King for ever 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 terror no more.
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 being 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 inhabited 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.
596 Psalm 11
Second Day: Evening Prayer
12 Salvum me fac
1
Help me, LORD, for there is no godly 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 utter 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 generation for ever.
8
The wicked prowl on every side, * and that which is worthless is highly prized by everyone.
13 Usquequo, Domine?
1
How long, O LORD? will you forget me for ever? * how long will you hide your face from me?
Psalm 12, 13 597
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.
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 upon 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 upon the LORD?
5
See how they tremble 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.
598 Psalm 14
7
Oh, that Israel’s deliverance would come out of Zion! * when the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, Jacob will rejoice and Israel be glad.
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 upon 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 against the innocent.
7
Whoever does these things * shall never be overthrown.
16 Conserva me, Domine
1
Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you; * I have said to the LORD, “You are my Lord, my good above all other.”
Psalm 15, 16 599
2
All my delight is upon the godly that are in the land, * upon those who are noble among 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 upon my lips.
5
O LORD, you are my portion and my cup; * it is you who uphold 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 always before me; * because he is at my right hand I shall not fall.
9
My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit 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.
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.
600 Psalm 17
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 impurity 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;
Psalm 17 601
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, beholding your likeness.
Third Day: Evening Prayer
18
Part IDiligam 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 worthy of praise.
3
I will call upon 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 entangled 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 heavenly dwelling; * my cry of anguish came to his ears.
602 Psalm 18
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 under his feet.
11
He mounted on cherubim and flew; * he swooped on the wings of the wind.
12
He wrapped darkness 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 uttered 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 mighty for me.
19
They confronted me in the day of my disaster; * but the LORD was my support.
Psalm 18 603
20
He brought me out into an open place; * he rescued me because he delighted in me.
Psalm 18: Part II Et retribuet mihi
21
The LORD rewarded me because of my righteous dealing; * because my hands were clean he rewarded me;
22
For I have kept the ways of the LORD * and have not offended against my God;
23
For all his judgments are before my eyes, * and his decrees I have not put away from me;
24
For I have been blameless 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 faithful, 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.
604 Psalm 18
32
For who is God, but the LORD? * who is the Rock, except our God?
33
It is God who girds me about 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 enemies 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 before 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.
Psalm 18 605
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 peoples 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 nations, 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 descendants for ever.
Fourth Day: Morning Prayer
19 Caeli enarrant
1
The heavens declare the glory 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 into 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.
606 Psalm 19
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 revives the soul; * the testimony of the LORD is sure and gives wisdom to the innocent.
8
The statutes of the LORD are just and rejoice the heart; * the commandment of the LORD is clear and gives light to the eyes.
9
The fear of the LORD is clean and endures 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 servant 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.
Psalm 19 607
20 Exaudiat te Dominus
1
May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble, * the Name of the God of Jacob 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.
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.
608 Psalm 21
3
For you meet him with blessings of prosperity, * and set a crown of fine gold upon his head.
4
He asked you for life, and you gave it to him: * length of days, for ever 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 everlasting 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 appearing, 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 arrows at them.
14
Be exalted, O LORD, in your might; * we will sing and praise your power.
Psalm 21 609
Fourth Day: Evening Prayer
22 Deus, Deus meu
1
My God, my God, why have you forsaken 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 praises of Israel.
4
Our forefathers put their trust in you; * they trusted, and you delivered 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 deliver him; * let him rescue him, if he delights 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 trouble is near, * and there is none to help.
610 Psalm 22
12
Many young bulls encircle me; * strong bulls of Bashan 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 circle 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 away, O LORD; * you are my strength; hasten 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.
Psalm 22 611
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 descendants 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.
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 beside still waters.
612 Psalm 23
3
He revives 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.
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 upon 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.
Psalm 24 613
7
Lift up your heads, O gates; lift them high, O everlasting doors; * and the King of glory shall come in.
8
“Who is this King of glory?” * “The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle.”
9
Lift up your heads, O gates; lift them high, O everlasting 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.”
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 compassion and love, * for they are from everlasting.
614 Psalm 25
6
Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; * remember me according to your love and for the sake of your goodness, 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 inherit 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 pity 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 adversity and misery * and forgive me all my sin.
18
Look upon my enemies, for they are many, * and they bear a violent hatred against me.
Psalm 25 615
19
Protect my life and deliver me; * let me not be put to shame, for I have trusted in you.
20
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, * for my hope has been in you.
21
Deliver Israel, O God, * out of all his troubles.
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 before my eyes; * I have walked faithfully 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 innocence, O LORD, * that I may go in procession round your altar,
7
Singing aloud a song of thanksgiving * and recounting all your wonderful deeds.
8
LORD, I love the house in which you dwell * and the place where your glory abides.
9
Do not sweep me away with sinners, * nor my life with those who thirst for blood,
616 Psalm 26
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 pity on me.
12
My foot stands on level ground; * in the full assembly I will bless the LORD.
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 stumbled and fell.
3
Though an army should encamp 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.
Psalm 27 617
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 upon 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 mother 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!
618 Psalm 27
18
O tarry and await the LORD’S pleasure; be strong, and he shall comfort your heart; * wait patiently for the LORD.
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 holy 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 dances for joy, * and in my song will I praise him.
Psalm 28 619
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.
29 Afferte Domino
1
Ascribe to the LORD, you gods, * ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
2
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his Name; * worship the LORD in the beauty 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 powerful 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 cedars 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 wilderness 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.
620 Psalm 29
11
The LORD shall give strength to his people; * the LORD shall give his people the blessing of peace.
Sixth Day: Morning Prayer
30 Exaltabo te, Domine
1
I will exalt you, O LORD, because you have lifted 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 servants 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 declare your faithfulness?
Psalm 30 621
11
Hear, O LORD, and have mercy 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.
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 deliver 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 tower of strength.
5
Into your hands I commend 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.
622 Psalm 31
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 upon 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.
Psalm 31 623
18
Let the lying lips be silenced which speak against 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.
Sixth Day: Evening Prayer
32 Beati quorum
1
Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven, * and whose sin is put away!
624 Psalm 32
2
Happy are they to whom the LORD imputes no guilt, * and in whose spirit there is no guile!
3
While I held my tongue, my bones withered 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 conceal 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.
Psalm 32 625
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 psaltery and lyre.
3
Sing for him a new song; * sound a fanfare with all your skill upon the trumpet.
4
For the word of the LORD is right, * and all his works are sure.
5
He loves righteousness 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 heavenly 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 nations 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!
626 Psalm 33
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 upon 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 rejoices 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.
34 Benedicam Dominum
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.
Psalm 34 627
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 deliver 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 listen to me; * I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12
Who among you loves life * and desires long life to enjoy 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 upon 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.
628 Psalm 34
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 spirits 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.
Seventh Day: Morning Prayer
35 Judica, Domine
1
Fight those who fight me, O LORD; * attack those who are attacking 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 before the wind, * and let the angel of the LORD drive them away.
Psalm 35 629
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 without 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 nothing about.
12
They pay me evil in exchange for good; * my soul is full of despair.
13
But when they were sick I dressed in sack-cloth * and humbled myself 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 gathered 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.
630 Psalm 35
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 swallowed him up.”
26
Let all who rejoice at my ruin be ashamed and disgraced; * let those who boast against me be clothed with dismay 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.”
Psalm 35 631
28
And my tongue shall be talking of your righteousness * and of your praise all the day long.
36 Dixit injustus
1
There is a voice of rebellion deep in the heart of the wicked; * there is no fear of God before 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.
632 Psalm 36
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.
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 before the LORD * and wait patiently 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 only to evil.
Psalm 37 633
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 possess the land; * they will delight in abundance of peace.
13
The wicked plot against 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 upholds the righteous.
Psalm 37: 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 vanish like smoke.
634 Psalm 37
22
The wicked borrow and do not repay, * but the righteous are generous in giving.
23
Those who are blessed by God shall possess 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 possess 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 occasion to kill them.
Psalm 37 635
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; observe 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 refuge in him.
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 already pierced me, * and your hand presses hard upon me.
636 Psalm 38
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 hidden 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 afar 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 open 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.
Psalm 38 637
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 always 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 wrongfully 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.
39 Dixi, Custodiam
1
I said, “I will keep watch upon 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 became unbearable.
4
My heart was hot within me; while I pondered, the fire burst into flame; * I spoke out with my tongue:
638 Psalm 39
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 open my mouth, * for surely it was you that did it.
11
Take your affliction 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 sojourner 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.
Psalm 39 639
40 Expectans, expectavi
1
I waited patiently upon 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 compared 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, “Behold, I come.
9
In the roll of the book it is written concerning 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.
640 Psalm 40
12
You are the LORD; do not withhold your compassion 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 deliver 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 regard for me.
19
You are my helper and my deliverer; * do not tarry, O my God.
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.
Psalm 41 641
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 merciful 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 outside and spread them.
7
All my enemies whisper together about me * and devise evil against me.
8
“A deadly thing,” they say, “has fastened 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. Amen. Amen.
642 Psalm 41
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 presence 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 disquieted 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 heavy 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.
Psalm 42 643
11
I will say to the God of my strength, “Why have you forgotten me? * and why do I go so heavily while the enemy oppresses 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 disquieted 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.
43 Judica me, Deus
1
Give judgment for me, O God, and defend my cause against an ungodly 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 oppresses 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.
644 Psalm 43
5
Why are you so full of heaviness, O my soul? * and why are you so disquieted 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.
Ninth Day: Morning Prayer
44 Deus, auribus
1
We have heard with our ears, O God, our forefathers 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 victory 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 victories 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.
Psalm 44 645
8
Every day we gloried 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 among 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 among the nations, * a laughing-stock among the peoples.
15
My humiliation is daily before me, * and shame has covered 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 betrayed your covenant.
18
Our heart never 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.
646 Psalm 44
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 hidden your face * and forgotten our affliction and oppression?
25
We sink down into the dust; * our body cleaves to the ground.
26
Rise up, and help us, * and save us, for the sake of your steadfast love.
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 fairest 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.
Psalm 45 647
7
Your throne, O God, endures for ever and ever, * a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom; you love righteousness and hate iniquity.
8
Therefore God, your God, has anointed you * with the oil of gladness above your fellows.
9
All your garments are fragrant with myrrh, aloes, 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 ever and ever.”
648 Psalm 45
46 Deus noster refugium
1
God is our refuge 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 city 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 kingdoms 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.
Psalm 46 649
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.
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 under our feet.
4
He chooses our inheritance 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 over the nations; * God sits upon his holy throne.
9
The nobles of the peoples have gathered together * with the people of the God of Abraham.
10
The rulers of the earth belong to God, * and he is highly exalted.
650 Psalm 47
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 forward 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-kindness, 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 Judah rejoice, * because of your judgments.
11
Make the circuit of Zion; walk round about her; * count the number of her towers.
Psalm 48 651
12
Consider well her bulwarks; examine her strongholds; * that you may tell those who come after.
13
This God is our God for ever and ever; * he shall be our guide for evermore.
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 upon 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 ransom 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 ever and ever, * and never see the grave.
9
For we see that the wise die also; like the dull and stupid they perish * and leave their wealth to those who come after them.
652 Psalm 49
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 ransom 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.
Psalm 49 653
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 himself 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 himself is judge.
7
Hear, O my people, and I will speak: “O Israel, I will bear witness against you; * for I am God, your God.
8
I do not accuse you because of your sacrifices; * your offerings are always 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 forest are mine, * the herds in their thousands upon the hills.
654 Psalm 50
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 wicked God says: * Why do you recite my statutes, and take my covenant upon your lips;
17
Since you refuse discipline, * and toss my words behind 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 before your eyes.
23
Consider this well, you who forget God, * lest I rend you and there be none to deliver you.
Psalm 50 655
24
Whoever offers me the sacrifice of thanksgiving honors me; * but to those who keep in my way will I show the salvation of God.”
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 ever 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.
656 Psalm 51
11
Create in me a clean heart, O God, * and renew a right spirit 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 bountiful Spirit.
14
I shall teach your ways to the wicked, * and sinners shall return 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 proclaim 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 gracious 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 upon your altar.
52 Quid gloriaris?
1
You tyrant, why do you boast of wickedness * against the godly all day long?
Psalm 52 657
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 speaking the truth.
4
You love all words that hurt, * O you deceitful tongue.
5
Oh, that God would demolish 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 ever 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.
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.
658 Psalm 53
2
God looks down from heaven upon 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 rejected them.
6
Oh, that Israel’s deliverance would come out of Zion! * when God restores the fortunes of his people Jacob will rejoice and Israel be glad.
54 Deus, in nomine
1
Save me, O God, by your Name; * in your might, defend 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 regard for God.
4
Behold, God is my helper; * it is the Lord who sustains my life.
5
Render evil to those who spy on me; * in your faithfulness, destroy them.
Psalm 54 659
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.
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 fallen 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; confound their speech; * for I have seen violence and strife in the city.
660 Psalm 55
11
Day and night the watchmen make their rounds upon 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 familiar friend.
15
We took sweet counsel together, * and walked with the throng in the house of God.
16
Let death come upon them suddenly; let them go down alive to the grave; * for wickedness is in their dwellings, in their very midst.
17
But I will call upon God, * and the LORD will deliver 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 many 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 against his comrade; * he has broken his covenant.
Psalm 55 661
22
His speech is softer than butter, * but war is in his heart.
23
His words are smoother 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 destruction, O God.
26
They shall not live out half their days, * but I will put my trust in you.
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 damage my cause; * their only thought is to do me evil.
662 Psalm 56
6
They band together; they lie in wait; * they spy upon my footsteps; because they seek my life.
7
Shall they escape despite their wickedness? * O God, in your anger, cast down the peoples.
8
You have noted my lamentation; put my tears into 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.
57 Miserere mei, Deus
1
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful, for I have taken refuge 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 maintains my cause.
3
He will send from heaven and save me; he will confound those who trample upon me; * God will send forth his love and his faithfulness.
Psalm 57 663
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 heavens, 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 waken the dawn.
9
I will confess you among the peoples, O LORD; * I will sing praise to you among the nations.
10
For your loving-kindness is greater than the heavens, * and your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
11
Exalt yourself above the heavens, O God, * and your glory over all the earth.
58 Si vere utique
1
Do you indeed decree righteousness, you rulers? * do you judge the peoples 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.
664 Psalm 58
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 skillful his charming.
6
O God, break their teeth in their mouths; * pull the fangs of the young lions, 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.”
Eleventh Day: Evening Prayer
59 Eripe me de inimicis
1
Rescue me from my enemies, 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 together against me; * not for any offense or fault of mine, O LORD.
Psalm 59 665
4
Not because of any guilt of mine * they run and prepare themselves 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 faithless and evil.
7
They go to and fro in the evening; * they snarl like dogs and run about 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 ungodly 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 people 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 about the city.
666 Psalm 59
17
They forage 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 become 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 merciful God.
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 people 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 valley of Succoth.
7
Gilead is mine and Manasseh is mine; * Ephraim is my helmet and Judah my scepter.
Psalm 60 667
8
Moab is my wash-basin, on Edom I throw down my sandal to claim it, * and over Philistia will I shout in triumph.”
9
Who will lead me into the strong city? * who will bring me to 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 against 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.
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 higher than I.
3
For you have been my refuge, * a strong tower against 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.
668 Psalm 61
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 fulfill my vows.
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 always, O people, * pour out your hearts before him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62 669
10
Those of high degree are but a fleeting breath, * even those of low estate cannot 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 belongs to God.
14
Steadfast love is yours, O Lord, * for you repay everyone according to his deeds.
63 Deus, Deus meus
1
O God, you are my God; eagerly 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 marrow and fatness, * and my mouth praises you with joyful lips,
6
When I remember you upon 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.
670 Psalm 63
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.
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 blameless 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.
Psalm 64 671
8
He will make them trip over their tongues, * and all who see them will shake their heads.
9
Everyone will stand in awe and declare God’s deeds; * they will recognize 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.
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 stronger 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 about with might.
7
You still the roaring of the seas, * the roaring of their waves, and the clamor of the peoples.
672 Psalm 65
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 prepare 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 overflow 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 themselves with grain; * let them shout for joy and sing.
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.”
Psalm 66 673
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 water on foot, * and there we rejoiced in him.
6
In his might he rules for ever; his eyes keep watch over 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 silver is tried.
10
You brought us into the snare; * you laid heavy burdens upon 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.
674 Psalm 66
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 rejected my prayer, * nor withheld his love from me.
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 among 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.
Psalm 67 675
Thirteenth Day: Morning Prayer
68 Exsurgat Deus
1
Let God arise, and let his enemies 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 presence of God.
3
But let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; * let them also be merry and joyful.
4
Sing to God, sing praises to his Name; exalt him who rides upon the heavens; * YAHWEH is his Name, rejoice before him!
5
Father of orphans, defender 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 before 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.
676 Psalm 68
11
The Lord gave the word; * great was the company of women who bore the tidings:
12
“Kings with their armies are fleeing away; * the women at home are dividing the spoils.”
13
Though you lingered among 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 falling 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 thousands of thousands; * the Lord comes in holiness 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.
Psalm 68 677
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 procession, 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 upon the hand-drums.
26
Bless God in the congregation; * bless the LORD, you that are of the fountain of Israel.
27
There is Benjamin, least of the tribes, at the head; the princes of Judah in a company; * and the princes of Zebulon 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 delight 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.
678 Psalm 68
35
Ascribe power 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!
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 into 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 hidden 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.
Psalm 69 679
8
Surely, for your sake have I suffered reproach, * and shame has covered 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 eaten me up; * the scorn of those who scorn you has fallen upon me.
11
I humbled myself with fasting, * but that was turned to my reproach.
12
I put on sack-cloth also, * and became a byword among them.
13
Those who sit at the gate murmur 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 mercy, O God, * answer me with your unfailing 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 swallow 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 deliver me.
680 Psalm 69
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 cannot 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 vinegar 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 indignation 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 among 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 offering of oxen, * more than bullocks with horns and hoofs.
Psalm 69 681
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 cities of Judah; * they shall live there and have it in possession.
38
The children of his servants will inherit it, * and those who love his Name will dwell therein.
70 Deus, in adjutorium
1
Be pleased, O God, to deliver me; * O LORD, make haste to help me.
2
Let those who seek my life be ashamed and altogether 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 speedily, O God.
6
You are my helper and my deliverer; * O LORD, do not tarry.
682 Psalm 70
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 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 always of you.
7
I have become a portent 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 talking against me, * and those who lie in wait for my life take counsel together.
11
They say, “God has forsaken him; go after him and seize him; * because there is none who will save.”
Psalm 71 683
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 number 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 wonderful 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,
684 Psalm 71
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.
72 Deus, judicium
1
Give the King your justice, 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 among 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 water 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.
Psalm 72 685
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 lowly and poor; * he shall preserve the lives of the needy.
14
He shall redeem their lives from oppression 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 upon 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. Amen. Amen.
686 Psalm 72
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 envied the proud * and saw the prosperity of the wicked:
4
For they suffer 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 against 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?”
Psalm 73 687
12
So then, these are the wicked; * always at ease, they increase 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 speaking this way, * I should have betrayed the generation of your children.
16
When I tried to understand these things, * it was too hard for me;
17
Until I entered the sanctuary 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 perish from terror!
20
Like a dream when one awakens, O Lord, * when you arise you will make their image vanish.
21
When my mind became 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 always 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 heaven but you? * and having you I desire nothing upon earth.
688 Psalm 73
26
Though my flesh and my heart should waste away, * God is the strength of my heart and my portion 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 city of Zion.
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 tokens of victory.
5
They were like men coming up with axes to a grove of trees; * they broke down all your carved work with hatchets 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 altogether.” * They burned down all the meeting-places of God in the land.
Psalm 74 689
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 adversary 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 upon the waters;
13
You crushed the heads of Leviathan * and gave him to the people of the desert for food.
14
You split open spring and torrent; * you dried up ever-flowing rivers.
15
Yours is the day, yours also the night; * you established the moon and the sun.
16
You fixed all the boundaries of the earth; * you made both summer and winter.
17
Remember, O LORD, how the enemy scoffed, * how a foolish people despised your Name.
18
Do not hand over the life of your dove to wild beasts; * never forget the lives of your poor.
19
Look upon your covenant; * the dark places of the earth are haunts of violence.
20
Let not the oppressed turn away ashamed; * let the poor and needy praise your Name.
21
Arise, O God, maintain your cause; * remember how fools revile you all day long.
690 Psalm 74
22
Forget not the clamor of your adversaries, * the unending tumult of those who rise up against you.
Fifteenth Day: Morning Prayer
75 Confitebimur tibi
1
We give you thanks, O God, we give you thanks, * calling upon your Name and declaring all your wonderful deeds.
2
“I will appoint a time,” says God; * “I will judge with equity.
3
Though the earth and all its inhabitants 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 rejoice for ever; * 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.
Psalm 75 691
76 Notus in Judœa
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 weapons of battle.
4
How glorious you are! * more splendid than the everlasting 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 rider 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 spirit of princes, * and strikes terror in the kings of the earth.
692 Psalm 76
77 Voce mea ad Dominum
1
I will cry aloud 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?
Psalm 77 693
14
You are the God who works wonders * and have declared your power among the peoples.
15
By your strength you have redeemed your people, * the children of Jacob 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 trembled 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 Moses and Aaron.
Fifteenth Day: Evening Prayer
78
Part IAttendite, 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.
694 Psalm 78
3
That which we have heard and known, and what our forefathers 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 faithful to God.
9
The people of Ephraim, armed with the bow, * turned back in the day of battle;
10
They did not keep the covenant 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.
Psalm 78 695
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 sinning 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.
696 Psalm 78
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 wingèd birds like the sand of the sea.
28
He let it fall in the midst of their camp * and round about 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 mounted 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 wonderful 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 steadfast toward him, * and they were not faithful to his covenant.
Psalm 78 697
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.
Psalm 78: Part IIQuoties 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 remember 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 sycamores with frost.
48
He delivered their cattle to hailstones * and their livestock to hot thunderbolts.
698 Psalm 78
49
He poured out upon them his blazing anger: * fury, indignation, and distress, a troop of destroying 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 firstborn of Egypt, * the flower of manhood in the dwellings of Ham.
52
He led out his people 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 overwhelmed 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
They grieved him with their hill-altars * they provoked his displeasure with their idols.
59
When God heard this, he was angry * and utterly rejected Israel.
60
He forsook the shrine at Shiloh, * the tabernacle where he had lived among his people.
Psalm 78 699
61
He delivered the ark into captivity, * his glory into the adversary’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 refreshed with wine.
66
He struck his enemies on the backside * and put them to perpetual 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 founded for ever.
70
He chose David his servant, * and took him away from the sheepfolds.
71
He brought him from following 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.
Psalm 78 699
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 angry, 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 upon your Name.
7
For they have devoured Jacob * and made his dwelling 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.
Psalm 79 701
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 condemned to die.
12
May the revilings with which they reviled you, O Lord, * return seven-fold into 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.
80 Qui regis Israel
1
Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock; * shine forth, you that are enthroned upon 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.
702 Psalm 80
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 away from you; * give us life, that we may call upon your Name.
18
Restore us, O LORD God of hosts; * show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.
Psalm 80 703
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 statute 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 unfamiliar voice saying, * “I eased his shoulder from the burden; his hands were set free from bearing 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 waters of Meribah.
8
Hear, O my people, and I will admonish you: * O Israel, if you would but listen 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 Egypt 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.
704 Psalm 81
13
Oh, that my people would listen to me! * that Israel would walk in my ways!
14
I should soon subdue their enemies * and turn my hand against 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.
Sixteenth Day: Evening Prayer
82 Deus stetit
1
God takes his stand in the council 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 humble 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 about 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.'”
Psalm 82 705
8
Arise, O God, and rule the earth, * for you shall take all nations for your own.
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 against your people * and plot against those whom you protect.
4
They have said, “Come, let us wipe them out from among the nations; * let the name of Israel be remembered no more.”
5
They have conspired together; * they have made an alliance against you:
6
The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites; * the Moabites and the Hagarenes;
7
Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; * the Philistines and those who dwell in Tyre.
8
The Assyrians also have joined them, * and have come to help the people of Lot.
9
Do to them as you did to Midian, * to Sisera, and to Jabin at the river of Kishon:
10
They were destroyed at Endor; * they became like dung upon the ground.
11
Make their leaders like Oreb and Zeëb, * and all their commanders like Zebah and Zalmunna,
706 Psalm 83
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 before the wind;
14
Like fire that burns down a forest, * like the flame that sets mountains 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 terrified for ever; * let them be put to confusion and perish.
18
Let them know that you, whose Name is YAHWEH, * you alone are the Most High over all the earth.
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.
Psalm 84 707
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 himself in Zion.
7
LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; * hearken, O God of Jacob.
8
Behold our defender, 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!
85 Benedixisti, Domine
1
You have been gracious to your land, O LORD, * you have restored the good fortune 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.
708 Psalm 85
4
Restore us then, O God our Savior; * let your anger depart 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 rejoice in you?
7
Show us your mercy, 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.
Seventeenth Day: Morning Prayer
86 Inclina, Domine
1
Bow down your ear, O LORD, and answer me, * for I am poor and in misery.
Psalm 86 709
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 LORD, 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 glorify 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 nethermost Pit.
710 Psalm 86
14
The arrogant rise up against me, O God, and a band of violent men seeks my life; * they have not set you before their eyes.
15
But you, O LORD, are gracious and full of compassion, * slow to anger, and full of kindness and truth.
16
Turn to me and have mercy 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 comforted me.
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 dwellings of Jacob.
2
Glorious things are spoken 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 enrolls the peoples, * “These also were born there.”
6
The singers and the dancers will say, * “All my fresh springs are in you.”
Psalm 87 711
88 Domine, Deus
1
O LORD, my God, my Savior, * by day and night I cry to you.
2
Let my prayer enter into 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 among the dead, * like the slain who lie in the grave,
6
Whom you remember 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 upon me heavily, * and all your great waves overwhelm me.
9
You have put my friends far from me; you have made me to be abhorred by them; * I am in prison and cannot get free.
10
My sight has failed me because 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?
712 Psalm 88
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 rejected 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 away from me, * and darkness is my only companion.
Seventeenth Day: Evening Prayer
89
Part IMisericordias Domini
1
Your love, O LORD, for ever will I sing; * from age to age my mouth will proclaim your faithfulness.
2
For I am persuaded that your love is established 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 David my servant:
Psalm 89 713
4
‘I will establish your line for ever, * and preserve your throne for all generations.'”
5
The heavens bear witness to your wonders, 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 among 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 also 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 before 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.
714 Psalm 89
18
Truly, the LORD is our ruler; * The Holy One of Israel is our King.
Psalm 89: Part IITunc 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 David my servant; * with my holy oil have I anointed 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 dominion 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.”
Psalm 89 715
30
“If his children forsake 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 faithfulness 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 endure 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 enraged 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 strongholds 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 enemies rejoice.
43
You have turned back the edge of his sword * and have not sustained him in battle.
716 Psalm 89
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 yourself 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-kindnesses of old, * which you promised David in your faithfulness?
50
Remember, Lord, how your servant 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.
Book Four
Eighteenth Day: Morning Prayer
90 Domine, refugium
1
Lord, you have been our refuge * from one generation to another.
Psalm 90 717
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 number our days * that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.
13
Return, O LORD; how long will you tarry? * be gracious to your servants.
718 Psalm 90
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 afflicted us * and the years in which we suffered adversity.
16
Show your servants 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; prosper our handiwork.
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 under his wings; * his faithfulness shall be a shield and buckler.
5
You shall not be afraid of any terror 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.
Psalm 91 719
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 happen 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 against a stone.
13
You shall tread upon the lion and the adder; * you shall trample the young lion and the serpent under your feet.
14
Because he is bound to me in love, therefore will I deliver 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 satisfy him, * and show him my salvation.
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;
720 Psalm 92
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 iniquity flourish,
7
They flourish only to be destroyed for ever; * but you, O LORD, are exalted for evermore.
8
For lo, your enemies, O LORD, lo, your enemies 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 over 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 cedar 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 upright the LORD is, * my Rock, in whom there is no fault.
Psalm 92 721
Eighteenth Day: Evening Prayer
93 Dominus regnavit
1
The LORD is King; he has put on splendid apparel; * the LORD has put on his apparel and girded himself with strength.
2
He has made the whole world so sure * that it cannot 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.
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 wicked, O LORD, * how long shall the wicked triumph?
722 Psalm 93, 94
4
They bluster in their insolence; * all evildoers are full of boasting.
5
They crush your people, O LORD, * and afflict your chosen nation.
6
They murder the widow and the stranger * and put the orphans to death.
7
Yet they say, “The LORD does not see, * the God of Jacob takes no notice.”
8
Consider well, you dullards among 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 instruct, 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 abandon his people, * nor will he forsake his own.
15
For judgment will again be just, * and all the true of heart will follow it.
16
Who rose up for me against 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.
Psalm 94 723
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 innocent to death.
22
But the LORD has become 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.
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 above 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.
724 Psalm 95
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 generation 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 into my rest.”
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 among the nations * and his wonders among all peoples.
4
For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; * he is more to be feared than all gods.
Psalm 96 725
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 honor and power.
8
Ascribe to the LORD the honor due his Name; * bring offerings and come into his courts.
9
Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness; * let the whole earth tremble 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 peoples 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.
726 Psalm 97
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 declare 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 Judah rejoice, * because of your judgments, O LORD.
9
For you are the LORD, most high over all the earth; * you are exalted far above 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.
Nineteenth Day: Evening Prayer
98 Cantate Domino
1
Sing to the LORD a new song, * for he has done marvelous things.
Psalm 98 727
2
With his right hand and his holy arm * has he won for himself 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, rejoice, 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 peoples with equity.
99 Dominus regnavit
1
The LORD is King; let the people tremble; * he is enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth shake.
728 Psalm 99
2
The LORD is great in Zion; * he is high above 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 established equity; * you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.”
5
Proclaim the greatness of the LORD our God and fall down before his footstool; * he is the Holy One.
6
Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among those who call upon his Name, * they called upon the LORD, and he answered them.
7
He spoke to them out of the pillar 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.
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 himself is God; * he himself has made us, and we are his; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
Psalm 100 729
3
Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise; * give thanks to him and call upon his Name.
4
For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; * and his faithfulness endures from age to age.
101 Misericordiam et judicium
1
I will sing of mercy 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 within my house.
3
I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; * I hate the doers of evil deeds; they shall not remain 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 cannot 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.
730 Psalm 101
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 away 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 among the ruins.
7
I lie awake 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 ashes for bread * and mingled my drink with weeping.
10
Because of your indignation 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, endure for ever, * and your Name from age to age.
Psalm 102 731
13
You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to have mercy 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 despise 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 beheld the earth;
20
That he might hear the groan of the captive * and set free those condemned to die;
21
That they may declare in Zion the Name of the LORD, * and his praise in Jerusalem;
22
When the peoples are gathered together, * and the kingdoms also, to serve the LORD.
23
He has brought down my strength before 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;
732 Psalm 102
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 always 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.”
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 executes righteousness * and judgment for all who are oppressed.
7
He made his ways known to Moses * and his works to the children of Israel.
8
The LORD is full of compassion and mercy, * slow to anger and of great kindness.
9
He will not always accuse us, * nor will he keep his anger for ever.
Psalm 103 733
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 commandments 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.
734 Psalm 103
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 majesty 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 waters 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 rebuke they fled; * at the voice of your thunder they hastened away.
8
They went up into the hills and down to the valleys beneath, * to the places you had appointed for them.
9
You set the limits that they should not pass; * they shall not again cover the earth.
10
You send the springs into the valleys; * they flow between 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 among the branches.
Psalm 104 735
13
You water the mountains from your dwelling 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 gladden our hearts,
16
Oil to make a cheerful countenance, * and bread to strengthen 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 after 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 until the evening.
25
O LORD, how manifold are your works! * in wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
736 Psalm 104
26
Yonder is the great and wide sea with its living things too many 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 endure 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!
Psalm 104 737
Twenty-first Day: Morning Prayer
105
Part IConfitemini Domino
1
Give thanks to the LORD and call upon his Name; * make known his deeds among the peoples.
2
Sing to him, sing praises 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 Abraham his servant, * O children of Jacob 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 statute for Jacob, * an everlasting covenant for Israel,
11
Saying, “To you will I give the land of Canaan * to be your allotted inheritance.”
738 Psalm 105
12
When they were few in number, * of little account, and sojourners in the land,
13
Wandering from nation to nation * 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 prophets no harm.”
16
Then he called for a famine in the land * and destroyed the supply 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 over his household, * as a ruler over all his possessions,
22
To instruct his princes according to his will * and to teach his elders wisdom.
Psalm 105: Part IIEt intravit Israel
23
Israel came into Egypt, * and Jacob became a sojourner in the land of Ham.
Psalm 105 739
24
The LORD made his people exceedingly fruitful; * he made them stronger than their enemies;
25
Whose heart he turned, so that they hated his people, * and dealt unjustly with his servants.
26
He sent Moses 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 against his words.
29
He turned their waters into blood * and caused their fish to die.
30
Their land was overrun 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 instead of rain, * and flames of fire throughout 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 silver and gold; * in all their tribes there was not one that stumbled.
740 Psalm 105
38
Egypt was glad of their going, * because they were afraid 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 Abraham his servant.
43
So he led forth his people 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!
Twenty-first Day: Evening Prayer
106
Part IConfitemini Domino
1
Hallelujah! Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, * for his mercy endures for ever.
2
Who can declare the mighty acts of the LORD * or show forth all his praise?
Psalm 106 741
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 believed his words * and sang him songs of praise.
13
But they soon forgot 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.
742 Psalm 106
15
He gave them what they asked, * but sent leanness into 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 against their company, * and flames devoured the wicked.
Psalm 106: Part IIEt fecerunt vitulum
19
Israel made a bull-calf at Horeb * and worshiped a molten image;
20
And so they exchanged 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 consuming them.
24
They refused the pleasant land * and would not believe 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,
Psalm 106 743
27
To cast out their seed among the nations, * and to scatter them throughout 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 generations for ever.
32
Again they provoked his anger at the waters of Meribah, * so that he punished Moses because of them;
33
For they so embittered his spirit * that he spoke rash words with his lips.
34
They did not destroy the peoples * as the LORD had commanded them.
35
They intermingled with the heathen * and learned their pagan ways,
36
So that they worshiped their idols, * which became a snare to them.
37
They sacrificed 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 defiled with blood.
744 Psalm 106
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 enemies oppressed them, * and they were humbled under their hand.
43
Many a time did he deliver them, but they rebelled through their own devices, * and were brought down in their iniquity.
44
Nevertheless, he saw their distress, * when he heard their lamentation.
45
He remembered his covenant 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 among 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!
Psalm 106 745
Book Five
Twenty-second Day: Morning Prayer
107
Part IConfitemini Domino
1
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, * and his mercy endures for ever.
2
Let all those whom the LORD has redeemed 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 hungry and thirsty; * their spirits languished 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 satisfies the thirsty * and fills the hungry with good things.
746 Psalm 107
10
Some sat in darkness and deep gloom, * bound fast in misery 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 rebellious ways; * they were afflicted because of their sins.
18
They abhorred all manner 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.
Psalm 107 747
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 staggered 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.
Psalm 107: Part IIPosuit 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.
748 Psalm 107
36
He settled the hungry there, * and they founded a city 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 adversity and sorrow,
40
(He pours contempt 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 ponder these things, * and consider well the mercies of the 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 waken the dawn.
3
I will confess you among the peoples, O LORD; * I will sing praises to you among the nations.
Psalm 108 749
4
For your loving-kindness is greater than the heavens, * and your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
5
Exalt yourself above the heavens, 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 valley of Succoth.
8
Gilead is mine and Manasseh is mine; * Ephraim is my helmet and Judah my scepter.
9
Moab is my washbasin, on Edom I throw down my sandal 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 against 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.
109 Deua, laudem
1
Hold not your tongue, O God of my praise; * for the mouth of the wicked, the mouth of the deceitful, is opened against me.
750 Psalm 109
2
They speak to me with a lying tongue; * they encompass me with hateful words and fight against me without a cause.
3
Despite my love, they accuse me; * but as for me, I pray for them.
4
They repay evil 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 children be fatherless, * and his wife become 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 everything he has; * let strangers plunder his gains.
11
Let there be no one to show him kindness, * and none to pity his fatherless 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 before the LORD, * and his mother’s sin not be blotted out;
14
Let their sin be always before the LORD; * but let him root out their names from the earth;
Psalm 109 751
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 depart 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 around 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, deliver me.
21
For I am poor and needy, * and my heart is wounded 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 wasted and gaunt.
24
I have become a reproach to them; * they see and shake their heads.
25
Help me, O LORD my God; * save me for your mercy’s sake.
752 Psalm 109
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.
Twenty-third Day: Morning Prayer
110 Dixit Dominus
1
The LORD said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, * until I make your enemies 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.
Psalm 110 753
6
He will heap high the corpses; * he will smash heads over the wide earth.
7
He will drink from the brook beside the road; * therefore he will lift high his head.
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 delight in them.
3
His work is full of majesty and splendor, * and his righteousness endures 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 faithfulness and justice; * all his commandments 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 covenant for ever; * holy and awesome is his Name.
754 Psalm 111
10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; * those who act accordingly have a good understanding; his praise endures for ever.
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 generous in lending * and to manage their affairs with justice.
6
For they will never be shaken; * the righteous will be kept in everlasting 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 upon 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 wicked will perish.
Psalm 112 755
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 above all nations, * and his glory above the heavens.
5
Who is like the LORD our God, who sits enthroned 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 mother of children.
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.
756 Psalm 113, 114
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.
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 silver 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;
Psalm 115 757
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 heaven 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!
758 Psalm 115
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 treated 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 repay 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.
Psalm 116 759
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!
117 Laudate Dominum
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!
118 Confitemini Domino
1
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; * his mercy endures for ever.
2
Let Israel now proclaim, * “His mercy endures for ever.”
760 Psalm 117, 118
3
Let the house of Aaron now proclaim, * “His mercy endures for ever.”
4
Let those who fear the LORD now proclaim, * “His mercy endures for ever.”
5
I called to the LORD in my distress; * the LORD answered by setting 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 encompass 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 almost 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 exultation and victory * in the tents of the righteous:
Psalm 118 761
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 punished me sorely, * but he did not hand me over 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 righteous may enter.”
21
I will give thanks to you, for you answered me * and have become my salvation.
22
The same stone which the builders 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.
762 Psalm 118
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 endures for ever.
Twenty-fourth Day: Evening Prayer
119
AlephBeati 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 utterly forsake me.
Psalm 119:1 763
BethIn 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 manner 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 forget your word.
GimelRetribue 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 commandments from me.
20
My soul is consumed at all times * with longing for your judgments.
764 Psalm 119:9, 17
21
You have rebuked 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.
DalethAdhœsit 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 judgments 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.
Psalm 119:25 765
Twenty-fifth Day: Morning Prayer
HeLegem 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 judgments are good.
40
Behold, I long for your commandments; * in your righteousness preserve my life.
WawEt 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.
766 Psalm 119:33, 41
44
I shall continue to keep your law; * I shall keep it for ever 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.
ZayinMemor esto verbi tui
49
Remember your word to your servant, * because you have given me hope.
50
This is my comfort in my trouble, * that your promise gives me life.
51
The proud have derided me cruelly, * but I have not turned from your law.
52
When I remember your judgments of old, * O LORD, I take great comfort.
53
I am filled with a burning rage, * because of the wicked who forsake 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 upon your law.
56
This is how it has been with me, * because I have kept your commandments.
Psalm 119:49 767
HethPortio mea, Domine
57
You only are my portion, 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 considered 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 entangle me, * I do not forget 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.
TethBonitatem fecisti
65
O LORD, you have dealt graciously with your servant, * according to your word.
66
Teach me discernment 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.
768 Psalm 119:57, 65
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 dearer to me * than thousands in gold and silver.
Twenty-fifth Day: Evening Prayer
YodhManus tuœ 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 judgments are right * and that in faithfulness you have afflicted 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.
Psalm 119:73 769
80
Let my heart be sound in your statutes, * that I may not be put to shame.
KaphDefecit 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 forgotten your statutes.
84
How much longer must I wait? * when will you give judgment against those who persecute me?
85
The proud have dug pits for me; * they do not keep your law.
86
All your commandments 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-kindness, revive me, * that I may keep the decrees of your mouth.
LamedhIn œternum, 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.
770 Psalm 119:81, 89
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.
MemQuomodo 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 yourself have taught me.
103
How sweet are your words to my taste! * they are sweeter than honey to my mouth.
Psalm 119:97 771
104
Through your commandments I gain understanding; * therefore I hate every lying way.
Twenty-sixth Day: Morning Prayer
NunLucerna pedibus meis
105
Your word is a lantern to my feet * and a light upon 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 forget your law.
110
The wicked have set a trap for me, * but I have not strayed from your commandments.
111
Your decrees are my inheritance for ever; * truly, they are the joy of my heart.
112
I have applied my heart to fulfill your statutes * for ever and to the end.
SamekhIniquos odio habui
113
I hate those who have a divided heart, * but your law do I love.
772 Psalm 119:105, 113
114
You are my refuge 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.
AyinFeci 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 broken your law.
Psalm 119:121 773
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.
PeMirabilia
129
Your decrees 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 upon your servant * and teach me your statutes.
136
My eyes shed streams of tears, * because people do not keep your law.
SadheJustus es, Domine
137
You are righteous, O LORD, * and upright are your judgments.
774 Psalm 119:129, 137
138
You have issued your decrees * with justice and in perfect faithfulness.
139
My indignation has consumed me, * because my enemies forget your words.
140
Your word has been tested to the uttermost, * and your servant holds it dear.
141
I am small and of little account, * yet I do not forget your commandments.
142
Your justice is an everlasting 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
QophClamavi 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 upon your promise.
Psalm 119:145 775
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 persecute me; * they are very far from your law.
151
You, O LORD, are near at hand, * and all your commandments are true.
152
Long have I known from your decrees * that you have established them for ever.
ReshVide humilitatem
153
Behold my affliction and deliver me, * for I do not forget 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 study your statutes.
156
Great is your compassion, 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 mercy, preserve me.
160
The heart of your word is truth; * all your righteous judgments endure for evermore.
776 Psalm 119:153
ShinPrincipes persecuti sunt
161
Rulers have persecuted me without 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 salvation, 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.
TawAppropinquet 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 commandments are righteous.
Psalm 119:161, 169 777
173
Let your hand be ready to help me, * for I have chosen your commandments.
174
I long for your salvation, 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.
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 deceitful tongue.
3
What shall be done to you, and what more besides, * O you deceitful 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 enemies of peace.
7
I am on the side of peace, * but when I speak of it, they are for war.
778 Psalm 120
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 heaven 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 slumber 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.
122 Lœtatus 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;
Psalm 121, 122 779
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 prosper who love you.
7
Peace be within your walls * and quietness within your towers.
8
For my brethren and companions’ sake, * I pray for your prosperity.
9
Because of the house of the LORD our God, * I will seek to do you good.”
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 indolent rich, * and of the derision of the proud.
780 Psalm 123
124 Nisi quia Dominus
1
If the LORD had not been on our side, * let Israel 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 heaven and earth.
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 about 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.
Psalm 124, 125 781
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 upon Israel.
Twenty-seventh Day: Evening Prayer
126 In convertendo
1
When the LORD restored the fortunes 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 among 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 fortunes, 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, carrying the seed, * will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.
127 Nisi Dominus
1
Unless the LORD builds the house, * their labor is in vain who build it.
782 Psalm 126, 127
2
Unless the LORD watches over 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 beloved 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.
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 within your house, * your children like olive shoots round about your table.
4
The man who fears the LORD * shall thus indeed 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.
Psalm 128 783
129 Sœpe expugnaverunt
1
“Greatly have they oppressed me since my youth,” * let Israel now say;
2
“Greatly have they oppressed me since my youth, * but they have not prevailed against me.”
3
The plowmen plowed upon 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 enemies of Zion.
6
Let them be like grass upon 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.”
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 forgiveness with you; * therefore you shall be feared.
784 Psalm 129, 130
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 plenteous redemption, * and he shall redeem Israel from all their sins.
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 quieted within me.
4
O Israel, wait upon the LORD, * from this time forth for evermore.
Twenty-eighth Day: Morning Prayer
132 Memento, Domine
1
LORD, remember David, * and all the hardships he endured;
Psalm 131, 132 785
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 into 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 before 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 upon 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 delight in her.
786 Psalm 132
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 rejoice 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.”
133 Ecce, quam bonum!
1
Oh, how good and pleasant it is, * when brethren live together in unity!
2
It is like fine oil upon the head * that runs down upon 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 ordained the blessing: * life for evermore.
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.
Psalm 133, 134 787
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 above 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 firstborn 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 kingdoms of Canaan.
12
He gave their land to be an inheritance, * an inheritance for Israel his people.
788 Psalm 135
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 silver 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!
Twenty-eighth Day: Evening Prayer
136 Confitemini
1
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, * for his mercy endures for ever.
2
Give thanks to the God of gods, * for his mercy endures for ever.
Psalm 136 789
3
Give thanks to the Lord of lords, * for his mercy endures for ever.
4
Who only does great wonders, * for his mercy endures for ever;
5
Who by wisdom made the heavens, * for his mercy endures for ever;
6
Who spread out the earth upon the waters, * for his mercy endures for ever;
7
Who created great lights, * for his mercy endures for ever;
8
The sun to rule the day, * for his mercy endures for ever;
9
The moon and the stars to govern the night, * for his mercy endures for ever.
10
Who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, * for his mercy endures for ever;
11
And brought out Israel from among them, * for his mercy endures for ever;
12
With a mighty hand and a stretched-out arm, * for his mercy endures for ever;
13
Who divided the Red Sea in two, * for his mercy endures for ever;
14
And made Israel to pass through the midst of it, * for his mercy endures for ever;
15
But swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea, * for his mercy endures for ever;
790 Psalm 136
16
Who led his people through the wilderness, * for his mercy endures for ever.
17
Who struck down great kings, * for his mercy endures for ever;
18
And slew mighty kings, * for his mercy endures for ever;
19
Sihon, king of the Amorites, * for his mercy endures for ever;
20
And Og, the king of Bashan, * for his mercy endures for ever;
21
And gave away their lands for an inheritance, * for his mercy endures for ever;
22
An inheritance for Israel his servant, * for his mercy endures for ever.
23
Who remembered us in our low estate, * for his mercy endures for ever;
24
And delivered us from our enemies, * for his mercy endures for ever;
25
Who gives food to all creatures, * for his mercy endures for ever.
26
Give thanks to the God of heaven, * for his mercy endures for ever.
Psalm 136 791
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 forget its skill.
6
Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, * if I do not set Jerusalem above my highest joy.
7
Remember the day of Jerusalem, O LORD, against the people 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 against the rock!
792 Psalm 137
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 glorified your Name * and your word above all things.
4
When I called, you answered 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 purpose for me; * O LORD, your love endures for ever; do not abandon the works of your hands.
Psalm 138 793
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 wonderful for me; * it is so high that I cannot attain 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.
794 Psalm 139
13
I will thank you because I am marvelously made; * your works are wonderful, and I know it well.
14
My body was not hidden 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 wicked, O God! * You that thirst for blood, depart from me.
19
They speak despitefully 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 wickedness in me * and lead me in the way that is everlasting.
Psalm 139 795
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 under 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 wicked, 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.
796 Psalm 140
13
Surely, the righteous will give thanks to your Name, * and the upright shall continue in your sight.
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 anoint 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 myself escape.
Psalm 141 797
142 Voce mea ad Dominum
1
I cry to the LORD with my voice; * to the LORD I make loud supplication.
2
I pour out my complaint 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 gather around me.
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 living be justified.
798 Psalm 142, 143
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 enemies, 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.
Psalm 143 799
Thirtieth Day: Morning Prayer
144 Benedictus Dominus
1
Blessed be the LORD my rock! * who trains my hands to fight and my fingers 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 arrows 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 victory to kings * and have rescued David 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.
800 Psalm 144
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 manner 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!
145 Exaltabo te, Deus
1
I will exalt you, O God my King, * and bless your Name for ever and ever.
2
Every day will I bless you * and praise your Name for ever 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 declare 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.
Psalm 145 801
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 everlasting kingdom; * your dominion endures throughout 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 upon 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.
802 Psalm 145
22
My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD; * let all flesh bless his holy Name for ever and ever.
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 promise 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!
Psalm 146 803
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 rebuilds Jerusalem; * he gathers the exiles 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 mighty 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 upon the harp.
8
He covers the heavens with clouds * and prepares rain for the earth;
9
He makes grass to grow upon 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.
804 Psalm 147
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 children 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 hoarfrost like ashes.
18
He scatters his hail like bread crumbs; * who can stand against 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 judgments to Israel.
21
He has not done so to any other nation; * to them he has not revealed his judgments. Hallelujah!
148 Laudate Dominum
1
Hallelujah! Praise the LORD from the heavens; * praise him in the heights.
2
Praise him, all you angels of his; * praise him, all his host.
3
Praise him, sun and moon; * praise him, all you shining stars.
Psalm 148 805
4
Praise him, heaven of heavens, * and you waters above 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 ever 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, doing his will;
9
Mountains and all hills, * fruit trees and all cedars;
10
Wild beasts and all cattle, * creeping things and wingèd 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!
806 Psalm 148
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 timbrel 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 judgment decreed; * this is glory for all his faithful people. Hallelujah!
150 Laudate Dominum
1
Hallelujah! Praise God in his holy temple; * praise him in the firmament of his power.
Psalm 149, 150 807
2
Praise him for his mighty acts; * praise him for his excellent greatness.
3
Praise him with the blast of the ram’s-horn; * praise him with lyre and harp.
4
Praise him with timbrel and dance; * praise him with strings and pipe.
5
Praise him with resounding cymbals; * praise him with loud-clanging cymbals.
6
Let everything that has breath * praise the Lord. Hallelujah!
For use after the Collects of Morning or Evening Prayer or separately.
Prayers originally composed in traditional idiom have not been modernized; but, except in certain classical prayers which do not lend themselves to modernization, pronouns and verbs have been put in italics to assist in rendering them into contemporary speech. Prayers for the World
1. For Joy in God’s Creation
O heavenly Father, who hast filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold thy gracious hand in all thy works; that, rejoicing in thy whole creation, we may learn to serve thee with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
2. For All Sorts and Conditions of Men
O God, the creator and preserver of all mankind, we humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men; that thou wouldest be pleased to make thy ways known unto them, thy
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saving health unto all nations. More especially we pray for thy holy Church universal; that it may be so guided and governed by thy good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to thy fatherly goodness all those who are in any ways afflicted or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; [especially those for whom our prayers are desired]; that it may please thee to comfort and relieve them according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
3. For the Human Family
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
4. For Peace
See also Various Occasions no. 18.
Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
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5. For Peace Among the Nations
Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the world into the way of justice and truth, and establish among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that they may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
6. For our Enemies
O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth: deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayers for the Church
7. For the Church
Gracious Father, we pray for thy holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ thy Son our Savior. Amen.
8. For the Mission of the Church
See also the prayers for the Mission of the church on pages 58, 100, and 101, and Various Occasions no. 16.
Everliving God, whose will it is that all should come to you through your Son Jesus Christ: Inspire our witness to him, that all may know the power of his forgiveness and the hope
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of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
9. Clergy and People
Almighty and everlasting God, from whom cometh every good and perfect gift: Send down upon our bishops, and other clergy, and upon the congregations committed to their charge, the healthful Spirit of thy grace: and, that they may truly please thee, pour upon them the continual dew of thy blessing. Grant this, O Lord, for the honor of our Advocate and Mediator, Jesus Christ. Amen.
10. For the Diocese
O God, by your grace you have called us in this Diocese to a goodly fellowship of faith. Bless our Bishops(s) N. [and N.], and other clergy, and all our people. Grant that your Word may be truly preached and truly heard, your Sacraments faithfully administered and faithfully received. By your Spirit, fashion our lives according to the example of your Son, and grant that we may show the power of your love to all among whom we live; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
11. For the Parish
Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for this parish family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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12. For a Church Convention or Meeting
See also Various Occasions no. 13.
Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel [in ___________] for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
13. For the Election of a Bishop or other Minister
Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a bishop for this Diocese (or, rector for this parish), that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
14. For the Unity of the Church
See also Various Occasions no. 14, and Collect no. 6 (page 395).
O God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Savior, the Prince of Peace: Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions; take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatever else may hinder us from godly union and concord; that, as there is but one Body and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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15. For those about to be Baptized or to renew their Baptismal Covenant
O God, you prepared your disciples for the coming of the Spirit through the teaching of your Son Jesus Christ: Make the hearts and minds of your servants ready to receive the blessing of the Holy Spirit, that they may be filled with the strength of his presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For those to be ordained, see Various Occasions no. 15.
16. For Monastic Orders and Vocations
O Lord Jesus Christ, you became poor for our sake, that we might be made rich through your poverty: Guide and sanctify, we pray, those whom you call to follow you under the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, that by their prayer and service they may enrich your Church, and by their life and worship may glorify your Name; for you reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
17. For Church Musicians and Artists
O God, whom saints and angels delight to worship in heaven: Be ever present with your servants who seek through art and music to perfect the praises offered by your people on earth; and grant to them even now glimpses of your beauty, and make them worthy at length to behold it unveiled for evermore; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Prayers for National Life
18. For our Country
See also Various Occasions no. 17.
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
19. For the President of the United States and all in Civil Authority
O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to thy merciful care, that, being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to the President of the United States, the Governor of this State (or Commonwealth), and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
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20. For Congress or a State Legislature
O God, the fountain of wisdom, whose will is good and gracious, and whose law is truth: We beseech thee so to guide and bless our Senators and Representatives in Congress assembled (or in the Legislature of this State, or Common- wealth), that they may enact such laws as shall please thee, to the glory of thy Name and the welfare of this people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
21. For Courts of Justice
Almighty God, who sittest in the throne judging right: We humbly beseech thee to bless the courts of justice and the magistrates in all this land; and give unto them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, that they may discern the truth, and impartially administer the law in the fear of thee alone; through him who shall come to be our Judge, thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
22. For Sound Government
The responses in italics may be omitted.
O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth. Lord, keep this nation under your care.
To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties. Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
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To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations. Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served. Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name. For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Amen.
23. For Local Government
Almighty God our heavenly Father, send down upon those who hold office in this State (Commonwealth, City, County, Town, ____________) the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice; that with steadfast purpose they may faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well-being of all people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
24. For an Election
Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States (or of this community) in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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25. For those in the Armed Forces of our Country
Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
26. For those who suffer for the sake of Conscience
O God our Father, whose Son forgave his enemies while he was suffering shame and death: Strengthen those who suffer for the sake of conscience; when they are accused, save them from speaking in hate; when they are rejected, save them from bitterness; when they are imprisoned, save them from despair; and to us your servants, give grace to respect their witness and to discern the truth, that our society may be cleansed and strengthened. This we ask for the sake of Jesus Christ, our merciful and righteous Judge. Amen.
Prayers for the Social Order
27. For Social Justice
See also Various Occasions no. 21.
Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart [and especially the hearts of the people of this land], that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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28. In Times of Conflict
O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
29. For Agriculture
See also Various Occasions no. 19.
Almighty God, we thank you for making the earth fruitful, so that it might produce what is needed for life: Bless those who work in the fields; give us seasonable weather; and grant that we may all share the fruits of the earth, rejoicing in your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For prayers for Industry and Labor, see Various Occasions no. 19, no. 24, and no. 25.
30. For the Unemployed
Heavenly Father, we remember before you those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Guide the people of this land so to use our public and private wealth that all may find suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment for their labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
31. For Schools and Colleges
O Eternal God, bless all schools, colleges, and universities [and especially ___________], that they may be lively centers for sound learning, new discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom; and grant that those who teach and those who learn may find you to be the source of all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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For Education, see Various Occasions no. 23.
32. For the Good Use of Leisure
O God, in the course of this busy life, give us times of refreshment and peace; and grant that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds, that our spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
33. For Cities
Heavenly Father, in your Word you have given us a vision of that holy City to which the nations of the world bring their glory: Behold and visit, we pray, the cities of the earth. Renew the ties of mutual regard which form our civic life. Send us honest and able leaders. Enable us to eliminate poverty, prejudice, and oppression, that peace may prevail with righteousness, and justice with order, and that men and women from different cultures and with differing talents may find with one another the fulfillment of their humanity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
34. For Towns and Rural Areas
Lord Christ, when you came among us, you proclaimed the kingdom of God in villages, towns, and lonely places: Grant that your presence and power may be known throughout this land. Have mercy upon all of us who live and work in rural areas [especially ___________]; and grant that all the people of our nation may give thanks to you for food and drink and all other bodily necessities of life, respect those who labor to produce them, and honor the land and the water from which these good things come. All this we ask in your holy Name. Amen.
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35. For the Poor and the Neglected
Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this, Father, for the love of your Son, who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
36. For the Oppressed
Look with pity, O heavenly Father, upon the people in this land who live with injustice, terror, disease, and death as their constant companions. Have mercy upon us. Help us to eliminate our cruelty to these our neighbors. Strengthen those who spend their lives establishing equal protection of the law and equal opportunities for all. And grant that every one of us may enjoy a fair portion of the riches of this land; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
37. For Prisons and Correctional Institutions
Lord Jesus, for our sake you were condemned as a criminal: Visit our jails and prisons with your pity and judgment. Remember all prisoners, and bring the guilty to repentance and amendment of life according to your will, and give them hope for their future. When any are held unjustly, bring them release; forgive us, and teach us to improve our justice. Remember those who work in these institutions; keep them humane and compassionate; and save them from becoming brutal or callous. And since what we do for those in prison, O Lord, we do for you, constrain us to improve their lot. All this we ask for your mercy’s sake. Amen.
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38. For the Right Use of God’s Gifts
Almighty God, whose loving hand hath given us all that we possess: Grant us grace that we may honor thee with our substance, and, remembering the account which we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of thy bounty, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
39. For those who Influence Public Opinion
Almighty God, you proclaim your truth in every age by many voices: Direct, in our time, we pray, those who speak where many listen and write what many read; that they may do their part in making the heart of this people wise, its mind sound, and its will righteous; to the honor of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Social Service, see Various Occasions no. 22.
Prayers for the Natural Order
40. For Knowledge of God’s Creation
Almighty and everlasting God, you made the universe with all its marvelous order, its atoms, worlds, and galaxies, and the infinite complexity of living creatures: Grant that, as we probe the mysteries of your creation, we may come to know you more truly, and more surely fulfill our role in your eternal purpose; in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
41. For the Conservation of Natural Resources
See also Various Occasions no. 19.
Almighty God, in giving us dominion over things on earth, you made us fellow workers in your creation: Give us wisdom and reverence so to use the resources of nature, that no one may suffer from our abuse of them, and that generations yet to come may continue to praise you for your bounty; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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42. For the Harvest of Lands and Waters
O gracious Father, who openest thine hand and fillest all things living with plenteousness: Bless the lands and waters, and multiply the harvests of the world; let thy Spirit go forth, that it may renew the face of the earth; show thy loving-kindness, that our land may give her increase; and save us from selfish use of what thou givest, that men and women everywhere may give thee thanks; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
43. For Rain
O God, heavenly Father, who by thy Son Jesus Christ hast promised to all those who seek thy kingdom and its righteousness all things necessary to sustain their life: Send us, we entreat thee, in this time of need, such moderate rain and showers, that we may receive the fruits of the earth, to our comfort and to thy honor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
44. For the Future of the Human Race
O God our heavenly Father, you have blessed us and given us dominion over all the earth: Increase our reverence before the mystery of life; and give us new insight into your purposes for the human race, and new wisdom and determination in making provision for its future in accordance with your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayers for Family and Personal Life
45. For Families
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who settest the solitary in families: We commend to thy continual care the homes in which thy people dwell. Put far from them, we beseech thee,
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every root of bitterness, the desire of vainglory, and the pride of life. Fill them with faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness. Knit together in constant affection those who, in holy wedlock, have been made one flesh. Turn the hearts of the parents to the children, and the hearts of the children to the parents; and so enkindle fervent charity among us all, that we may evermore be kindly affectioned one to another; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A prayer for parents is on page 444.
46. For the Care of Children
Almighty God, heavenly Father, you have blessed us with the joy and care of children: Give us calm strength and patient wisdom as we bring them up, that we may teach them to love whatever is just and true and good, following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
47. For Young Persons
God our Father, you see your children growing up in an unsteady and confusing world: Show them that your ways give more life than the ways of the world, and that following you is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in you, and to keep alive their joy in your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
48. For Those Who Live Alone
Almighty God, whose Son had nowhere to lay his head: Grant that those who live alone may not be lonely in their solitude, but that, following in his steps, they may find fulfillment in loving you and their neighbors; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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49. For the Aged
Look with mercy, O God our Father, on all whose increasing years bring them weakness, distress, or isolation. Provide for them homes of dignity and peace; give them understanding helpers, and the willingness to accept help; and, as their strength diminishes, increase their faith and their assurance of your love. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
50. For a Birthday
O God, our times are in your hand: Look with favor, we pray, on your servant N. as he begins another year. Grant that he may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen his trust in your goodness all the days of his life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
51. For a Birthday
Watch over thy child, O Lord, as his days increase; bless and guide him wherever he may be. Strengthen him when he stands; comfort him when discouraged or sorrowful; raise him up if he fall; and in his heart may thy peace which passeth understanding abide all the days of his life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
52. For the Absent
O God, whose fatherly care reacheth to the uttermost parts of the earth: We humbly beseech thee graciously to behold and bless those whom we love, now absent from us. Defend them from all dangers of soul and body; and grant that both they and we, drawing nearer to thee, may be bound together by thy love in the communion of thy Holy Spirit, and in the fellowship of thy saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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53. For Travelers
O God, our heavenly Father, whose glory fills the whole creation, and whose presence we find wherever we go: Preserve those who travel [in particular _______________]; surround them with your loving care; protect them from every danger; and bring them in safety to their journey’s end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
54. For those we Love
Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to thy never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that thou art doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
55. For a Person in Trouble or Bereavement
O merciful Father, who hast taught us in thy holy Word that thou dost not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men: Look with pity upon the sorrows of thy servant for whom our prayers are offered. Remember him, O Lord, in mercy, nourish his soul with patience, comfort him with a sense of thy goodness, lift up thy countenance upon him, and give him peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayers for the sick are on pages 458-461. See also Various Occasions no. 20.
56. For the Victims of Addiction
O blessed Lord, you ministered to all who came to you: Look with compassion upon all who through addiction have lost their health and freedom. Restore to them the assurance of your unfailing mercy; remove from them the fears that beset them; strengthen them in the work of their recovery; and to those who care for them, give patient understanding and persevering love. Amen.
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57. For Guidance
Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favor, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
58. For Guidance
O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light riseth up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what thou wouldest have us to do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in thy light we may see light, and in thy straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
59. For Quiet Confidence
O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and confidence shall be our strength: By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
60. For Protection
Assist us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications and prayers, and dispose the way of thy servants towards the attainment of everlasting salvation; that, among all the changes and chances of this mortal life, they may ever be defended by thy gracious and ready help; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
61. A Prayer of Self-Dedication
Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to thee, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our
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wills, that we may be wholly thine, utterly dedicated unto thee; and then use us, we pray thee, as thou wilt, and always to thy glory and the welfare of thy people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
62. A Prayer attributed to St. Francis
Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
Other Prayers
Prayers for Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and for morning and evening are on pages 56, 69, 98, and 123.
63. In the Evening
O Lord, support us all the day long, until the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in thy mercy, grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last. Amen.
64. Before Worship
O Almighty God, who pourest out on all who desire it the spirit of grace and of supplication: Deliver us, when we draw near to thee, from coldness of heart and wanderings of mind, that with steadfast thoughts and kindled affections we may worship thee in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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65. For the Answering of Prayer
Almighty God, who hast promised to hear the petitions of those who ask in thy Son’s Name: We beseech thee mercifully to incline thine ear to us who have now made our prayers and supplications unto thee; and grant that those things which we have faithfully asked according to thy will, may effectually be obtained, to the relief of our necessity, and to the setting forth of thy glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
66. Before Receiving Communion
See also the Prayer of Humble Access on page 337.
Be present, be present, O Jesus, our great High Priest, as you were present with your disciples, and be known to us in the breaking of bread; who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
67. After Receiving Communion
O Lord Jesus Christ, who in a wonderful Sacrament hast left unto us a memorial of thy passion: Grant us, we beseech thee, so to venerate the sacred mysteries of thy Body and Blood, that we may ever perceive within ourselves the fruit of thy redemption; who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
68. After Worship
Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that the words which we have heard this day with our outward ears, may, through thy grace, be so grafted inwardly in our hearts, that they may bring forth in us the fruit of good living, to the honor and praise of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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69. On Sunday
O God our King, by the resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ on the first day of the week, you conquered sin, put death to flight, and gave us the hope of everlasting life: Redeem all our days by this victory; forgive our sins, banish our fears, make us bold to praise you and to do your will; and steel us to wait for the consummation of your kingdom on the last great Day; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
70. Grace at Meals
Give us grateful hearts, our Father, for all thy mercies, and make us mindful of the needs of others; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
or this
Bless, O Lord, thy gifts to our use and us to thy service; for Christ’s sake. Amen.
or this
Blessed are you, O Lord God, King of the Universe, for you give us food to sustain our lives and make our hearts glad; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
or this
For these and all his mercies, God’s holy Name be blessed and praised; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Definition of the Union of the Divine and Human Natures in the Person of Christ
Council of Chalcedon, 451 A.D., Act V
Therefore, following the holy fathers, we all with one accord teach men to acknowledge one and the same Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, at once complete in Godhead and complete in manhood, truly God and truly man, consisting also of a reasonable soul and body; of one substance (homoousios) with the Father as regards his Godhead, and at the same time of one substance with us as regards his manhood; like us in all respects, apart from sin; as regards his Godhead, begotten of the Father before the ages, but yet as regards his manhood begotten, for us men and for our salvation, of Mary the Virgin, the God-bearer (Theotokos); one and the same Christ, Son, Lord, Only-begotten, recognized in two natures, without confusion, without change, without division, without separation; the distinction of natures being in no way annulled by the union, but rather the characteristics of each nature being preserved and coming together to form one person and subsistence, not as parted or separated into two persons, but one and the same Son and Only-begotten God the Word, Lord Jesus Christ; even as the prophets from earliest times spoke of him, and our Lord Jesus Christ himself taught us, and the creed of the Fathers has handed down to us.
Quicunque Vult
commonly called
The Creed of Saint Athanasius
Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the Catholic Faith. Which Faith except everyone do keep whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlastingly. And the Catholic Faith is this: That we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity, neither confounding the Persons, nor dividing the Substance. For there is one Person of the Father, another of the Son, and another of the Holy Ghost. But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, is all one, the Glory equal, the Majesty co-eternal. Such as the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy Ghost. The Father uncreate, the Son uncreate, and the Holy Ghost uncreate. The Father incomprehensible, the Son incomprehensible, and the Holy Ghost incomprehensible. The Father eternal, the Son eternal, and the Holy Ghost eternal. And yet they are not three eternals, but one eternal. As also there are not three incomprehensibles, nor three uncreated, but one uncreated, and one incomprehensible. So likewise the Father is Almighty, the Son Almighty, and the Holy Ghost Almighty. And yet they are not three Almighties, but one Almighty.
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So the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost is God. And yet they are not three Gods, but one God. So likewise the Father is Lord, the Son Lord, and the Holy Ghost Lord. And yet not three Lords, but one Lord. For like as we are compelled by the Christian verity to acknowledge every Person by himself to be both God and Lord, So are we forbidden by the Catholic Religion, to say, There be three Gods, or three Lords. The Father is made of none, neither created, nor begotten. The Son is of the Father alone, not made, nor created, but begotten. The Holy Ghost is of the Father and of the Son, neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but proceeding. So there is one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons; one Holy Ghost, not three Holy Ghosts. And in this Trinity none is afore, or after other; none is greater, or less than another; But the whole three Persons are co-eternal together and co-equal. So that in all things, as is aforesaid, the Unity in Trinity and the Trinity in Unity is to be worshipped. He therefore that will be saved must think thus of the Trinity.
Furthermore, it is necessary to everlasting salvation that he also believe rightly the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. For the right Faith is, that we believe and confess, that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God and Man; God, of the substance of the Father, begotten before the worlds; and Man of the substance of his Mother, born in the world; Perfect God and perfect Man, of a reasonable soul and human flesh subsisting. Equal to the Father, as touching his Godhead; and inferior to the Father, as touching his manhood; Who, although he be God and Man, yet he is not two, but one Christ; One, not by conversion of the Godhead into flesh but by taking of the Manhood into God; One altogether; not by confusion of Substance, but by unity of Person. For as the reasonable soul and flesh is one man, so God and Man is one Christ; Who suffered for our salvation, descended into hell, rose again the third day from the dead. He ascended into heaven, he sitteth at the right hand of the Father, God Almighty, from whence he will come to judge the quick and the dead. At whose coming all men will rise again with their bodies and shall give account for their own works. And they that have done good shall go into life everlasting; and they that have done evil into everlasting fire. This is the Catholic Faith, which except a man believe faithfully, he cannot be saved.
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Preface
The First Book of Common Prayer (1549)
There was never any thing by the wit of man so well devised, or so sure established, which in continuance of time hath not been corrupted: as, among other things, it may plainly appear by the common prayers in the Church, commonly called Divine Service: the first original and ground whereof, if a man would search out by the ancient fathers, he shall find, that the same was not ordained, but of a good purpose, and for a great advancement of godliness: For they so ordered the matter, that all the whole Bible (or the greatest part thereof) should be read over once in the year, intending thereby, that the Clergy, and especially such as were Ministers of the congregation, should (by often reading, and meditation of God’s word) be stirred up to godliness themselves, and be more able to exhort others by wholesome doctrine, and to confute them that were adversaries to the truth. And further, that the people (by daily hearing of holy Scripture read in the Church) should continually profit more and more in the knowledge of God, and be the more inflamed with the love of his true religion.
But these many years passed, this godly and decent order of the ancient fathers hath been so altered, broken, and neglected, by planting in uncertain stories, Legends, Responds, Verses, vain repetitions, Commemorations, and Synodals, that commonly when any book of the Bible was begun, before three or four Chapters were read out, all the rest were unread. And in this sort the book of Isaiah was begun in Advent, and the book of Genesis in Septuagesima; but they were only begun, and never read through. After a like sort were other books of holy Scripture used. And moreover, whereas St. Paul would have such language spoken to the people in the Church, as they might understand, and have profit by hearing the same, the Service in the Church of England (these many years) hath been read in Latin to the people, which they understood not; so that they have heard with their ears only; and their hearts, spirit, and mind, have not been edified thereby. And furthermore, notwithstanding that the ancient fathers had divided the Psalms into seven portions, whereof every one was called a nocturn, now of late time a few of them have been daily said (and oft repeated), and the rest utterly omitted. Moreover, the number and hardness of the Rules called the Pie, and the manifold changings of the service, was the cause, that to turn the Book only, was so hard and intricate a matter, that many times, there was more business to find out what should be read, than to read it when it was found out.
These inconveniences therefore considered, here is set forth such an order, whereby the same shall be redressed. And for a readiness in this matter, here is drawn out a Kalendar for that purpose, which is plain and easy to be understood, wherein (so much as may be) the reading of holy Scripture is so set forth, that all things shall be done in order, without breaking one piece thereof from another. For this cause be cut off Anthems, Responds, Invitatories, and such like things, as did break the continual course of the reading of the Scripture.
Yet because there is no remedy, but that of necessity there must be some rules: therefore certain rules are here set forth, which, as they be few in number; so they be plain and easy to be understood. So that here you have an order for prayer (as touching the reading of the holy Scripture), much agreeable to the mind and purpose of the old fathers, and a great deal more profitable and commodious, than that which of late was used. It is more profitable, because here are left out many things, whereof some be untrue, some uncertain, same vain
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and superstitious: and is ordained nothing to be read, but the very pure word of God, the holy Scriptures, or that which is evidently grounded upon the same; and that in such a language and order as is most easy and plain for the understanding, both of the readers and hearers. It is also more commodious, both for the shortness thereof, and for the plainness of the order, and for that the rules be few and easy. Furthermore, by this order the curates shall need none other books for their public service, but this book and the Bible: by the means whereof, the people shall not be at so great charge for books, as in time past they have been.
And where heretofore, there hath been great diversity in saying and singing in churches within this realm: some following Salisbury use, some Hereford use, some the use of Bangor, some of York, and some of Lincoln: now from henceforth, all the whole realm shall have but one use. And if any would judge this way more painful, because that all things must be read upon the book, whereas before, by reason of so often repetition, they could say many things by heart: if those men will weigh their labor with the profit in knowledge, which daily they shall obtain by reading upon the book, they will not refuse the pain, in consideration of the great profit that shall ensue thereof.
And forasmuch as nothing else, almost, be so plainly set forth, but doubts may arise in the use and practicing of the same: to appease all such diversity (if any arise), and for the resolution of all doubts, concerning the manner how to understand, do, and execute, the things contained in this book: the parties that so doubt, or diversely take any thing, shall always resort to the Bishop of the Diocese, who by his discretion shall take order for the quieting and appeasing of the same; so that the same order be not contrary to any thing contained in this book.
Though it be appointed in the afore written preface, that all things shall be read and sung in the church in the English tongue, to the end that the congregation may be thereby edified: yet it is not meant, but when men say Matins and Evensong privately, they may say the same in any language that they themselves do understand. Neither that any man shall be bound to the saying of them, but such as from time to time, in Cathedral and Collegiate Churches, parish Churches, and Chapels to the same annexed, shall serve the congregation.
Articles of Religion As established by the Bishops, the Clergy, and the Laity of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, in Convention, on the twelfth day of September, in the Year of our Lord, 1801.
I. Of Faith in the Holy Trinity.
There is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body, parts, or passions; of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness; the Maker, and Preserver of all things both visible and invisible. And in the unity of this Godhead there be three Persons, of one substance, power, and eternity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
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II. Of the Word or Son of God, which was made very Man.
The Son, which is the Word of the Father, begotten from everlasting of the Father, the very and eternal God, and of one substance with the Father, took Man’s nature in the womb of the blessed Virgin, of her substance: so that two whole and perfect Natures, that is to say, the Godhead and Manhood, were joined together in one Person, never to be divided, whereof is one Christ, very God, and very Man; who truly suffered, was crucified, dead, and buried, to reconcile his Father to us, and to be a sacrifice, not only for original guilt, but also for actual sins of men.
III. Of the going down of Christ into Hell.
As Christ died for us, and was buried; so also it is to be believed, that he went down into Hell.
IV. Of the Resurrection of Christ.
Christ did truly rise again from death, and took again his body, with flesh, bones, and all things appertaining to the perfection of Man’s nature; wherewith he ascended into Heaven, and there sitteth, until he return to judge all Men at the last day.
V. Of the Holy Ghost.
The Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son, is of one substance, majesty, and glory, with the Father and the Son, very and eternal God.
VI. Of the Sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures for Salvation.
Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation: so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man, that it should be believed as an article of the Faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation. In the name of the Holy Scripture we do understand those canonical Books of the Old and New Testament, of whose authority was never any doubt in the Church.
Of the Names and Number of the Canonical Books
Genesis,
The First Book of Samuel,
The Book of Esther,
Exodus,
The Second Book of Samuel,
The Book of Job,
Leviticus,
The First Book of Kings,
The Psalms,
Numbers,
The Second Book of Kings,
The Proverbs,
Deuteronomy,
The First Book of Chronicles,
Ecclesiastes or Preacher,
Joshua,
The Second Book of Chronicles,
Cantica, or Songs of Solomon,
Judges,
The First Book of Esdras,
Four Prophets the greater,
Ruth,
The Second Book of Esdras,
Twelve Prophets the less.
And the other Books (as Hierome saith) the Church doth read for example of life and instruction of manners; but yet doth it not apply them to establish any doctrine; such are these following:
The Third Book of Esdras,
The rest of the Book of Esther,
The Fourth Book of Esdras,
The Book of Wisdom,
The Book of Tobias,
Jesus the Son of Sirach,
The Book of Judith,
Baruch the Prophet,
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The Song of the Three Children,
The Prayer of Manasses,
The Story of Susanna,
The First Book of Maccabees,
Of Bel and the Dragon,
The Second Book of Maccabees.
All the Books of the New Testament, as they are commonly received, we do receive, and account them Canonical.
VII. Of the Old Testament.
The Old Testament is not contrary to the New: for both in the Old and New Testament everlasting life is offered to Mankind by Christ, who is the only Mediator between God and Man, being both God and Man. Wherefore they are not to be heard, which feign that the old Fathers did look only for transitory promises. Although the Law given from God by Moses, as touching Ceremonies and Rites, do not bind Christian men, nor the Civil precepts thereof ought of necessity to be received in any commonwealth; yet notwithstanding, no Christian man whatsoever is free from the obedience of the Commandments which are called Moral.
VIII. Of the Creeds.
The Nicene Creed, and that which is commonly called the Apostles’ Creed, ought thoroughly to be received and believed: for they may be proved by most certain warrants of Holy Scripture.
The original Article given Royal assent in 1571 and reaffirmed in 1662, was entitled, “Of the Three Creeds; and began as follows, “The Three Creeds, Nicene Creed, Athanasius’s Creed, and that which is commonly called the Apostles’ Creed . . .”
IX. Of Original or Birth Sin.
Original sin standeth not in the following of Adam, (as the Pelagians do vainly talk;) but it is the fault and corruption of the Nature of every man, that naturally is engendered of the offspring of Adam; whereby man is very far gone from original righteousness, and is of his own nature inclined to evil, so that the flesh lusteth always contrary to the Spirit; and therefore in every person born into this world, it deserveth God’s wrath and damnation. And this infection of nature doth remain, yea in them that are regenerated; whereby the lust of the flesh, called in Greek, Φρόνημα σαρκός, (which some do expound the wisdom, some sensuality, some the affection, some the desire, of the flesh), is not subject to the Law of God. And although there is no condemnation for them that believe and are baptized; yet the Apostle doth confess, that concupiscence and lust hath of itself the nature of sin.
X. Of Free Will.
The condition of Man after the fall of Adam is such, that he cannot turn and prepare himself, by his own natural strength and good works, to faith, and calling upon God. Wherefore we have no power to do good works pleasant and acceptable to God, without the grace of God by Christ preventing us, that we may have a good will, and working with us, when we have that good will.
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XI. Of the Justification of Man.
We are accounted righteous before God, only for the merit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ by Faith, and not for our own works or deservings. Wherefore, that we are justified by Faith only, is a most wholesome Doctrine, and very full of comfort, as more largely is expressed in the Homily of Justification.
XII. Of Good Works.
Albeit that Good Works, which are the fruits of Faith, and follow after Justification, cannot put away our sins, and endure the severity of God’s judgment; yet are they pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ, and do spring out necessarily of a true and lively Faith; insomuch that by them a lively Faith may be as evidently known as a tree discerned by the fruit.
XIII. Of Works before Justification.
Works done before the grace of Christ, and the Inspiration of the Spirit, are not pleasant to God, forasmuch as they spring not of faith in Jesus Christ; neither do they make men meet to receive grace, or (as the School-authors say) deserve grace of congruity: yea rather, for that they are not done as God hath willed and commanded them to be done, we doubt not but they have the nature of sin.
XIV. Of Works of Supererogation.
Voluntary Works besides, over and above, God’s Commandments, which they call Works of Supererogation, cannot be taught without arrogancy and impiety: for by them men do declare, that they not only render unto God as much as they are bound to, but that they do more for his sake, than of bounden duty is required: whereas Christ saith plainly, When ye have done all that are commanded to you, say, We are unprofitable servants.
XV. Of Christ alone without Sin.
Christ in the truth of our nature was made like unto us in all things, sin only except, from which he was clearly void, both in his flesh, and in his spirit. He came to be the Lamb without spot, who, by sacrifice of himself once made, should take away the sins of the world; and sin (as Saint John saith) was not in him. But all we the rest, although baptized, and born again in Christ, yet offend in many things; and if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
XVI. Of Sin after Baptism.
Not every deadly sin willingly committed after Baptism is sin against the Holy Ghost, and unpardonable. Wherefore the grant of repentance is not be denied to such as fall into sin after Baptism. After we have received the Holy Ghost, we may depart from grace given, and fall into sin, and by the grace of God we may arise again, and amend our lives. And therefore they are to be condemned, which say, they can no more sin as long as they live here, or deny the place of forgiveness to such as truly repent.
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XVII. Of Predestination and Election.
Predestination to Life is the everlasting purpose of God, whereby (before the foundations of the world were laid) he hath constantly decreed by his counsel secret to us, to deliver from curse and damnation those whom he hath chosen in Christ out of mankind, and to bring them by Christ to everlasting salvation, as vessels made to honour. Wherefore, they which be endued with so excellent a benefit of God, be called according to God’s purpose by his Spirit working in due season: they through Grace obey the calling: they be justified freely: they be made sons of God by adoption: they be made like the image of his only-begotten Son Jesus Christ: they walk religiously in good works, and at length, by God’s mercy, they attain to everlasting felicity.
As the godly consideration of Predestination, and our Election in Christ, is full of sweet, pleasant, and unspeakable comfort to godly persons, and such as feel in themselves the working of the Spirit of Christ, mortifying the works of the flesh, and their earthly mem- bers, and drawing up their mind to high and heavenly things, as well because it doth greatly establish and confirm their faith of eternal Salvation to be enjoyed through Christ, as because it doth fervently kindle their love towards God: So, for curious and carnal persons, lacking the Spirit of Christ, to have continually before their eyes the sentence of God’s Predestination, is a most dangerous downfall, whereby the Devil doth thrust them either into desperation, or into wrethchlessness of most unclean living, no less perilous than desperation.
Furthermore, we must receive God’s promises in such wise, as they be generally set forth to us in Holy Scripture: and, in our doings, that Will of God is to be followed, which we have expressly declared unto us in the word of God.
XVIII. Of obtaining eternal Salvation only by the Name of Christ.
They also are to be had accursed that presume to say, That every man shall be saved by the Law or Sect which he professeth, so that he be diligent to frame his life according to that Law, and the light of Nature. For Holy Scripture doth set out unto us only the Name of Jesus Christ, whereby men must be saved.
XIX. Of the Church.
The visible Church of Christ is a congregation of faithful men, in which the pure Word of God is preached, and the Sacraments be duly ministered according to Christ’s ordinance, in all those things that of necessity are requisite to the same.
As the Church of Jerusalem, Alexandria, and Antioch, have erred; so also the Church of Rome hath erred, not only in their living and manner of Ceremonies, but also in matters of Faith.
XX. Of the Authority of the Church.
The Church hath power to decree Rites or Ceremonies, and authority in Controversies of Faith: and yet it is not lawful for the Church to ordain anything that is contrary to God’s Word written, neither may it so expound one place of Scripture, that it be repugnant to another. Wherefore, although the Church be a witness and a keeper of Holy Writ, yet, as it ought not to decree any thing against the same, so besides the same ought not to enforce any thing to be believed for necessity of Salvation.
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XXI. Of the Authority of General Councils.
[The Twenty-first of the former Articles is omitted; because it is partly of a local and civil nature, and is provided for, as to the remaining parts of it, in other Articles.]
The original 1571, 1662 text of this Article, omitted in the version of 1801, reads as follows: “General Councils may not be gathered together without the commandment and will of Princes. And when they be gathered together, (forasmuch as they be an assembly of men, whereof all be not governed with the Spirit and Word of God,) they may err, and sometimes have erred, even in things pertaining unto God. Wherefore things ordained by them as necessary to salvation have neither strength nor authority, unless it may be declared that they be taken out of holy Scripture.”
XXII. Of Purgatory.
The Romish Doctrine concerning Purgatory, Pardons, Worshipping and Adoration, as well of Images as of Relics, and also Invocation of Saints, is a fond thing, vainly invented, and grounded upon no warranty of Scripture, but rather repugnant to the Word of God.
XXIII. Of Ministering in the Congregation.
It is not lawful for any man to take upon him the office of public preaching, or ministering the Sacraments in the Congregation, before he be lawfully called, and sent to execute the same. And those we ought to judge lawfully called and sent, which be chosen and called to this work by men who have public authority given unto them in the Congregation, to call and send Ministers into the Lord’s vineyard.
XXIV. Of Speaking in the Congregation in such a Tongue as the people understandeth.
It is a thing plainly repugnant to the Word of God, and the custom of the Primitive Church, to have public Prayer in the Church, or to minister the Sacraments, in a tongue not understanded of the people.
XXV. Of the Sacraments.
Sacraments ordained of Christ be not only badges or tokens of Christian men’s profession, but rather they be certain sure witnesses, and effectual signs of grace, and God’s good will towards us, by the which he doth work invisibly in us, and doth not only quicken, but also strengthen and confirm our Faith in him.
There are two Sacraments ordained of Christ our Lord in the Gospel, that is to say, Baptism, and the Supper of the Lord.
Those five commonly called Sacraments, that is to say, Confirmation, Penance, Orders, Matrimony, and Extreme Unction, are not to be counted for Sacraments of the Gospel, being such as have grown partly of the corrupt following of the Apostles, partly are states of life allowed in the Scriptures; but yet have not like nature of Sacraments with Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper, for that they have not any visible sign or ceremony ordained of God.
The Sacraments are not ordained of Christ to be gazed upon, or to be carried about, but that we should duly use them. And in such only as worthily receive the same, they have a wholesome effect or operation: but they that receive them unworthily, purchase to themselves damnation, as Saint Paul saith.
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XXVI. Of the Unworthiness of the Ministers, which hinders not the effect of the Sacraments.
Although in the visible Church the evil be ever mingled with the good, and sometimes the evil have chief authority in the Ministration of the Word and Sacraments, yet forasmuch as they do not the same in their own name, but in Christ’s, and do minister by his commission and authority, we may use their Ministry, both in hearing the Word of God, and in receiving the Sacraments. Neither is the effect of Christ’s ordinance taken away by their wickedness, nor the grace of God’s gifts diminished from such as by faith, and rightly, do receive the Sacraments ministered unto them; which be effectual, because of Christ’s institution and promise, although they be ministered by evil men.
Nevertheless, it appertaineth to the discipline of the Church, that inquiry be made of evil Ministers, and that they be accused by those that have knowledge of their offences; and finally, being found guilty, by just judgment be deposed.
XVII. Of Baptism.
Baptism is not only a sign of profession, and mark of difference, whereby Christian men are discerned from others that be not christened, but it is also a sign of Regeneration or New-Birth, whereby, as by an instrument, they that receive Baptism rightly are grafted into the Church; the promises of the forgiveness of sin, and of our adoption to be the sons of God by the Holy Ghost, are visibly signed and sealed; Faith is confirmed, and Grace increased by virtue of prayer unto God.
The Baptism of young Children is in any wise to be retained in the Church, as most agreeable with the institution of Christ.
XVIII. Of the Lord’s Supper.
The Supper of the Lord is not only a sign of the love that Christians ought to have among themselves one to another; but rather it is a Sacrament of our Redemption by Christ’s death: insomuch that to such as rightly, worthily, and with faith, receive the same, the Bread which we break is a partaking of the Body of Christ; and likewise the Cup of Blessing is a partaking of the Blood of Christ.
Transubstantiation (or the change of the substance of Bread and Wine) in the Supper of the Lord, cannot be proved by Holy Writ; but is repugnant to the plain words of Scripture, overthroweth the nature of a Sacrament, and hath given occasion to many superstitions.
The Body of Christ is given, taken, and eaten, in the Supper, only after an heavenly and spiritual manner. And the mean whereby the Body of Christ is received and eaten in the Supper, is Faith.
The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was not by Christ’s ordinance reserved, carried about, lifted up, or worshipped.
XXIX. Of the Wicked, which eat not the Body of Christ in the use of the Lord’s Supper.
The Wicked, and such as be void of a lively faith, although they do carnally and visibly press with their teeth (as Saint Augustine saith) the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ; yet in no wise are they partakers of Christ: but rather, to their condemnation, do eat and drink the sign or Sacrament of so great a thing.
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XXX. Of both Kinds.
The Cup of the Lord is not to be denied to the Lay-people: for both the parts of the Lord’s Sacrament, by Christ’s ordinance and commandment, ought to be ministered to all Christian men alike.
XXXI. Of the one Oblation of Christ finished upon the Cross.
The Offering of Christ once made in that perfect redemption, propitiation, and satisfaction, for all the sins of the whole world, both original and actual; and there is none other satisfaction for sin, but that alone. Wherefore the sacrifices of Masses, in the which it was commonly said, that the Priest did offer Christ for the quick and the dead, to have remission of pain or guilt, were blasphemous fables, and dangerous deceits.
XXXII. Of the Marriage of Priests.
Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, are not commanded by God’s Law, either to vow the estate of single life, or to abstain from marriage: therefore it is lawful for them, as for all other Christian men, to marry at their own discretion, as they shall judge the same to serve better to godliness.
XXXIII. Of excommunicate Persons, how they are to be avoided.
That person which by open denunciation of the Church is rightly cut off from the unity of the Church, and excommunicated, ought to be taken of the whole multitude of the faithful, as an Heathen and Publican, until he be openly reconciled by penance, and received into the Church by a Judge that hath the authority thereunto.
XXXIV. Of the Traditions of the Church.
It is not necessary that the Traditions and Ceremonies be in all places one, or utterly like; for at all times they have been divers, and may be changed according to the diversity of countries, times, and men’s manners, so that nothing be ordained against God’s Word. Whosoever, through his private judgment, willingly and purposely, doth openly break the Traditions and Ceremonies of the Church, which be not repugnant to the Word of God, and be ordained and approved by common authority, ought to be rebuked openly, (that others may fear to do the like,) as he that offendeth against the common order of the Church, and hurteth the authority of the Magistrate, and woundeth the consciences of the weak brethren.
Every particular or national Church hath authority to ordain, change, and abolish, Ceremonies or Rites of the Church ordained only by man’s authority, so that all things be done to edifying.
XXXV. Of the Homilies.
The Second Book of Homilies, the several titles whereof we have joined under this Article, doth contain a godly and wholesome Doctrine, and necessary for these times, as doth the former Book of Homilies, which were set forth in the time of Edward the Sixth; and therefore we judge them to be read in Churches by the Ministers, diligently and distinctly, that they may be understanded of the people.
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Of the Names of the Homilies
1 Of the right Use of the Church.
11 Of Alms-doing.
2 Against Peril of Idolatry.
12 Of the Nativity of Christ.
3 Of repairing and keeping clean of Churches.
13 Of the Passion of Christ. 14 Of the Resurrection of Christ.
4 Of good Works: first of Fasting. 5 Against Gluttony and Drunkenness.
15 Of the worthy receiving of the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ.
6 Against Excess of Apparel.
16 Of the Gifts of the Holy Ghost.
7 Of Prayer.
17 For the Rogation-days.
8 Of the Place and Time of Prayer.
18 Of the State of Matrimony.
9 That Common Prayers and Sacraments ought to be ministered in a known tongue.
19 Of Repentance. 20 Against Idleness.
10 Of the reverend Estimation of God’s Word.
21 Against Rebellion.
[This Article is received in this Church, so far as it declares the Book of Homilies to be an explication of Christian doctrine, and instructive in piety and morals. But all references to the constitution and laws of England are considered as inapplicable to the circumstances of this Church; which also suspends the order for the reading of said Homilies in churches, until a revision of them may be conveniently made, for the clearing of them, as well from obsolete words and phrases, as from the local references.]
XXXVI. Of Consecration of Bishops and Ministers.
The Book of Consecration of Bishops, and Ordering of Priests and Deacons, as set forth by the General Convention of this Church in 1792, doth contain all things necessary to such Consecration and Ordering; neither hath it any thing that, of itself, is superstitious and ungodly. And, therefore, whosoever are consecrated or ordered according to said Form, we decree all such to be rightly, orderly, and lawfully consecrated and ordered.
The original 1571, 1662 text of this Article reads as follows: “The Book of Consecration of Archbishops and Bishops, and Ordering of Priests and Deacons, lately set forth in the time of Edward the Sixth, and confirmed at the same time by authority of Parliament, doth contain all things necessary to such Consecration and Ordering; neither hath it any thing, that of itself is superstitious and ungodly. And therefore whosoever are consecrated or ordered according to the Rites of that Book, since the second year of the forenamed King Edward unto this time, or hereafter shall be consecrated or ordered according to the same Rites; we decree all such to be rightly, orderly, and lawfully consecrated and ordered.”
XXXVII. Of the Power of the Civil Magistrates.
The Power of the Civil Magistrate extendeth to all men, as well Clergy as Laity, in all things temporal; but hath no authority in things purely spiritual. And we hold it to be the duty of all men who are professors of the Gospel, to pay respectful obedience to the Civil Authority, regularly and legitimately constituted.
The original 1571, 1662 text of this Article reads as follows: “The King’s Majesty hath the chief power in this Realm of England, and other his Dominions, unto whom the chief Government of all Estates of this Realm, whether they be Ecclesiastical or Civil, in all causes doth appertain, and is not, nor ought to be, subject to any foreign Jurisdiction. Where we attribute to the King’s Majesty the chief government, by which Titles we understand the minds of some slanderous folks to be offended; we give not our Princes the
Historical Documents 875
ministering either of God’s Word, or of the Sacraments, the which thing the Injunctions also lately set forth by Elizabeth our Queen do most plainly testify; but that only prerogative, which we see to have been given always to all godly Princes in holy Scriptures by God himself; that is, that they should rule all estates and degrees committed to their charge by God, whether they be Ecclesiastical or Temporal, and restrain with the civil sword the stubborn and evil-doers.
The Bishop of Rome hath no jurisdiction in this Realm of England.
The Laws of the Realm may punish Christian men with death, for heinous and grievous offences.
It is lawful for Christian men, at the commandment of the Magistrate, to wear weapons, and serve in the wars.”
XXXVIII. Of Christian Men’s Goods, which are not common.
The Riches and Goods of Christians are not common, as touching the right, title, and possession of the same; as certain Anabaptists do falsely boast. Notwithstanding, every man ought, of such things as he possesseth, liberally to give alms to the poor, according to his ability.
XXXIX. Of a Christian Man’s Oath.
As we confess that vain and rash Swearing is forbidden Christian men by our Lord Jesus Christ, and James his Apostle, so we judge, that Christian Religion doth not prohibit, but that a man may swear when the Magistrate requireth, in a cause of faith and charity, so it be done according to the Prophet’s teaching in justice, judgment, and truth.
The Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral 1886, 1888
Adopted by the House of Bishops Chicago, 1886
We, Bishops of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, in Council assembled as Bishops in the Church of God, do hereby solemnly declare to all whom it may concern, and especially to our fellow-Christians of the different Communions in this land, who, in their several spheres, have contended for the religion of Christ:
1. Our earnest desire that the Savior’s prayer, “That we all may be one,” may, in its deepest and truest sense, be speedily fulfilled;
2. That we believe that all who have been duly baptized with water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, are members of the Holy Catholic Church.
3. That in all things of human ordering or human choice, relating to modes of worship and discipline, or to traditional customs, this Church is ready in the spirit of love and humility to forego all preferences of her own;
876 Historical Documents
4. That this Church does not seek to absorb other Communions, but rather, co-operating with them on the basis of a common Faith and Order, to discountenance schism, to heal the wounds of the Body of Christ, and to promote the charity which is the chief of Christian graces and the visible manifestation of Christ to the world.
But furthermore, we do hereby affirm that the Christian unity . . .can be restored only by the return of all Christian communions to the principles of unity exemplified by the undivided Catholic Church during the first ages of its existence; which principles we believe to be the substantial deposit of Christian Faith and Order committed by Christ and his Apostles to the Church unto the end of the world, and therefore incapable of compromise or surrender by those who have been ordained to be its stewards and trustees for the common and equal benefit of all men.
As inherent parts of this sacred deposit, and therefore as essential to the restoration of unity among the divided branches of Christendom, we account the following, to wit:
1. The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the revealed Word of God.
2. The Nicene Creed as the sufficient statement of the Christian Faith.
3. The two Sacraments,–Baptism and the Supper of the Lord,–ministered with unfailing use of Christ’s words of institution and of the elements ordained by Him.
4. The Historic Episcopate, locally adapted in the methods of its administration to the varying needs of the nations and peoples called of God into the unity of His Church.
Furthermore, Deeply grieved by the sad divisions which affect the Christian Church in our own land, we hereby declare our desire and readiness, so soon as there shall be any authorized response to this Declaration, to enter into brotherly conference with all or any Christian Bodies seeking the restoration of the organic unity of the Church, with a view to the earnest study of the conditions under which so priceless a blessing might happily be brought to pass.
Note: While the above form of the Quadrilateral was adopted by the House of Bishops, it was not enacted by the House of Deputies, but rather incorporated in a general plan referred for study and action to a newly created Joint Commission on Christian Reunion.
Lambeth Conference of 1888 Resolution II
That, in the opinion of this Conference, the following Articles supply a basis on which approach may be by God’s blessing made towards Home Reunion:
(a) The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, as “containing all things necessary to salvation,” and as being the rule and ultimate standard of faith.
(b) The Apostles’ Creed, as the Baptismal Symbol; and the Nicene Creed, as the sufficient statement of the Christian faith.
Historical Documents 877
(c) The two Sacraments ordained by Christ Himself–Baptism and the Supper of the Lord –ministered with unfailing use of Christ’s words of Institution, and of the elements ordained by Him.
(d) The Historic Episcopate, locally adapted in the methods of its administration to the varying needs of the nations and peoples called of God into the Unity of His Church.
Tables and Rules for Finding the Date of Easter Day
Rules for Finding the Date of Easter Day
Easter Day is always the Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox on March 21, a date which is fixed in accordance with an ancient ecclesiastical computation, and which does not always correspond to the astronomical equinox. This full moon may happen on any date between March 21 and April 18 inclusive. If the full moon falls on a Sunday, Easter Day is the Sunday following. But Easter Day cannot be earlier than March 22 or later than April 25.
To find the date of Easter Day in any particular year, it is necessary to have two points of reference–the Golden Number and the Sunday Letter for that year.
1. The Golden Number indicates the date of the full moon on or after the spring equinox of March 21, according to a nineteen-year cycle. These Numbers are prefixed in the Calendar to the days of the month from March 22 to April 19 inclusive. In the present Calendar they are applicable from A.D. 1900 to A.D. 2099, after which they will change.
2. The Sunday Letter identifies the days of the year when Sundays occur. After every date in the Calendar a letter appears–from A to g. Thus, if January 1 is a Sunday, the Sunday Letter for the Year is A, and every date in the Calendar marked by A is a Sunday. If January 2 is a Sunday, then every date marked with b is a Sunday, and so on through the seven letters.
In Leap Years, however, the Sunday Letter changes on the first day of March. In such years, when A is the Sunday Letter, this applies only to Sundays in January and February, and g is the Sunday Letter for the rest of the year. Or if d is the Sunday Letter, then c is the Sunday Letter on and after March 1.
To Find the Golden Number
The Golden Number of any year is calculated as follows: Take the number of the year, add 1, and then divide the sum by 19. The remainder, if any, is the Golden Number. If nothing remains, then 19 is the Golden Number.
To Find the Sunday Letter
The following Table provides ready reference to the Sunday Letter of any year between A.D. 1900 and A.D. 2099. It will be found on the line of the hundredth year above the column that contains the remaining digits of the year. But in Leap Years the Letter above the number marked with an asterisk is the Sunday Letter for January and February, and the Letter over the number not so marked is the Sunday Letter for the rest of the year.
880 Tables
Hundred Years: 1900
g
f
e
d
c
b
A
2000
b
A
g
f
e
d
c
b
Years in
00*
00
01
02
03
04*
04
05
Excess of
06
07
08*
08
09
10
11
Hundreds
12*
12
13
14
15
16*
16
17
18
19
20*
20
21
22
23
24*
24
25
26
27
28*
28
29
30
31
32*
32
33
34
35
36*
36
37
38
39
40*
40
41
42
43
44*
44
45
46
47
48*
48
49
50
51
52*
52
53
54
55
56*
56
57
58
59
60*
60
61
62
63
64*
64
65
66
67
68*
68
69
70
71
72*
72
73
74
75
76*
76
77
78
79
80*
80
81
82
83
84*
84
85
86
87
88*
88
89
90
91
92*
92
93
94
95
96*
96
97
98
99
To Find Easter Day
When one has both the Golden Number and the Sunday Letter for any particular year, then the date of Easter Day may be found in the Calendar, pages 21 and 22, as follows:
1. The Golden Number prefixed to a day in the month of March or April in the Calendar marks the date of the full moon in that year.
2. Easter Day will be the next date bearing the Sunday Letter of that year. But when the Golden Number of a given year and the Sunday Letter of that year occur on the same date, then Easter day is one week later. (For example, if the Golden Number is 19–which appears in the Calendar prefixed to March 27–and the Sunday Letter is d, then Easter Day in that year will fall on March 29. If the Golden Number is 10 and the Sunday Letter is A, then Easter Day will fall on April 9. But if the Golden Number is 19 and the Sunday Letter is b, then Easter Day will be one week later, namely April 3.)
Tables 881
A Table to Find Easter Day
Golden
Number
Year
Easter Day
Year
Easter Day
Year
Easter Day
1
1900
April 15
1938
April 17
1976*
April 18
2
1901
April 7
1939
April 9
1977
April 10
3
1902
March 30
1940*
March 24
1978
March 26
4
1903
April 12
1941
April 13
1979
April 15
5
1904*
April 3
1942
April 5
1980*
April 6
6
1905
April 23
1943
April 25
1981
April 19
7
1906
April 15
1944*
April 9
1982
April 11
8
1907
March 31
1945
April 1
1983
April 3
9
1908*
April 19
1946
April 21
1984*
April 22
10
1909
April 11
1947
April 6
1985
April 7
11
1910
March 27
1948*
March 28
1986
March 30
12
1911
April 16
1949
April 17
1987
April 19
13
1912*
April 7
1950
April 9
1988*
April 3
14
1913
March 23
1951
March 25
1989
March 26
15
1914
April 12
1952*
April 13
1990
April 15
16
1915
April 4
1953
April 5
1991
March 31
17
1916*
April 23
1954
April 18
1992*
April 19
18
1917
April 8
1955
April 10
1993
April 11
19
1918
March 31
1956*
April 1
1994
April 3
1
1919
April 20
1957
April 21
1995
April 16
2
1920*
April 4
1958
April 6
1996*
April 7
3
1921
March 27
1959
March 29
1997
March 30
4
1922
April 16
1960*
April 17
1998
April 12
5
1923
April 1
1961
April 2
1999
April 4
6
1924*
April 20
1962
April 22
2000*
April 23
7
1925
April 12
1963
April 14
2001
April 15
8
1926
April 4
1964*
March 29
2002
March 31
9
1927
April 17
1965
April 18
2003
April 20
10
1928*
April 8
1966
April 10
2004*
April 11
11
1929
March 31
1967
March 26
2005
March 27
12
1930
April 20
1968*
April 14
2006
April 16
13
1931
April 5
1969
April 6
2007
April 8
14
1932*
March 27
1970
March 29
2008*
March 23
15
1933
April 16
1971
April 11
2009
April 12
16
1934
April 1
1972*
April 2
2010
April 4
17
1935
April 21
1973
April 22
2011
April 24
18
1936*
April 12
1974
April 14
2012*
April 8
19
1937
March 28
1975
March 30
2013
March 31
882 Tables
A Table to Find Easter Day
Golden
Number
Year
Easter Day
Year
Easter Day
1
2014
April 20
2052*
April 21
2
2015
April 5
2053
April 6
3
2016*
March 27
2054
March 29
4
2017
April 16
2055
April 18
5
2018
April 1
2056*
April 2
6
2019
April 21
2057
April 22
7
2020*
April 12
2058
April 14
8
2021
April 4
2059
March 30
9
2022
April 17
2060*
April 18
10
2023
April 9
2061
April 10
11
2024*
March 31
2062
March 26
12
2025
April 20
2063
April 15
13
2026
April 5
2064*
April 6
14
2027
March 28
2065
March 29
15
2028*
April 16
2066
April 11
16
2029
April 1
2067
April 3
17
2030
April 21
2068*
April 22
18
2031
April 13
2069
April 14
19
2032*
March 28
2070
March 30
1
2033
April 17
2071
April 19
2
2034
April 9
2072*
April 10
3
2035
March 25
2073
March 26
4
2036*
April 13
2074
April 15
5
2037
April 5
2075
April 7
6
2038
April 25
2076*
April 19
7
2039
April 10
2077
April 11
8
2040*
April 1
2078
April 3
9
2041
April 21
2079
April 23
10
2042
April 6
2080*
April 7
11
2043
March 29
2081
March 30
12
2044*
April 17
2082
April 19
13
2045
April 9
2083
April 4
14
2046
March 25
2084*
March 26
15
2047
April 14
2085
April 15
16
2048*
April 5
2086
March 31
17
2049
April 18
2087
April 20
*The years marked
18
2050
April 10
2088*
April 11
with an asterisk
19
2051
April 2
2089
April 3
are Leap Years.
Tables 883
A Table to Find Movable Feasts and Holy Days
Sundays
Numbered
Easter
after
Ash
Ascension
Proper of
Advent
Day
Epiphany*
Wednesday†
Day
Pentecost
2 Pentecost†
Sunday
March 22
4
Feb. 4
April 30
May 10
#3
November 29
March 23
4
Feb. 5
May 1
May 11
#3
November 30
March 24
4
Feb. 6
May 2
May 12
#3
December 1
March 25
5
Feb. 7
May 3
May 13
#3
December 2
March 26
5
Feb. 8
May 4
May 14
#3
December 3
March 27
5
Feb. 9
May 5
May 15
#4
November 27
March 28
5
Feb. 10
May 6
May 16
#4
November 28
March 29
5
Feb. 11
May 7
May 17
#4
November 29
March 30
5
Feb. 12
May 8
May 18
#4
November 30
March 31
5
Feb. 13
May 9
May 19
#4
December 1
April 1
6
Feb. 14
May 10
May 20
#4
December 2
April 2
6
Feb. 15
May 11
May 21
#4
December 3
April 3
6
Feb. 16
May 12
May 22
#5
November 27
April 4
6
Feb. 17
May 13
May 23
#5
November 28
April 5
6
Feb. 18
May 14
May 24
#5
November 29
April 6
6
Feb. 19
May 15
May 25
#5
November 30
April 7
6
Feb. 20
May 16
May 26
#5
December 1
*In Leap Years, the number of Sundays after Epiphany will be the same as if Easter Day were one day later than in the above Table.
†In Leap Years, the date of Ash Wednesday will be one day later in the month of February than in the above Table.
‡Indicates the numbered Proper to be used on the Sunday after Trinity Sunday. Subsequently, the Propers are used consecutively.
884 Tables
Sundays
Numbered
Easter
after
Ash
Ascension
Proper of
Advent
Day
Epiphany*
Wednesday†
Day
Pentecost
2 Pentecost†
Sunday
April 8
7
Feb. 21
May 17
May 27
#5
December 2
April 9
7
Feb. 22
May 18
May 28
#5
December 3
April 10
7
Feb. 23
May 19
May 29
#6
November 27
April 11
7
Feb. 24
May 20
May 30
#6
November 28
April 12
7
Feb. 25
May 21
May 31
#6
November 29
April 13
7
Feb. 26
May 22
June 1
#6
November 30
April 14
7
Feb. 27
May 23
June 2
#6
December 1
April 15
8
Feb. 28
May 24
June 3
#6
December 2
April 16
8
March 1
May 25
June 4
#6
December 3
April 17
8
March 2
May 26
June 5
#7
November 27
April 18
8
March 3
May 27
June 6
#7
November 28
April 19
8
March 4
May 28
June 7
#7
November 29
April 20
8
March 5
May 29
June 8
#7
November 30
April 21
8
March 6
May 30
June 9
#7
December 1
April 22
9
March 7
May 31
June 10
#7
December 2
April 23
9
March 8
June 1
June 11
#7
December 3
April 24
9
March 9
June 2
June 12
#8
November 27
April 25
9
March 10
June 3
June 13
#8
November 28
*In Leap Years, the number of Sundays after Epiphany will be the same as if Easter Day were one day later than in the above Table.
†In Leap Years, the date of Ash Wednesday will be one day later in the month of February than in the above Table.
‡Indicates the numbered Proper to be used on the Sunday after Trinity Sunday. Subsequently, the Propers are used consecutively.
The Lectionary for Sundays is arranged in a three-year cycle, in which Year A always begins on the First Sunday of Advent in years evenly divisible by three. (For example, 1977 divided by 3 is 659 with no remainder. Year A, therefore, begins on Advent Sunday of that year.)
The Psalms and Lessons appointed for the Sundays and for other major Holy Days are intended for use at all public services on such days, except when the same congregation attends two or more services. Thus, the same Lessons are to be read at the principal morning service, whether the Liturgy of the Word takes the form given in the Holy Eucharist, or that of the Daily Office.
When the same congregation is present for Morning or Evening Prayer, in addition to the Eucharist, the Lessons at the Office may be selected from one of the other years of the three-year Sunday cycle, or from the Lectionary for the Daily Office. The Psalms at such Offices are normally those appointed in the Office Lectionary; but, when desired, the Psalm cited in the selected Sunday Proper may be used instead.
In this Lectionary, the selections from the Psalter are frequently cited in a longer and shorter version, usually from the same Psalm. The longer version is particularly appropriate for use at the Office, the shorter version when the Psalm is sung between the Lessons at the Eucharist. The selections may be further lengthened or shortened at discretion.
When an alternative Lesson is cited, it is sometimes identical with a Lesson appointed for the same day in the Daily Office Lectionary.
In the opening verses of Lessons, the Reader should omit initial conjunctions which refer only to what has preceded, substitute nouns for pronouns when the referent is not otherwise clear, or else prefix to the Reading some such introduction as, “N. said (to N.).”
Any Reading may be lengthened at discretion. Suggested lengthenings are shown in parentheses.
Isaiah 61:10—62:3 Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7 John 1:1-18
Holy Name January 1
8
Numbers 6:22-27 Galatians 4:4-7 or Philippians 2:5-11 Luke 2:15-21
Second Sunday after Christmas
84 or 84:1-8
Jeremiah 31:7-14 Ephesians 1:3-6,15-19a Matthew 2:13-15,19-23 or Luke 2:41-52 or Matthew 2:1-12
The Epiphany January 6
72:1-7,10-14
Isaiah 60:1-6 Ephesians 3:1-12 Matthew 2:1-12
Season of Epiphany (Ordinary Time)
First Sunday after Epiphany
29
Isaiah 42:1-9 Acts 10:34-43 Matthew 3:13-17
Second Sunday after Epiphany
40:1-12
Isaiah 49:1-7 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 John 1:29-42
Third Sunday after Epiphany
27:1,5-13
Isaiah 9:1-4 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 Matthew 4:12-23
890 Lectionary A
Psalm
Lessons
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
15
Micah 6:1-8 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Matthew 5:1-12
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
112:1-9(10)
Isaiah 58:1-9a(9b-12) 1 Corinthians 2:1-12(13-16) Matthew 5:13-20
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany
119:1-8
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 or Sirach 15:15-20 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 Matthew 5:21-37
Seventh Sunday after Epiphany
119:33-40
Leviticus 19:1-2,9-18 1 Corinthians 3:10-11,16-23 Matthew 5:38-48
Eighth Sunday after Epiphany
131
Isaiah 49:8-16a 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Matthew 6:24-34
Last Sunday after Epiphany
2 or 99
Exodus 24:12-18 2 Peter 1:16-21 Matthew 17:1-9
Ash Wednesday
103 or 103:8-14
Joel 2:1-2,12-17 or Isaiah 58:1-12 2 Corinthians 5:20b—6:10 Matthew 6:1-6,16-21
First Sunday in Lent
32
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 Romans 5:12-19 Matthew 4:1-11
Second Sunday in Lent
121
Genesis 12:1-4a Romans 4:1-5,13-17 John 3:1-17
Lectionary A 891
Psalm
Lessons
Third Sunday in Lent
95
Exodus 17:1-7 Romans 5:1-11 John 4:5-42
Fourth Sunday in Lent
23
1 Samuel 16:1-13 Ephesians 5:8-14 John 9:1-41
Fifth Sunday in Lent
130
Ezekiel 37:1-14 Romans 8:6-11 John 11:1-45
Palm Sunday
Liturgy of the Palms
118:1-2,19-29
Matthew 21:1-11
Liturgy of the Word
31:9-16
Isaiah 50:4-9a Philippians 2:5-11 Matthew 26:14—27:66 or Matthew 27:11-54
Monday in Holy Week
36:5-11
Isaiah 42:1-9 Hebrews 9:11-15 John 12:1-11
Tuesday in Holy Week
71:1-14
Isaiah 49:1-7 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 John 12:20-36
Wednesday in Holy Week
70
Isaiah 50:4-9a Hebrews 12:1-3 John 13:21-32
Maundy Thursday
116:1,10-17
Exodus 12:1-4,(5-10),11-14 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 John 13:1-17,31b-35
892 Lectionary A
Psalm
Lessons
Good Friday
22
Isaiah 52:13—53:12 Hebrews 10:16-25 or Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 John 18:1—19:42
Holy Saturday
31:1-4,15-16
Job 14:1-14 or Lamentations 3:1-9,19-24 1 Peter 4:1-8 Matthew 27:57-66 or John 19:38-42
Easter Day
The Great Vigil
At least two of the following Lessons are read, of which one is always the Lesson from Exodus. After each Lesson, the Psalm or Canticle listed, or some other suitable psalm, canticle, or hymn, may be sung. A period of silence may be kept; and the Collects provided on pages 288-91, or some other suitable Collect, may be said. It is recommended that the first Collect on page 290 be used after the Lesson from Baruch or Proverbs.
Romans 6:3-11 Matthew 28:1-10 (Year A) Mark 16:1-8 (Year B) Luke 24:1-12 (Year C)
Lectionary A 893
Psalm
Lessons
Principal Service
118:1-2,14-24 or 118:14-17,22-24
Acts 10:34-43 or Jeremiah 31:1-6 Colossians 3:1-4 or Acts 10:34-43 John 20:1-18 or Matthew 28:1-10
Evening Service
114
Isaiah 25:6-9 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8 Luke 24:13-49
Monday in Easter Week
16:8-11 or 118:19-24
Acts 2:14,22b-32 Matthew 28:9-15
Tuesday in Easter Week
33:18-22 or 118:19-24
Acts 2:36-41 John 20:11-18
Wednesday in Easter Week
105:1-8 or 118:19-24
Acts 3:1-10 Luke 24:13-35
Thursday in Easter Week
8 or 114 or 118:19-24
Acts 3:11-26 Luke 24:36b-48
Friday in Easter Week
116:1-8 or 118:19-24
Acts 4:1-12 John 21:1-14
Saturday in Easter Week
118:14-18 or 118:19-24
Acts 4:13-21 Mark 16:9-15,20
Second Sunday of Easter
16
Acts 2:14a,22-32 1 Peter 1:3-9 John 20:19-31
Third Sunday of Easter
116:1-3,10-17
Acts 2:14a,36-41 1 Peter 1:17-23 Luke 24:13-35
894 Lectionary A
Psalm
Lessons
Fourth Sunday of Easter
23
Acts 2:42-47 1 Peter 2:19-25 John 10:1-10
Fifth Sunday of Easter
31:1-5,15-16
Acts 7:55-60 1 Peter 2:1-10 John 14:1-14
Sixth Sunday of Easter
66:7-18
Acts 17:22-31 1 Peter 3:13-22 or Acts 14:15-21 John 15:1-8
Ascension Day
47 or 93
Acts 1:1-11 Ephesians 1:15-23 Luke 24:44-53
Seventh Sunday of Easter
68:1-10,33-36
Acts 1:1-6 1 Peter 4:12-14,5:6-11 John 17:1-11
Day of Pentecost
Early or Vigil Service
33:12-22 Canticle 2 or 13
130 Canticle 9 104:25-32
Genesis 11:1-9 or Exodus 19:1-9a,16-20a; 20:18-20 or Ezekiel 37:1-14 or Joel 2:28-32 Acts 2:1-11 or Romans 8:14-17,22-27 John 7:37-39a
Principal Service
104:25-35,37
Acts 2:1-21 or Numbers 11:24-30 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 or Acts 2:1-21 John 20:19-23 or John 7:37-39
Lectionary A 895
Psalm
Lessons
On the weekdays which follow, the numbered Proper which corresponds most closely to the date of Pentecost in that year is used. See page 158.
Trinity Sunday
8 or Canticle 2 or 13
Genesis1:1—2:4a 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 Matthew 28:16-20
On the Weekdays which follow, the numbered Proper which corresponds most closely to the date of Trinity Sunday is used.
The Season after Pentecost (Ordinary Time)
This lectionary provides two patterns for the Old Testament reading during the Season after Pentecost, beginning with Proper 4. In one pattern, the Old Testament and Gospel readings are closely related each Sunday; in the other, the Old Testament is read in semi-continuous fashion throughout the season, and the readings are not paired with each Sunday Gospel. Congregations may choose each year whether to use the semi-continuous Old Testament readings or the readings that are related to the Gospel, using as well the psalm associated with their choice of Old Testament reading. They should remain with that pattern for the entire lectionary year and may make a different choice in another year.
Old Testament Lessons and Psalms
New Testament Lessons
Proper 1 Closest to May 11
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 or Sirach 15:15-20 Ps. 119:1-8
1 Corinthians 3:1-9 Matthew 5:21-37
Proper 2 Closest to May 18
Leviticus 19:1-2,9-18 Ps. 119:33-40
1 Corinthians 3:10-11,16-23 Matthew 5:38-48
Proper 3 Closest to May 25
Isaiah 49:8-16a Ps. 131
1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Matthew 6:24-34
896 Lectionary A
Old Testament Lessons and Psalms
New Testament Lessons
Proper 4 Closest to June 1
Genesis 6:9-11; 7:24; 8:14-19 Ps. 46 or Deuteronomy 11:18-21,26-28 Ps. 31:1-5,19-24
Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28,(29-31) Matthew 7:21-29
Proper 5 Closest to June 8
Genesis 12:1-9 Ps. 33:1-12 or Hosea 5:15—6:6 Ps. 50:7-15
Romans 4:13-25 Matthew 9:9-13,18-26
Proper 6 Closest to June 15
Genesis 18:1-15, (21:1-7) Ps. 116:10-17 or Exodus 19:2-8a Ps. 100
Romans 5:1-8 Matthew 9:35—-10:8(9-23)
Proper 7 Closest to June 22
Genesis 21:8-21 Ps. 86:1-10,16-17 or Jeremiah 20:7-13 Ps. 69:8-11, (12-17),18-20
Romans 6:1b-11 Matthew 10:24-39
Proper 8 Closest to June 29
Genesis 22:1-14 Ps. 13 or Jeremiah 28:5-9 89:1-4,15-18
Romans 6:12-23 Matthew 10:40-42
Proper 9 Closest to July 6
Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49,58-67 Ps. 45:11-18 or Song of Solomon 2:8-13* or Zechariah 9:9-12 Ps. 145:8-15
Romans 7:15-25a Matthew 11:16-19,25-30
*As a Canticle
Lectionary A 897
Old Testament Lessons and Psalms
New Testament Lessons
Proper 10 Closest to July 13
Genesis 25:19-34 Ps. 119:105-112 or Isaiah 55:10-13 Ps. 65:(1-8),9-14
Romans 8:1-11 Matthew 13:1-9,18-23
Proper 11 Closest to July 20
Genesis 28:10-19a Ps. 129:1-11,22-23 or Wisdom of Solomon 12:13,16-19* or Isaiah 44:6-8
Romans 8:12-25 Matthew 13:24-30,36-43
Proper 12 Closest to July 27
Genesis 29:15-28 Ps. 105:1-11,45b or 128 or 1 Kings 3:5-12 Ps. 119:129-136
Romans 8:26-39 Matthew 13:31-33,44-52
Proper 13 Closest to August 3
Genesis 32:22-31 Ps. 17:1-7,16 or Isaiah 55:1-5 Ps. 145:8-9,15-22
Romans 9:1-5 Matthew 14:13-21
Proper 14 Closest to August 10
Genesis 37:1-4,12-28 Ps. 105:1-6,16-22,45b or 1 Kings 19:9-18 Ps. 85:8-13
Romans 10:5-15 Matthew 14:22-33
Proper 15 Closest to August 17
Genesis 45:1-15 Ps. 133 or Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 Ps. 67
Romans 11:1-2a,29-32 Matthew 15:(10-20),21-28
Proper 16 Closest to August 24
Exodus 1:8—2:10 Ps. 124 or Isaiah 51:1-6 Ps. 138
Romans 12:1-8 Matthew 16:13-20
*As a Canticle
898 Lectionary A
Old Testament Lessons and Psalms
New Testament Lessons
Proper 17 Closest to August 31
Exodus 3:1-15 Ps. 105:1-6,23-26,45c or Jeremiah 15:15-21 Ps. 26:1-8
Romans 12:9-21 Matthew 16:21-28
Proper 18 Closest to September 7
Exodus 12:1-14 Ps. 149 or Ezekiel 33:7-11 119:33-40
Romans 13:8-14 Matthew 18:15-20
Proper 19 Closest to September 14
Exodus 14:19-31 Ps. 114 or Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21* or Genesis 50:15-21 Ps. 103:(1-7),8-13
Romans 14:1-12 Matthew 18:21-35
Proper 20 Closest to September 21
Exodus 16:2-15 Ps. 105:1-6,37-45 or Jonah 3:10—4:11 Ps. 145:1-8
Philippians 1:21-30 Matthew 20:1-16
Proper 21 Closest to September 28
Exodus:17:1-7 Ps. 78:1-4,12-16 or Ezekiel 18:1-4,25-32 Ps. 25:1-8
Philippians 2:1-13 Matthew 21:23-32
Proper 22 Closest to October 5
Exodus 20:1-4,7-9, 12-20 Ps. 19 or Isaiah 5:1-7 Ps. 80:7-14
Philippians 3:3b-14 Matthew 21:33-43
Proper 23 Closest to October 12
Exodus 32:1-14 Ps. 106:1-6,19-23 or Isaiah 25:1-9 Ps. 23
Philippians 4:1-9 Matthew 22:1-14
*As a Canticle
Lectionary A 899
Old Testament Lessons and Psalms
New Testament Lessons
Proper 24 Closest to October 19
Exodus 33:12-23 Ps. 99 or Isaiah 45:1-7 Ps. 96:1-9
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Matthew 22:15-22
Proper 25 Closest to October 26
Deuteronomy 34:1-12 Ps. 90:1-6,13-17 or Leviticus 19:1-2,15-18 Ps. 1
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 Matthew 22:34-46
Proper 26 Closest to November 2
Joshua 3:7-17 Ps. 107:1-7,33-37 or Micah 3:5-12 Ps. 43
1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 Matthew 23:1-12
Proper 27 Closest to November 9
Joshua 24:1-3a,14-25 Ps. 78:1-7 or Wisdom of Solomon 6:12-16 or Amos 5:18-24 Wisdom of Solomon 6:17-20* or Ps. 70
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Matthew 25:1-13
Proper 28 Closest to November 16
Judges 4:1-7 Ps. 123 or Zephaniah 1:7,12-18 Ps. 90:1-8,(9-11),12
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Matthew 25:14-30
Proper 29 Christ the King Closest to November 23
Ezekiel 34:11-16,20-24 Ps. 100 or Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 Ps. 95:1-7a
