THE PSALMS OF DAVID (continued 3)
Reading edition
5 O magnify the Lord our God: and fall down before his footstool, for he is holy.
6 Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among such as call upon his Name: these called upon the Lord, and he heard them.
7 He spake unto them out of the cloudy pillar: for they kept his testimonies, and the law that he gave them.
8 Thou heardest them, O Lord our God: thou forgavest them, O God, and punishedst their own inventions.
9 O magnify the Lord our God, and worship him upon his holy hill: for the Lord our God is holy.
PSALM 100. Jubilate Deo.
O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands: serve the Lord with gladness, and come before his presence with a song.
2 Be ye sure that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
3 O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and speak good of his Name.
4 For the Lord is gracious, his mercy is ever lasting: and his truth endureth from generation to generation.
PSALM 101. Misericordiam et judicium.
My song shall be of mercy and judgement: unto thee, O Lord, will I sing.
2 O let me have understanding: in the way of godliness.
3 When wilt thou come unto me: I will walk in my house with a perfect heart.
4 I will take no wicked thing in hand; I hate the sins of unfaithfulness: there shall no such cleave unto me.
5 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.
6 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour: him will I destroy.
7 Whoso hath also a proud look and high stomach: I will not suffer him.
8 Mine eyes look upon such as are faithful in the land: that they may dwell with me.
9 Whoso leadeth a godly life: he shall be my servant.
10 There shall no deceitful person dwell in my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.
11 I shall soon destroy all the ungodly that are in the land: that I may root out all wicked doers from the city of the Lord.
DAY 20 MORNING PRAYER
PSALM 102. Domine, exaudi.
Hear my prayer, O Lord: and let my crying come unto thee.
2 Hide not thy face from me in the time of my trouble: incline thine ear unto me when I call; O hear me, and that right soon.
3 For my days are consumed away like smoke: and my bones are burnt up as it were a fire-brand.
4 My heart is smitten down, and withered like grass: so that I forget to eat my bread.
5 For the voice of my groaning: my bones will scarce cleave to my flesh.
6 I am become like a pelican in the wilderness: and like an owl that is in the desert.
7 I have watched, and am even as it were a sparrow: that sitteth alone upon the house-top.
8 Mine enemies revile me all the day long: and they that are mad upon me are sworn together against me.
9 For I have eaten ashes as it were bread: and mingled my drink with weeping;
10 And that because of thine indignation and wrath: for thou hast taken me up, and cast me down.
11 My days are gone like a shadow: and I am withered like grass.
12 But thou, O Lord, shalt endure for ever: and thy remembrance throughout all generations.
13 Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Sion: for it is time that thou have mercy upon her, yea, the time is come.
14 And why? thy servants think upon her stones: and it pitieth them to see her in the dust.
15 The heathen shall fear thy Name, O Lord: and all the kings of the earth thy majesty;
16 When the Lord shall build up Sion: and when his glory shall appear;
17 When he turneth him unto the prayer of the poor destitute: and despiseth not their desire.
18 This shall be written for those that come after: and the people which shall be born shall praise the Lord.
19 For he hath looked down from his sanctuary: out of the heaven did the Lord behold the earth;
20 That he might hear the mournings of such as are in captivity: and deliver the children appointed unto death;
21 That they may declare the Name of the Lord in Sion: and his worship at Jerusalem;
22 When the people are gathered together: and the kingdoms also, to serve the Lord.
23 He brought down my strength in my journey: and shortened my days.
24 But I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of mine age: as for thy years, they endure throughout all generations.
25 Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.
26 They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: they all shall wax old as doth a garment;
27 And as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
28 The children of thy servants shall continue: and their seed shall stand fast in thy sight
PSALM 103. Benedic, anima mea.
Praise the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me praise his holy Name.
2 Praise the Lord, O my soul: and forget not all his benefits;
3 Who forgiveth all thy sin: and healeth all thine infirmities;
4 Who saveth thy life from destruction: and crowneth thee with mercy and loving-kindness;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things: making thee young and lusty as an eagle.
6 The Lord executeth righteousness and judgement: for all them that are oppressed with wrong.
7 He shewed his ways unto Moses: his works unto the children of Israel.
8 The Lord is full of compassion and mercy: long-suffering, and of great goodness.
9 He will not alway be chiding: neither keepeth he his anger for ever.
10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins: nor rewarded us according to our wickednesses.
11 For look how high the heaven is in comparison of the earth: so great is his mercy also toward them that fear him.
12 Look how wide also the east is from the west: so far hath he set our sins from us.
13 Yea, like as a father pitieth his own children: even so is the Lord merciful unto them that fear him.
14 For he knoweth whereof we are made: he remembereth that we are but dust
15 The days of man are but as grass: for he flourisheth as a flower of the field.
16 For as soon as the wind goeth over it, it is gone: and the place thereof shall know it no more.
17 But the merciful goodness of the Lord endureth for ever and ever upon them that fear him: and his righteousness upon children's children;
18 Even upon such as keep his covenant: and think upon his commandments to do them.
19 The Lord hath prepared his seat in heaven: and his kingdom ruleth over all.
20 O praise the Lord, ye angels of his, ye that excel in strength: ye that fulfil his commandment, and hearken unto the voice of his words.
21 O praise the Lord, all ye his hosts: ye servants of his that do his pleasure.
22 O speak good of the Lord, all ye works of his, in all places of his dominion: praise thou the Lord, O my soul.
DAY 20 EVENING PRAYER
PSALM 104. Benedic, anima mea.
Praise the Lord, O my soul: O Lord my God, thou art become exceeding glorious; thou art clothed with majesty and honour.
2 Thou deckest thyself with light as it were with a garment: and spreadest out the heavens like a curtain.
3 Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: and maketh the clouds his chariot, and walketh upon the wings of the wind.
4 He maketh his angels spirits: and his ministers a flaming fire.
5 He laid the foundations of the earth: that it never should move at any time.
6 Thou coveredst it with the deep like as with a garment: the waters stand in the hills.
7 At thy rebuke they flee: at the voice of thy thunder they are afraid.
8 They go up as high as the hills, and down to the valleys beneath: even unto the place which thou hast appointed for them.
9 Thou hast set them their bounds which they shall not pass: neither turn again to cover the earth.
10 He sendeth the springs into the rivers: which run among the hills.
11 All beasts of the field drink thereof: and the wild asses quench their thirst.
12 Beside them shall the fowls of the air have their habitation: and sing among the branches.
13 He watereth the hills from above: the earth is filled with the fruit of thy works.
14 He bringeth forth grass for the cattle: and green herb for the service of men;
15 That he may bring food out of the earth, and wine that maketh glad the heart of man: and oil to make him a cheerful countenance, and bread to strengthen man's heart.
16 The trees of the Lord also are full of sap: even the cedars of Libanus which he hath planted;
17 Wherein the birds make their nests: and the fir-trees are a dwelling for the stork.
18 The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats: and so are the stony rocks for the conies.
19 He appointed the moon for certain seasons: and the sun knoweth his going down.
20 Thou makest darkness that it maybe night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do move.
21 The lions roaring after their prey: do seek their meat from God.
22 The sun ariseth, and they get them away together: and lay them down in their dens.
23 Man goeth forth to his work, and to his labour: until the evening.
24 O Lord, how manifold are thy works: in wisdom hast thou made them all; the earth is full of thy riches.
25 So is the great and wide sea also: wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.
26 There go the ships, and there is that leviathan: whom thou hast made to take his pastime therein.
27 These wait all upon thee: that thou mayest give them meat in due season.
28 When thou givest it them they gather it: and when thou openest thy hand they are filled with good.
29 When thou hidest thy face they are troubled: when thou takest away their breath they die, and are turned again to their dust.
30 When thou lettest thy breath go forth they shall be made: and thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
31 The glorious majesty of the Lord shall endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in his works.
32 The earth shall tremble at the look of him: if he do but touch the hills, they shall smoke.
33 I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will praise my God while I have my being.
34 And so shall my words please him: my joy shall be in the Lord.
35 As for sinners, they shall be consumed out of the earth, and the ungodly shall come to an end: praise thou the Lord, O my soul, praise the Lord.
DAY 21 MORNING PRAYER
PSALM 105. Confitemini Domino.
O give thanks unto the Lord, and call upon his Name: tell the people what things he hath done.
2 O let your songs be of him, and praise him: and let your talking be of all his wondrous works.
3 Rejoice in his holy Name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.
4 Seek the Lord and his strength: seek his face evermore.
5 Remember the marvellous works that he hath done: his wonders, and the judgements of his mouth,
6 O ye seed of Abraham his servant: ye children of Jacob his chosen.
7 He is the Lord our God: his judgements are in all the world.
8 He hath been alway mindful of his covenant and promise: that he made to a thousand generations;
9 Even the covenant that he made with Abraham: and the oath that he sware unto Isaac;
10 And appointed the same unto Jacob for a law: and to Israel for an everlasting testament;
11 Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan: the lot of your inheritance;
12 When there were yet but a few of them: and they strangers in the land;
13 What time as they went from one nation to another: from one kingdom to another people;
14 He suffered no man to do them wrong: but reproved even kings for their sakes;
15 Touch not mine Anointed: and do my prophets no harm.
16 Moreover, he called for a dearth upon the land: and destroyed all the provision of bread.
17 But he had sent a man before them: even Joseph, who was sold to be a bond-servant;
18 Whose feet they hurt in the stocks: the iron entered into his soul;
19 Until the time came that his cause was known: the word of the Lord tried him.
20 The king sent, and delivered him: the prince of the people let him go free.
21 He made him lord also of his house: and ruler of all his substance;
22 That he might inform his princes after his will: and teach his senators wisdom.
23 Israel also came into Egypt: and Jacob was a stranger in the land of Ham.
24 And he increased his people exceedingly: and made them stronger than their enemies;
25 Whose heart turned, so that they hated his people: and dealt untruly with his servants.
26 Then sent he Moses his servant: and Aaron whom he had chosen.
27 And these shewed his tokens among them: and wonders in the land of Ham.
28 He sent darkness, and it was dark: and they were not obedient unto his word.
29 He turned their waters into blood: and slew their fish.
30 Their land brought forth frogs: yea, even in their kings chambers.
31 He spake the word, and there came all manner of flies: and lice in all their quarters.
32 He gave them hail-stones for rain: and flames of fire in their land.
33 He smote their vines also and fig-trees: and destroyed the trees that were in their coasts.
34 He spake the word, and the grasshoppers came, and caterpillars innumerable: and did eat up all the grass in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground.
35 He smote all the first-born in their land: even the chief of all their strength.
36 He brought them forth also with silver and gold: there was not one feeble person among their tribes.
37 Egypt was glad at their departing: for they were afraid of them.
38 He spread out a cloud to be a covering: and fire to give light in the night-season.
39 At their desire he brought quails: and he filled them with the bread of heaven.
40 He opened the rock of stone, and the waters flowed out: so that rivers ran in the dry places.
41 For why? he remembered his holy promise: and Abraham his servant.
42 And he brought forth his people with joy: and his chosen with gladness;
43 And gave them the lands of the heathen: and they took the labours of the people in possession;
44 That they might keep his statutes: and observe his laws.
DAY 21 EVENING PRAYER
PSALM 106. Confitemini Domino.
O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious: and his mercy endureth for ever.
2 Who can express the noble acts of the Lord: or shew forth all his praise?
3 Blessed are they that alway keep judgement: and do righteousness.
4 Remember me, O Lord, according to the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation;
5 That I may see the felicity of thy chosen: and rejoice in the gladness of thy people, and give thanks with thine inheritance.
6 We have sinned with our fathers: we have done amiss, and dealt wickedly.
7 Our fathers regarded not thy wonders in Egypt, neither kept they thy great goodness in remembrance: but were disobedient at the sea, even at the Red sea.
8 Nevertheless, he helped them for his Name's sake: that he might make his power to be known.
9 He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the deep, as through a wilderness.
10 And he saved them from the adversaries' hand: and delivered them from the hand of the enemy.
11 As for those that troubled them, the waters overwhelmed them: there was not one of them left.
12 Then believed they his words: and sang praise unto him.
13 But within a while they forgat his works: and would not abide his counsel.
14 But lust came upon them in the wilderness: and they tempted God in the desert.
15 And he gave them their desire: and sent leanness withal into their soul.
16 They angered Moses also in the tents: and Aaron the saint of the Lord.
17 So the earth opened, and swallowed up Dathan: and covered the congregation of Abiram.
18 And the fire was kindled in their company: the flame burnt up the ungodly.
19 They made a calf in Horeb: and worshipped the molten image.
20 Thus they turned their glory: into the similitude of a calf that eateth hay.
21 And they forgat God their Saviour: who had done so great things in Egypt;
22 Wondrous works in the land of Ham: and fearful things by the Red sea.
23 So he said, he would have destroyed them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the gap: to turn away his wrathful indignation, lest he should destroy them.
24 Yea, they thought scorn of that pleasant land: and gave no credence unto his word;
25 But murmured in their tents: and hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord.
26 Then lift he up his hand against them: to overthrow them in the wilderness;
27 To cast out their seed among the nations: and to scatter them in the lands.
28 They joined themselves unto Baal-peor: and ate the offerings of the dead.
29 Thus they provoked him to anger with their own inventions: and the plague was great among them.
30 Then stood up Phinees and prayed: and so the plague ceased.
31 And that was counted unto him for righteousness: among all posterities for evermore.
32 They angered mm also at the waters of strife: so that he punished Moses for their sakes;
33 Because they provoked his spirit: so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips.
34 Neither destroyed they the heathen: as the Lord commanded them;
35 But were mingled among the heathen: and learned their works.
36 Insomuch that they worshipped their idols, which turned to their own decay: yea, they offered their sons and their daughters unto devils;
37 And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters: whom they offered unto the idols of Canaan; and the land was defiled with blood.
38 Thus were they stained with their own works: and went a whoring with their own inventions.
39 Therefore was the wrath of the Lord kindled against his people: insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.
40 And he gave them over into the hands of the heathen: and they that hated them were lords over them.
41 Their enemies oppressed them: and had them in subjection.
42 Many a time did he deliver them: but they rebelled against him with then* own inventions, and were brought down in their wickedness.
43 Nevertheless, when he saw their adversity: he heard their complaint.
44 He thought upon his covenant, and pitied them according unto the multitude of his mercies: yea, he made all those that led them away captive to pity them.
45 Deliver us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the heathen: that we may give thanks unto thy holy Name, and make our boast of thy praise.
46 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting and world without end: And let all the people say, Amen.
DAY 22 MORNING PRAYER
PSALM 107. Confitemini Domino.
O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious: and his mercy endureth for ever.
2 Let them give thanks whom the Lord hath redeemed: and delivered from the hand of the enemy;
3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east and from the west: from the north and from the south.
4 They went astray in the wilderness out of the way: and found no city to dwell in;
5 Hungry and thirsty: their soul fainted in them.
6 So they cried unto the Lord in their trouble: and he delivered them from their distress.
7 He led them forth by the right way: that they might go to the city where they dwelt.
8 O that men would therefore praise the Lord for his goodness: and declare the wonders that he doeth for the children of men!
9 For he satisfieth the empty soul: and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
10 Such as sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death: being fast bound in misery and iron;
11 Because they rebelled against the words of the Lord: and lightly regarded the counsel of the most Highest;
12 He also brought down their heart through heaviness: they fell down, and there was none to help them.
13 So when they cried unto the Lord in their trouble: he delivered them out of their distress.
14 For he brought them out of darkness, and out of the shadow of death: and brake their bonds in sunder.
15 O that men would therefore praise the Lord for his goodness: and declare the wonders that he doeth for the children of men.
16 For he hath broken the gates of brass: and smitten the bars of iron in sunder.
17 Foolish men are plagued for their offence: and because of their wickedness.
18 Their soul abhorred all manner of meat: and they were even hard at death's door.
19 So when they cried unto the Lord in their trouble: he delivered them out of their distress.
20 He sent his word, and healed them: and they were saved from their destruction.
21 O that men would therefore praise the Lord for his goodness: and declare the wonders that he doeth for the children of men!
22 That they would offer unto him the sacrifice of thanksgiving: and tell out his works with gladness!
23 They that go down to the sea in ships: and occupy their business in great waters;
24 These men see the works of the Lord: and his wonders in the deep.
25 For at his word the stormy wind ariseth: which lifteth up the waves thereof.
26 They are carried up to the heaven, and down again to the deep: their soul melteth away because of the trouble.
27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man: and are at their wit's end.
28 So when they cry unto the Lord in their trouble: he delivereth them out of their distress.
29 For he maketh the storm to cease: so that the waves thereof are still.
30 Then are they glad, because they are at rest: and so he bringeth them unto the haven where they would be.
31 O that men would therefore praise the Lord for his goodness: and declare the wonders that he doeth for the children of men!
32 That they would exalt him also in the congregation of the people: and praise him in the seat of the elders!
33 Who turneth the floods into a wilderness: and drieth up the water-springs.
34 A fruitful land maketh he barren: for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.
35 Again, he maketh the wilderness a standing water: and water-springs of a dry ground
36 And there he setteth the hungry: that they may build them a city to dwell in;
37 That they may sow their land, and plant vineyards: to yield them fruits of increase.
38 He blesseth them, so that they multiply exceedingly: and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.
39 And again, when they are minished and brought low: through oppression, through any plague or trouble;
40 Though he suffer them to be evil intreated through tyrants: and let them wander out of the way in the wilderness;
41 Yet helpeth he the poor out of misery: and maketh him households like a flock of sheep.
42 The righteous will consider this, and rejoice: and the mouth of all wickedness shall be stopped.
43 Whoso is wise will ponder these things: and they shall understand the loving-kindness of the Lord.
DAY 22 EVENING PRAYER
PSALM 108. Paratum cor meum.
O God, my heart is ready, my heart is ready: I will sing and give praise with the best member that I have.
2 Awake, thou lute, and harp: I myself will awake right early.
3 I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing praises unto thee among the nations.
4 For thy mercy is greater than the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds.
5 Set up thyself, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth.
6 That thy beloved may be delivered: let thy right hand save them, and hear thou me.
7 God hath spoken in his holiness: I will rejoice therefore, and divide Sichem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.
8 Gilead is mine, and Manasses is mine: Ephraim also is the strength of my head.
9 Judah is my law-giver, Moab is my wash-pot: over Edom will I cast out my shoe, upon Philistia will I triumph.
10 Who will lead me into the strong city: and who will bring me into Edom?
11 Hast not thou forsaken us, O God: and wilt not thou, O God, go forth with our hosts?
12 O help us against the enemy: for vain is the help of man.
13 Through God we shall do great acts: and it is he that shall tread down our enemies.
PSALM 109. Deus, laudem.
Hold not thy tongue, O God of my praise: for the mouth of the ungodly, yea, the mouth of the deceitful is opened upon me.
2 And they have spoken against me with false tongues: they compassed me about also with words of hatred, and fought against me without a cause.
3 For the love that I had unto them, lo, they take now my contrary part: but I give myself unto prayer.
4 Thus have they rewarded me evil for good: and hatred for my good will.
5 Set thou an ungodly man to be ruler over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.
6 When sentence is given upon him, let him be condemned: and let his prayer be turned into sin.
7 Let his days be few: and let another take his office.
8 Let his children be fatherless: and his wife a widow.
9 Let his children be vagabonds, and beg their bread: let them seek it also out of desolate places.
10 Let the extortioner consume all that he hath: and let the stranger spoil his labour.
11 Let there be no man to pity him: nor to have compassion upon his fatherless children.
12 Let his posterity be destroyed: and in the next generation let his name be clean put out.
13 Let the wickedness of his fathers be had in remembrance in the sight of the Lord: and let not the sin of his mother be done away.
14 Let them alway be before the Lord: that he may root out the memorial of them from off the earth.
15 And that, because his mind was not to do good: but persecuted the poor helpless man, that he might slay him that was vexed at the heart.
16 His delight was in cursing, and it shall happen unto him: he loved not blessing, therefore shall it be far from him,
17 He clothed himself with cursing, like as with a raiment: and it shall come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones.
18 Let it be unto him as the cloke that he hath upon him: and as the girdle that he is alway girded withal.
19 Let it thus happen from the Lord unto mine enemies: and to those that speak evil against my soul.
20 But deal thou with me, O Lord God, according unto thy Name: for sweet is thy mercy.
21 O deliver me, for I am helpless and poor: and my heart is wounded within me.
22 I go hence like the shadow that departeth: and am driven away as the grasshopper.
23 My knees are weak through fasting: my flesh is dried up for want of fatness.
24 I became also a reproach unto them: they that looked upon me shaked their heads.
25 Help me, O Lord my God: O save me according to thy mercy.
26 And they shall know, how that this is thy hand: and that thou, Lord, hast done it.
27 Though they curse, yet bless thou: and let them be confounded that rise up against me; but let thy servant rejoice.
28 Let mine adversaries be clothed with shame: and let them cover themselves with their own confusion, as with a cloke.
29 As for me, I will give great thanks unto the Lord with my mouth: and praise him among the multitude.
30 For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor: to save his soul from unrighteous judges.
DAY 23 MORNING PRAYER
PSALM 110. Dixit Dominus.
The Lord said unto my Lord: Sit thou on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
2 The Lord shall send the rod of thy power out of Sion: be thou ruler, even in the midst among thine enemies.
3 In the day of thy power shall thy people offer thee free-will offerings with an holy worship: the dew of thy birth is of the womb of the morning.
4 The Lord sware, and will not repent: Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedech.
5 The Lord upon thy right hand: shall wound even kings in the day of his wrath.
6 He shall judge among the heathen; he shall fill the places with the dead bodies: and smite in sunder the heads over divers countries.
7 He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up his head.
PSALM 111. Confitebor tibi.
I will give thanks unto the Lord with my whole heart: secretly among the faithful, and in the congregation.
2 The works of the Lord are great: sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
3 His work is worthy to be praised and had in honour: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4 The merciful and gracious Lord hath so done his marvellous works: that they ought to be had in remembrance.
5 He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he shall ever be mindful of his covenant.
6 He hath shewed his people the power of his works: that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.
7 The works of his hands are verity and judgement: all his commandments are true.
8 They stand fast for ever and ever: and are done in truth and equity.
9 He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever; holy and reverend is his Name.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do thereafter; the praise of it endureth for ever.
PSALM 112. Beatus vir.
Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord: he hath great delight in his commandments.
2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the faithful shall be blessed.
3 Riches and plenteousness shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4 Unto the godly there ariseth up light in the darkness: he is merciful, loving, and righteous.
5 A good man is merciful, and lendeth: and will guide his words with discretion.
6 For he shall never be moved: and the righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance.
7 He will not be afraid of any evil tidings: for his heart standeth fast, and believeth in the Lord.
8 His heart is established, and will not shrink: until he see his desire upon his enemies.
9 He hath dispersed abroad, and given to the poor: and his righteousness remaineth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.
10 The ungodly shall see it, and it shall grieve him: he shall gnash with his teeth, and consume away; the desire of the ungodly shall perish.
PSALM 113. Laudate, pueri.
Praise the Lord, ye servants: O praise the Name of the Lord.
2 Blessed be the Name of the Lord: from this time forth for evermore.
3 The Lord's Name is praised: from the rising up of the sun unto the going down of the same.
4 The Lord is high above all heathen: and his glory above the heavens.
5 Who is like unto the Lord our God, that hath his dwelling so high: and yet humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven and earth?
6 He taketh up the simple out of the dust: and lifteth the poor out of the mire;
7 That he may set him with the princes: even with the princes of his people.
8 He maketh the barren woman to keep house: and to be a joyful mother of children.
DAY 23 EVENING PRAYER
PSALM 114. In exitu Israel.
When Israel came out of Egypt: and the house of Jacob from among the strange people,
2 Judah was his sanctuary: and Israel his dominion.
3 The sea saw that, and fled: Jordan was driven back.
4 The mountains skipped like rams: and the little hills like young sheep.
5 What aileth thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest: and thou Jordan, that thou wast driven back?
6 Ye mountains, that ye skipped like rams: and ye little hills, like young sheep?
7 Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord: at the presence of the God of Jacob;
8 Who turned the hard rock into a standing water: and the flint-stone into a springing well.
PSALM 115. Non nobis, Domine.
Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy Name give the praise: for thy loving mercy and for thy truth's sake.
2 Wherefore shall the heathen say: Where is now their God?
3 As for our God, he is in heaven: he hath done whatsoever pleased him.
4 Their idols are silver and gold: even the work of men's hands.
5 They have mouths, and speak not: eyes have they, and see not.
6 They have ears, and hear not: noses have they, and smell not.
7 They have hands, and handle not; feet have they, and walk not: neither speak they through their throat.
8 They that make them are like unto them: and so are all such as put their trust in them.
9 But thou, house of Israel, trust thou in the Lord: he is their succour and defence.
10 Ye house of Aaron, put your trust in the Lord: he is their helper and defender.
11 Ye that fear the Lord, put your trust in the Lord: he is their helper and defender.
12 The Lord hath been mindful of us, and he shall bless us: even he shall bless the house of Israel, he shall bless the house of Aaron.
13 He shall bless them that fear the Lord: both small and great.
14 The Lord shall increase you more and more: you and your children.
15 Ye are the blessed of the Lord: who made heaven and earth.
16 All the whole heavens are the Lord's: the earth hath he given to the children of men.
17 The dead praise not thee, O Lord: neither all they that go down into silence.
18 But we will praise the Lord: from this time forth for evermore. Praise the Lord.
DAY 24 MORNING PRAYER
PSALM 116. Dilexi, quoniam.
I am well pleased: that the Lord hath heard the voice of my prayer;
2 That he hath inclined his ear unto me: therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
3 The snares of death compassed me round about: and the pains of hell gat hold upon me.
4 I shall find trouble and heaviness, and I will call upon the Name of the Lord: O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.
5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous: yea, our God is merciful.
6 The Lord preserveth the simple: I was in misery, and he helped me.
7 Turn again then unto thy rest, O my soul: for the Lord hath rewarded thee.
8 And why? thou hast delivered my soul from death: mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
9 I will walk before the Lord: in the land of the living.
10 I believed, and therefore will I speak; but I was sore troubled: I said in my haste, All men are liars.
11 What reward shall I give unto the Lord: for all the benefits that he hath done unto me?
12 I will receive the cup of salvation: and call upon the Name of the Lord.
13 I will pay my vows now in the presence of all his people: right dear in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
14 Behold, O Lord, how that I am thy servant: I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid; thou hast broken my bonds in sunder.
15 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving: and will call upon the Name of the Lord.
16 I will pay my vows unto the Lord, in the sight of all his people: in the courts of the Lord's house, even in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise the Lord.
PSALM 117. Laudate Dominum.
O praise the Lord, all ye heathen: praise him, all ye nations.
2 For his merciful kindness is ever more and more toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise the Lord.
PSALM 118. Confitemini Domino.
O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious: because his mercy endureth for ever.
2 Let Israel now confess that he is gracious: and that his mercy endureth for ever.
3 Let the house of Aaron now confess: that his mercy endureth for ever.
4 Yea, let them now that fear the Lord confess: that his mercy endureth for ever.
5 I called upon the Lord in trouble: and the Lord heard me at large.
6 The Lord is on my side: I will not fear what man doeth unto me.
7 The Lord taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon mine enemies.
8 It is better to trust in the Lord: than to put any confidence in man.
9 It is better to trust in the Lord: than to put any confidence in princes.
10 All nations compassed me round about: but in the Name of the Lord will I destroy them.
11 They kept me in on every side, they kept me in, I say, on every side: but in the Name of the Lord will I destroy them.
12 They came about me like bees, and are extinct even as the fire among the thorns: for in the Name of the Lord I will destroy them.
13 Thou hast thrust sore at me, that I might fall: but the Lord was my help.
14 The Lord is my strength, and my song i and is become my salvation.
15 The voice of joy and health is in the dwellings of the righteous: the right hand of the Lord bringeth mighty things to pass,
16 The right hand of the Lord hath the pre-eminence: the right hand of the Lord bringeth mighty things to pass.
17 I shall not die, but live: and declare the works of the Lord.
18 The Lord hath chastened and corrected me: but he hath not given me over unto death.
19 Open me the gates of righteousness: that I may go into them, and give thanks unto the Lord.
20 This is the gate of the Lord: the righteous shall enter into it.
21 I will thank thee, for thou hast heard me: and art become my salvation.
22 The same stone which the builders refused: is become the head-stone in the corner.
23 This is the Lord's doing: and it is marvellous in our eyes.
24 This is the day which the Lord hath made: we will rejoice and be glad in it.
25 Help me now, O Lord: O Lord, send us now prosperity.
26 Blessed be he that cometh in the Name of the Lord: we have wished you good luck, ye that are of the house of the Lord.
27 God is the Lord who hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, yea, even unto the horns of the altar.
28 Thou art my God, and I will thank thee: thou art my God, and I will praise thee.
29 O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious: and his mercy endureth for ever.
DAY 24 EVENING PRAYER
PSALM 119. Beati immaculati.
Blessed are those that are undefiled in the way: and walk in the law of the Lord.
2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies: and seek him with their whole heart.
3 For they who do no wickedness: walk in his ways.
4 Thou hast charged: that we shall diligently keep thy commandments.
5 O that my ways were made so direct: that I might keep thy statutes!
6 So shall I not be confounded: while I have respect unto all thy commandments.
7 I will thank thee with an unfeigned heart: when I shall have learned the judgements of thy righteousness.
8 I will keep thy ceremonies: O forsake me not utterly.
In quo corrigit?
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way: even by ruling himself after thy word.
10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: let me not go wrong out of thy commandments.
11 Thy words have I hid within my heart: that I should not sin against thee.
12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: O teach me thy statutes.
13 With my lips have I been telling: of all the judgements of thy mouth.
14 I have had as great delight in the way of thy testimonies: as in all manner of riches.
15 I will talk of thy commandments: and have respect unto thy ways.
16 My delight shall be in thy statutes: and I will not forget thy word.
Retribue servo tuo.
O do well unto thy servant: that I may live, and keep thy word.
18 Open thou mine eyes: that I may see the wondrous things of thy law.
19 I am a stranger upon earth: O hide not thy commandments from me.
20 My soul breaketh out for the very fervent desire: that it hath alway unto thy judgements.
21 Thou hast rebuked the proud: and cursed are they that do err from thy commandments.
22 O turn from me shame and rebuke: for I have kept thy testimonies.
23 Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant is occupied in thy statutes.
24 For thy testimonies are my delight: and my counsellors.
Adhaesit pavimento.
My soul cleaveth to the dust: O quicken thou me, according to thy word.
26 I have acknowledged my ways, and thou heardest me: O teach me thy statutes.
27 Make me to understand the way of thy commandments: and so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
28 My soul melteth away for very heaviness: comfort thou me according unto thy word.
29 Take from me the way of lying: and cause thou me to make much of thy law.
30 I have chosen the way of truth: and thy judgements have I laid before me.
31 I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O Lord, confound me not.
32 I will run the way of thy commandments: when thou hast set my heart at liberty.
DAY 25 MORNING PRAYER
Legem pone.
Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes: and I shall keep it unto the end.
34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law: yea, I shall keep it with my whole heart.
35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments: for therein is my desire.
36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies: and not to covetousness.
37 O turn away mine eyes, lest they behold vanity: and quicken thou me in thy way.
38 O stablish thy word in thy servant: that I may fear thee.
39 Take away the rebuke that I am afraid of: for thy judgements are good.
40 Behold, my delight is in thy commandments: O quicken me in thy righteousness.
Et veniat super me.
Let thy loving mercy come also unto me, O Lord: even thy salvation, according unto thy word.
42 So shall I make answer unto my blasphemers: for my trust is in thy word.
43 O take not the word of thy truth utterly out of my mouth: for my hope is in thy judgements.
44 So shall I alway keep thy law: yea, for ever and ever.
45 And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy commandments.
46 I will speak of thy testimonies also, even before kings: and will not be ashamed.
47 And my delight shall be in thy commandments: which I have loved.
48 My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved: and my study shall be in thy statutes.
Memor esto verbi tui.
O think upon thy servant, as concerning thy word: wherein thou hast caused me to put my trust.
50 The same is my comfort in my trouble: for thy word hath quickened me.
51 The proud have had me exceedingly in derision: yet have I not shrinked from thy law.
52 For I remembered thine everlasting judgements, O Lord: and received comfort.
53 I am horribly afraid: for the ungodly that forsake thy law.
54 Thy statutes have been my songs: in the house of my pilgrimage.
55 I have thought upon thy Name, O Lord, in the night-season: and have kept thy law.
56 This I had: because I kept thy commandments.
Portio mea, Domine.
Thou art my portion, O Lord: I have promised to keep thy law.
58 I made my humble petition in thy presence with my whole heart: O be merciful unto me, according to thy word.
59 I called mine own ways to remembrance: and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
60 I made haste, and prolonged not the time: to keep thy commandments.
61 The congregations of the ungodly have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.
62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee: because of thy righteous judgements.
63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee: and keep thy commandments.
64 The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy: O teach me thy statutes.
Bonitatem fetisti.
O Lord, thou hast dealt graciously with thy servant: according unto thy word.
66 O learn me true understanding and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.
67 Before I was troubled, I went wrong: but now have I kept thy word.
68 Thou art good and gracious: O teach me thy statutes.
69 The proud have imagined a lie against me: but I will keep thy commandments with my whole heart.
70 Their heart is as fat as brawn: but my delight hath been in thy law.
71 It is good for me that I have been in trouble: that I may learn thy statutes.
72 The law of thy mouth is dearer unto me: than thousands of gold and silver.
DAY 25 EVENING PRAYER
Manus tuae fecerunt me.
Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: O give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.
74 They that fear thee will be glad when they see me: because I have put my trust in thy word.
75 I know, O Lord, that thy judgements are right: and that thou of very faithfulness hast caused me to be troubled.
76 O let thy merciful kindness be my comfort: according to thy word unto thy servant.
77 O let thy loving mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.
78 Let the proud be confounded, for they go wickedly about to destroy me: but I will be occupied in thy commandments.
79 Let such as fear thee, and have known thy testimonies: be turned unto me.
80 O let my heart be sound in thy statutes: that I be not ashamed.
Defecit anima mea.
My soul hath longed for thy salvation: and I have a good hope because of thy word.
82 Mine eyes long sore for thy word: saying, O when wilt thou comfort me?
83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke: yet do I not forget thy statutes.
84 How many are the days of thy servant: when wilt thou be avenged of them that persecute me?
85 The proud have digged pits for me: which are not after thy law.
86 All thy commandments are true: they persecute me falsely; O be thou my help.
87 They had almost made an end of me upon earth: but I forsook not thy commandments.
88 O quicken me after thy loving-kindness: and so shall I keep the testimonies of thy mouth.
In aeternum, Domine.
O Lord, thy word: endureth for ever in heaven.
90 Thy truth also remaineth from one generation to another: thou hast laid the foundation of the earth, and it abideth.
91 They continue this day according to thine ordinance: for all things serve thee.
92 If my delight had not been in thy law: I should have perished in my trouble.
93 I will never forget thy commandments: for with them thou hast quickened me.
94 I am thine, O save me: for I have sought thy commandments.
95 The ungodly laid wait for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.
96 I see that all things come to an end: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.
Quomodo dilexi!
Lord, what love have I unto thy law: all the day long is my study in it.
98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than my teachers: for thy testimonies are my study.
100 I am wiser than the aged: because I keep thy commandments.
101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way: that I may keep thy word.
102 I have not shrunk from thy judgements: for thou teachest me.
103 O how sweet are thy words unto my throat: yea, sweeter than honey unto my mouth.
104 Through thy commandments I get understanding: therefore I hate all evil ways.
DAY 26 MORNING PRAYER
Lucerna pedibus meis.
Thy word is a lantern unto my feet: and a light unto my paths.
106 I have sworn, and am stedfastly purposed: to keep thy righteous judgements.
107 I am troubled above measure: quicken me, O Lord, according to thy word.
108 Let the free-will offerings of my mouth please thee, O Lord: and teach me thy judgements.
109 My soul is alway in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.
110 The ungodly have laid a snare for me: but yet I swerved not from thy commandments.
111 Thy testimonies have I claimed as mine heritage for ever: and why? they are the very joy of my heart.
112 I have applied my heart to fulfil thy statutes alway: even unto the end.
Iniquos odio habui.
I hate them that imagine evil things: but thy law do I love.
114 Thou art my defence and shield: and my trust is in thy word.
115 Away from me, ye wicked: I will keep the commandments of my God.
116 O stablish me according to thy word, that I may live: and let me not be disappointed of my hope.
117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: yea, my delight shall be ever in thy statutes.
118 Thou hast trodden down all them that depart from thy statutes: for they imagine but deceit.
119 Thou puttest away all the ungodly of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.
120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee: and I am afraid of thy judgements.
Feci judicium.
I deal with the thing that is lawful and right: O give me not over unto mine oppressors.
122 Make thou thy servant to delight in that which is good: that the proud do me no wrong.
123 Mine eyes are wasted away with looking for thy health: and for the word of thy righteousness.
124 O deal with thy servant according unto thy loving mercy: and teach me thy statutes.
125 I am thy servant, O grant me understanding: that I may know thy testimonies.
126 It is time for thee, Lord, to lay to thine hand: for they have destroyed thy law.
127 For I love thy commandments: above gold and precious stone.
128 Therefore hold I straight all thy commandments: and all false ways I utterly abhor.
Mirabilia.
Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.
130 When thy word goeth forth: it giveth light and understanding unto the simple.
131 I opened my mouth, and drew in my breath: for my delight was in thy commandments.
132 O look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me: as thou usest to do unto those that love thy Name.
133 Order my steps in thy word: and so shall no wickedness have dominion over me.
134 O deliver me from the wrongful dealings of men: and so shall I keep thy commandments.
135 Shew the light of thy countenance upon thy servant: and teach me thy statutes.
136 Mine eyes gush out with water: because men keep not thy law.
Justus es, Domine.
Righteous art thou, O Lord: and true is thy judgement.
138 The testimonies that thou hast commanded: are exceeding righteous and true.
139 My zeal hath even consumed me: because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.
140 Thy word is tried to the uttermost: and thy servant loveth it.
141 I am small, and of no reputation: yet do I not forget thy commandments.
142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness: and thy law is the truth.
143 Trouble and heaviness have taken hold upon me: yet is my delight in thy commandments.
144 The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: O grant me understanding, and I shall live.
DAY 26 EVENING PRAYER
Clamavi in toto corde meo.
I call with my whole heart: hear me, O Lord, I will keep thy statutes.
146 Yea, even unto thee do I call: help me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.
147 Early in the morning do I cry unto thee: for in thy word is my trust.
148 Mine eyes prevent the night-watches: that I might be occupied in thy words.
149 Hear my voice, O Lord, according unto thy loving-kindness: quicken me, according as thou art wont.
150 They draw nigh that of malice persecute me: and are far from thy law.
151 Be thou nigh at hand, O Lord: for all thy commandments are true.
152 As concerning thy testimonies, I have known long since: that thou hast grounded them for ever.
Vide humilitatem.
O consider mine adversity, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.
154 Avenge thou my cause, and deliver me: quicken me, according to thy word.
155 Health is far from the ungodly: for they regard not thy statutes.
156 Great is thy mercy, O Lord: quicken me, as thou art wont.
157 Many there are that trouble me, and persecute me: yet do I not swerve from thy testimonies.
158 It grieveth me when I see the transgressors: because they keep not thy law.
159 Consider, O Lord, how I love thy commandments: O quicken me, according to thy loving-kindness.
160 Thy word is true from everlasting: all the judgements of thy righteousness endure for evermore.
Principes persecuti sunt.
Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.
162 I am as glad of thy word: as one that findeth great spoils.
163 As for lies, I hate and abhor them: but thy law do I love.
164 Seven times a day do I praise thee: because of thy righteous judgements.
165 Great is the peace that they have who love thy law: and they are not offended at it.
166 Lord, I have looked for thy saving health: and done after thy commandments.
167 My soul hath kept thy testimonies: and loved them exceedingly.
168 I have kept thy commandments and testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.
Appropinquet deprecatio.
Let my complaint come before thee, O Lord: give me understanding, according to thy word.
170 Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me, according to thy word.
171 My lips shall speak of thy praise: when thou hast taught me thy statutes.
172 Yea, my tongue shall sing of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteous.
173 Let thine hand help me: for I have chosen thy commandments.
174 I have longed for thy saving health, O Lord: and in thy law is my delight.
175 O let my soul live, and it shall praise thee: and thy judgements shall help me.
176 I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost: O seek thy servant, for I do not forget thy commandments.
DAY 27 MORNING PRAYER
PSALM 120. Ad Dominum.
When I was in trouble I called upon the Lord: and he heard me.
2 Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips: and from a deceitful tongue.
3 What reward shall be given or done unto thee, thou false tongue: even mighty and sharp arrows, with hot burning coals.
4 Woe is me, that I am constrained to dwell with Mesech: and to have my habitation among the tents of Kedar.
5 My soul hath long dwelt among them: that are enemies unto peace.
6 I labour for peace, but when I speak unto them thereof: they make them ready to battle.
PSALM 121. Levavi oculos.
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills: from whence cometh my help.
2 My help cometh even from the Lord: who hath made heaven and earth.
3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: and he that keepeth thee will not sleep.
4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel: shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord himself is thy keeper: the Lord is thy defence upon thy right hand;
6 So that the sun shall not burn thee by day: neither the moon by night
7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: yea, it is even he that shall keep thy soul.
8 The Lord shall preserve thy going out, and thy coming in: from this time forth for evermore.
PSALM 122. Laetatus sum.
I was glad when they said unto me: We will go into the house of the Lord.
2 Our feet shall stand in thy gates: O Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem is built as a city: that is at unity in itself.
4 For thither the tribes go up, even the tribes of the Lord: to testify unto Israel, to give thanks unto the Name of the Lord.
5 For there is the seat of judgement: even the seat of the house of David.
6 O pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.
7 Peace be within thy walls: and plenteousness within thy palaces.
8 For my brethren and companions sakes: I will wish thee prosperity.
9 Yea, because of the house of the Lord our God: I will seek to do thee good.
PSALM 123. Ad te levavi oculos meos.
Unto thee lift I up mine eyes: O thou that dwellest in the heavens.
2 Behold, even as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress: even so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until he have mercy upon us.
3 Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us: for we are utterly despised.
4 Our soul is filled with the scornful reproof of the wealthy: and with the despitefulness of the proud.
PSALM 124. Nisi quia Dominus.
If the Lord himself had not been on our side, now may Israel say: if the Lord himself had not been on our side, when men rose up against us;
2 They had swallowed us up quick: when they were so wrathfully displeased at us.
3 Yea, the waters had drowned us: and the stream had gone over our soul.
4 The deep waters of the proud: had gone even over our soul.
5 But praised be the Lord: who hath not given us over for a prey unto their teeth.
6 Our soul is escaped even as a bird out of the snare of the fowler: the snare is broken, and we are delivered.
7 Our help standeth in the Name of the Lord: who hath made heaven and earth.
PSALM 125. Qui confidunt.
They that put their trust in the Lord shall be even as the mount Sion: which may not be removed, but standeth fast for ever.
2 The hills stand about Jerusalem: even so standeth the Lord round about his people, from this time forth for evermore.
3 For the rod of the ungodly cometh not into the lot of the righteous: lest the righteous put their hand unto wickedness.
4 Do well, O Lord: unto those that are good and true of heart.
5 As for such as turn back unto their own wickedness: the Lord shall lead them forth with the evil-doers; but peace shall be upon Israel.
DAY 27 EVENING PRAYER
PSALM 126. In convertendo.
When the Lord turned again the captivity of Sion: then were we like unto them that dream.
2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter: and our tongue with joy.
3 Then said they among the heathen: The Lord hath done great things for them.
4 Yea, the Lord hath done great things for us already: whereof we rejoice.
5 Turn our captivity, O Lord: as the rivers in the south.
6 They that sow in tears: shall reap in joy.
7 He that now goeth on his way weeping, and beareth forth good seed: shall doubtless come again with joy, and bring his sheaves with him.
PSALM 127. Nisi Dominus.
Except the Lord build the house: their labour is but lost that build it.
2 Except the Lord keep the city: the watchman waketh but in vain.
3 It is but lost labour that ye haste to rise up early, and so late take rest, arid eat the bread of carefulness: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
4 Lo, children and the fruit of the womb: are an heritage and gift that cometh of the Lord.
5 Like as the arrows in the hand of the giant: even so are the young children.
6 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.
PSALM 128. Beati omnes.
Blessed are all they that fear the Lord: and walk in his ways.
2 For thou shalt eat the labours of thine hands: O well is thee, and happy shalt thou be.
3 Thy wife shall be as the fruitful vine: upon the walls of thine house.
4 Thy children like the olive-branches: round about thy table.
5 Lo, thus shall the man be blessed: that feareth the Lord.
6 The Lord from out of Sion shall so bless thee: that thou shalt see Jerusalem in prosperity all thy life long.
7 Yea, that thou shalt see thy children's children: and peace upon Israel.
PSALM 129. Saepe expugnaverunt.
Many a time have they fought against me from my youth up: may Israel now say.
2 Yea, many a time have they vexed me from my youth up: but they have not prevailed against me.
3 The plowers plowed upon my back: and made long furrows.
4 But the righteous Lord: hath hewn the snares of the ungodly in pieces.
5 Let them be confounded and turned backward: as many as have evil will at Sion.
6 Let them be even as the grass growing upon the house-tops: which withereth afore it be plucked up;
7 Whereof the mower filleth not his hand: neither he that bindeth up the sheaves his bosom.
8 So that they who go by say not so much as, The Lord prosper you: we wish you good luck in the Name of the Lord.
PSALM 130. De profundis.
Out of the deep have I called unto thee, O Lord: Lord, hear my voice.
2 O let thine ears consider well: the voice of my complaint.
3 If thou, Lord, wilt be extreme to mark what is done amiss: O Lord, who may abide it?
4 For there is mercy with thee: therefore shalt thou be feared.
5 I look for the Lord; my soul doth wait for him: in his word is my trust.
6 My soul fleeth unto the Lord: before the morning watch, I say, before the morning watch.
7 O Israel, trust in the Lord, for with the Lord there is mercy: and with him is plenteous redemption.
8 And he shall redeem Israel: from all his sins.
PSALM 131. Domine, non est.
O Lord, I am not high-minded: I have no proud looks.
2 I do not exercise myself in great matters: which are too high for me.
3 But I refrain my soul, and keep it low, like as a child that is weaned from his mother: yea, my soul is even as a weaned child.
4 O Israel, trust in the Lord: from this time forth for evermore.
DAY 28 MORNING PRAYER
PSALM 132. Memento, Domine.
Lord, remember David: and all his trouble;
2 How he sware unto the Lord: and vowed a vow unto the Almighty God of Jacob;
3 I will not come within the tabernacle of mine house: nor climb up into my bed;
4 I will not suffer mine eyes to sleep, nor mine eye-lids to slumber: neither the temples of my head to take any rest;
5 Until I find out a place for the temple of the Lord: an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob.
6 Lo, we heard of the same at Ephrata: and found it in the wood.
7 We will go into his tabernacle: and fall low on our knees before his footstool.
8 Arise, O Lord, into thy resting-place: thou, and the ark of thy strength.
9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness: and let thy saints sing with joyfulness.
10 For thy servant David's sake: turn not away the presence of thine Anointed.
11 The Lord hath made a faithful oath unto David: and he shall not shrink from it;
12 Of the fruit of thy body: shall I set upon thy seat.
13 If thy children will keep my covenant, and my testimonies that I shall learn them: their children also shall sit upon thy seat for evermore.
14 For the Lord hath chosen Sion to be an habitation for himself: he hath longed for her.
15 This shall be my rest for ever: here will I dwell, for I have a delight therein.
16 I will bless her victuals with increase: and will satisfy her poor with bread.
17 I will deck her priests with health: and her saints shall rejoice and sing.
18 There shall I make the horn of David to flourish: I have ordained a lantern for mine Anointed.
19 As for his enemies, I shall clothe them with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.
PSALM 133. Ecce, quam bonum!
Behold, how good and joyful a thing it is: brethren, to dwell together in unity!
2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down unto the beard: even unto Aaron's beard, and went down to the skirts of his clothing.
3 Like as the dew of Hermon: which fell upon the hill of Sion.
4 For there the Lord promised his blessing: and life for evermore.
PSALM 134 Ecce nunc.
Behold now, praise the Lord: all ye servants of the Lord;
2 Ye that by night stand in the house of the Lord: even in the courts of the house of our God.
3 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary: and praise the Lord.
4 The Lord that made heaven and earth: give thee blessing out of Sion.
PSALM 135. Laudate Nomen.
O praise the Lord, laud ye the Name of the Lord: praise it, O ye servants of the Lord;
2 Ye that stand in the house of the Lord: in the courts of the house of our God.
3 O praise the Lord, for the Lord is gracious: O sing praises unto his Name, for it is lovely.
4 For why? the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto 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 Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven and in earth: and in the sea, and in all deep places.
7 He bringeth forth the clouds from the ends of the world: and sendeth forth lightnings with the rain, bringing the winds out of his treasures.
8 He smote the first-born of Egypt: both of man and beast.
9 He hath sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O thou land of Egypt: upon Pharaoh, and all his servants.
10 He smote divers nations: and slew mighty kings;
11 Sehon king of the Amorites, and Og the king of Basan: and all the kingdoms of Canaan;
12 And gave their land to be an heritage: even an heritage unto Israel his people.
13 Thy Name, O Lord, endureth for ever: so doth thy memorial, O Lord, from one generation to another.
14 For the Lord will avenge his people: and be gracious unto his servants.
15 As for the images of the heathen, they are but silver and gold: the work of men's hands.
16 They have mouths, and speak not: eyes have they, but they see not.
17 They have ears, and yet they hear not: neither is there any breath in their mouths.
18 They that make them are like unto them: and so are all they that put their trust in them.
19 Praise the Lord, ye house of Israel; praise the Lord, ye house of Aaron.
20 Praise the Lord, ye house of Levi: ye that fear the Lord, praise the Lord.
21 Praised be the Lord out of Sion: who dwelleth at Jerusalem.
DAY 28 EVENING PRAYER
PSALM 136. Confitemini.
O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious: and his mercy endureth for ever.
2 O give thanks unto the God of all gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
3 O thank the Lord of all lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.
4 Who only doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.
5 Who by his excellent wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.
6 Who laid out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.
7 Who hath made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever;
8 The sun to rule the day: for his mercy endureth for ever;
9 The moon and the stars to govern the night: for his mercy endureth for ever.
10 Who smote Egypt with their first-born: for his mercy endureth for ever;
11 And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever;
12 With a mighty hand, and stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.
13 Who divided the Red sea in two parts: for his mercy endureth for ever;
14 And made Israel to go through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever.
15 But as for Pharaoh and his host, he overthrew them in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.
16 Who led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.
17 Who smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever;
18 Yea, and slew mighty kings: for his mercy endureth for ever;
19 Sehon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever;
20 And Og the king of Basan: for his mercy endureth for ever;
21 And gave away their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever;
22 Even for an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.
23 Who remembered us when we were in trouble: for his mercy endureth for ever;
24 And hath delivered us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.
25 Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.
26 O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.
27 O give thanks unto the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.
PSALM 137. Super flumina.
By the waters of Babylon we sat down and wept: when we remembered thee, O Sion.
2 As for our harps, we hanged them up: upon the trees that are therein.
3 For they that led us away captive required of us then a song, and melody in our heaviness: Sing us one of the songs of Sion.
4 How shall we sing the Lord's song: in a strange land?
5 If I forget thee, O Jerusalem: let my right hand forget her cunning.
6 If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth: yea, if I prefer not Jerusalem in my mirth.
7 Remember the children of Edom, O Lord, in the day of Jerusalem: how they said, Down with it, down with it, even to the ground.
8 O daughter of Babylon, wasted with misery: yea, happy shall he be that rewardeth thee, as thou hast served us.
9 Blessed shall he be that taketh thy children: and throweth them against the stones.
PSALM 138. Confitebor tibi.
I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, with my whole heart: even before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy Name, because of thy loving-kindness and truth: for thou hast magnified thy Name and thy word above all things.
3 When I called upon thee, thou heardest me: and enduedst my soul with much strength.
4 All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O Lord: for they have heard the words of thy mouth.
5 Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the Lord: that great is the glory of the Lord.
6 For though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: as for the proud, he beholdeth them afar off.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, yet shalt thou refresh me: thou shalt stretch forth thy hand upon the furiousness of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
8 The Lord shall make good his loving-kindness toward me: yea, thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever; despise not then the works of thine own hands.
DAY 29 MORNING PRAYER
PSALM 139. Domine, probasti.
Lord, thou hast searched me out and known me: thou knowest my down-sitting and mine up-rising, thou understandest my thoughts long before.
2 Thou art about my path, and about my bed: and spiest out all my ways.
3 For lo, there is not a word in my tongue: but thou, O Lord, knowest it altogether.
4 Thou hast fashioned me behind and before: and laid thine hand upon me.
5 Such knowledge is too wonderful and excel lent for me: I cannot attain unto it.
6 Whither shall I go then from thy Spirit: or whither shall I go then from thy presence?
7 If I climb up into heaven, thou art there: if I go down to hell, thou art there also.
8 If I take the wings of the morning: and remain in the uttermost parts of the sea;
9 Even there also shall thy hand lead me: and thy right hand shall hold me.
10 If I say, Peradventure the darkness shall cover me: then shall my night be turned to day.
11 Yea, the darkness is no darkness with thee, but the night is as clear as the day: the darkness and light to thee are both alike.
12 For my reins are thine: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
13 I will give thanks unto thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works, and that my soul knoweth right well.
14 My bones are not hid from thee: though I be made secretly, and fashioned beneath in the earth.
15 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect: and in thy book were all my members written;
16 Which day by day were fashioned: when as yet there was none of them.
17 How dear are thy counsels unto me, O God: O how great is the sum of them!
18 If I tell them, they are more in number than the sand: when I wake up I am present with thee.
19 Wilt thou not slay the wicked, O God: depart from me, ye blood-thirsty men.
20 For they speak unrighteously against thee: and thine enemies take thy Name in vain.
21 Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee: and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?
22 Yea, I hate them right sore: even as though they were mine enemies.
23 Try me, O God, and seek the ground of my heart: prove me, and examine my thoughts.
24 Look well if there be any way of wickedness in me: and lead me in the way everlasting.
PSALM 140. Eripe me, Domine.
Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man: and preserve me from the wicked man.
2 Who imagine mischief in their hearts: and stir up strife all the day long.
3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent: adders poison is under their lips.
4 Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the ungodly; preserve me from the Wicked men, who are purposed to overthrow my goings.
5 The proud have laid a snare for me, and spread a net abroad with cords: yea, and set traps in my way.
6 I said unto the Lord, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my prayers, O Lord.
7 O Lord God, thou strength of my health: thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.
8 Let not the ungodly have his desire, O Lord: let not his mischievous imagination prosper, lest they be too proud.
9 Let the mischief of their own lips fall upon the head of them: that compass me about.
10 Let hot burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire and into the pit, that they never rise up again.
11 A man full of words shall not prosper upon the earth: evil shall hunt the wicked person to overthrow him,
12 Sure I am that the Lord will avenge the poor: and maintain the cause of the helpless.
13 The righteous also shall give thanks unto thy Name: and the just shall continue in thy sight.
PSALM 141. Domine, clamavi.
O Lord, I call upon thee, haste thee unto me: and consider my voice when I cry unto thee.
2 Let my prayer be set forth in thy sight as the incense: and let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice.
3 Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth: and keep the door of my lips.
4 O let not mine heart be inclined to any evil thing: let me not be occupied in ungodly works with the men that work wickedness, lest I eat of such things as please them.
5 Let the righteous rather smite me friendly: and reprove me.
6 But let not their precious balms break my head: yea, I will pray yet against their wickedness.
7 Let their judges be overthrown in stony places: that they may hear my words, for they are sweet.
8 Our bones lie scattered before the pit: like as when one breaketh and heweth wood upon the earth.
9 But mine eyes look unto thee, O Lord God: in thee is my trust, O cast not out my soul.
10 Keep me from the snare that they have laid for me: and from the traps of the wicked doers.
11 Let the ungodly fall into their own nets together: and let me ever escape them.
DAY 29 EVENING PRAYER
PSALM 142. Voce mea ad Dominum.
I cried unto the Lord with my voice: yea, even unto the Lord did I make my supplication.
2 I poured out my complaints before him: and shewed him of my trouble.
3 When my spirit was in heaviness thou knewest my path: in the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.
4 I looked also upon my right hand: and saw there was no man that would know me.
5 I had no place to flee unto: and no man cared for my soul.
6 I cried unto thee, O Lord, and said: Thou art my hope, and my portion in the land of the living.
7 Consider my complaint: for I am brought very low.
8 O deliver me from my persecutors: for they are too strong for me.
9 Bring my soul out of prison, that I may give thanks unto thy Name: which thing if thou wilt grant me, then shall the righteous resort unto my company.
PSALM 143. Domine, exaudi. Hear my prayer, O Lord, and consider my desire: hearken unto me for thy truth and righteousness sake.
2 And enter not into judgement with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.
3 For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground: he hath laid me in the darkness, as the men that have been long dead.
4 Therefore is my spirit vexed within me: and my heart within me is desolate.
5 Yet do I remember the time past; I muse upon all thy works: yea, I exercise myself in the works of thy hands.
6 I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul gaspeth unto thee as a thirsty land.
7 Hear me, O Lord, and that soon, for my spirit waxeth faint: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.
8 O let me hear thy loving-kindness betimes in the morning, for in thee is my trust: shew thou me the way that I should walk in, for I lift up my soul unto thee.
9 Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies: for I flee unto thee to hide me.
10 Teach me to do the thing that pleaseth thee, for thou art my God: let thy loving Spirit lead me forth into the land of righteousness.
11 Quicken me, O Lord, for thy Name's sake: and for thy righteousness sake bring my soul out of trouble.
12 And of thy goodness slay mine enemies: and destroy all them that vex my soul; for I am thy servant.
DAY 30 MORNING PRAYER
PSALM 144. Benedictus Dominus.
Blessed be the Lord my strength: who teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight;
2 My hope and my fortress, my castle and deliverer, my defender in whom I trust: who subdueth my people that is under me.
3 Lord, what is man, that thou hast such respect unto him: or the son of man, that thou so regardest him?
4 Man is like a thing of nought: his time passeth away like a shadow.
5 Bow thy heavens, O Lord, and come down: touch the mountains, and they shall smoke.
6 Cast forth thy lightning, and tear them: shoot out thine arrows, and consume them.
7 Send down thine hand from above: deliver me, and take me out of the great waters, from the hand of strange children;
8 Whose mouth talketh of vanity: and their right hand is a right hand of wickedness.
9 I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: and sing praises unto thee upon a ten-stringed lute.
10 Thou hast given victory unto kings: and hast delivered David thy servant from the peril of the sword.
11 Save me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children: whose mouth talketh of vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of iniquity.
12 That our sons may grow up as the young plants: and that our daughters may be as the polished corners of the temple.
13 That our garners may be full and plenteous with all manner of store: that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets.
14 That our oxen may be strong to labour, that there be no decay: no leading into captivity, and no complaining in our streets.
15 Happy are the people that are in such a case: yea, blessed are the people who have the Lord for their God.
PSALM 145. Exaltabo te, Deus.
I will magnify thee, O God, my King: and I will praise thy Name for ever and ever.
2 Every day will I give thanks unto thee: and praise thy Name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the Lord, and marvellous worthy to be praised: there is no end of his greatness.
4 One generation shall praise thy works unto another: and declare thy power.
5 As for me, I will be talking of thy worship: thy glory, thy praise, and wondrous works;
6 So that men shall speak of the might of thy marvellous acts: and I will also tell of thy greatness.
7 The memorial of thine abundant kindness shall be shewed: and men shall sing of thy righteousness.
8 The Lord is gracious and merciful: long-suffering and of great goodness.
9 The Lord is loving unto every man: and his mercy is over all his works.
10 All thy works praise thee, O Lord: and thy saints give thanks unto thee.
11 They shew the glory of thy kingdom: and talk of thy power;
12 That thy power, thy glory, and mightiness of thy kingdom: might be known unto men.
13 Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom: and thy dominion endureth throughout all ages.
14 The Lord upholdeth all such as fall: and lifteth up all those that are down.
15 The eyes of all wait upon thee, O Lord: and thou givest them their meat in due season.
16 Thou openest thine hand: and fillest all things living with plenteousness.
17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways: and holy in all his works.
18 The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him: yea, all such as call upon him faithfully.
19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will help them.
20 The Lord preserveth all them that love him: but scattereth abroad all the ungodly.
21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord: and let all flesh give thanks unto his holy Name for ever and ever.
PSALM 146. Lauda, anima mea.
Praise the Lord, O my soul; while I live will I praise the Lord: yea, as long as I have any being, I will sing praises unto my God.
2 O put not your trust in princes, nor in any child of man: for there is no help in them.
3 For when the breath of man goeth forth he shall turn again to his earth: and then all his thoughts perish.
4 Blessed is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help: and whose hope is in the Lord his God;
5 Who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: who keepeth his promise for ever;
6 Who helpeth them to right that suffer wrong: who feedeth the hungry.
7 The Lord looseth men out of prison: the Lord giveth sight to the blind.
8 The Lord helpeth them that are fallen: the Lord careth for the righteous.
9 The Lord careth for the strangers, he defendeth the fatherless and widow: as for the way of the ungodly, he turneth it upside down.
10 The Lord thy God, O Sion, shall be King for evermore: and throughout all generations.
DAY 30 EVENING PRAYER
PSALM 147. Laudate Dominum.
O praise the Lord, for it is a good thing to sing praises unto our God: yea, a joyful and pleasant thing it is to be thankful.
2 The Lord doth build up Jerusalem: and gather together the out-casts of Israel.
3 He healeth those that are broken in heart: and giveth medicine to heal their sickness.
4 He telleth the number of the stars: and calleth them all by their names.
5 Great is our Lord, and great is his power: yea, and his wisdom is infinite.
6 The Lord setteth up the meek: and bringeth the ungodly down to the ground.
7 O sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving: sing praises upon the harp unto our God;
8 Who covereth the heaven with clouds, and prepareth rain for the earth: and maketh the grass to grow upon the mountains, and herb for the use of men;
9 Who giveth fodder unto the cattle: and feedeth the young ravens that call upon him.
10 He hath no pleasure in the strength of an horse: neither delighteth he in any man's legs.
11 But the Lord's delight is in them that fear him: and put their trust in his mercy.
12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem: praise thy God, O Sion.
13 For he hath made fast the bars of thy gates: and hath blessed thy children within thee.
14 He maketh peace in thy borders: and filleth thee with the flour of wheat.
15 He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: and his word runneth very swiftly.
16 He giveth snow like wool: and scattereth the hoar-frost like ashes.
17 He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who is able to abide his frost?
18 He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he bloweth with his wind, and the waters flow.
19 He sheweth his word unto Jacob: his statutes and ordinances unto Israel.
20 He hath not dealt so with any nation: neither have the heathen knowledge of his laws.
PSALM 148. Laudate Dominum.
O praise the Lord of heaven: praise him in the height.
2 Praise him, all ye angels of his: praise him, all his host.
3 Praise him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars and light.
4 Praise him, all ye heavens: and ye waters that are above the heavens.
5 Let them praise the Name of the Lord: for he spake the word, and they were made; he commanded, and they were created.
6 He hath made them fast for ever and ever: he hath given them a law which shall not be broken.
7 Praise the Lord upon earth: ye dragons, and all deeps;
8 Fire and hail, snow and vapours: wind and storm, fulfilling his word;
9 Mountains and all hills: fruitful trees and all cedars;
10 Beasts and all cattle: worms and feathered fowls;
11 Kings of the earth and all people: princes and all judges of the world;
12 Young men and maidens, old men and children, praise the Name of the Lord: for his Name only is excellent, and his praise above heaven and earth.
13 He shall exalt the horn of his people; all his saints shall praise him: even the children of Israel, even the people that serveth him.
PSALM 149. Cantate Domino.
O sing unto the Lord a new song: let the congregation of saints praise him.
2 Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: and let the children of Sion be joyful in their King.
3 Let them praise his Name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with tabret and harp.
4 For the Lord hath pleasure in his people: and helpeth the meek-hearted.
5 Let the saints be joyful with glory: let them rejoice in their beds.
6 Let the praises of God be in their mouth: and a two-edged sword in their hands;
7 To be avenged of the heathen: and to rebuke the people;
8 To bind their kings in chains: and their nobles with links of iron.
9 That they may be avenged of them, as it is written: Such honour have all his saints.
PSALM 150. Laudate Dominum.
O praise God in his holiness: praise him in the firmament of his power.
2 Praise him in his noble acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
3 Praise him in the sound of the trumpet: praise him upon the lute and harp.
4 Praise him in the cymbals and dances: praise him upon the strings and pipe.
5 Praise him upon the well-tuned cymbals: praise him upon the loud cymbals.
6 Let every thing that hath breath: praise the Lord.