The Psalter  

Psalm 120

Refrain: Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips.

1When I was in trouble I called to the Lord; •
I called to the Lord and he answered me.

2Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips •
and from a deceitful tongue.

3What shall be given to you? •
What more shall be done to you, deceitful tongue?

4The sharp arrows of a warrior, •
tempered in burning coals! R

5Woe is me, that I must lodge in Meshech •
and dwell among the tents of Kedar.

6My soul has dwelt too long •
with enemies of peace.

7I am for making peace, •
but when I speak of it, they make ready for war.

Refrain: Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips.

God of consolation,
look on us, pilgrims in a strange land;
preserve us from slander and deceit,
show us the truth
and give to our souls the peace of Christ.

Psalm 121

Refrain: The Lord shall keep you from all evil.

1I lift up my eyes to the hills; •
from where is my help to come?

2My help comes from the Lord, •
the maker of heaven and earth.

3He will not suffer your foot to stumble; •
he who watches over you will not sleep.

4Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel •
shall neither slumber nor sleep. R

5The Lord himself watches over you; •
the Lord is your shade at your right hand,

6So that the sun shall not strike you by day, •
neither the moon by night.

7The Lord shall keep you from all evil; •
it is he who shall keep your soul.

8The Lord shall keep watch over your going out
and your coming in, •
from this time forth for evermore.

Refrain: The Lord shall keep you from all evil.

Lord, ever watchful and faithful,
we look to you to be our defence
and we lift our hearts to know your help;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalm 122

Refrain: How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts.

1I was glad when they said to me, •
'Let us go to the house of the Lord.'

2And now our feet are standing •
within your gates, O Jerusalem;

3Jerusalem, built as a city •
that is at unity in itself.

4Thither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, •
as is decreed for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the Lord.

5For there are set the thrones of judgement, •
the thrones of the house of David. R

 

6O pray for the peace of Jerusalem: •
'May they prosper who love you.

7'Peace be within your walls •
and tranquillity within your palaces.'

8For my kindred and companions' sake, •
I will pray that peace be with you.

9For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, •
I will seek to do you good.

Refrain: How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts.

God of our pilgrimage,
bring us with joy to the eternal city
founded on the rock,
and give to our earthly cities
the peace that comes from above;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalm 123

Refrain: Our eyes wait upon the Lord our God.

1To you I lift up my eyes, •
to you that are enthroned in the heavens.

2As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, •
or the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,

3So our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, •
until he have mercy upon us. R

4Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us, •
for we have had more than enough of contempt.

5Our soul has had more than enough of the scorn of the arrogant, •
and of the contempt of the proud.

Refrain: Our eyes wait upon the Lord our God.

Sovereign God, enthroned in the heavens,
look upon us with your eyes of mercy,
as we look on you with humility and love,
and fill our souls with your peace
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalm 124

Refrain: Our help is in the name of the Lord.

1If the Lord himself had not been on our side, •
now may Israel say;

2If the Lord had not been on our side, •
when enemies rose up against us;

3Then would they have swallowed us alive •
when their anger burned against us;

4Then would the waters have overwhelmed us
and the torrent gone over our soul; •
over our soul would have swept the raging waters. R

 

5But blessed be the Lord •
who has not given us over to be a prey for their teeth.

6Our soul has escaped
as a bird from the snare of the fowler; •
the snare is broken and we are delivered.

7Our help is in the name of the Lord, •
who has made heaven and earth.

Refrain: Our help is in the name of the Lord.

O God, maker of heaven and earth,
you save us in the water of baptism
and by the suffering of your Son you set us free;
help us to put our trust in his victory
and to know the salvation won for us
by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalm 125

Refrain: Glorious things are spoken of you,
Zion, city of our God.

1Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, •
which cannot be moved, but stands fast for ever.

2As the hills stand about Jerusalem, •
so the Lord stands round about his people,
from this time forth for evermore.

3The sceptre of wickedness shall not hold sway
over the land allotted to the righteous, •
lest the righteous turn their hands to evil.

4Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, •
and to those who are true of heart.

5Those who turn aside to crooked ways
the Lord shall take away with the evildoers; •
but let there be peace upon Israel.

Refrain: Glorious things are spoken of you,
Zion, city of our God.

God of power,
you are strong to save
and you never fail those who trust in you;
keep us under your protection
and spread abroad your reign of peace
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalm 126

Refrain: The Lord has indeed done great things for us.

1When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, •
then were we like those who dream.

2Then was our mouth filled with laughter •
and our tongue with songs of joy.

3Then said they among the nations, •
'The Lord has done great things for them.'

4The Lord has indeed done great things for us, •
and therefore we rejoiced. R

 

5Restore again our fortunes, O Lord, •
as the river beds of the desert.

6Those who sow in tears •
shall reap with songs of joy.

7Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed, •
will come back with shouts of joy,
bearing their sheaves with them.

Refrain: The Lord has indeed done great things for us.

Lord, as you send rain and flowers
even to the wilderness,
renew us by your Holy Spirit,
help us to sow good seed in time of adversity
and to live to rejoice in your good harvest of all creation;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalm 127

Refrain: The Lord shall keep watch over your going out
and your coming in.

1Unless the Lord builds the house, •
those who build it labour in vain.

2Unless the Lord keeps the city, •
the guard keeps watch in vain.

3It is in vain that you hasten to rise up early
and go so late to rest, eating the bread of toil, •
for he gives his beloved sleep. R

 

4Children are a heritage from the Lord •
and the fruit of the womb is his gift.

5Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, •
so are the children of one's youth.

6Happy are those who have their quiver full of them: •
they shall not be put to shame
when they dispute with their enemies in the gate.

Refrain: The Lord shall keep watch over your going out
and your coming in.

Lord, you are ever watchful
and bless us with your gifts;
as you provide for all our needs,
so help us to build only what pleases you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalm 128

Refrain: How abundant is your goodness, O Lord.

1Blessed are all those who fear the Lord, •
and walk in his ways.

2You shall eat the fruit of the toil of your hands; •
it shall go well with you, and happy shall you be. R

3Your wife within your house
shall be like a fruitful vine; •
your children round your table,
like fresh olive branches.

4Thus shall the one be blest •
who fears the Lord. R

5The Lord from out of Zion bless you, •
that you may see Jerusalem in prosperity
all the days of your life.

6May you see your children's children •
and may there be peace upon Israel.

Refrain: How abundant is your goodness, O Lord.

O Christ, our true vine,
may we your branches
be ever fruitful in your service
and share your love and peace with all your children,
in the power of the Spirit and to the glory of the Father.

Psalm 129

Refrain: The Lord ransoms the life of his servants.

1'Many a time have they fought against me from my youth,' •
may Israel now say;

2'Many a time have they fought against me from my youth, •
but they have not prevailed against me.'

3The ploughers ploughed upon my back •
and made their furrows long.

4But the righteous Lord •
has cut the cords of the wicked in pieces. R

 

5Let them be put to shame and turned backwards, •
as many as are enemies of Zion.

6Let them be like grass upon the housetops, •
which withers before it can grow,

7So that no reaper may fill his hand, •
nor a binder of sheaves his bosom;

8And none who go by may say,
'The blessing of the Lord be upon you. •
We bless you in the name of the Lord.'

Refrain: The Lord ransoms the life of his servants.

Jesus our redeemer,
you bore the cut of the lash
for us and our salvation;
help us to bear our sufferings
and to share in the affliction
of all who suffer for your holy name.

Psalm 130

Refrain: My soul waits for the Lord.

1Out of the depths have I cried to you, O Lord;
Lord, hear my voice; •
let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication.

2If you, Lord, were to mark what is done amiss, •
O Lord, who could stand?

3But there is forgiveness with you, •
so that you shall be feared. R

4I wait for the Lord; my soul waits for him; •
in his word is my hope.

5My soul waits for the Lord,
more than the night watch for the morning, •
more than the night watch for the morning. R

 

6O Israel, wait for the Lord, •
for with the Lord there is mercy;

7With him is plenteous redemption •
and he shall redeem Israel from all their sins.

Refrain: My soul waits for the Lord.

Father, we commend to your faithful love
those who are crying from the depths;
help them to watch and pray
through their time of darkness,
in sure hope of the dawn of your
forgiveness and redemption;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalm 131

Refrain: O Israel, trust in the Lord.

1O Lord, my heart is not proud; •
my eyes are not raised in haughty looks.

2I do not occupy myself with great matters, •
with things that are too high for me.

3But I have quieted and stilled my soul,
like a weaned child on its mother's breast; •
so my soul is quieted within me.

4O Israel, trust in the Lord, •
from this time forth for evermore.

Refrain: O Israel, trust in the Lord.

Eternal God,
calm and quieten our souls;
keep us humble and full of wonder
and trusting as we live in your love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalm 132

Refrain: Arise, O Lord, into your resting place.

1Lord, remember for David •
all the hardships he endured;

2How he swore an oath to the Lord •
and vowed a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:

3'I will not come within the shelter of my house, •
not 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.' R

 

6Now, we heard of the ark in Ephrathah •
and found it in the fields of Ja-ar.

7Let us enter his dwelling place •
and fall low before his footstool.

8Arise, O Lord, into your resting place, •
you and the ark of your strength.

9Let your priests be clothed with righteousness •
and your faithful ones sing with joy.

10For your servant David's sake, •
turn not away the face of your anointed. R

 

11The Lord has sworn an oath to David, •
a promise from which he will not shrink:

12'Of the fruit of your body •
shall I set upon your throne.

13'If your children keep my covenant
and my testimonies that I shall teach them, •
their children also shall sit upon your throne for evermore.'

14For the Lord has chosen Zion for himself; •
he has desired her for his habitation: R

15'This shall be my resting place for ever; •
here I will dwell, for I have longed for her.

16'I will abundantly bless her provision; •
her poor will I satisfy with bread.

17'I will clothe her priests with salvation, •
and her faithful ones shall rejoice and sing.

18'There will I make a horn to spring up for David; •
I will keep a lantern burning for my anointed.

19'As for his enemies, I will clothe them with shame; •
but on him shall his crown be bright.'

Refrain: Arise, O Lord, into your resting place.

Jesus, Son of David,
make us a priestly people;
clothe us in righteousness,
make us fruitful,
and give us hearts to shout for joy in your salvation;
we pray in the power of the Spirit.

Psalm 133

Refrain: Mercy and truth are met together,
righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

1Behold how good and pleasant it is •
to dwell together in unity.

2It is like the precious oil upon the head, •
running down upon the beard,

3Even on Aaron's beard, •
running down upon the collar of his clothing.

4It is like the dew of Hermon •
running down upon the hills of Zion.

5For there the Lord has promised his blessing: •
even life for evermore.

Refrain: Mercy and truth are met together,
righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Grant to your people, good Lord,
the spirit of unity,
that they may dwell together in your love,
and so bear to the world
the ointment of your healing and the
dew of your blessing;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalm 134

Refrain: Bless the Lord, O my soul.

1Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, •
you that by night stand in the house of the Lord.

2Lift up your hands towards the sanctuary •
and bless the Lord.

3The Lord who made heaven and earth •
give you blessing out of Zion.

Refrain: Bless the Lord, O my soul.

Guard all your household, Lord,
through the dark night of faith,
and purify the hearts of those who wait on you,
until your kingdom dawns with the
rising of your Son,
Christ, the morning star.

Psalm 135

Refrain: Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good.

1Alleluia.
Praise the name of the Lord; •
give praise, you servants of the Lord,

2You that stand in the house of the Lord, •
in the courts of the house of our God.

3Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; •
make music to his name, for it is lovely.

4For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself •
and Israel for his own possession. R

 

5For I know that the Lord is great •
and that our Lord is above all gods.

6The Lord does whatever he pleases
in heaven and on earth, •
in the seas and in all the deeps.

7He brings up the clouds from the ends of the earth; •
he makes lightning with the rain
and brings the winds out of his treasuries. R

8He smote the firstborn of Egypt, •
the firstborn of man and beast.

9He sent signs and wonders into your midst, O Egypt, •
upon Pharaoh and all his servants.

10He smote many nations •
and slew mighty kings:

11Sihon, king of the Amorites,
and Og, the king of Bashan, •
and all the kingdoms of Canaan.

12He gave their land as a heritage, •
a heritage for Israel his people. R

13Your name, O Lord, endures for ever •
and shall be remembered through all generations.

14For the Lord will vindicate his people •
and have compassion on his servants. R

 

15The idols of the nations are but silver and gold, •
the work of human hands.

16They have mouths, but cannot speak; •
eyes have they, but cannot see;

17They have ears, but cannot hear; •
neither is there any breath in their mouths.

18Those who make them shall become like them, •
and so will all who put their trust in them. R

 

19Bless the Lord, O house of Israel; •
O house of Aaron, bless the Lord.

20Bless the Lord, O house of Levi; •
you who fear the Lord, bless the Lord.

21Blessed be the Lord from Zion, •
who dwells in Jerusalem.
Alleluia.

Refrain: Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good.

Wise and gracious God,
save us from the idols of our hearts
and keep us in your living presence,
that we may become a people for your praise
in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalm 136

1Give thanks to the Lord, for he is gracious, •
for his mercy endures for ever.

2Give thanks to the God of gods, •
for his mercy endures for ever.

3Give thanks to the Lord of lords, •
for his mercy endures for ever;

4Who alone does great wonders, •
for his mercy endures for ever;

5Who by wisdom made the heavens, •
for his mercy endures for ever;

6Who laid out the earth upon the waters, •
for his mercy endures for ever;

7Who made the great lights, •
for his mercy endures for ever;

8The sun to rule the day, •
for his mercy endures for ever;

9The moon and the stars to govern the night, •
for his mercy endures for ever;

 

10Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, •
for his mercy endures for ever;

11And brought out Israel from among them, •
for his mercy endures for ever;

12With a mighty hand and outstretched arm, •
for his mercy endures for ever;

13Who divided the Red Sea in two, •
for his mercy endures for ever;

14And made Israel to pass through the midst of it, •
for his mercy endures for ever;

15But Pharaoh and his host he overthrew in the Red Sea, •
for his mercy endures for ever;

16Who led his people through the wilderness, •
for his mercy endures for ever;

17Who smote great kings, •
for his mercy endures for ever;

18And slew mighty kings, •
for his mercy endures for ever;

19Sihon, king of the Amorites, •
for his mercy endures for ever;

20And Og, the king of Bashan, •
for his mercy endures for ever;

21And gave away their land for a heritage, •
for his mercy endures for ever;

22A heritage for Israel his servant, •
for his mercy endures for ever;

 

23Who remembered us when we were in trouble, •
for his mercy endures for ever;

24And delivered us from our enemies, •
for his mercy endures for ever;

 

25Who gives food to all creatures, •
for his mercy endures for ever.

26Give thanks to the God of heaven, •
for his mercy endures for ever.

Remember us, O God, and shape our history,
form our inward eyes
to see the shadow of the life-giving cross
in the turbulence of our time;
for his sake who died for all,
Christ our Lord.

Psalm 137

Refrain: O pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

1By the waters of Babylon we sat down and wept, •
when we remembered Zion.

2As for our lyres, we hung them up •
on the willows that grow in that land.

3For there our captors asked for a song,
our tormentors called for mirth: •
'Sing us one of the songs of Zion.' R

4How shall we sing the Lord's song •
in a strange land?

5If I forget you, O Jerusalem, •
let my right hand forget its skill.

6Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth
if I do not remember you, •
if I set not Jerusalem above my highest joy. R

 

7Remember, O Lord, against the people of Edom
the day of Jerusalem, •
how they said, 'Down with it, down with it,
even to the ground.'

8O daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, •
happy the one who repays you
for all you have done to us;

9Who takes your little ones, •
and dashes them against the rock.

Refrain: O pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

God of our pilgrimage,
you sent your Son to our strange land
to bring us home to you;
give us your songs to sing,
that even in our exile
we may be filled with the breath of the Spirit
of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalm 138

Refrain: Your loving-kindness, O Lord, endures for ever.

1I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with my whole heart; •
before the gods will I sing praise to you.

2I will bow down towards your holy temple and praise your name,
because of your love and faithfulness; •
for you have glorified your name
and your word above all things.

3In the day that I called to you, you answered me; •
you put new strength in my soul. R

4All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O Lord, •
for they have heard the words of your mouth.

5They shall sing of the ways of the Lord, •
that great is the glory of the Lord.

6Though the Lord be high, he watches over the lowly; •
as for the proud, he regards them from afar. R

7Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you will preserve me; •
you will stretch forth your hand against the fury of my enemies;
your right hand will save me.

8The Lord shall make good his purpose for me; •
your loving-kindness, O Lord, endures for ever;
forsake not the work of your hands.

Refrain: Your loving-kindness, O Lord, endures for ever.

Lord our God, supreme over all things,
look upon the humble and lowly
and put new strength into our souls
to complete your purpose for us
in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalm 139

Refrain: Search me out, O God, and know my heart.

1O Lord, you have searched me out and known me; •
you know my sitting down and my rising up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.

2You mark out my journeys and my resting place •
and are acquainted with all my ways.

3For there is not a word on my tongue, •
but you, O Lord, know it altogether.

4You encompass me behind and before •
and lay your hand upon me.

5Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, •
so high that I cannot attain it. R

6Where can I go then from your spirit? •
Or where can I flee from your presence?

7If I climb up to heaven, you are there; •
if I make the grave my bed, you are there also.

8If I take the wings of the morning •
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

9Even there your hand shall lead me, •
your right hand hold me fast.

10If I say, 'Surely the darkness will cover me •
and the light around me turn to night,'

11Even darkness is no darkness with you;
the night is as clear as the day; •
darkness and light to you are both alike. R

 

12For you yourself created my inmost parts; •
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

13I thank you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; •
marvellous are your works, my soul knows well.

14My frame was not hidden from you, •
when I was made in secret
and woven in the depths of the earth.

15Your eyes beheld my form, as yet unfinished; •
already in your book were all my members written,

16As day by day they were fashioned •
when as yet there was none of them.

17How deep are your counsels to me, O God! •
How great is the sum of them!

18If I count them, they are more in number than the sand, •
and at the end, I am still in your presence. R

 

19O that you would slay the wicked, O God, •
that the bloodthirsty might depart from me!

20They speak against you with wicked intent; •
your enemies take up your name for evil.

21Do I not oppose those, O Lord, who oppose you? •
Do I not abhor those who rise up against you?

22I hate them with a perfect hatred; •
they have become my own enemies also.

 

23Search me out, O God, and know my heart; •
try me and examine my thoughts.

24See if there is any way of wickedness in me •
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Refrain: Search me out, O God, and know my heart.

Creator God,
may every breath we take be for your glory,
may every footstep show you as our way,
that, trusting in your presence in this world,
we may, beyond this life, still be with you
where you are alive and reign
for ever and ever.

Psalm 140

Refrain: Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked.

1Deliver me, O Lord, from evildoers •
and protect me from the violent,

2Who devise evil in their hearts •
and stir up strife all the day long.

3They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; •
adder's poison is under their lips.

4Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; •
protect me from the violent
who seek to make me stumble.

5The proud have laid a snare for me
and spread out a net of cords; •
they have set traps along my path. R

6I have said to the Lord, 'You are my God; •
listen, O Lord, to the voice of 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, •
do not prosper their wicked plans. R

9'Let not those who surround me lift up their heads; •
let the evil of their own lips fall upon them.

10'Let hot burning coals rain upon them; •
let them be cast into the depths, that they rise not again.'

11No slanderer shall prosper on the earth, •
and evil shall hunt down the violent to overthrow them. R

12I know that the Lord will bring justice for the oppressed •
and maintain the cause of the needy.

13Surely, the righteous will give thanks to your name, •
and the upright shall dwell in your presence.

Refrain: Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked.

Glorious Saviour,
rescue us from the subtle evils that are too strong for us,
from poisonous words and the spirit of war;
by your judgement overthrow the forces of violence,
that all the world may join to worship you
in thanksgiving and peace,
now and for ever.

Psalm 141

Refrain: Set a watch before my mouth, O Lord.

1O Lord, I call to you; come to me quickly; •
hear my voice when I cry to you.

2Let my prayer rise before you as incense, •
the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

3Set a watch before my mouth, O Lord, •
and guard the door of my lips;

4Let not my heart incline to any evil thing; •
let me not be occupied in wickedness with evildoers,
nor taste the pleasures of their table. R

5Let the righteous smite me in friendly rebuke;
but let not the oil of the unrighteous anoint my head; •
for my prayer is continually against their wicked deeds.

6Let their rulers be overthrown in stony places; •
then they may know that my words are sweet.

7As when a plough turns over the earth in furrows, •
let their bones be scattered at the mouth of the Pit. R

 

8But my eyes are turned to you, Lord God; •
in you I take refuge; do not leave me defenceless.

9Protect me from the snare which they have laid for me •
and from the traps of the evildoers.

10Let the wicked fall into their own nets, •
while I pass by in safety.

Refrain: Set a watch before my mouth, O Lord.

Lord God, our protector and guide,
who made us knowing both good and evil,
help us to desire all that is good,
that the offering of our lives may be acceptable to you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalm 142

Refrain: Bring my soul out of prison,
that I may give thanks to your name.

1I cry aloud to the Lord; •
to the Lord I make my supplication.

2I pour out my complaint before him •
and tell him of my trouble.

3When my spirit faints within me, you know my path; •
in the way wherein I walk have they laid a snare for me.

4I look to my right hand, and find no one who knows me; •
I have no place to flee to, and no one cares for my soul. R

5I cry out to you, O Lord, and say: •
'You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.'

6'Listen to my cry, for I am brought very low; •
save me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me.

7'Bring my soul out of prison,
that I may give thanks to your name; •
when you have dealt bountifully with me,
then shall the righteous gather around me.'

Refrain: Bring my soul out of prison,
that I may give thanks to your name.

God of compassion,
you regard the forsaken
and give hope to the crushed in spirit;
hear those who cry to you in distress
and bring your ransomed people to sing your glorious praise,
now and for ever.

Psalm 143

Refrain: Show me, O Lord, the way that I should walk in.

1Hear my prayer, O Lord,
and in your faithfulness give ear to my supplications; •
answer me in your righteousness.

2Enter not into judgement with your servant, •
for in your sight shall no one living be justified.

3For the enemy has pursued me,
crushing my life to the ground, •
making me sit in darkness like those long dead.

4My spirit faints within me; •
my heart within me is desolate. R

5I remember the time past; I muse upon all your deeds; •
I consider the works of your hands.

6I stretch out my hands to you; •
my soul gasps for you like a thirsty land.

7O Lord, make haste to answer me; my spirit fails me; •
hide not your face from me
lest I be like those who go down to the Pit.

8Let me hear of your loving-kindness in the morning,
for in you I put my trust; •
show me the way I should walk in,
for I lift up my soul to you. R

9Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies, •
for I flee to you for refuge.

10Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God; •
let your kindly spirit lead me on a level path.

11Revive me, O Lord, for your name's sake; •
for your righteousness' sake, bring me out of trouble.

12In your faithfulness, slay my enemies,
and destroy all the adversaries of my soul, •
for truly I am your servant.

Refrain: Show me, O Lord, the way that I should walk in.

Jesus, our companion,
when we are driven to despair,
help us, through the friends and strangers
we encounter on our path,
to know you as our refuge,
our way, our truth and our life.

Psalm 144

Refrain: Happy are the people who have the Lord for their God.

1Blessed be the Lord my rock, •
who teaches my hands for war and my fingers for battle;

2My steadfast help and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield in whom I trust, •
who subdues the peoples under me.

3O Lord, what are mortals that you should consider them; •
mere human beings, that you should take thought for them?

4They are like a breath of wind; •
their days pass away like a shadow. R

 

5Bow your heavens, O Lord, and come down; •
touch the mountains and they shall smoke.

6Cast down your lightnings and scatter them; •
shoot out your arrows and let thunder roar.

7Reach down your hand from on high; •
deliver me and take me out of the great waters,
from the hand of foreign enemies,

8Whose mouth speaks wickedness •
and their right hand is the hand of falsehood. R

 

9O God, I will sing to you a new song; •
I will play to you on a ten-stringed harp,

10You that give salvation to kings •
and have delivered David your servant.

11Save me from the peril of the sword •
and deliver me from the hand of foreign enemies,

12Whose mouth speaks wickedness •
and whose right hand is the hand of falsehood; R

13So that our sons in their youth
may be like well-nurtured plants, •
and our daughters like pillars
carved for the corners of the temple;

14Our barns be filled with all manner of store; •
our flocks bearing thousands,
and ten thousands in our fields;

15Our cattle be heavy with young: •
may there be no miscarriage or untimely birth,
no cry of distress in our streets.

16Happy are the people whose blessing this is. •
Happy are the people who have the Lord for their God.

Refrain: Happy are the people who have the Lord for their God.

God our deliverer,
stir our weak wills,
revive our weary spirits,
and give us the courage
to strive for the freedom of all your children,
to the praise of your glorious name.

Psalm 145

Refrain: Great is the Lord and highly to be praised.

1I will exalt you, O God my King, •
and bless your name for ever and ever.

2Every day will I bless you •
and praise your name for ever and ever.

3Great is the Lord and highly to be praised; •
his greatness is beyond all searching out. R

4One generation shall praise your works to another •
and declare your mighty acts.

5They shall speak of the majesty of your glory, •
and I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.

6They shall speak of the might of your marvellous acts, •
and I will also tell of your greatness.

7They shall pour forth the story of your abundant kindness •
and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

8The Lord is gracious and merciful, •
long-suffering and of great goodness. R

 

9The Lord is loving to everyone •
and his mercy is over all his creatures.

10All your works praise you, O Lord, •
and your faithful servants bless you.

11They tell of the glory of your kingdom •
and speak of your mighty power,

12To make known to all peoples your mighty acts •
and the glorious splendour of your kingdom.

13Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom; •
your dominion endures throughout all ages. R

14The Lord is sure in all his words •
and faithful in all his deeds.

15The Lord upholds all those who fall •
and lifts up all those who are bowed down.

16The eyes of all wait upon you, O Lord, •
and you give them their food in due season.

17You open wide your hand •
and fill all things living with plenty. R

18The Lord is righteous in all his ways •
and loving in all his works.

19The Lord is near to those who call upon him, •
to all who call upon him faithfully.

20He fulfils the desire of those who fear him; •
he hears their cry and saves them.

21The Lord watches over those who love him, •
but all the wicked shall he destroy.

22My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord, •
and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.

Refrain: Great is the Lord and highly to be praised.

King of the universe,
you show the bright glory of your reign
in acts of mercy and enduring love;
raise the spirits of the downcast
and restore those who have fallen away,
that we may sing for ever of your love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalm 146

Refrain: The Lord shall reign for ever.

1Alleluia.
Praise the Lord, O my soul:
while I live will I praise the Lord; •
as long as I have any being,
I will sing praises to my God.

2Put not your trust in princes,
nor in any human power, •
for there is no help in them.

3When their breath goes forth, they return to the earth; •
on that day all their thoughts perish. R

4Happy are those who have the God of Jacob for their help, •
whose hope is in the Lord their God;

5Who made heaven and earth,
the sea and all that is in them; •
who keeps his promise for ever;

6Who gives justice to those that suffer wrong •
and bread to those who hunger. R

7The Lord looses those that are bound; •
the Lord opens the eyes of the blind;

8The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; •
the Lord loves the righteous;

9The Lord watches over the stranger in the land;
he upholds the orphan and widow; •
but the way of the wicked he turns upside down.

10The Lord shall reign for ever, •
your God, O Zion, throughout all generations.
Alleluia.

Refrain: The Lord shall reign for ever.

Lord of all,
our breath and being come from you,
yet our earthly end is dust;
as you loose the bound and feed the hungry,
so bring us in your mercy through the grave and gate of death
to the feast of eternal life,
where you reign for evermore.

Psalm 147

Refrain: Great is our Lord and mighty in power.

1Alleluia.
How good it is to make music for our God, •
how joyful to honour him with praise.

2The Lord builds up Jerusalem •
and gathers together the outcasts of Israel.

3He heals the brokenhearted •
and binds up all their wounds. R

4He counts the number of the stars •
and calls them all by their names.

5Great is our Lord and mighty in power; •
his wisdom is beyond all telling.

6The Lord lifts up the poor, •
but casts down the wicked to the ground. R

7Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; •
make music to our God upon the lyre;

8Who covers the heavens with clouds •
and prepares rain for the earth;

9Who makes grass to grow upon the mountains •
and green plants to serve our needs. R

10He gives the beasts their food •
and the young ravens when they cry.

11He takes no pleasure in the power of a horse, •
no delight in human strength;

12But the Lord delights in those who fear him, •
who put their trust in his steadfast love. R

 

13Sing praise to the Lord, O Jerusalem; •
praise your God, O Zion;

14For he has strengthened the bars of your gates •
and has blest your children within you.

15He has established peace in your borders •
and satisfies you with the finest wheat. R

16He sends forth his command to the earth •
and his word runs very swiftly.

17He gives snow like wool •
and scatters the hoarfrost like ashes.

18He casts down his hailstones like morsels of bread; •
who can endure his frost? R

19He sends forth his word and melts them; •
he blows with his wind and the waters flow.

20He declares his word to Jacob, •
his statutes and judgements to Israel.

21He has not dealt so with any other nation; •
they do not know his laws.
Alleluia.

Refrain: Great is our Lord and mighty in power.

Compassionate God,
as you know each star you have created,
so you know the secrets of every heart;
in your loving mercy bring to your table
all who are fearful and broken,
all who are wounded and needy,
that our hungers may be satisfied
in the city of your peace;
through Christ who is our peace.

Psalm 148

Refrain: O praise the name of the Lord.

1Alleluia.
Praise the Lord from the heavens; •
praise him in the heights.

2Praise him, all you his angels; •
praise him, all his host.

3Praise him, sun and moon; •
praise him, all you stars of light.

4Praise him, heaven of heavens, •
and you waters above the heavens.

5Let them praise the name of the Lord; •
for he commanded and they were created.

6He made them fast for ever and ever; •
he gave them a law which shall not pass away. R

 

7Praise the Lord from the earth, •
you sea monsters and all deeps;

8Fire and hail, snow and mist, •
tempestuous wind, fulfilling his word;

9Mountains and all hills, •
fruit trees and all cedars;

10Wild beasts and all cattle, •
creeping things and birds on the wing;

11Kings of the earth and all peoples, •
princes and all rulers of the world;

12Young men and women,
old and young together; •
let them praise the name of the Lord.

13For his name only is exalted, •
his splendour above earth and heaven.

14He has raised up the horn of his people
and praise for all his faithful servants, •
the children of Israel, a people who are near him.
Alleluia.

Refrain: O praise the name of the Lord.

O glorious God,
your whole creation sings your marvellous work;
may heaven's praise so echo in our hearts
that we may be good stewards of the earth;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalm 149

Refrain: Sound praises to the Lord, all the earth.

1Alleluia.
O sing to the Lord a new song; •
sing his praise in the congregation of the faithful.

2Let Israel rejoice in their maker; •
let the children of Zion be joyful in their king.

3Let them praise his name in the dance; •
let them sing praise to him with timbrel and lyre.

4For the Lord has pleasure in his people •
and adorns the poor with salvation. R

5Let the faithful be joyful in glory; •
let them rejoice in their ranks,

6With the praises of God in their mouths •
and a two-edged sword in their hands;

7To execute vengeance on the nations •
and punishment on the peoples;

8To bind their kings in chains •
and their nobles with fetters of iron;

9To execute on them the judgement decreed; •
such honour have all his faithful servants.
Alleluia.

Refrain: Sound praises to the Lord, all the earth.

Glorious and redeeming God,
give us hearts to praise you all our days
and wills to reject the world's deceits,
that we may bind the evils of our age
and proclaim the good news of salvation
in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalm 150

Refrain: Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

1Alleluia.
O praise God in his holiness; •
praise him in the firmament of his power.

2Praise him for his mighty acts; •
praise him according to his excellent greatness. R

3Praise him with the blast of the trumpet; •
praise him upon the harp and lyre.

4Praise him with timbrel and dances; •
praise him upon the strings and pipe. R

5Praise him with ringing cymbals; •
praise him upon the clashing cymbals.

6Let everything that has breath •
praise the Lord.
Alleluia.

Refrain: Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

God of life and love,
whose Son was victorious over sin and death,
make us alive with his life,
that the whole world may resound with your praise;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.