Psalm 127

1    Unless the Lord builds the house,  ♦

those who build it labour in vain.

2    Unless the Lord keeps the city,  ♦

the guard keeps watch in vain.

3    It 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.

4    Children are a heritage from the Lord  ♦

and the fruit of the womb is his gift.

5    Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,  ♦

so are the children of one’s youth.

6    Happy 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.

Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, material from which is included here,
is copyright © The Archbishops' Council 2000 and published by Church House Publishing.