Psalm 16

1    Preserve me, O God, for in you have I taken refuge;  ♦

I have said to the Lord, ‘You are my lord,

    all my good depends on you.’

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

upon those who are noble in heart.

3    Though the idols are legion that many run after,  ♦

their drink offerings of blood I will not offer,

    neither make mention of their names upon my lips.

4    The Lord himself is my portion and my cup;  ♦

in your hands alone is my fortune.

5    My share has fallen in a fair land;  ♦

indeed, I have a goodly heritage.

6    I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel,  ♦

and in the night watches he instructs my heart.

7    I have set the Lord always before me;  ♦

he is at my right hand; I shall not fall.

8    Wherefore my heart is glad and my spirit rejoices;  ♦

my flesh also shall rest secure.

9    For you will not abandon my soul to Death,  ♦

nor suffer your faithful one to see the Pit.

10  You will show me the path of life;

    in your presence is the fullness of joy  ♦

and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.

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.