1 The heavens are telling the glory of God ♦
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
2 One day pours out its song to another ♦
and one night unfolds knowledge to another.
3 They have neither speech nor language ♦
and their voices are not heard,
4 Yet their sound has gone out into all lands ♦
and their words to the ends of the world.
5 In them has he set a tabernacle for the sun, ♦
that comes forth as a bridegroom out of his chamber
and rejoices as a champion to run his course.
6 It goes forth from the end of the heavens
and runs to the very end again, ♦
and there is nothing hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; ♦
the testimony of the Lord is sure
and gives wisdom to the simple.
8 The statutes of the Lord are right and rejoice the heart; ♦
the commandment of the Lord is pure
and gives light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is clean and endures for ever; ♦
the judgements of the Lord are true
and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
more than much fine gold, ♦
sweeter also than honey,
dripping from the honeycomb.
11 By them also is your servant taught ♦
and in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can tell how often they offend? ♦
O cleanse me from my secret faults!
13 Keep your servant also from presumptuous sins
lest they get dominion over me; ♦
so shall I be undefiled,
and innocent of great offence.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight, ♦
O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.
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.