1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom then shall I fear? ♦
The Lord is the strength of my life;
of whom then shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked, even my enemies and my foes,
came upon me to eat up my flesh, ♦
they stumbled and fell.
3 Though a host encamp against me,
my heart shall not be afraid, ♦
and though there rise up war against me,
yet will I put my trust in him.
4 One thing have I asked of the Lord
and that alone I seek: ♦
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
5 To behold the fair beauty of the Lord ♦
and to seek his will in his temple.
6 For in the day of trouble
he shall hide me in his shelter; ♦
in the secret place of his dwelling shall he hide me
and set me high upon a rock.
7 And now shall he lift up my head ♦
above my enemies round about me;
8 Therefore will I offer in his dwelling an oblation
with great gladness; ♦
I will sing and make music to the Lord.
9 Hear my voice, O Lord, when I call; ♦
have mercy upon me and answer me.
10 My heart tells of your word, ‘Seek my face.’ ♦
Your face, Lord, will I seek.
11 Hide not your face from me, ♦
nor cast your servant away in displeasure.
12 You have been my helper; ♦
leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
13 Though my father and my mother forsake me, ♦
the Lord will take me up.
14 Teach me your way, O Lord; ♦
lead me on a level path,
because of those who lie in wait for me.
15 Deliver me not into the will of my adversaries, ♦
for false witnesses have risen up against me,
and those who breathe out violence.
16 I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord ♦
in the land of the living.
17 Wait for the Lord;
be strong and he shall comfort your heart; ♦
wait patiently for the Lord.
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.