Psalm 97

1    The Lord is king: let the earth rejoice;  

let the multitude of the isles be glad.

2    Clouds and darkness are round about him;  

righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

3    Fire goes before him  

and burns up his enemies on every side.

4    His lightnings lit up the world;  

the earth saw it and trembled.

5    The mountains melted like wax at the presence of the Lord,  

at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

6    The heavens declared his righteousness,  

and all the peoples have seen his glory.

7    Confounded be all who worship carved images

    and delight in mere idols.  

Bow down before him, all you gods.

8    Zion heard and was glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoiced,  

because of your judgements, O Lord.

9    For you, Lord, are most high over all the earth;  

you are exalted far above all gods.

10  The Lord loves those who hate evil;  

he preserves the lives of his faithful

    and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

11  Light has sprung up for the righteous  

and joy for the true of heart.

12  Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous,  

and give thanks to his holy name.

 

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.

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