Refrain: The Lord shall keep watch over your going out
and your coming in.
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. [R]
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.
Refrain: The Lord shall keep watch over your going out
and your coming in.
Lord, you are ever watchful
and bless us with your gifts;
as you provide for all our needs,
so help us to build only what pleases you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Common Worship: Daily Prayer, material from which is included here,
is copyright © The Archbishops' Council 2005 and published by Church House Publishing.
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