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The Psalter


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1
Happy are they who have not walked in the counsel of the wicked, *
     nor lingered in the way of sinners,
     nor sat in the seats of the scornful!
2
Their delight is in the law of the LORD, *
     and they meditate on his law day and night.
3
They are like trees planted by streams of water,
bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that do not wither; *
     everything they do shall prosper.
4
It is not so with the wicked; *
     they are like chaff which the wind blows away.
5
Therefore the wicked shall not stand upright when judgment comes, *
     nor the sinner in the council of the righteous.
6
For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, *
     but the way of the wicked is doomed.

    2    Quare fremuerunt gentes?
1
Why are the nations in an uproar? *
     Why do the peoples mutter empty threats?
2
Why do the kings of the earth rise up in revolt,
and the princes plot together, *
     against the LORD and against his Anointed?
3
"Let us break their yoke," they say; *
     "let us cast off their bonds from us."
4
He whose throne is in heaven is laughing; *
     the Lord has them in derision.
5
Then he speaks to them in his wrath, *
     and his rage fills them with terror.
6
"I myself have set my king *
     upon my holy hill of Zion."
7
Let me announce the decree of the LORD: *
     he said to me, "You are my Son;
     this day have I begotten you.
8
Ask of me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance *
     and the ends of the earth for your possession.
9
You shall crush them with an iron rod *
     and shatter them like a piece of pottery."
10
And now, you kings, be wise; *
     be warned, you rulers of the earth.
11
Submit to the LORD with fear, *
     and with trembling bow before him;
12
Lest he be angry and you perish; *
     for his wrath is quickly kindled.
13
Happy are they all *
     who take refuge in him!

    3    Domine, quid multiplicati
1
LORD, how many adversaries I have! *
     how many there are who rise up against me!
2
How many there are who say of me, *
     "There is no help for him in his God."
3
But you, O LORD, are a shield about me; *
     you are my glory, the one who lifts up my head.
4
I call aloud upon the LORD, *
     and he answers me from his holy hill;
5
I lie down and go to sleep; *
     I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.
6
I do not fear the multitudes of people *
     who set themselves against me all around.
7
Rise up, O LORD; set me free, O my God; *
     surely, you will strike all my enemies across the face,
     you will break the teeth of the wicked.
8
Deliverance belongs to the LORD. *
     Your blessing be upon your people!

    4    Cum invocarem
1
Answer me when I call, O God, defender of my cause; *
     you set me free when I am hard-pressed;
     have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
2
"You mortals, how long will you dishonor my glory; *
     how long will you worship dumb idols
     and run after false gods?"
3
Know that the LORD does wonders for the faithful; *
     when I call upon the LORD, he will hear me.
4
Tremble, then, and do not sin; *
     speak to your heart in silence upon your bed.
5
Offer the appointed sacrifices *
     and put your trust in the LORD.
6
Many are saying,
"Oh, that we might see better times!" *
     Lift up the light of your countenance upon us, O LORD.
7
You have put gladness in my heart, *
     more than when grain and wine and oil increase.
8
I lie down in peace; at once I fall asleep; *
     for only you, LORD, make me dwell in safety.

    5    Verba mea auribus
1
Give ear to my words, O LORD; *
     consider my meditation.
2
Hearken to my cry for help, my King and my God, *
     for I make my prayer to you.
3
In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; *
     early in the morning I make my appeal and watch for you.
4
For you are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, *
     and evil cannot dwell with you.
5
Braggarts cannot stand in your sight; *
     you hate all those who work wickedness.
6
You destroy those who speak lies; *
     the bloodthirsty and deceitful, O LORD, you abhor.
7
But as for me, through the greatness of your mercy I will go into
                                your house; *
     I will bow down toward your holy temple in awe of you.
8
Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness,
because of those who lie in wait for me; *
     make your way straight before me.
9
For there is no truth in their mouth; *
     there is destruction in their heart;
10
Their throat is an open grave; *
     they flatter with their tongue.
11
Declare them guilty, O God; *
     let them fall, because of their schemes.
12
Because of their many transgressions cast them out, *
     for they have rebelled against you.
13
But all who take refuge in you will be glad; *
     they will sing out their joy for ever.
14
You will shelter them, *
     so that those who love your Name may exult in you.
15
For you, O LORD, will bless the righteous; *
     you will defend them with your favor as with a shield.
1
LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger; *
     do not punish me in your wrath.
2
Have pity on me, LORD, for I am weak; *
     heal me, LORD, for my bones are racked.
3
My spirit shakes with terror; *
     how long, O LORD, how long?
4
Turn, O LORD, and deliver me; *
     save me for your mercy's sake.
5
For in death no one remembers you; *
     and who will give you thanks in the grave?
6
I grow weary because of my groaning; *
     every night I drench my bed
     and flood my couch with tears.
7
My eyes are wasted with grief *
     and worn away because of all my enemies.
8
Depart from me, all evildoers, *
     for the LORD has heard the sound of my weeping.
9
The LORD has heard my supplication; *
     the LORD accepts my prayer.
10
All my enemies shall be confounded and quake with fear; *
     they shall turn back and suddenly be put to shame.

    7    Domine, Deus meus
1
O LORD my God, I take refuge in you; *
     save and deliver me from all who pursue me;
2
Lest like a lion they tear me in pieces *
     and snatch me away with none to deliver me.
3
O LORD my God, if I have done these things: *
     if there is any wickedness in my hands,
4
If I have repaid my friend with evil, *
     or plundered him who without cause is my enemy;
5
Then let my enemy pursue and overtake me, *
     trample my life into the ground,
     and lay my honor in the dust.
6
Stand up, O LORD, in your wrath; *
     rise up against the fury of my enemies.
7
Awake, O my God, decree justice; *
     let the assembly of the peoples gather round you.
8
Be seated on your lofty throne, O Most High; *
     O LORD, judge the nations.
9
Give judgment for me according to my righteousness, O LORD, *
     and according to my innocence, O Most High.
10
Let the malice of the wicked come to an end,
but establish the righteous; *
     for you test the mind and heart, O righteous God.
11
God is my shield and defense; *
     he is the savior of the true in heart.
12
God is a righteous judge; *
     God sits in judgment every day.
13
If they will not repent, God will whet his sword; *
     he will bend his bow and make it ready.
14
He has prepared his weapons of death; *
     he makes his arrows shafts of fire.
15
Look at those who are in labor with wickedness, *
     who conceive evil, and give birth to a lie.
16
They dig a pit and make it deep *
     and fall into the hole that they have made.
17
Their malice turns back upon their own head; *
     their violence falls on their own scalp.
18
I will bear witness that the LORD is righteous; *
     I will praise the Name of the LORD Most High.

    8    Domine, Dominus noster
1
O LORD our Governor, *
     how exalted is your Name in all the world!
2
Out of the mouths of infants and children *
     your majesty is praised above the heavens.
3
You have set up a stronghold against your adversaries, *
     to quell the enemy and the avenger.
4
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, *
     the moon and the stars you have set in their courses,
5
What is man that you should be mindful of him? *
     the son of man that you should seek him out?
6
You have made him but little lower than the angels; *
     you adorn him with glory and honor;
7
You give him mastery over the works of your hands; *
     you put all things under his feet:
8
All sheep and oxen, *
     even the wild beasts of the field,
9
The birds of the air, the fish of the sea, *
     and whatsoever walks in the paths of the sea.
10
O LORD our Governor, *
     how exalted is you Name in all the world!

    Second Day: Morning Prayer

    9    Confitebor tibi
1
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with my whole heart; *
     I will tell of all your marvelous works.
2
I will be glad and rejoice in you; *
     I will sing to your Name, O Most High.
3
When my enemies are driven back, *
     they will stumble and perish at your presence.
4
For you have maintained my right and my cause; *
     you sit upon your throne judging right.
5
You have rebuked the ungodly and destroyed the wicked; *
     you have blotted out their name for ever and ever.
6
As for the enemy, they are finished, in perpetual ruin, *
     their cities plowed under, the memory of them perished;
7
But the LORD is enthroned for ever; *
     he has set up this throne for judgment.
8
It is he who rules the world with righteousness; *
     he judges the peoples with equity.
9
The LORD will be a refuge for the oppressed, *
     a refuge in time of trouble.
10
Those who know your Name will put their trust in you, *
     for you never forsake those who seek you, O LORD.
11
Sing praise to the LORD who dwells in Zion; *
     proclaim to the peoples the things he has done.
12
The Avenger of blood will remember them; *
     he will not forget the cry of the afflicted.
13
Have pity on me, O LORD; *
     see the misery I suffer from those who hate me,
     O you who lift me up from the gate of death;
14
So that I may tell of all your praises
and rejoice in your salvation *
     in the gates of the city of Zion.
15
The ungodly have fallen into the pit they dug, *
     and in the snare they set is their own foot caught.
16
The LORD is known by his acts of justice; *
     the wicked are trapped in the works of their own hands.
17
The wicked shall be given over to the grave, *
     and also all the people that forget God.
18
For the needy shall not always be forgotten, *
     and the hope of the poor shall not perish for ever.
19
Rise up, O LORD, let not the ungodly have the upper hand; *
     let them be judged before you.
20
Put fear upon them, O LORD; *
     let the ungodly know they are but mortal.

    10    Ut quid, Domine?
1
Why do you stand so far off, O LORD, *
     and hide yourself in time of trouble?
2
The wicked arrogantly persecute the poor, *
     but they are trapped in the schemes they have devised.
3
The wicked boast of their heart's desire; *
     the covetous curse and revile the LORD.
4
The wicked are so proud that they care not for God; *
     their only thought is, "God does not matter."
5
Their ways are devious at all times;
your judgments are far above out of their sight; *
     they defy all their enemies.
6
They say in their heart, "I shall not be shaken; *
     no harm shall happen to me ever."
7
Their mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and oppression; *
     under their tongue are mischief and wrong.
8
They lurk in ambush in public squares
and in secret places they murder the innocent; *
     they spy out the helpless.
9
They lie in wait, like a lion in a covert;
they lie in wait to seize upon the lowly; *
     they seize the lowly and drag them away in their net.
10
The innocent are broken and humbled before them; *
     the helpless fall before their power.
11
They say in their heart, "God has forgotten; *
     he hides his face; he will never notice."
12
Rise up, O LORD;
lift up your hand, O God; *
     do not forget the afflicted.
13
Why should the wicked revile God? *
     why should they say in their heart, "You do not care"?
14
Surely, you behold trouble and misery; *
     you see it and take it into your own hand.
15
The helpless commit themselves to you, *
     for you are the helper of orphans.
16
Break the power of the wicked and evil; *
     search out their wickedness until you find none.
17
The LORD is King for ever and ever; *
     the ungodly shall perish from his land.
18
The LORD will hear the desire of the humble; *
     you will strengthen their heart and your ears shall hear;
19
To give justice to the orphan and oppressed, *
     so that mere mortals may strike terror no more.

    11    In Domino confido
1
In the LORD have I taken refuge; *
     how then can you say to me,
     "Fly away like a bird to the hilltop;
2
For see how the wicked bend the bow
and fit their arrows to the string, *
     to shoot from ambush at the true of heart.
3
When the foundations are being destroyed, *
     what can the righteous do?"
4
The LORD is in his holy temple; *
     the LORD'S throne is in heaven.
5
His eyes behold the inhabited world; *
     his piercing eye weighs our worth.
6
The LORD weighs the righteous as well as the wicked, *
     but those who delight in violence he abhors.
7
Upon the wicked he shall rain coals of fire and burning sulphur; *
     a scorching wind shall be their lot.
8
For the LORD is righteous;
he delights in righteous deeds; *
     and the just shall see his face.

    Second Day: Evening Prayer

    12    Salvum me fac
1
Help me, LORD, for there is no godly one left; *
     the faithful have vanished from among us.
2
Everyone speaks falsely with his neighbor; *
     with a smooth tongue they speak from a double heart.
3
Oh, that the LORD would cut off all smooth tongues, *
     and close the lips that utter proud boasts!
4
Those who say, "With our tongue will we prevail; *
     our lips are our own; who is lord over us?"
5
"Because the needy are oppressed,
and the poor cry out in misery, *
     I will rise up," says the LORD,
     "and give them the help they long for."
6
The words of the LORD are pure words, *
     like silver refined from ore
     and purified seven times in the fire.
7
O LORD, watch over us *
     and save us from this generation for ever.
8
The wicked prowl on every side, *
     and that which is worthless is highly prized by everyone.

    13    Usquequo, Domine?
1
How long, O LORD?
will you forget me for ever? *
     how long will you hide your face from me?
2
How long shall I have perplexity in my mind,
and grief in my heart, day after day? *
     how long shall my enemy triumph over me?
3
Look upon me and answer me, O LORD my God; *
     give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death;
4
Lest my enemy say, "I have prevailed over him," *
     and my foes rejoice that I have fallen.
5
But I put my trust in your mercy; *
     my heart is joyful because of your saving help.
6
I will sing to the LORD, for he has dealt with me richly; *
     I will praise the Name of the Lord Most High.

    14    Dixit insipiens
1
The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." *
     All are corrupt and commit abominable acts;
     there is none who does any good.
2
The LORD looks down from heaven upon us all, *
     to see if there is any who is wise,
     if there is one who seeks after God.
3
Every one has proved faithless;
all alike have turned bad; *
     there is none who does good; no, not one.
4
Have they no knowledge, all those evildoers *
     who eat up my people like bread
     and do not call upon the LORD?
5
See how they tremble with fear, *
     because God is in the company of the righteous.
6
Their aim is to confound the plans of the afflicted, *
     but the LORD is their refuge.
7
Oh, that Israel's deliverance would come out of Zion! *
     when the LORD restores the fortunes of his people,
     Jacob will rejoice and Israel be glad.

    Third Day: Morning Prayer

    15    Domine, quis habitabit?
1
LORD, who may dwell in your tabernacle? *
     who may abide upon your holy hill?
2
Whoever leads a blameless life and does what is right, *
     who speaks the truth from his heart.
3
There is no guile upon his tongue;
he does no evil to his friend; *
     he does not heap contempt upon his neighbor.
4
In his sight the wicked is rejected, *
     but he honors those who fear the LORD.
5
He has sworn to do no wrong *
     and does not take back his word.
6
He does not give his money in hope of gain, *
     nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.
7
Whoever does these things *
     shall never be overthrown.

    16    Conserva me, Domine
1
Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you; *
     I have said to the LORD, "You are my Lord,
     my good above all other."
2
All my delight is upon the godly that are in the land, *
     upon those who are noble among the people.
3
But those who run after other gods *
     shall have their troubles multiplied.
4
Their libations of blood I will not offer, *
     nor take the names of their gods upon my lips.
5
O LORD, you are my portion and my cup; *
     it is you who uphold my lot.
6
My boundaries enclose a pleasant land; *
     indeed, I have a goodly heritage.
7
I will bless the LORD who gives me counsel; *
     my heart teaches me, night after night.
8
I have set the LORD always before me; *
     because he is at my right hand I shall not fall.
9
My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; *
     my body also shall rest in hope.
10
For you will not abandon me to the grave, *
     nor let your holy one see the Pit.
11
You will show me the path of life; *
     in your presence there is fullness of joy,
     and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.

    17    Exaudi, Domine
1
Hear my plea of innocence, O LORD;
give heed to my cry; *
     listen to my prayer, which does not come from lying lips.
2
Let my vindication come forth from your presence; *
     let your eyes be fixed on justice.
3
Weigh my heart, summon me by night, *
     melt me down; you will find no impurity in me.
4
I give no offense with my mouth as others do; *
     I have heeded the words of your lips.
5
My footsteps hold fast to the ways of your law; *
     in your paths my feet shall not stumble.
6
I call upon you, O God, for you will answer me; *
     incline your ear to me and hear my words.
7
Show me your marvelous loving-kindness, *
     O Savior of those who take refuge at your right hand
     from those who rise up against them.
8
Keep me as the apple of your eye; *
     hide me under the shadow of your wings,
9
From the wicked who assault me, *
     from my deadly enemies who surround me.
10
They have closed their heart to pity, *
     and their mouth speaks proud things.
11
They press me hard,
now they surround me, *
     watching how they may cast me to the ground,
12
Like a lion, greedy for its prey, *
     and like a young lion lurking in secret places.
13
Arise, O LORD; confront them and bring them down; *
     deliver me from the wicked by your sword.
14
Deliver me, O LORD, by your hand *
     from those whose portion in life is this world;
15
Whose bellies you fill with your treasure, *
     who are well supplied with children
     and leave their wealth to their little ones.
16
But at my vindication I shall see your face; *
     when I awake, I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.

    Third Day: Evening Prayer

    18

    Part I    Diligam te, Domine.

1
I love you, O LORD my strength, *
     O LORD my stronghold, my crag, and my haven.
2
My God, my rock in whom I put my trust, *
     my shield, the horn of my salvation, and my refuge;
     you are worthy of praise.
3
I will call upon the LORD, *
     and so shall I be saved from my enemies.
4
The breakers of death rolled over me, *
     and the torrents of oblivion made me afraid.
5
The cords of hell entangled me, *
     and the snares of death were set for me.
6
I called upon the LORD in my distress *
     and cried out to my God for help.
7
He heard my voice from his heavenly dwelling; *
     my cry of anguish came to his ears.
8
The earth reeled and rocked; *
     the roots of the mountains shook;
     they reeled because of his anger.
9
Smoke rose from his nostrils
and a consuming fire out of his mouth; *
     hot burning coals blazed forth from him.
10
He parted the heavens and came down *
     with a storm cloud under his feet.
11
He mounted on cherubim and flew; *
     he swooped on the wings of the wind.
12
He wrapped darkness about him; *
     he made dark waters and thick clouds his pavilion.
13
From the brightness of his presence, through the clouds, *
     burst hailstones and coals of fire.
14
The LORD thundered out of heaven; *
     the Most High uttered his voice.
15
He loosed his arrows and scattered them; *
     he hurled thunderbolts and routed them.
16
The beds of the seas were uncovered,
and the foundations of the world laid bare, *
     at your battle cry, O LORD,
     at the blast of the breath of your nostrils.
17
He reached down from on high and grasped me; *
     he drew me out of great waters.
18
He delivered me from my strong enemies
and from those who hated me; *
     for they were too mighty for me.
19
They confronted me in the day of my disaster; *
     but the LORD was my support.
20
He brought me out into an open place; *
     he rescued me because he delighted in me.

    Psalm 18:Part II    Et retribuet mihi
21
The LORD rewarded me because of my righteous dealing; *
     because my hands were clean he rewarded me;
22
For I have kept the ways of the LORD *
     and have not offended against my God;
23
For all his judgments are before my eyes, *
     and his decrees I have not put away from me;
24
For I have been blameless with him *
     and have kept myself from iniquity;
25
Therefore the LORD rewarded me according to my righteous
                                dealing, *
     because of the cleanness of my hands in his sight.
26
With the faithful you show yourself faithful, O God; *
     with the forthright you show yourself forthright.
27
With the pure you show yourself pure, *
     but with the crooked you are wily.
28
You will save a lowly people, *
     but you will humble the haughty eyes.
29
You, O LORD, are my lamp; *
     my God, you make my darkness bright.
30
With you I will break down an enclosure; *
     with the help of my God I will scale any wall.
31
As for God, his ways are perfect;
the words of the LORD are tried in the fire; *
     he is a shield to all who trust in him.
32
For who is God, but the LORD? *
     who is the Rock, except our God?
33
It is God who girds me about with strength *
     and makes my way secure.
34
He makes me sure-footed like a deer *
     and lets me stand firm on the heights.
35
He trains my hands for battle *
     and my arms for bending even a bow of bronze.
36
You have given me your shield of victory; *
     your right hand also sustains me;
     your loving care makes me great.
37
You lengthen my stride beneath me, *
     and my ankles do not give way.
38
I pursue my enemies and overtake them; *
     I will not turn back till I have destroyed them.
39
I strike them down, and they cannot rise; *
     they fall defeated at my feet.
40
You have girded me with strength for the battle; *
     you have cast down my adversaries beneath me;
     you have put my enemies to flight.
41
I destroy those who hate me;
they cry out, but there is none to help them; *
     they cry to the LORD, but he does not answer.
42
I beat them small like dust before the wind; *
     I trample them like mud in the streets.
43
You deliver me from the strife of the peoples; *
     you put me at the head of the nations.
44
A people I have not known shall serve me;
no sooner shall they hear than they shall obey me; *
     strangers will cringe before me.
45
The foreign peoples will lose heart; *
     they shall come trembling out of their strongholds.
46
The LORD lives! Blessed is my Rock! *
     Exalted is the God of my salvation!
47
He is the God who gave me victory *
     and cast down the peoples beneath me.
48
You rescued me from the fury of my enemies;
you exalted me above those who rose against me; *
     you saved me from my deadly foe.
49
Therefore will I extol you among the nations, O LORD, *
     and sing praises to your Name.
50
He multiplies the victories of his king; *
     he shows loving-kindness to his anointed,
     to David and his descendants for ever.

    Fourth Day: Morning Prayer

    19    Caeli enarrant
1
The heavens declare the glory of God, *
     and the firmament shows his handiwork.
2
One day tells its tale to another, *
     and one night imparts knowledge to another.
3
Although they have no words or language, *
     and their voices are not heard,
4
Their sound has gone out into all lands, *
     and their message to the ends of the world.
5
In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun; *
     it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber;
     it rejoices like a champion to run its course.
6
It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens
and runs about to the end of it again; *
     nothing is hidden from its burning heat.
7
The law of the LORD is perfect and revives the soul; *
     the testimony of the LORD is sure and gives wisdom to
                                the innocent.
8
The statutes of the LORD are just and rejoice the heart; *
     the commandment of the LORD is clear and gives light to
                                the eyes.
9
The fear of the LORD is clean and endures for ever; *
     the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10
More to be desired are they than gold, more than much fine gold, *
     sweeter far than honey, than honey in the comb.
11
By them also is your servant enlightened, *
     and in keeping them there is great reward.
12
Who can tell how often he offends? *
     cleanse me from my secret faults.
13
Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins;
let them not get dominion over me; *
     then shall I be whole and sound, and innocent of a great offense.
14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart acceptable
                                in your sight, *
     O LORD, my strength and my redeemer.

    20    Exaudiat te Dominus
1
May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble, *
     the Name of the God of Jacob defend you;
2
Send you help from his holy place *
     and strengthen you out of Zion;
3
Remember all your offerings *
     and accept your burnt sacrifice;
4
Grant you your heart's desire *
     and prosper all your plans.
5
We will shout for joy at your victory
and triumph in the Name of our God; *
     may the LORD grant all your requests.
6
Now I know that the LORD gives victory to his anointed; *
     he will answer him out of his holy heaven,
     with the victorious strength of his right hand.
7
Some put their trust in chariots and some in horses, *
     but we will call upon the Name of the LORD our God.
8
They collapse and fall down, *
     but we will arise and stand upright.
9
O LORD, give victory to the king *
     and answer us when we call.

    21    Domine, in virtute tua
1
The king rejoices in your strength, O LORD; *
     how greatly he exults in your victory!
2
You have given him his heart's desire; *
     you have not denied him the request of his lips.
3
For you meet him with blessings of prosperity, *
     and set a crown of fine gold upon his head.
4
He asked you for life, and you gave it to him: *
     length of days, for ever and ever.
5
His honor is great, because of your victory; *
     splendor and majesty have you bestowed upon him.
6
For you will give him everlasting felicity *
     and will make him glad with the joy of your presence.
7
For the king puts his trust in the LORD; *
     because of the loving-kindness of the Most High, he will not fall.
8
Your hand will lay hold upon all your enemies; *
     your right hand will seize all those who hate you.
9
You will make them like a fiery furnace *
     at the time of your appearing, O LORD;
10
You will swallow them up in your wrath, *
     and fire shall consume them.
11
You will destroy their offspring from the land *
     and their descendants from among the peoples of the earth.
12
Though they intend evil against you
and devise wicked schemes, *
     yet they shall not prevail.
13
For you will put them to flight *
     and aim your arrows at them.
14
Be exalted, O LORD, in your might; *
     we will sing and praise your power.

    Fourth Day: Evening Prayer

    22    Deus, Deus meus
1
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? *
     and are so far from my cry
     and from the words of my distress?
2
O my God, I cry in the daytime, but you do not answer; *
     by night as well, but I find no rest.
3
Yet you are the Holy One, *
     enthroned upon the praises of Israel.
4
Our forefathers put their trust in you; *
     they trusted, and you delivered them.
5
They cried out to you and were delivered; *
     they trusted in you and were not put to shame.
6
But as for me, I am a worm and no man, *
     scorned by all and despised by the people.
7
All who see me laugh me to scorn; *
     they curl their lips and wag their heads, saying,
8
"He trusted in the LORD; let him deliver him; *
     let him rescue him, if he delights in him."
9
Yet you are he who took me out of the womb, *
     and kept me safe upon my mother's breast.
10
I have been entrusted to you ever since I was born; *
     you were my God when I was still in my mother's womb.
11
Be not far from me, for trouble is near, *
     and there is none to help.
12
Many young bulls encircle me; *
     strong bulls of Bashan surround me.
13
They open wide their jaws at me, *
     like a ravening and a roaring lion.
14
I am poured out like water;
all my bones are out of joint; *
     my heart within my breast is melting wax.
15
My mouth is dried out like a pot-sherd;
my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; *
     and you have laid me in the dust of the grave.
16
Packs of dogs close me in,
and gangs of evildoers circle around me; *
     they pierce my hands and my feet;
     I can count all my bones.
17
They stare and gloat over me; *
     they divide my garments among them;
     they cast lots for my clothing.
18
Be not far away, O LORD; *
     you are my strength; hasten to help me.
19
Save me from the sword, *
     my life from the power of the dog.
20
Save me from the lion's mouth, *
     my wretched body from the horns of wild bulls.
21
I will declare your Name to my brethren; *
     in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.
22
Praise the LORD, you that fear him; *
     stand in awe of him, O offspring of Israel;
     all you of Jacob's line, give glory.
23
For he does not despise nor abhor the poor in their poverty;
neither does he hide his face from them; *
     but when they cry to him he hears them.
24
My praise is of him in the great assembly; *
     I will perform my vows in the presence of those who worship him.
25
The poor shall eat and be satisfied,
and those who seek the LORD shall praise him: *
     "May your heart live for ever!"
26
All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD, *
     and all the families of the nations bow before him.
27
For kingship belongs to the LORD; *
     he rules over the nations.
28
To him alone all who sleep in the earth bow down in worship; *
     all who go down to the dust fall before him.
29
My soul shall live for him;
my descendants shall serve him; *
     they shall be known as the LORD'S for ever.
30
They shall come and make known to a people yet unborn *
     the saving deeds that he has done.


    23    Dominus regit me
1
The LORD is my shepherd; *
     I shall not be in want.
2
He makes me lie down in green pastures *
     and leads me beside still waters.
3
He revives my soul *
     and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake.
4
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I shall fear no evil; *
     for you are with me;
     your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5
You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble
                                me; *
     you have anointed my head with oil,
     and my cup is running over.
6
Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my
                                life, *
     and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

    Fifth Day: Morning Prayer

    24    Domini est terra
1
The earth is the LORD'S and all that is in it, *
     the world and all who dwell therein.
2
For it is he who founded it upon the seas *
     and made it firm upon the rivers of the deep.
3
"Who can ascend the hill of the LORD? *
     and who can stand in his holy place?"
4
"Those who have clean hands and a pure heart, *
     who have not pledged themselves to falsehood,
     nor sworn by what is a fraud.
5
They shall receive a blessing from the LORD *
     and a just reward from the God of their salvation."
6
Such is the generation of those who seek him, *
     of those who seek your face, O God of Jacob.
7
Lift up your heads, O gates;
lift them high, O everlasting doors; *
     and the King of glory shall come in.
8
"Who is this King of glory?" *
     "The LORD, strong and mighty,
     the LORD, mighty in battle."
9
Lift up your heads, O gates;
lift them high, O everlasting doors; *
     and the King of glory shall come in.
10
"Who is he, this King of glory?" *
     "The LORD of hosts,
     he is the King of glory."

    25    Ad te, Domine, levavi
1
To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul;
my God, I put my trust in you; *
     let me not be humiliated,
     nor let my enemies triumph over me.
2
Let none who look to you be put to shame; *
     let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes.
3
Show me your ways, O LORD, *
     and teach me your paths.
4
Lead me in your truth and teach me, *
     for you are the God of my salvation;
     in you have I trusted all the day long.
5
Remember, O LORD, your compassion and love, *
     for they are from everlasting.
6
Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; *
     remember me according to your love
     and for the sake of your goodness, O LORD.
7
Gracious and upright is the LORD; *
     therefore he teaches sinners in his way.
8
He guides the humble in doing right *
     and teaches his way to the lowly.
9
All the paths of the LORD are love and faithfulness *
     to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.
10
For your Name's sake, O LORD, *
     forgive my sin, for it is great.
11
Who are they who fear the LORD? *
     he will teach them the way that they should choose.
12
They shall dwell in prosperity, *
     and their offspring shall inherit the land.
13
The LORD is a friend to those who fear him *
     and will show them his covenant.
14
My eyes are ever looking to the LORD, *
     for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.
15
Turn to me and have pity on me, *
     for I am left alone and in misery.
16
The sorrows of my heart have increased; *
     bring me out of my troubles.
17
Look upon my adversity and misery *
     and forgive me all my sin.
18
Look upon my enemies, for they are many, *
     and they bear a violent hatred against me.
19
Protect my life and deliver me; *
     let me not be put to shame, for I have trusted in you.
20
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, *
     for my hope has been in you.
21
Deliver Israel, O God, *
     out of all his troubles.

    26    Judica me, Domine
1
Give judgment for me, O LORD,
for I have lived with integrity; *
     I have trusted in the Lord and have not faltered.
2
Test me, O LORD, and try me; *
     examine my heart and my mind.
3
For your love is before my eyes; *
     I have walked faithfully with you.
4
I have not sat with the worthless, *
     nor do I consort with the deceitful.
5
I have hated the company of evildoers; *
     I will not sit down with the wicked.
6
I will wash my hands in innocence, O LORD, *
     that I may go in procession round your altar,
7
Singing aloud a song of thanksgiving *
     and recounting all your wonderful deeds.
8
LORD, I love the house in which you dwell *
     and the place where your glory abides.
9
Do not sweep me away with sinners, *
     nor my life with those who thirst for blood,
10
Whose hands are full of evil plots, *
     and their right hand full of bribes.
11
As for me, I will live with integrity; *
     redeem me, O LORD, and have pity on me.
12
My foot stands on level ground; *
     in the full assembly I will bless the LORD.

    Fifth Day: Evening Prayer

    27    Dominus illuminatio
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 evildoers came upon me to eat up my flesh, *
     it was they, my foes and my adversaries, who stumbled and fell.
3
Though an army should encamp against me, *
     yet my heart shall not be afraid;
4
And though war should rise up against me, *
     yet will I put my trust in him.
5
One thing have I asked of the LORD;
one thing I seek; *
     that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life;
6
To behold the fair beauty of the LORD *
     and to seek him in his temple.
7
For in the day of trouble he shall keep me safe in his shelter; *
     he shall hide me in the secrecy of his dwelling
     and set me high upon a rock.
8
Even now he lifts up my head *
     above my enemies round about me.
9
Therefore I will offer in his dwelling an oblation
with sounds of great gladness; *
     I will sing and make music to the LORD.
10
Hearken to my voice, O LORD, when I call; *
     have mercy on me and answer me.
11
You speak in my heart and say, "Seek my face." *
     Your face, LORD, will I seek.
12
Hide not your face from me, *
     nor turn away your servant in displeasure.
13
You have been my helper;
cast me not away; *
     do not forsake me, O God of my salvation.
14
Though my father and my mother forsake me, *
     the LORD will sustain me.
15
Show me your way, O LORD; *
     lead me on a level path, because of my enemies.
16
Deliver me not into the hand of my adversaries, *
     for false witnesses have risen up against me,
     and also those who speak malice.
17
What if I had not believed
that I should see the goodness of the LORD *
     in the land of the living!
18
O tarry and await the LORD'S pleasure;
     be strong, and he shall comfort your heart; *
     wait patiently for the LORD.

    28    Ad te, Domine
1
O LORD, I call to you;
my Rock, do not be deaf to my cry; *
     lest, if you do not hear me,
     I become like those who go down to the Pit.
2
Hear the voice of my prayer when I cry out to you, *
     when I lift up my hands to your holy of holies.
3
Do not snatch me away with the wicked or with the evildoers, *
     who speak peaceably with their neighbors,
     while strife is in their hearts.
4
Repay them according to their deeds, *
     and according to the wickedness of their actions.
5
According to the work of their hands repay them, *
     and give them their just deserts.
6
They have no understanding of the LORD'S doings,
nor of the works of his hands; *
     therefore he will break them down and not build them up.
7
Blessed is the LORD! *
     for he has heard the voice of my prayer.
8
The LORD is my strength and my shield; *
     my heart trusts in him, and I have been helped;
9
Therefore my heart dances for joy, *
     and in my song will I praise him.
10
The LORD is the strength of his people, *
     a safe refuge for his anointed.
11
Save your people and bless your inheritance; *
     shepherd them and carry them for ever.

    29    Afferte Domino
1
Ascribe to the LORD, you gods, *
     ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
2
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his Name; *
     worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
3
The voice of the LORD is upon the waters;
the God of glory thunders; *
     the LORD is upon the mighty waters.
4
The voice of the LORD is a powerful voice; *
     the voice of the LORD is a voice of splendor.
5
The voice of the LORD breaks the cedar trees; *
     the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon;
6
He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, *
     and Mount Hermon like a young wild ox.
7
The voice of the LORD splits the flames of fire;
the voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; *
     the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
8
The voice of the LORD makes the oak trees writhe *
     and strips the forests bare.
9
And in the temple of the LORD *
     all are crying, "Glory!"
10
The LORD sits enthroned above the flood; *
     the LORD sits enthroned as King for evermore.
11
The LORD shall give strength to his people; *
     the LORD shall give his people the blessing of peace.

    Sixth Day: Morning Prayer

    30    Exaltabo te, Domine
1
I will exalt you, O LORD,
because you have lifted me up *
     and have not let my enemies triumph over me.
2
O LORD my God, I cried out to you, *
     and you restored me to health.
3
You brought me up, O LORD, from the dead; *
     you restored my life as I was going down to the grave.
4
Sing to the LORD, you servants of his; *
     give thanks for the remembrance of his holiness.
5
For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, *
     his favor for a lifetime.
6
Weeping may spend the night, *
     but joy comes in the morning.
7
While I felt secure, I said,
"I shall never be disturbed. *
     You, LORD, with your favor, made me as strong as the
                                mountains."
8
Then you hid your face, *
     and I was filled with fear.
9
I cried to you, O LORD; *
     I pleaded with the Lord, saying,
10
"What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the Pit? *
     will the dust praise you or declare your faithfulness?
11
Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me; *
     O LORD, be my helper."
12
You have turned my wailing into dancing; *
     you have put off my sack-cloth and clothed me with joy.
13
Therefore my heart sings to you without ceasing; *
     O LORD my God, I will give you thanks for ever.

    31    In te, Domine, speravi
1
In you, O LORD, have I taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame; *
     deliver me in your righteousness.
2
Incline your ear to me; *
     make haste to deliver me.
3
Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe,
for you are my crag and my stronghold; *
     for the sake of your Name, lead me and guide me.
4
Take me out of the net that they have secretly set for me, *
     for you are my tower of strength.
5
Into your hands I commend my spirit, *
     for you have redeemed me,
     O LORD, O God of truth.
6
I hate those who cling to worthless idols, *
     and I put my trust in the LORD.
7
I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy; *
     for you have seen my affliction;
     you know my distress.
8
You have not shut me up in the power of the enemy; *
     you have set my feet in an open place.
9
Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am in trouble; *
     my eye is consumed with sorrow,
     and also my throat and my belly.
10
For my life is wasted with grief,
and my years with sighing; *
     my strength fails me because of affliction,
     and my bones are consumed.
11
I have become a reproach to all my enemies and even to my
                                neighbors,
a dismay to those of my acquaintance; *
     when they see me in the street they avoid me.
12
I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; *
     I am as useless as a broken pot.
13
For I have heard the whispering of the crowd;
fear is all around; *
     they put their heads together against me;
     they plot to take my life.
14
But as for me, I have trusted in you, O LORD. *
     I have said, "You are my God.
15
My times are in your hand; *
     rescue me from the hand of my enemies,
     and from those who persecute me.
16
Make your face to shine upon your servant, *
     and in your loving-kindness save me."
17
LORD, let me not be ashamed for having called upon you; *
     rather, let the wicked be put to shame;
     let them be silent in the grave.
18
Let the lying lips be silenced which speak against the righteous, *
     haughtily, disdainfully, and with contempt.
19
How great is your goodness, O LORD!
which you have laid up for those who fear you; *
     which you have done in the sight of all
     for those who put their trust in you.
20
You hide them in the covert of your presence from those who slander
                                them; *
     you keep them in your shelter from the strife of tongues.
21
Blessed be the LORD! *
     for he has shown me the wonders of his love in a besieged city.
22
Yet I said in my alarm,
"I have been cut off from the sight of your eyes." *
     Nevertheless, you heard the sound of my entreaty
     when I cried out to you.
23
Love the LORD, all you who worship him; *
     the LORD protects the faithful,
     but repays to the full those who act haughtily.
24
Be strong and let your heart take courage, *
     all you who wait for the LORD.

    Sixth Day: Evening Prayer

    32    Beati quorum
1
Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven, *
     and whose sin is put away!
2
Happy are they to whom the LORD imputes no guilt, *
     and in whose spirit there is no guile!
3
While I held my tongue, my bones withered away, *
     because of my groaning all day long.
4
For your hand was heavy upon me day and night; *
     my moisture was dried up as in the heat of summer.
5
Then I acknowledged my sin to you, *
     and did not conceal my guilt.
6
I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD." *
     Then you forgave me the guilt of my sin.
7
Therefore all the faithful will make their prayers to you in time of
                                trouble; *
     when the great waters overflow, they shall not reach them.
8
You are my hiding-place;
you preserve me from trouble; *
     you surround me with shouts of deliverance.
9
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way that you should go; *
     I will guide you with my eye.
10
Do not be like horse or mule, which have no understanding; *
     who must be fitted with bit and bridle,
     or else they will not stay near you."
11
Great are the tribulations of the wicked; *
     but mercy embraces those who trust in the LORD.
12
Be glad, you righteous, and rejoice in the LORD; *
     shout for joy, all who are true of heart.

    33    Exultate, justi
1
Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous; *
     it is good for the just to sing praises.
2
Praise the LORD with the harp; *
     play to him upon the psaltery and lyre.
3
Sing for him a new song; *
     sound a fanfare with all your skill upon the trumpet.
4
For the word of the LORD is right, *
     and all his works are sure.
5
He loves righteousness and justice; *
     the loving-kindness of the LORD fills the whole earth.
6
By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, *
     by the breath of his mouth all the heavenly hosts.
7
He gathers up the waters of the ocean as in a water-skin *
     and stores up the depths of the sea.
8
Let all the earth fear the LORD; *
     let all who dwell in the world stand in awe of him.
9
For he spoke, and it came to pass; *
     he commanded, and it stood fast.
10
The LORD brings the will of the nations to naught; *
     he thwarts the designs of the peoples.
11
But the LORD'S will stands fast for ever, *
     and the designs of his heart from age to age.
12
Happy is the nation whose God is the LORD! *
     happy the people he has chosen to be his own!
13
The LORD looks down from heaven, *
     and beholds all the people in the world.
14
From where he sits enthroned he turns his gaze *
     on all who dwell on the earth.
15
He fashions all the hearts of them *
     and understands all their works.
16
There is no king that can be saved by a mighty army; *
     a strong man is not delivered by his great strength.
17
The horse is a vain hope for deliverance; *
     for all its strength it cannot save.
18
Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon those who fear him, *
     on those who wait upon his love,
19
To pluck their lives from death, *
     and to feed them in time of famine.
20
Our soul waits for the LORD; *
     he is our help and our shield.
21
Indeed, our heart rejoices in him, *
     for in his holy Name we put our trust.
22
Let your loving-kindness, O LORD, be upon us, *
     as we have put our trust in you.

    34    Benedicam Domine
1
I will bless the LORD at all times; *
     his praise shall ever be in my mouth.
2
I will glory in the LORD; *
     let the humble hear and rejoice.
3
Proclaim with me the greatness of the LORD; *
     let us exalt his Name together.
4
I sought the LORD, and he answered me *
     and delivered me out of all my terror.
5
Look upon him and be radiant, *
     and let not your faces be ashamed.
6
I called in my affliction and the LORD heard me *
     and saved me from all my troubles.
7
The angel of the LORD encompasses those who fear him, *
     and he will deliver them.
8
Taste and see that the LORD is good; *
     happy are they who trust in him!
9
Fear the LORD, you that are his saints, *
     for those who fear him lack nothing.
10
The young lions lack and suffer hunger, *
     but those who seek the LORD lack nothing that is good.
11
Come, children, and listen to me; *
     I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12
Who among you loves life *
     and desires long life to enjoy prosperity?
13
Keep your tongue from evil-speaking *
     and your lips from lying words.
14
Turn from evil and do good; *
     seek peace and pursue it.
15
The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, *
     and his ears are open to their cry.
16
The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, *
     to root out the remembrance of them from the earth.
17
The righteous cry, and the LORD hears them *
     and delivers them from all their troubles.
18
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted *
     and will save those whose spirits are crushed.
19
Many are the troubles of the righteous, *
     but the LORD will deliver him out of them all.
20
He will keep safe all his bones; *
     not one of them shall be broken.
21
Evil shall slay the wicked, *
     and those who hate the righteous will be punished.
22
The LORD ransoms the life of his servants, *
     and none will be punished who trust in him.

    Seventh Day: Morning Prayer

    35    Judica, Domine
1
Fight those who fight me, O LORD; *
     attack those who are attacking me.
2
Take up shield and armor *
     and rise up to help me.
3
Draw the sword and bar the way against those who pursue me; *
     say to my soul, "I am your salvation."
4
Let those who seek after my life be shamed and humbled; *
     let those who plot my ruin fall back and be dismayed.
5
Let them be like chaff before the wind, *
     and let the angel of the LORD drive them away.
6
Let their way be dark and slippery, *
     and let the angel of the LORD pursue them.
7
For they have secretly spread a net for me without a cause; *
     without a cause they have dug a pit to take me alive.
8
Let ruin come upon them unawares; *
     let them be caught in the net they hid;
     let them fall into the pit they dug.
9
Then I will be joyful in the LORD; *
     I will glory in his victory.
10
My very bones will say, "LORD, who is like you? *
     You deliver the poor from those who are too strong for them,
     the poor and needy from those who rob them."
11
Malicious witnesses rise up against me; *
     they charge me with matters I know nothing about.
12
They pay me evil in exchange for good; *
     my soul is full of despair.
13
But when they were sick I dressed in sack-cloth *
     and humbled myself by fasting.
14
I prayed with my whole heart,
as one would for a friend or a brother; *
     I behaved like one who mourns for his mother,
     bowed down and grieving.
15
But when I stumbled, they were glad and gathered together;
they gathered against me; *
     strangers whom I did not know tore me to pieces and would not
                                stop.
16
They put me to the test and mocked me; *
     they gnashed at me with their teeth.
17
O Lord, how long will you look on? *
     rescue me from the roaring beasts,
     and my life from the young lions.
18
I will give you thanks in the great congregation; *
     I will praise you in the mighty throng.
19
Do not let my treacherous foes rejoice over me, *
     nor let those who hate me without a cause wink at each other.
20
For they do not plan for peace, *
     but invent deceitful schemes against the quiet in the land.
21
They opened their mouths at me and said, *
     "Aha! we saw it with our own eyes."
22
You saw it, O LORD; do not be silent; *
     O Lord, be not far from me.
23
Awake, arise, to my cause! *
     to my defense, my God and my Lord!
24
Give me justice, O LORD my God,
according to your righteousness; *
     do not let them triumph over me.
25
Do not let them say in their hearts,
"Aha! just what we want!" *
     Do not let them say, "We have swallowed him up."
26
Let all who rejoice at my ruin be ashamed and disgraced; *
     let those who boast against me be clothed with dismay and
                                shame.
27
Let those who favor my cause sing out with joy and be glad; *
     let them say always, "Great is the LORD,
     who desires the prosperity of his servant."
28
And my tongue shall be talking of your righteousness *
     and of your praise all the day long.

    36    Dixit injustus
1
There is a voice of rebellion deep in the heart of the wicked; *
     there is no fear of God before his eyes.
2
He flatters himself in his own eyes *
     that his hateful sin will not be found out.
3
The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; *
     he has left off acting wisely and doing good.
4
He thinks up wickedness upon his bed
and has set himself in no good way; *
     he does not abhor that which is evil.
5
Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, *
     and your faithfulness to the clouds.
6
Your righteousness is like the strong mountains,
your justice like the great deep; *
     you save both man and beast, O LORD.
7
How priceless is your love, O God! *
     your people take refuge under the shadow of your wings.
8
They feast upon the abundance of your house; *
     you give them drink from the river of your delights.
9
For with you is the well of life, *
     and in your light we see light.
10
Continue your loving-kindness to those who know you, *
     and your favor to those who are true of heart.
11
Let not the foot of the proud come near me, *
     nor the hand of the wicked push me aside.
12
See how they are fallen, those who work wickedness! *
     they are cast down and shall not be able to rise.

    Seventh Day: Evening Prayer

    37

    Part I    Noli aemulari

1
Do not fret yourself because of evildoers; *
     do not be jealous of those who do wrong.
2
For they shall soon wither like the grass, *
     and like the green grass fade away.
3
Put your trust in the LORD and do good; *
     dwell in the land and feed on its riches.
4
Take delight in the LORD, *
     and he shall give you your heart's desire.
5
Commit your way to the LORD and put your trust in him, *
     and he will bring it to pass.
6
He will make your righteousness as clear as the light *
     and your just dealing as the noonday.
7
Be still before the LORD *
     and wait patiently for him.
8
Do not fret yourself over the one who prospers, *
     the one who succeeds in evil schemes.
9
Refrain from anger, leave rage alone; *
     do not fret yourself; it leads only to evil.
10
For evildoers shall be cut off, *
     but those who wait upon the LORD shall possess the land.
11
In a little while the wicked shall be no more; *
     you shall search out their place, but they will not be there.
12
But the lowly shall possess the land; *
     they will delight in abundance of peace.
13
The wicked plot against the righteous *
     and gnash at them with their teeth.
14
The Lord laughs at the wicked, *
     because he sees that their day will come.
15
The wicked draw their sword and bend their bow
to strike down the poor and needy, *
     to slaughter those who are upright in their ways.
16
Their sword shall go through their own heart, *
     and their bow shall be broken.
17
The little that the righteous has *
     is better than great riches of the wicked.
18
For the power of the wicked shall be broken, *
     but the LORD upholds the righteous.

            Psalm 37:Part II    Novit Dominus
19
The LORD cares for the lives of the godly, *
     and their inheritance shall last for ever.
20
They shall not be ashamed in bad times, *
     and in days of famine they shall have enough.
21
As for the wicked, they shall perish, *
     and the enemies of the LORD, like the glory of the meadows, shall
                                vanish;
     they shall vanish like smoke.
22
The wicked borrow and do not repay, *
     but the righteous are generous in giving.
23
Those who are blessed by God shall possess the land, *
     but those who are cursed by him shall be destroyed.
24
Our steps are directed by the LORD; *
     he strengthens those in whose way he delights.
25
If they stumble, they shall not fall headlong, *
     for the LORD holds them by the hand.
26
I have been young and now I am old, *
     but never have I seen the righteous forsaken,
     or their children begging bread.
27
The righteous are always generous in their lending, *
     and their children shall be a blessing.
28
Turn from evil, and do good, *
     and dwell in the land for ever.
29
For the LORD loves justice; *
     he does not forsake his faithful ones.
30
They shall be kept safe for ever, *
     but the offspring of the wicked shall be destroyed.
31
The righteous shall possess the land *
     and dwell in it for ever.
32
The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, *
     and their tongue speaks what is right.
33
The law of their God is in their heart, *
     and their footsteps shall not falter.
34
The wicked spy on the righteous *
     and seek occasion to kill them.
35
The LORD will not abandon them to their hand, *
     nor let them be found guilty when brought to trial.
36
Wait upon the LORD and keep his way; *
     he will raise you up to possess the land,
     and when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.
37
I have seen the wicked in their arrogance, *
     flourishing like a tree in full leaf.
38
I went by, and behold, they were not there; *
     I searched for them, but they could not be found.
39
Mark those who are honest;
observe the upright; *
     for there is a future for the peaceable.
40
Transgressors shall be destroyed, one and all; *
     the future of the wicked is cut off.
41
But the deliverance of the righteous comes from the LORD; *
     he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
42
The LORD will help them and rescue them; *
     he will rescue them from the wicked and deliver them,
     because they seek refuge in him.

    Eighth Day: Morning Prayer

    38    Domine, ne in furore
1
O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger; *
     do not punish me in your wrath.
2
For your arrows have already pierced me, *
     and your hand presses hard upon me.
3
There is no health in my flesh,
because of your indignation; *
     there is no soundness in my body, because of my sin.
4
For my iniquities overwhelm me; *
     like a heavy burden they are too much for me to bear.
5
My wounds stink and fester *
     by reason of my foolishness.
6
I am utterly bowed down and prostrate; *
     I go about in mourning all the day long.
7
My loins are filled with searing pain; *
     there is no health in my body.
8
I am utterly numb and crushed; *
     I wail, because of the groaning of my heart.
9
O Lord, you know all my desires, *
     and my sighing is not hidden from you.
10
My heart is pounding, my strength has failed me, *
     and the brightness of my eyes is gone from me.
11
My friends and companions draw back from my affliction; *
     my neighbors stand afar off.
12
Those who seek after my life lay snares for me; *
     those who strive to hurt me speak of my ruin
     and plot treachery all the day long.
13
But I am like the deaf who do not hear, *
     like those who are mute and who do not open their mouth.
14
I have become like one who does not hear *
     and from whose mouth comes no defense.
15
For in you, O LORD, have I fixed my hope; *
     you will answer me, O Lord my God.
16
For I said, "Do not let them rejoice at my expense, *
     those who gloat over me when my foot slips."
17
Truly, I am on the verge of falling, *
     and my pain is always with me.
18
I will confess my iniquity *
     and be sorry for my sin.
19
Those who are my enemies without cause are mighty, *
     and many in number are those who wrongfully hate me.
20
Those who repay evil for good slander me, *
     because I follow the course that is right.
21
O LORD, do not forsake me; *
     be not far from me, O my God.
22
Make haste to help me, *
     O Lord of my salvation.

    39    Dixi, Custodiam
1
I said, "I will keep watch upon my ways, *
     so that I do not offend with my tongue.
2
I will put a muzzle on my mouth *
     while the wicked are in my presence."
3
So I held my tongue and said nothing; *
     I refrained from rash words;
     but my pain became unbearable.
4
My heart was hot within me;
while I pondered, the fire burst into flame; *
     I spoke out with my tongue:
5
LORD, let me know my end and the number of my days, *
     so that I may know how short my life is.
6
You have given me a mere handful of days,
     and my lifetime is as nothing in your sight; *
     truly, even those who stand erect are but a puff of wind.
7
We walk about like a shadow,
     and in vain we are in turmoil; *
     we heap up riches and cannot tell who will gather them.
8
And now, what is my hope? *
     O Lord, my hope is in you.
9
Deliver me from all my transgressions *
     and do not make me the taunt of the fool.
10
I fell silent and did not open my mouth, *
     for surely it was you that did it.
11
Take your affliction from me; *
     I am worn down by the blows of your hand.
12
With rebukes for sin you punish us;
like a moth you eat away all that is dear to us; *
     truly, everyone is but a puff of wind.
13
Hear my prayer, O LORD,
and give ear to my cry; *
     hold not your peace at my tears.
14
For I am but a sojourner with you, *
     a wayfarer, as all my forebears were.
15
Turn your gaze from me, that I may be glad again, *
     before I go my way and am no more.

    40    Expectans, expectavi
1
I waited patiently upon the LORD; *
     he stooped to me and heard my cry.
2
He lifted me out of the desolate pit, out of the mire and clay; *
     he set my feet upon a high cliff and made my footing sure.
3
He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God; *
     many shall see, and stand in awe,
     and put their trust in the LORD.
4
Happy are they who trust in the LORD! *
     they do not resort to evil spirits or turn to false gods.
5
Great things are they that you have done, O LORD my God!
how great your wonders and your plans for us! *
     there is none who can be compared with you.
6
Oh, that I could make them known and tell them! *
     but they are more than I can count.
7
In sacrifice and offering you take no pleasure *
     (you have given me ears to hear you);
8
Burnt-offering and sin-offering you have not required, *
     and so I said, "Behold, I come.
9
In the roll of the book it is written concerning me: *
     'I love to do your will, O my God;
     your law is deep in my heart.'"
10
I proclaimed righteousness in the great congregation; *
     behold, I did not restrain my lips;
     and that, O LORD, you know.
11
Your righteousness have I not hidden in my heart;
I have spoken of your faithfulness and your deliverance; *
     I have not concealed your love and faithfulness from the great
                                congregation.
12
You are the LORD;
do not withhold your compassion from me; *
     let your love and your faithfulness keep me safe for ever,
13
For innumerable troubles have crowded upon me;
my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see; *
     they are more in number than the hairs of my head,
     and my heart fails me.
14
Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me; *
     O LORD, make haste to help me.
15
Let them be ashamed and altogether dismayed
who seek after my life to destroy it; *
     let them draw back and be disgraced who take pleasure in my
                                misfortune.
16
Let those who say "Aha!" and gloat over me be confounded, *
     because they are ashamed.
17
Let all who seek you rejoice in you and be glad; *
     let those who love your salvation continually say,
     "Great is the LORD!"
18
Though I am poor and afflicted, *
     the Lord will have regard for me.
19
You are my helper and my deliverer; *
     do not tarry, O my God.

    Eighth Day: Evening Prayer

    41    Beatus qui intelligit
1
Happy are they who consider the poor and needy! *
     the LORD will deliver them in the time of trouble.
2
The LORD preserves them and keeps them alive,
so that they may be happy in the land; *
     he does not hand them over to the will of their enemies.
3
The LORD sustains them on their sickbed *
     and ministers to them in their illness.
4
I said, "LORD, be merciful to me; *
     heal me, for I have sinned against you."
5
My enemies are saying wicked things about me: *
     "When will he die, and his name perish?"
6
Even if they come to see me, they speak empty words; *
     their heart collects false rumors;
     they go outside and spread them.
7
All my enemies whisper together about me *
     and devise evil against me.
8
"A deadly thing," they say, "has fastened on him; *
     he has taken to his bed and will never get up again."
9
Even my best friend, whom I trusted,
who broke bread with me, *
     has lifted up his heel and turned against me.
10
But you, O LORD, be merciful to me and raise me up, *
     and I shall repay them.
11
By this I know you are pleased with me, *
     that my enemy does not triumph over me.
12
In my integrity you hold me fast, *
     and shall set me before your face for ever.
13
Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, *
     from age to age. Amen. Amen.

    Book Two

    42    Quemadmodum
1
As the deer longs for the water-brooks, *
     so longs my soul for you, O God.
2
My soul is athirst for God, athirst for the living God; *
     when shall I come to appear before the presence of God?
3
My tears have been my food day and night, *
     while all day long they say to me,
     "Where now is your God?"
4
I pour out my soul when I think on these things; *
     how I went with the multitude and led them into the house of God,
5
With the voice of praise and thanksgiving, *
     among those who keep holy-day.
6
Why are you so full of heaviness, O my soul? *
     and why are you so disquieted within me?
7
Put your trust in God; *
     for I will yet give thanks to him,
     who is the help of my countenance, and my God.
8
My soul is heavy within me; *
     therefore I will remember you from the land of Jordan,
     and from the peak of Mizar among the heights of Hermon.
9
One deep calls to another in the noise of your cataracts; *
     all your rapids and floods have gone over me.
10
The LORD grants his loving-kindness in the daytime; *
     in the night season his song is with me,
     a prayer to the God of my life.
11
I will say to the God of my strength,
"Why have you forgotten me? *
     and why do I go so heavily while the enemy oppresses me?"
12
While my bones are being broken, *
     my enemies mock me to my face;
13
All day long they mock me *
     and say to me, "Where now is your God?"
14
Why are you so full of heaviness, O my soul? *
     and why are you so disquieted within me?
15
Put your trust in God; *
     for I will yet give thanks to him,
     who is the help of my countenance, and my God.

    43    Judica me, Deus
1
Give judgment for me, O God,
and defend my cause against an ungodly people; *
     deliver me from the deceitful and the wicked.
2
For you are the God of my strength;
why have you put me from you? *
     and why do I go so heavily while the enemy oppresses me?
3
Send out your light and your truth, that they may lead me, *
     and bring me to your holy hill
     and to your dwelling;
4
That I may go to the altar of God,
to the God of my joy and gladness; *
 &nbs