Psalm 118
1Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; *
his mercy endures for ever.
2Let Israel now proclaim, *
“His mercy endures for ever.”
3Let the house of Aaron now proclaim, *
“His mercy endures for ever.”
4Let those who fear the Lord now proclaim, *
“His mercy endures for ever.”
5I called to the Lord in my distress; *
the Lord answered by setting me free.
6The Lord is at my side, therefore I will not fear; *
what can anyone do to me?
7The Lord is at my side to help me; *
I will triumph over those who hate me.
8It is better to rely on the Lord *
than to put any trust in flesh.
9It is better to rely on the Lord *
than to put any trust in rulers.
10All the ungodly encompass me; *
in the name of the Lord I will repel them.
11They hem me in, they hem me in on every side; *
in the name of the Lord I will repel them.
12They swarm about me like bees;
they blaze like a fire of thorns; *
in the name of the Lord I will repel them.
13I was pressed so hard that I almost fell, *
but the Lord came to my help.
14The Lord is my strength and my song, *
and he has become my salvation.
15There is a sound of exultation and victory *
in the tents of the righteous:
16“The right hand of the Lord has triumphed! *
the right hand of the Lord is exalted!
the right hand of the Lord has triumphed!”
17I shall not die, but live, *
and declare the works of the Lord.
18The Lord has punished me sorely, *
but he did not hand me over to death.
19Open for me the gates of righteousness; *
I will enter them;
I will offer thanks to the Lord.
20“This is the gate of the Lord; *
he who is righteous may enter.”
21I will give thanks to you, for you answered me *
and have become my salvation.
22The same stone which the builders rejected *
has become the chief cornerstone.
23This is the Lord’s doing, *
and it is marvelous in our eyes.
24On this day the Lord has acted; *
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
25Hosannah, Lord, hosannah! *
Lord, send us now success.
26Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; *
we bless you from the house of the Lord.
27God is the Lord; he has shined upon us; *
form a procession with branches up to the horns of the altar.
28“You are my God, and I will thank you; *
you are my God, and I will exalt you.”
29Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; *
his mercy endures for ever.
A Collect for Peace
Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
