Psalm 119:137-160
137You are righteous, O Lord, *
and upright are your judgments.
138You have issued your decrees *
with justice and in perfect faithfulness.
139My indignation has consumed me, *
because my enemies forget your words.
140Your word has been tested to the uttermost, *
and your servant holds it dear.
141I am small and of little account, *
yet I do not forget your commandments.
142Your justice is an everlasting justice *
and your law is the truth.
143Trouble and distress have come upon me, *
yet your commandments are my delight.
144The righteousness of your decrees is everlasting; *
grant me understanding, that I may live.
145I call with my whole heart; *
answer me, O Lord, that I may keep your statutes.
146I call to you; oh, that you would save me! *
I will keep your decrees.
147Early in the morning I cry out to you, *
for in your word is my trust.
148My eyes are open in the night watches, *
that I may meditate upon your promise.
149Hear my voice, O Lord,
according to your loving-kindness; *
according to your judgments, give me life.
150They draw near who in malice persecute me; *
they are very far from your law.
151You, O Lord, are near at hand, *
and all your commandments are true.
152Long have I known from your decrees *
that you have established them for ever.
153Behold my affliction and deliver me, *
for I do not forget your law.
154Plead my cause and redeem me; *
according to your promise, give me life.
155Deliverance is far from the wicked, *
for they do not study your statutes.
156Great is your compassion, O Lord; *
preserve my life, according to your judgments.
157There are many who persecute and oppress me, *
yet I have not swerved from your decrees.
158I look with loathing at the faithless, *
for they have not kept your word.
159See how I love your commandments! *
O Lord, in your mercy, preserve me.
160The heart of your word is truth; *
all your righteous judgments endure for evermore.
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.
