Psalm 34
1I will bless the LORD at all times; *
his praise shall ever be in my mouth.
2I will glory in the LORD; *
let the humble hear and rejoice.
3Proclaim with me the greatness of the LORD; *
let us exalt his Name together.
4I sought the LORD, and he answered me *
and delivered me out of all my terror.
5Look upon him and be radiant, *
and let not your faces be ashamed.
6I called in my affliction and the LORD heard me *
and saved me from all my troubles.
7The angel of the LORD encompasses those who fear him, *
and he will deliver them.
8Taste and see that the LORD is good; *
happy are they who trust in him!
9Fear the LORD, you that are his saints, *
for those who fear him lack nothing.
10The young lions lack and suffer hunger, *
but those who seek the LORD lack nothing that is good.
11Come, children, and listen to me; *
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12Who among you loves life *
and desires long life to enjoy prosperity?
13Keep your tongue from evil-speaking *
and your lips from lying words.
14Turn from evil and do good; *
seek peace and pursue it.
15The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, *
and his ears are open to their cry.
16The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, *
to root out the remembrance of them from the earth.
17The righteous cry, and the LORD hears them *
and delivers them from all their troubles.
18The LORD is near to the brokenhearted *
and will save those whose spirits are crushed.
19Many are the troubles of the righteous, *
but the LORD will deliver him out of them all.
20He will keep safe all his bones; *
not one of them shall be broken.
21Evil shall slay the wicked, *
and those who hate the righteous will be punished.
22The LORD ransoms the life of his servants, *
and none will be punished who trust in him.
A Prayer of St. Chrysostom
Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen.
