Psalm 97
1The Lord is King;
let the earth rejoice; *
let the multitude of the isles be glad.
2Clouds and darkness are round about him, *
righteousness and justice are the foundations of his throne.
3A fire goes before him *
and burns up his enemies on every side.
4His lightnings light up the world; *
the earth sees it and is afraid.
5The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord, *
at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
6The heavens declare his righteousness, *
and all the peoples see his glory.
7Confounded be all who worship carved images
and delight in false gods! *
Bow down before him, all you gods.
8Zion hears and is glad, and the cities of Judah rejoice, *
because of your judgments, O Lord.
9For you are the Lord,
most high over all the earth; *
you are exalted far above all gods.
10The Lord loves those who hate evil; *
he preserves the lives of his saints
and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
11Light has sprung up for the righteous, *
and joyful gladness for those who are truehearted.
12Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous, *
and give thanks to his holy Name.
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.
Image Credit: Three-branch wall light (one of a pair) (bras de lumière), ca. 1785, French, Paris
Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Open Access Collection – https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/826681
