The Psalms
19
1 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 ir 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 law of the Lord is perfect
and revives the soul; *
the testimony of the Lord is sure
and gives wisdom to the innocent.
8 statutes of the Lord are just
and rejoice the heart; *
the commandment of the Lord is clear
and gives light to the eyes.
9 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.
126
1When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, *
then were we like those who dream.
2Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *
and our tongue with shouts of joy.
3Then they said among the nations, *
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
4The Lord has done great things for us, *
and we are glad indeed.
5Restore our fortunes, O Lord, *
like the watercourses of the Negev.
6Those who sowed with tears *
will reap with songs of joy.
7Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, *
will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.
A Collect for Guidance
O heavenly Father, in whom we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thomas Eakins | Young Girl Meditating | American | The Metropolitan Museum of Art (metmuseum.org)
