The Psalms
20
1May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble, *
the Name of the God of Jacob defend you;
2Send you help from his holy place *
and strengthen you out of Zion;
3Remember all your offerings *
and accept your burnt sacrifice;
4Grant you your heart’s desire *
and prosper all your plans.
5We will shout for joy at your victory
and triumph in the Name of our God; *
may the Lord grant all your requests.
6Now I know that the Lord gives victory to his anointed; *
he will answer him out of his holy heaven,
with the victorious strength of his right hand.
7Some put their trust in chariots and some in horses, *
but we will call upon the Name of the Lord our God.
8They collapse and fall down, *
but we will arise and stand upright.
9O Lord, give victory to the king *
and answer us when we call.
21:1-7
1The king rejoices in your strength, O Lord; *
how greatly he exults in your victory!
2You have given him his heart’s desire; *
you have not denied him the request of his lips.
3For you meet him with blessings of prosperity, *
and set a crown of fine gold upon his head.
4He asked you for life, and you gave it to him: *
length of days, for ever and ever.
5His honor is great, because of your victory; *
splendor and majesty have you bestowed upon him.
6For you will give him everlasting felicity *
and will make him glad with the joy of your presence.
7For the king puts his trust in the Lord; *
because of the loving-kindness of the Most High, he
will not fall.
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.
Pomarancio (Cristoforo Roncalli) | God the Father | The Metropolitan Museum of Art (metmuseum.org)