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 Mission
O God and Father of all, whom the whole heavens adore: Let the whole earth also worship you, all nations obey you, all tongues confess and bless you, and men and women everywhere love you and serve you in peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Image Credit: Lake of Thun, Swiss (Liber Studiorum, part III, plate 15), Designed and etched by Joseph Mallord William Turner, Engraver Charles Turner, Publisher Charles Turner, June 10, 1808
Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Open Access Collection – https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/382980