The Psalm
119:49-72
49Remember your word to your servant, *
because you have given me hope.
50This is my comfort in my trouble, *
that your promise gives me life.
51the proud have derided me cruelly, *
but I have not turned from your law.
52When I remember your judgments of old, *
O Lord, I take great comfort.
53I am filled with a burning rage, *
because of the wicked who forsake your law.
54Your statutes have been like songs to me *
wherever I have lived as a stranger.
55I remember your Name in the night, O Lord, *
and dwell upon your law.
56This is how it has been with me, *
because I have kept your commandments.
57You only are my portion, O Lord; *
I have promised to keep your words.
58I entreat you with all my heart, *
be merciful to me according to your promise.
59I have considered my ways *
and turned my feet toward your decrees.
60I hasten and do not tarry *
to keep your commandments.
61Though the cords of the wicked entangle me, *
I do not forget your law.
62At midnight I will rise to give you thanks, *
because of your righteous judgments.
63I am a companion of all who fear you *
and of those who keep your commandments.
64the earth, O Lord, is full of your love; *
instruct me in your statutes.
65O Lord, you have dealt graciously with your servant, *
according to your word.
66Teach me discernment and knowledge, *
for I have believed in your commandments.
67Before I was afflicted I went astray, *
but now I keep your word.
68You are good and you bring forth good; *
instruct me in your statutes.
69the proud have smeared me with lies, *
but I will keep your commandments with my whole heart.
70their heart is gross and fat, *
but my delight is in your law.
71It is good for me that I have been afflicted, *
that I might learn your statutes.
72the law of your mouth is dearer to me *
than thousands in gold and silver.
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.
Coiled Serpent | Aztec | The Metropolitan Museum of Art (metmuseum.org)
