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 confort.
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.
