Psalm 119:97-120
97Oh, how I love your law! *
all the day long it is in my mind.
98Your commandment has made me wiser than my enemies, *
and it is always with me.
99I have more understanding than all my teachers, *
for your decrees are my study.
100I am wiser than the elders, *
because I observe your commandments.
101I restrain my feet from every evil way, *
that I may keep your word.
102I do not shrink from your judgments, *
because you yourself have taught me.
103How sweet are your words to my taste! *
they are sweeter than honey to my mouth.
104Through your commandments I gain understanding; *
therefore I hate every lying way.
105Your word is a lantern to my feet *
and a light upon my path.
106I have sworn and am determined *
to keep your righteous judgments.
107I am deeply troubled; *
preserve my life, O Lord, according to your word.
108Accept, O Lord, the willing tribute of my lips, *
and teach me your judgments.
109My life is always in my hand, *
yet I do not forget your law.
110The wicked have set a trap for me, *
but I have not strayed from your commandments.
111Your decrees are my inheritance for ever; *
truly, they are the joy of my heart.
112I have applied my heart to fulfill your statutes *
for ever and to the end.
113I hate those who have a divided heart, *
but your law do I love.
114You are my refuge and shield; *
my hope is in your word.
115Away from me, you wicked! *
I will keep the commandments of my God.
116Sustain me according to your promise, that I may live, *
and let me not be disappointed in my hope.
117Hold me up, and I shall be safe, *
and my delight shall be ever in your statutes.
118You spurn all who stray from your statutes; *
their deceitfulness is in vain.
119In your sight all the wicked of the earth are but dross; *
therefore I love your decrees.
120My flesh trembles with dread of you; *
I am afraid of your judgments.
Collect of the Day – The Third Sunday in Lent
Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Image Credit: Lantern, M’Cord & Shiner, Engraved by Joseph Shiner, 1825–31
Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Open Access Collection – https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/16306
