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.
A Collect for the Renewal of Life
O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness while it was day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Image Credit: Hives with Wasps, and a Box with a Spoon for Honey, Kubo Shunman, 19th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Open Access Collection – https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/54920
