Psalm 2
1Why are the nations in an uproar? *
Why do the peoples mutter empty threats?
2Why do the kings of the earth rise up in revolt,
and the princes plot together,*
against the LORD and against his Anointed?
3″Let us break their yoke,” they say;*
“let us cast off their bonds from us.”
4He whose throne is in heaven is laughing; *
the Lord has them in derision.
5Then he speaks to them in his wrath,*
and his rage fills them with terror.
6″I myself have set my king *
upon my holy hill of Zion.”
7Let me announce the decree of the LORD: *
he said to me, “You are my Son;
this day have I begotten you.
8Ask of me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance *
and the ends of the earth for your possession.
9You shall crush them with an iron rod *
and shatter them like a piece of pottery.”
10And now, you kings, be wise;*
be warned, you rulers of the earth.
11Submit to the LORD with fear,*
and with trembling bow before him;
12Lest he be angry and you perish;*
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
13Happy are they all *
who take refuge in him!
A Prayer for All Sorts and Conditions
O God, the creator and preserver of all, we humbly beseech you for all sorts and conditions of people; that you would be pleased to make your ways known unto them, your saving health unto all nations. More especially we pray for your holy Church universal; that it may be so guided and governed by your good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to your fatherly goodness all those who are in any ways afflicted or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; that it may please you to comfort and relieve them according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
