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 Collect for Peace
O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
