Psalm 21
1 The king rejoices in your strength, O LORD;*
how greatly he exults in your victory!
2 You have given him his heart’s desire;*
you have not denied him the request of his lips.
3 For you meet him with blessings of prosperity,*
and set a crown of fine gold upon his head.
4 He asked you for life, and you gave it to him: *
length of days, for ever and ever.
5 His honor is great, because of your victory;*
splendor and majesty have you bestowed upon him.
6 For you will give him everlasting felicity *
and will make him glad with the joy of your presence.
7 For the king puts his trust in the LORD;*
because of the loving-kindness of the Most High, he will not fall.
8 Your hand will lay hold upon all your enemies;*
your right hand will seize all those who hate you.
9 You will make them like a fiery furnace *
at the time of your appearing, O LORD;
10 You will swallow them up in your wrath,*
and fire shall consume them.
11 You will destroy their offspring from the land *
and their descendants from among the peoples of the earth.
12 Though they intend evil against you
and devise wicked schemes,*
yet they shall not prevail.
13 For you will put them to flight *
and aim your arrows at them.
14 Be exalted, O LORD, in your might;*
we will sing and praise your power.
A Prayer for Joy in God’s Creation
O heavenly Father, who has filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold your gracious hand in all your works; that, rejoicing in your whole creation, we may learn to serve you with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
