MY song shall be of mercy and judgment; * unto thee, O LORD, will I sing.
    2 O let me have understanding * in the way of godliness!
    3 When wilt thou come unto me? * I will walk in my house with a perfect heart.
    4 I will take no wicked thing in hand; I hate the sins of unfaithfulness; * there shall no such cleave unto me.
    5 A froward heart shall depart from me; * I will not know a wicked person.
    6 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, * him will I destroy.

    7 Whoso hath also a haughty look and a proud heart, * I will not suffer him.
    8 Mine eyes look upon such as are faithful in the land, * that they may dwell with me.
    9 Whoso leadeth a godly life, * he shall be my servant.
    10 There shall no deceitful person dwell in my house; * he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.
    11 I shall soon destroy all the ungodly that are in the land; * that I may root out all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.
 

The Twentieth Day.

Morning Prayer.

Psalm 102. Domine, exaudi.

HEAR my prayer, O LORD, * and let my crying come unto thee.
    2 Hide not thy face from me in the time of my trouble; * incline thine ear unto me when I call; O hear me, and that right soon.
    3 For my days are consumed away like smoke, * and my bones are burnt up as it were a firebrand.
    4 My heart is smitten down, and withered like grass; * so that I forget to eat my bread.
    5 For the voice of my groaning, * my bones will scarce cleave to my flesh.
    6 I am become like a pelican in the wilderness, * and like an owl that is in the desert.
    7 I have watched, and am even as it were a sparrow, * that sitteth alone upon the housetop.
    8 Mine enemies revile me all the day long; * and they that are mad upon me are sworn together against me.
    9 For I have eaten ashes as it were bread, * and mingled my drink with weeping;
    10 And that, because of thine indignation and wrath; * for thou hast taken me up, and cast me down.
    11 My days are gone like a shadow, * and I am withered like grass.
    12 But thou, O LORD, shalt endure for ever, * and thy remembrance throughout all generations.
    13 Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Sion; * for it is time that thou have mercy upon her, yea, the time is come.
    14 And why? thy servants think upon her stones, * and it pitieth them to see her in the dust.

    22 When the peoples³ are gathered together, * and the kingdoms also, to serve the LORD.
    23 He brought down my strength in my journey, * and shortened my days.
    24 But I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of mine age; * as for thy years, they endure throughout all generations.
    25 Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth, * and the heavens are the work of thy hands.
    26 They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: * they all shall wax old as doth a garment;
    27 And as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed; * but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
    28 The children of thy servants shall continue, * and their seed shall stand fast in thy sight.

Psalm 103. Benedic, anima mea.

PRAISE the LORD, O my soul; * and all that is within me, praise his holy Name.
    2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, * and forget not all his benefits:
    3 Who forgiveth all thy sin, * and healeth all thine infirmities;
    4 Who saveth thy life from destruction, * and crowneth thee with mercy and loving-kindness;
    5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things, * making thee young and lusty as an eagle.
    6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment * for all them that are oppressed with wrong.
    7 He showed his ways unto Moses, * his works unto the children of Israel.
    8 The LORD is full of compassion and mercy, * long-suffering, and of great goodness.
    9 He will not alway be chiding; * neither keepeth he his anger for ever.
    10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; * nor rewarded us according to our wickednesses.
    11 For look how high the heaven is in comparison of the earth; * so great is his mercy also toward them that fear him.
    12 Look how wide also the east is from the west; * so far hath he set our sins from us.
    13 Yea, like as a father pitieth his own children; * even so is the LORD merciful unto them that fear him.
    14 For he knoweth whereof we are made; * he remembereth that we are but dust.
    15 The days of man are but as grass; * for he flourisheth as a flower of the field.
    16 For as soon as the wind goeth over it, it is gone; * and the place thereof shall know it no more.
    17 But the merciful goodness of the LORD endureth for ever and ever upon them that fear him; * and his righteousness upon children's children;
    18 Even upon such as keep his covenant, * and think upon his commandments to do them.
    19 The LORD hath prepared his seat in heaven, * and his kingdom ruleth over all.

    20 O praise the LORD, ye angels of his, ye that excel in strength; * ye that fulfil his commandment, and hearken unto the voice of his word¹.
    21 O praise the LORD, all ye his hosts; * ye servants of his that do his pleasure.
    22 O speak good of the LORD, all ye works of his, in all places of his dominion: * praise thou the LORD, O my soul.

Evening Prayer.

Psalm 104. Benedic, anima mea.

PRAISE the LORD, O my soul: * O LORD my God, thou art become exceeding glorious; thou art clothed with majesty and honour.
    2 Thou deckest thyself with light as it were with a garment, * and spreadest out the heavens like a curtain.
    3 Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters, * and maketh the clouds his chariot, and walketh upon the wings of the wind.
    4 He maketh his angels winds, * and his ministers a flaming fire.
    5 He laid the foundations of the earth, * that it never should move at any time.
    6 Thou coveredst it with the deep like as with a garment; * the waters stand above the hills.
    7 At thy rebuke they flee; * at the voice of thy thunder they haste away.
    8 They go up as high as the hills, and down to the valleys beneath; * even unto the place which thou hast appointed for them.
    9 Thou hast set them their bounds, which they shall not pass, * neither turn again to cover the earth.
    10 He sendeth the springs into the rivers, * which run among the hills.

¹ words until 1845 and in 1892 Book

    35 As for sinners, they shall be consumed out of the earth, * and the ungodly shall come to an end.
    36 Praise thou the LORD, O my soul. * Praise the LORD.
 

The Twenty-first Day.

Morning Prayer.

Psalm 105. Confitemini Domino.

GIVE thanks unto the LORD, and call upon his Name; * tell the people what things he hath done.
    2 O let your songs be of him, and praise him; * and let your talking be of all his wondrous works.
    3 Rejoice in his holy Name; * let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.
    4 Seek the LORD and his strength; * seek his face evermore.
    5 Remember the marvellous works that he hath done; * his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;
    6 O ye seed of Abraham his servant, * ye children of Jacob his chosen.
    7 He is the LORD our God; * his judgments are in all the world.
    8 He hath been alway mindful of his covenant and promise, * that he made to a thousand generations;
    9 Even the covenant that he made with Abraham; * and the oath that he sware unto Isaac;
    10 And appointed the same unto Jacob for a law, * and to Israel for an everlasting testament;
    11 Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, * the lot of your inheritance:
    12 When there were yet but a few of them, * and they strangers in the land;
    13 What time as they went from one nation to another, * from one kingdom to another people;
    14 He suffered no man to do them wrong, * but reproved even kings for their sakes;
    15 Touch not mine anointed, * and do my prophets no harm.
    16 Moreover, he called for a dearth upon the land, * and destroyed all the provision of bread.
    17 But he had sent a man before them, * even Joseph, who was sold to be a bond-servant;
    18 Whose feet they hurt in the stocks; * the iron entered into his soul;
    19 Until the time came that his cause was known: * the word of the LORD tried him.
    20 The king sent, and delivered him; * the prince of the people let him go free.
    21 He made him lord also of his house, * and ruler of all his substance;
    22 That he might inform his princes after his will, * and teach his senators wisdom.
    23 Israel also came into Egypt, * and Jacob was a stranger in the land of Ham.
    24 And he increased his people exceedingly, * and made them stronger than their enemies;
    25 Whose heart turned so, that they hated his people, * and dealt untruly with his servants.
    26 Then sent he Moses his servant, * and Aaron whom he had chosen.
    27 And these showed his tokens among them, * and wonders in the land of Ham.
    28 He sent darkness, and it was dark; * and they were not obedient unto his word.
    29 He turned their waters into blood, * and slew their fish.
    30 Their land brought forth frogs; * yea, even in their kings' chambers.
    31 He spake the word, and there came all manner of flies, * and lice in all their quarters.
    32 He gave them hailstones for rain; * and flames of fire in their land.
    33 He smote their vines also and fig-trees; * and destroyed the trees that were in their coasts.
    34 He spake the word, and the grasshoppers came, and caterpillars innumerable, * and did eat up all the grass in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground.
    35 He smote all the firstborn in their land; * even the chief of all their strength.
    36 He brought them forth also with silver and gold; * there was not one feeble person among their tribes.
    37 Egypt was glad at their departing; * for they were afraid of them.
    38 He spread out a cloud to be a covering, * and fire to give light in the night season.
    39 At their desire he brought quails; * and he filled them with the bread of heaven.
    40 He opened the rock of stone, and the waters flowed out, * so that rivers ran in the dry places.
    41 For why? he remembered his holy promise; * and Abraham his servant.
    42 And he brought forth his people with joy, * and his chosen with gladness;
    43 And gave them the lands of the heathen; * and they took the labours of the people in possession;
    44 That they might keep his statutes, * and observe his laws.
 

Evening Prayer.

Psalm 106. Confitemini Domino.

O GIVE thanks unto the LORD; for he is gracious, * and his mercy endureth for ever.
    2 Who can express the noble acts of the LORD, * or show forth all his praise?
    3 Blessed are they that alway keep judgment, * and do righteousness.
    4 Remember me, O LORD, according to the favour that thou bearest unto thy people; * O visit me with thy salvation;
    5 That I may see the felicity of thy chosen, * and rejoice in the gladness of thy people, and give thanks with thine inheritance.
    6 We have sinned with our fathers; * we have done amiss, and dealt wickedly.
    7 Our fathers regarded not thy wonders in Egypt, neither kept they thy great goodness in remembrance; * but were disobedient at the sea, even at the Red Sea.
    8 Nevertheless, he helped them for his Name's sake, * that he might make his power to be known.
    9 He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it was dried up; * so he led them through the deep, as through a wilderness.
    10 And he saved them from the adversary's hand, * and delivered them from the hand of the enemy.
    11 As for those that troubled them, the waters overwhelmed them; * there was not one of them left.
    12 Then believed they his words, * and sang praise unto him.
    13 But within a while they forgat his works, * and would not abide his counsel.
    14 But lust came upon them in the wilderness, * and they tempted God in the desert.
    15 And he gave them their desire, * and sent leanness withal into their soul.
    16 They angered Moses also in the tents, * and Aaron the saint of the LORD.
    17 So the earth opened, and swallowed up Dathan, * and covered the congregation of Abiram.
    18 And the fire was kindled in their company; * the flame burnt up the ungodly.
    19 They made a calf in Horeb, * and worshipped the molten image.
    20 Thus they turned their glory * into the similitude of a calf that eateth hay.
    21 And they forgat God their Saviour, * who had done so great things in Egypt;
    22 Wondrous works in the land of Ham; * and fearful things by the Red Sea.
    23 So he said he would have destroyed them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the gap, * to turn away his wrathful indignation, lest he should destroy them.
    24 Yea, they thought scorn of that pleasant land, * and gave no credence unto his word;
    25 But murmured in their tents, * and hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD.
    26 Then lift he up his hand against them, * to overthrow them in the wilderness;
    27 To cast out their seed among the nations, * and to scatter them in the lands.
    28 They joined themselves unto Baal-peor, * and ate the offerings of the dead.
    29 Thus they provoked him to anger with their own inventions; * and the plague was great among them.

    30 Then stood up Phinehas, and interposed; * and so the plague ceased.
    31 And that was counted unto him for righteousness, * among all posterities for evermore.
    32 They angered him also at the waters of strife, * so that he punished Moses for their sakes;
    33 Because they provoked his spirit, * so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips.
    34 Neither destroyed they the heathen, * as the LORD commanded them;
    35 But were mingled among the heathen, * and learned their works.
    36 Insomuch that they worshipped their idols, which became a snare unto them; * yea, they offered their sons and their daughters unto devils;
    37 And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, * whom they offered unto the idols of Canaan; and the land was defiled with blood.
    38 Thus were they stained with their own works, * and went a whoring with their own inventions.
    39 Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, * insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.
    40 And he gave them over into the hand of the heathen; * and they that hated them were lords over them.
    41 Their enemies oppressed them, * and had them in subjection.
    42 Many a time did he deliver them; * but they rebelled against him with their own inventions, and were brought down in their wickedness.
    43 Nevertheless, when he saw their adversity, * he heard their complaint.
    44 He thought upon his covenant, and pitied them, according unto the multitude of his mercies; * yea, he made all those that led them away captive to pity them.
    45 Deliver us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the heathen; * that we may give thanks unto thy holy Name, and make our boast of thy praise.

    46 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, from everlasting, and world without end; * And let all the people say, Amen.
 

BOOK V.

The Twenty-second Day.

Morning Prayer.

Psalm 107. Confitemini Domino.

O GIVE thanks unto the LORD, for he is gracious, * and his mercy endureth for ever.
    2 Let them give thanks whom the LORD hath redeemed, * and delivered from the hand of the enemy;
    3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west; * from the north, and from the south.
    4 They went astray in the wilderness out of the way, * and found no city to dwell in.
    5 Hungry and thirsty, * their soul fainted in them.
    6 So they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, * and he delivered them from their distress.
    7 He led them forth by the right way, * that they might go to the city where they dwelt.
    8 O that men would therefore praise the LORD for his goodness; * and declare the wonders that he doeth for the children of men!
    9 For he satisfieth the empty soul, * and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

    10 Such as sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death, * being fast bound in misery and iron;
    11 Because they rebelled against the words of the Lord, * and lightly regarded the counsel of the Most Highest;
    12 He also brought down their heart through heaviness: * they fell down, and there was none to help them.
    13 So when they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, * he delivered them out of their distress.
    14 For he brought them out of darkness, and out of the shadow of death, * and brake their bonds in sunder.
    15 O that men would therefore praise the LORD for his goodness; * and declare the wonders that he doeth for the children of men !
    16 For he hath broken the gates of brass, * and smitten the bars of iron in sunder.

    17 Foolish men are plagued for their offence, * and because of their wickedness.
    18 Their soul abhorred all manner of meat, * and they were even hard at death's door.
    19 So when they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, * he delivered them out of their distress.
    20 He sent his word, and healed them; * and they were saved from their destruction.
    21 O that men would therefore praise the LORD for his goodness; * and declare the wonders that he doeth for the children of men !
    22 That they would offer unto him the sacrifice of thanksgiving, * and tell out his works with gladness!
    23 They that go down to the sea in ships, * and occupy their business in great waters;
    24 These men see the works of the LORD, * and his wonders in the deep.
    25 For at his word the stormy wind ariseth, * which lifteth up the waves thereof.
    26 They are carried up to the heaven, and down again to the deep; * their soul melteth away because of the trouble.

    27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, * and are at their wit's¹ end.
    28 So when they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, * he delivereth them out of their distress.
    29 For he maketh the storm to cease, * so that the waves thereof are still.
    30 Then are they glad, because they are at rest; * and so he bringeth them unto the haven where they would be.
    31 O that men would therefore praise the LORD for his goodness; * and declare the wonders that he doeth for the children of men!
    32 That they would exalt him also in the congregation of the people, * and praise him in the seat of the elders!

    33 He turneth the floods into a wilderness, * and drieth up the water-springs.
    34 A fruitful land maketh he barren, * for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.
    35 Again, he maketh the wilderness a standing water, * and water-springs of a dry ground.
    36 And there he setteth the hungry, * that they may build them a city to dwell in;
    37 That they may sow their land, and plant vineyards, * to yield them fruits of increase.
    38 He blesseth them, so that they multiply exceedingly; * and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.
    39 And again, when they are minished and brought low * through oppression, through any plague or trouble;
    40 Though he suffer them to be evil entreated through tyrants, * and let them wander out of the way in the wilderness;
    41 Yet helpeth he the poor out of misery, * and maketh him households like a flock of sheep.
    42 The righteous will consider this, and rejoice; * and the mouth of all wickedness shall be stopped.
    43 Whoso is wise, will ponder these things; * and they shall understand the loving-kindness of the LORD.
 

Evening Prayer.

Psalm 108. Paratum cor meum.

O GOD, my heart is ready, my heart is ready; * I will sing, and give praise with the best member that I have.
    2 Awake, thou lute and harp; * I myself will awake right early.

    7 God hath spoken in his holiness; * I will rejoice therefore, and divide Shechem², and mete out the valley of Succoth.
    8 Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; * Ephraim also is the strength of my head; Judah is my lawgiver;
    9 Moab is my wash-pot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe; * upon Philistia will I triumph.
    10 Who will lead me into the strong city? * and who will bring me into Edom?
    11 Hast not thou forsaken us, O God? * and wilt not thou, O God, go forth with our hosts?
    12 O help us against the enemy: * for vain is the help of man.
    13 Through God we shall do great acts; * and it is he that shall tread down our enemies.

Psalm 109. Deus, laudem.

HOLD not thy tongue, O God of my praise; * for the mouth of the ungodly, yea, the mouth of the deceitful is opened upon me.
    2 And they have spoken against me with false tongues; * they compassed me about also with words of hatred, and fought against me without a cause.
    3 For the love that I had unto them, lo, they take now my contrary part; * but I give myself unto prayer.
    4 Thus have they rewarded me evil for good, * and hatred for my good will.
 

 
² Sichem until 1928

    8. Gilead is mine, and Manasses is mine : Ephraim
also is the strength of my head.
    9. Judah is my law-giver, Moab is my wash-pot :
over Edom ... until 1928

    20 But deal thou with me, O LORD God, according unto thy Name; * for sweet is thy mercy.
    21 O deliver me, for I am helpless and poor, ~ and my heart is wounded within me.
    22 I go hence like the shadow that departeth, * and am driven away as the grasshopper.
    23 My knees are weak through fasting; * my flesh is dried up for want of fatness.
    24 I am become also a reproach unto them: * they that look upon me shake their heads.
    25 Help me, O LORD my God; * O save me according to thy mercy;
    26 And they shall know how that this is thy hand, * and that thou, LORD, hast done it.
    27 Though they curse, yet bless thou; * and let them be confounded that rise up against me; but let thy servant rejoice.
    28 Let mine adversaries be clothed with shame; * and let them cover themselves with their own confusion, as with a cloak.
    29 As for me, I will give great thanks unto the LORD with my mouth, * and praise him among the multitude;
    30 For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, * to save his soul from unrighteous judges.
 

The Twenty-third Day.

Morning Prayer.

Psalm 110. Dixit Dominus.

THE LORD said unto my Lord, * Sit thou on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
    2 The LORD shall send the rod of thy power out of Sion: * be thou ruler, even in the midst among thine enemies.

    3 In the day of thy power shall thy¹ people offer themselves willingly with an holy worship: * thy young men come to thee as dew from the womb of the morning.
    4 The LORD sware, and will not repent, * Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
    5 The Lord upon thy right hand * shall wound even kings in the day of his wrath.
    6 He shall judge among the heathen; * he shall fill the places with the dead bodies, and smite in sunder the heads over divers countries.
    7 He shall drink of the brook in the way; * therefore shall he lift up his head.

Psalm 111. Confitebor tibi.

I WILL give thanks unto the LORD with my whole heart, * secretly among the faithful, and in the congregation.
    2 The works of the LORD are great, * sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
    3 His work is worthy to be praised and had in honour, * and his righteousness endureth for ever.
    4 The merciful and gracious LORD hath so done his marvellous works, * that they ought to be had in remembrance.
    5 He hath given meat unto them that fear him; * he shall ever be mindful of his covenant.
    6 He hath showed his people the power of his works, * that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.
    7 The works of his hands are verity and judgment; * all his commandments are true.
    8 They stand fast for ever and ever, * and are done in truth and equity.
    9 He sent redemption unto his people; * he hath commanded his covenant for ever; holy and reverend is his Name.

    10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; * a good understanding have all they that do thereafter; his praise endureth for ever.

Psalm 112. Beatus vir.

BLESSED is the man that feareth the LORD; * he hath great delight in his commandments.
    2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth; * the generation of the faithful shall be blessed.
    3 Riches and plenteousness shall be in his house; * and his righteousness endureth for ever.
    4 Unto the godly there ariseth up light in the darkness; * he is merciful, loving, and righteous.
    5 A good man is merciful, and lendeth; * and will guide his words with discretion.
    6 For he shall never be moved: * and the righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance.
    7 He will not be afraid of any evil tidings; * for his heart standeth fast, and believeth in the LORD.
    8 His heart is stablished, and will not shrink, * until he see his desire upon his enemies.
    9 He hath dispersed abroad, and given to the poor. * and his righteousness remaineth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.
    10 The ungodly shall see it, and it shall grieve him; * he shall gnash with his teeth, and consume away; the desire of the ungodly shall perish.

Psalm 113. Laudate, pueri.

PRAISE the LORD, ye servants; * O praise the Name of the LORD.
    2 Blessed be the Name of the LORD * from this time forth for evermore.
    3 The LORD’S Name is praised * from the rising up of the sun unto the going down of the same.

    4 The LORD is high above all nations¹, * and his glory above the heavens.
    5 Who is like unto the LORD our God, that hath his dwelling so high, * and yet humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven and earth!
    6 He taketh up the simple out of the dust, * and lifteth the poor out of the mire;
    7 That he may set him with the princes, * even with the princes of his people.
    8 He maketh the barren woman to keep house, * and to be a joyful mother of children.
 

Evening Prayer.

Psalm 114. In exitu Israel.

WHEN Israel came out of Egypt, * and the house of Jacob from among the strange people,
    2 Judah was his sanctuary, * and Israel his dominion.
    3 The sea saw that, and fled; * Jordan was driven back.
    4 The mountains skipped like rams, * and the little hills like young sheep.
    5 What aileth thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest? * and thou Jordan, that thou wast driven back?
    6 Ye mountains, that ye skipped like rams? * and ye little hills, like young sheep?
    7 Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord: * at the presence of the God of Jacob;
    8 Who turned the hard rock into a standing water, * and the flint-stone into a springing well.

Psalm 115. Non nobis, Domine.

NOT unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy Name give the praise; * for thy loving mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.
    2 Wherefore shall the heathen say, * Where is now their God?
    3 As for our God, he is in heaven: * he hath done whatsoever pleased him.
    4 Their idols are silver and gold, * even the work of men’s hands.
    5 They have mouths, and speak not; * eyes have they, and see not.
    6 They have ears, and hear not; * noses have they, and smell not.
    7 They have hands, and handle not; feet have they, and walk not; * neither speak they through their throat.
    8 They that make them are like unto them; * and so are all such as put their trust in them.
    9 But thou, house of Israel, trust thou in the LORD; * he is their helper and defender.
    10 Ye house of Aaron, put your trust in the LORD; * he is their helper and defender.
    11 Ye that fear the LORD, put your trust in the LORD; * he is their helper and defender.
    12 The LORD hath been mindful of us, and he shall bless us; * even he shall bless the house of Israel, he shall bless the house of Aaron.
    13 He shall bless them that fear the LORD, * both small and great.
    14 The LORD shall increase you more and more, * you and your children.
    15 Ye are the blessed of the LORD, * who made heaven and earth.
    16 All the whole heavens are the LORD’S; * the earth hath he given to the children of men.
    17 The dead praise not thee, O LORD, * neither all they that go down into silence.
    18 But we will praise the LORD, * from this time forth for evermore. Praise the LORD.
 

Morning Prayer.

Psalm 116. Dilexi, quoniam.
 

Psalm 117. Laudate Dominum.

O PRAISE the LORD, all ye nations¹; * praise him, all ye peoples.
    2 For his merciful kindness is ever more and more toward² us; * and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise the LORD.

Psalm 118. Confitemini Domino.

O GIVE thanks unto the LORD, for he is gracious; * because his mercy endureth for ever.
    2 Let Israel now confess that he is gracious, * and that his mercy endureth for ever.
    3 Let the house of Aaron now confess, * that his mercy endureth for ever.
    4 Yea, let them now that fear the LORD confess, * that his mercy endureth for ever.
    5 I called upon the LORD in trouble; * and the LORD heard me at large.
    6 The LORD is on my side; * I will not fear what man doeth unto me.
    7 The LORD taketh my part with them that help me; * therefore shall I see my desire upon mine enemies.
    8 It is better to trust in the LORD, * than to put any confidence in man.
    9 It is better to trust in the LORD, * than to put any confidence in princes.
    10 All nations compassed me round about; * but in the Name of the LORD will I destroy them.
    11 They kept me in on every side, they kept me in, I say, on every side; * but in the Name of the LORD will I destroy them.
    12 They came about me like bees, and are extinct even as the fire among the thorns; * for in the Name of the LORD I will destroy them.
    13 Thou hast thrust sore at me, that I might fall; * but the LORD was my help.
    14 The LORD is my strength, and my song; * and is become my salvation.
    15 The voice of joy and health is in the dwellings of the righteous; * the right hand of the LORD bringeth mighty things to pass.
    16 The right hand of the LORD hath the preeminence; * the right hand of the LORD bringeth mighty things to pass.
    17 I shall not die, but live, * and declare the works of the LORD.
    18 The LORD hath chastened and corrected me; * but he hath not given me over unto death.
    19 Open me the gates of righteousness, * that I may go into them, and give thanks unto the LORD.
    20 This is the gate of the LORD, * the righteous shall enter into it.
    21 I will thank thee; for thou hast heard me, * and art become my salvation.
    22 The same stone which the builders refused, * is become the head-stone in the corner.
    23 This is the LORD’S doing, * and it is marvellous in our eyes.
    24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; * we will rejoice and be glad in it.
    25 Help me now, O LORD: * O LORD, send us now prosperity.

¹ heathen until 1928

 
² towards until 1892

    26 Blessed be he that cometh in the Name of the LORD: * we have wished you good luck, we¹ that are of the house of the LORD.
    27 God is the LORD, who hath showed us light: * bind the sacrifice with cords, yea, even unto the horns of the altar.
    28 Thou art my God, and I will thank thee; * thou art my God, and I will praise thee.
    29 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is gracious, * and his mercy endureth for ever.
 

Evening Prayer.

Psalm 119. I. Beati immaculati.

BLESSED are those that are undefiled in the way, and walk in the law of the LORD.
    2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, * and seek him with their whole heart;

II. In quo corrigit?

WHEREWITHAL shall a young man cleanse his way? * even by ruling himself after thy word.
    10 With my whole heart have I sought thee; * O let me not go wrong out of thy commandments.

III. Retribue servo tuo.

O DO well unto thy servant; * that I may live, and keep thy word.
    18 Open thou mine eyes; * that I may see the wondrous things of thy law.
    19 I am a stranger upon earth; * O hide not thy commandments from me.
    20 My soul breaketh out for the very fervent desire * that it hath alway unto thy judgments.
    21 Thou hast rebuked the proud; * and cursed are they that do err from thy commandments.
    22 O turn from me shame and rebuke; * for I have kept thy testimonies.
    23 Princes also did sit and speak against me; * but thy servant is occupied in thy statutes.
    24 For thy testimonies are my delight, * and my counsellors.

IV. Adhaesit pavimento.

MY soul cleaveth to the dust; * O quicken thou me, according to thy word.
    26 I have acknowledged my ways, and thou heardest me: * O teach me thy statutes.
    27 Make me to understand the way of thy commandments; * and so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
    28 My soul melteth away for very heaviness; * comfort thou me according unto thy word.
    29 Take from me the way of lying, * and cause thou me to make much of thy law.
    30 I have chosen the way of truth, * and thy judgments have I laid before me.
    31 I have stuck unto thy testimonies; * O LORD, confound me not.
    32 I will run the way of thy commandments, * when thou hast set my heart at liberty.
 

The Twenty-fifth Day.

Morning Prayer.

V. Legem pone.

TEACH me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes, * and I shall keep it unto the end.
    34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; * yea, I shall keep it with my whole heart.
    35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; * for therein is my desire.

VI. Et veniat super me.

LET thy loving mercy come also unto me, O LORD, * even thy salvation, according unto thy word.
    42 So shall I make answer unto my blasphemers; * for my trust is in thy word.
    43 O take not the word of thy truth utterly out of my mouth; * for my hope is in thy judgments.
    44 So shall I alway keep thy law; * yea, for ever and ever.
    45 And I will walk at liberty; * for I seek thy commandments.
    46 I will speak of thy testimonies also, even before kings, * and will not be ashamed.
    47 And my delight shall be in thy commandments, * which I have loved.
    48 My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; * and my study shall be in thy statutes.

VII. Memor esto verbi tui.

O THINK upon thy servant, as concerning thy word, * wherein thou hast caused me to put my trust.
    50 The same is my comfort in my trouble; * for thy word hath quickened me.
    51 The proud have had me exceedingly in derision; * yet have I not shrinked from thy law.
    52 For I remembered thine everlasting judgments, O LORD, * and received comfort.
    53 I am horribly afraid, * for the ungodly that forsake thy law.
    54 Thy statutes have been my songs, * in the house of my pilgrimage.
    55 I have thought upon thy Name, O LORD, in the night season, * and have kept thy law.
    56 This I had, * because I kept thy commandments.

VIII. Portio mea, Domine.

THOU art my portion, O LORD; * I have promised to keep thy law.
    58 I made my humble petition in thy presence with my whole heart; * O be merciful unto me, according to thy word.
    59 I called mine own ways to remembrance, * and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
    60 I made haste, and prolonged not the time, * to keep thy commandments.

IX. Bonitatem fecisti.

O LORD, thou hast dealt graciously with thy servant, * according unto thy word.

Evening Prayer.

X. Manus tuae fecerunt me.

THY hands have made me and fashioned me: * O give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.
    74 They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; * because I have put my trust in thy word.
    75 I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, * and that thou of very faithfulness hast caused me to be troubled.
    76 O let thy merciful kindness be my comfort, * according to thy word unto thy servant.
    77 O let thy loving mercies come unto me, that I may live; * for thy law is my delight.
    78 Let the proud be confounded, for they go wickedly about to destroy me; * but I will be occupied in thy commandments.
    79 Let such as fear thee, and have known thy testimonies, * be turned unto me.
    80 O let my heart be sound in thy statutes, * that I be not ashamed.

XI. Defecit anima mea.

MY soul hath longed for thy salvation, * and I have a good hope because of thy word.
    82 Mine eyes long sore for thy word; * saying, O when wilt thou comfort me?
    83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; * yet do I not forget thy statutes.
    84 How many are the days of thy servant? * when wilt thou be avenged of them that persecute me?
    85 The proud have digged pits for me, * which are not after thy law.
    86 All thy commandments are true: * they persecute me falsely; O be thou my help.
    87 They had almost made an end of me upon earth; * but I forsook not thy commandments.
    88 O quicken me after thy loving-kindness; * and so shall I keep the testimonies of thy mouth.

XII. In aeternum, Domine.

O LORD, thy word * endureth for ever in heaven.
    90 Thy truth also remaineth from one generation to another; * thou hast laid the foundation of the earth, and it abideth.
    91 They continue this day according to thine ordinance; * for all things serve thee.
    92 If my delight had not been in thy law, * I should have perished in my trouble.
    93 I will never forget thy commandments; * for with them thou hast quickened me.
    94 I am thine: O save me, * for I have sought thy commandments.
    95 The ungodly laid wait for me, to destroy me; * but I will consider thy testimonies.
    96 I see that all things come to an end; * but thy commandment is exceeding broad.

XIII. Quomodo dilexi!

LORD, what love have I unto thy law! * all the day long is my study in it.
    98 Thou, through thy commandments, hast made me wiser than mine enemies; * for they are ever with me.
    99 I have more understanding than my teachers; * for thy testimonies are my study.
    100 I am wiser than the aged; * because I keep thy commandments.
    101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, * that I may keep thy word.
    102 I have not shrunk from thy judgments; * for thou teachest me.
    103 O how sweet are thy words unto my throat; * yea, sweeter than honey unto my mouth!
    104 Through thy commandments I get understanding: * therefore I hate all evil ways.
 

The Twenty-sixth Day.

Morning Prayer.

XIV. Lucerna pedibus meis.

THY word is a lantern unto my feet, * and a light unto my paths.
    106 I have sworn, and am stedfastly purposed, * to keep thy righteous judgments.
    107 I am troubled above measure: * quicken me, O LORD, according to thy word.
    108 Let the free-will offerings of my mouth please thee, O LORD; * and teach me thy judgments.
    109 My soul is alway in my hand; * yet do I not forget thy law.
    110 The ungodly have laid a snare for me; * but yet I swerved not from thy commandments.
    111 Thy testimonies have I claimed as mine heritage for ever; * and why? they are the very joy of my heart.
    112 I have applied my heart to fulfil thy statutes alway, * even unto the end.

XV. Iniquos odio habui.

I HATE them that imagine evil things; * but thy law do I love.
    114 Thou art my defence and shield; * and my trust is in thy word.
    115 Away from me, ye wicked; * I will keep the commandments of my God.
    116 O stablish me according to thy word, that I may live; * and let me not be disappointed of my hope.
    117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe; * yea, my delight shall be ever in thy statutes.
    118 Thou hast trodden down all them that depart from thy statutes; * for they imagine but deceit.
    119 Thou puttest away all the ungodly of the earth like dross; * therefore I love thy testimonies.
    120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; * and I am afraid of thy judgments.

XVI. Feci judicium.

I DEAL with the thing that is lawful and right; * O give me not over unto mine oppressors.
    122 Make thou thy servant to delight in that which is good, * that the proud do me no wrong.
    123 Mine eyes are wasted away with looking for thy health, * and for the word of thy righteousness.
    124 O deal with thy servant according unto thy loving mercy, * and teach me thy statutes.
    125 I am thy servant; O grant me understanding, * that I may know thy testimonies.
    126 It is time for thee, LORD, to lay to thine hand; * for they have destroyed thy law.

    127 For I love thy commandments * above gold and precious stones⁵.
    128 Therefore hold I straight all thy commandments; * and all false ways I utterly abhor.

XVII. Mirabilia.

THY testimonies are wonderful; * therefore doth my soul keep them.
    130 When thy word goeth forth, * it giveth light and understanding unto the simple.
    131 I opened my mouth, and drew in my breath; * for my delight was in thy commandments.
    132 O look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, * as thou usest to do unto those that love thy Name.
    133 Order my steps in thy word; * and so shall no wickedness have dominion over me.
    134 O deliver me from the wrongful dealings of men; * and so shall I keep thy commandments.
    135 Show the light of thy countenance upon thy servant, * and teach me thy statutes.
    136 Mine eyes gush out with water, * because men keep not thy law.

XVIII. Justus es, Domine.

RIGHTEOUS art thou, O LORD; * and true are thy judgments.
    138 The testimonies that thou hast commanded * are exceeding righteous and true.
    139 My zeal hath even consumed me; * because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.
    140 Thy word is tried to the uttermost, * and thy servant loveth it.
    141 I am small and of no reputation; * yet do I not forget thy commandments.
    142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, * and thy law is the truth.
    143 Trouble and heaviness have taken hold upon me; * yet is my delight in thy commandments.
    144 The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: * O grant me understanding, and I shall live.
 

Evening Prayer.

XIX. Clamavi in toto corde meo.

I CALL with my whole heart; * hear me, O LORD; I will keep thy statutes.
    146 Yea, even unto thee do I call; * help me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.
    147 Early in the morning do I cry unto thee; * for in thy word is my trust.

XX. Vide humilitatem.

O CONSIDER mine adversity, and deliver me, * for I do not forget thy law.
    154 Avenge thou my cause, and deliver me; * quicken me according to thy word.
    155 Health is far from the ungodly; * for they regard not thy statutes.
    156 Great is thy mercy, O LORD; * quicken me, as thou art wont.
    157 Many there are that trouble me, and persecute me; * yet do I not swerve from thy testimonies.
    158 It grieveth me when I see the transgressors; * because they keep not thy law.
    159 Consider, O LORD, how I love thy commandments; * O quicken me, according to thy loving-kindness.
    160 Thy word is true from everlasting; * all the judgments of thy righteousness endure for evermore.

XXI. Principes persecuti sunt.

PRINCES have persecuted me without a cause; * but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.
    162 I am as glad of thy word, * as one that findeth great spoils.
    163 As for lies, I hate and abhor them; * but thy law do I love.
    164 Seven times a day do I praise thee; * because of thy righteous judgments.

 
⁶ words until 1928

    149 ... quicken me, according as thou art wont. until 1928

    165 Great is the peace that they have who love thy law; * and they have none occasion of stumbling.
    166 LORD, I have looked for thy saving health, * and done after thy commandments.
    167 My soul hath kept thy testimonies, * and loved them exceedingly.
    168 I have kept thy commandments and testimonies; * for all my ways are before thee.

XXII. Appropinquet deprecatio.

LET my complaint come before thee, O LORD; * give me understanding according to thy word.
    170 Let my supplication come before thee; * deliver me according to thy word.
    171 My lips shall speak of thy praise, * when thou hast taught me thy statutes.
    172 Yea, my tongue shall sing of thy word; * for all thy commandments are righteous.
    173 Let thine hand help me; * for I have chosen thy commandments.
    174 I have longed for thy saving health, O LORD; * and in thy law is my delight.
    175 O let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; * and thy judgments shall help me.
    176 I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost; * O seek thy servant, for I do not forget thy commandments.
 

The Twenty-seventh Day.

Morning Prayer.

Psalm 120. Ad Dominum.

WHEN I was in trouble, I called upon the LORD, * and he heard me.
    2 Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, * and from a deceitful tongue.
    3 What reward shall be given or done unto thee, thou false tongue? * even mighty and sharp arrows, with hot burning coals.

I WILL lift up mine eyes unto the hills; * from whence cometh my help?¹
    2 My help cometh even from the LORD, * who hath made heaven and earth.
    3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved; * and he that keepeth thee will not sleep.
    4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel * shall neither slumber nor sleep.
    5 The LORD himself is thy keeper; * the LORD is thy defence upon thy right hand; 6 So that the sun shall not burn thee by day, * neither the moon by night.
    7 The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil; * yea, it is even he that shall keep thy soul.
    8 The LORD shall preserve thy going out, and thy coming in, * from this time forth for evermore.

Psalm 122. Lætatus sum.

I WAS glad when they said unto me, * We will go into the house of the LORD.
    2 Our feet shall stand in thy gates, * O Jerusalem.
    3 Jerusalem is built as a city * that is at unity in itself.
    4 For thither the tribes go up, even the tribes of the LORD, * to testify unto Israel, to give thanks unto the Name of the LORD.
    5 For there is the seat of judgment, * even the seat of the house of David.
    6 O pray for the peace of Jerusalem; * they shall prosper that love thee.
    7 Peace be within thy walls, * and plenteousness within thy palaces.
    8 For my brethren and companions' sakes, * I will wish thee prosperity.
    9 Yea, because of the house of the LORD our God, * I will seek to do thee good.

Psalm 123. Ad te levavi oculos meos.

UNTO thee lift I up mine eyes, * O thou that dwellest in the heavens.
    2 Behold, even as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress, * even so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until he have mercy upon us.
    3 Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us; * for we are utterly despised.
    4 Our soul is filled with the scornful reproof of the wealthy, * and with the despitefulness of the proud.

Psalm 124. Nisi quia Dominus.

IF the LORD himself had not been on our side, now may Israel say; * if the LORD himself had not been on our side, when men rose up against us;

Levavi oculos meos until 1871

 
¹ help. (i. e., no question mark) until 1928

    2 They had swallowed us up alive¹; * when they were so wrathfully displeased at us.
    3 Yea, the waters had drowned us, * and the stream had gone over our soul.
    4 The deep waters of the proud * had gone even over our soul.
    5 But praised be the LORD, * who hath not given us over for a prey unto their teeth.
    6 Our soul is escaped even as a bird out of the snare of the fowler; * the snare is broken, and we are delivered.
    7 Our help standeth in the Name of the LORD, * who hath made heaven and earth.

Psalm 125. Qui confidunt.

THEY that put their trust in the LORD shall be even as the mount Sion, * which may not be removed, but standeth fast for ever.
    2 The hills stand about Jerusalem; * even so standeth the LORD round about his people, from this time forth for evermore.

    3 For the sceptre of the ungodly shall not abide upon the lot of the righteous; * lest the righteous put their hand unto wickedness.
    4 Do well, O LORD, * unto those that are good and true of heart.
    5 As for such as turn back unto their own wickedness, * the LORD shall lead them forth with the evil doers; but peace shall be upon Israel.
 

Evening Prayer.

Psalm 126. In convertendo.

WHEN the LORD turned again the captivity of Sion, * then were we like unto them that dream.
    2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, * and our tongue with joy.
    3 Then said they among the heathen, * The LORD hath done great things for them.
    4 Yea, the LORD hath done great things for us already; * whereof we rejoice.
    5 Turn our captivity, O LORD, * as the rivers in the south.
    6 They that sow in tears * shall reap in joy.
    7 He that now goeth on his way weeping, and beareth forth good seed, * shall doubtless come again with joy, and bring his sheaves with him.

Psalm 127. Nisi Dominus.

EXCEPT the LORD build the house, * their labour is but lost that build it.
    2 Except the LORD keep the city, * the watchman waketh but in vain.
    3 It is but lost labour that ye haste to rise up early, and so late take rest, and eat the bread of carefulness; * for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
    4 Lo, children, and the fruit of the womb, * are an heritage and gift that cometh of the LORD.
    5 Like as the arrows in the hand of the giant, * even so are the young children.
    6 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them; * they shall not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.

Psalm 128. Beati omnes.

BLESSED are all they that fear the LORD, * and walk in his ways.

Psalm 129. Sæpe expugnaverunt.

MANY a time have they fought against me from my youth up, * may Israel now say;
    2 Yea, many a time have they vexed me from my youth up; * but they have not prevailed against me.
    3 The plowers plowed upon my back, * and made long furrows.
    4 But the righteous LORD * hath hewn the snares of the ungodly in pieces.
    5 Let them be confounded and turned backward, * as many as have evil will at Sion.

    6 Let them be even as the grass upon the housetops, * which withereth afore it be grown up;
    7 Whereof the mower filleth not his hand, * neither he that bindeth up the sheaves his bosom.
    8 So that they who go by say not so much as, The LORD prosper you; * we wish you good luck in the Name of the LORD.

Psalm 130. De profundis.

OUT of the deep have I called unto thee, O LORD; * Lord, hear my voice.
    2 O let thine ears consider well * the voice of my complaint.
    3 If thou, LORD, wilt be extreme to mark what is done amiss, * O Lord, who may abide it?
    4 For there is mercy with thee; * therefore shalt thou be feared.
    5 I look for the LORD; my soul doth wait for him; * in his word is my trust.

Psalm 131. Domine, non est.

LORD, I am not high-minded; * I have no proud looks.
    2 I do not exercise myself in great matters * which are too high for me.
    3 But I refrain my soul, and keep it low, like as a child that is weaned from his mother: * yea, my soul is even as a weaned child.
    4 O Israel, trust in the LORD * from this time forth for evermore.
 

The Twenty-eighth Day.

Morning Prayer.

Psalm 132. Memento, Domine.

LORD, remember David, * and all his trouble:
    2 How he sware unto the LORD, * and vowed a vow unto the Almighty God of Jacob:
    3 I will not come within the tabernacle of mine house, * nor climb up into my bed;
    4 I will not suffer mine eyes to sleep, nor mine eyelids to slumber; * neither the temples of my head to take any rest;
    5 Until I find out a place for the temple of the LORD; * an habitation for the Mighty God of Jacob.

² seat until 1928

BEHOLD, how good and joyful a thing it is, * for brethren to dwell together in unity!
    2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, that ran down unto the beard, * even unto Aaron's beard, and went down to the skirts of his clothing.
    3 Like as the dew of Hermon, * which fell upon the hill of Sion.
    4 For there the LORD promised his blessing, * and life for evermore.

Psalm 134. Ecce nunc.

BEHOLD now, praise the LORD, * all ye servants of the LORD;
    2 Ye that by night stand in the house of the LORD, * even in the courts of the house of our God.
    3 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, * and praise the LORD.
    4 The LORD that made heaven and earth * give thee blessing out of Sion.

Psalm 135. Laudate Nomen.

O PRAISE the LORD, laud ye the Name of the LORD; * praise it, O ye servants of the LORD;
    2 Ye that stand in the house of the LORD, * in the courts of the house of our God.
    3 O praise the LORD, for the L