Psalms 119--131

Psalm 119

1 Happy are they whose way is blameless,*
who walk in the law of the Lord!
2 Happy are they who observe his decrees*
and seek him with all their hearts!
3 Who never do any wrong,*
but always walk in his ways.
4 You laid down your commandments,*
that we should fully keep them.
5 O that my ways were made so direct*
that I might keep your statutes!
6 Then I should not be put to shame,*
when I regard all your commandments.
7 I will thank you with an unfeigned heart,*
when I have learned your righteous judgements.
8 I will keep your statutes;*
do not utterly forsake me.
               *              *              *
9 How shall the young cleanse their way?*
By keeping to your words.
10 With my whole heart I seek you;*
let me not stray from your commandments.
11 I treasure your promise in my heart,*
that I may not sin against you.
12 Blessèd are you, O Lord;*
instruct me in your statutes.
13 With my lips will I recite*
all the judgements of your mouth.
14 I have taken greater delight in the way of your decrees*
than in all manner of riches.
15 I will meditate on your commandments*
and give attention to your ways.
16 My delight is in your statutes;*
I will not forget your word.
               *              *              *
17 Deal bountifully with your servant,*
that I may live and keep your word.
18 Open my eyes, that I may see*
the wonders of your law.
19 I am a stranger here on earth;*
do not hide your commandments from me.
20 My soul is consumed at all times*
with longing for your judgements.
21 You have rebuked the insolent;*
cursed are they who stray from your commandments!
22 Turn from me shame and rebuke,*
for I have kept your decrees.
23 Even though rulers sit and plot against me,*
I will meditate on your statutes.
24 For your decrees are my delight,*
and they are my counsellors.
               *              *              *
25 My soul cleaves to the dust;*
give me life according to your word.
26 I have confessed my ways and you answered me;*
instruct me in your statutes.
27 Make me understand the way of your commandments,*
that I may meditate on your marvellous works.
28 My soul melts away for sorrow;*
strengthen me according to your word.
29 Take from me the way of lying;*
let me find grace through your law.
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;*
I have set your judgements before me.
31 I hold fast to your decrees;*
O Lord, let me not be put to shame.
32 I will run the way of your commandments,*
for you have set my heart at liberty.
Blessèd are you, O Lord,
and blessèd are those who understand
   and keep your law:
help us to seek you with our whole heart,
to delight in your commandments
and to walk in the glorious liberty
brought us by your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.
27
               *              *              *
33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes,*
and I shall keep it to the end.
34 Give me understanding and I shall keep your law;*
I shall keep it with all my heart.
35 Make me go in the path of your commandments,*
for that is my desire.
36 Incline my heart to your decrees*
and not to unjust gain.
37 Turn my eyes from watching what is worthless;*
give me life in your ways.
38 Fulfil your promise to your servant,*
which you make to those who fear you.
39 Turn away the reproach which I dread,*
because your judgements are good.
40 Behold, I long for your commandments;*
in your righteousness preserve my life.
               *              *              *
41 Let your loving-kindness come to me, O Lord,*
and your salvation, according to your promise.
42 Then shall I have a word for those who taunt me,*
because I trust in your words.
43 Do not take the word of truth out of my mouth,*
for my hope is in your judgements.
44 I shall continue to keep your law;*
I shall keep it for ever and ever.
45 I will walk at liberty,*
because I study your commandments.
46 I will tell of your decrees before kings*
and will not be ashamed.
47 I delight in your commandments,*
which I have always loved.
48 I will lift up my hands to your commandments,*
and I will meditate on your statutes.
               *              *              *
49 Remember your word to your servant,*
because you have given me hope.
50 This is my comfort in my trouble,*
that your promise gives me life.
51 The proud have derided me cruelly,*
but I have not turned from your law.
52 When I remember your judgements of old,*
O Lord, I take great comfort.
53 I am filled with a burning rage,*
because of the wicked who forsake your law.
54 Your statutes have been like songs to me*
wherever I have lived as a stranger.
55 I remember your name in the night, O Lord,*
and dwell upon your law.
56 This is how it has been with me,*
because I have kept your commandments.
God of loving mercy,
here in this place of our pilgrimage
give us delight in your commandments
and turn them into songs
as we stretch out our hands to you,
the Lord, the giver of salvation;
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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               *              *              *
57 You only are my portion, O Lord;*
I have promised to keep your words.
58 I entreat you with all my heart,*
be merciful to me according to your promise.
59 I have considered my ways*
and turned my feet towards your decrees.
60 I hasten and do not tarry*
to keep your commandments.
61 Though the cords of the wicked entangle me,*
I do not forget your law.
62 At midnight I will rise to give you thanks,*
because of your righteous judgements.
63 I am a companion of all who fear you*
and of those who keep your commandments.
64 The earth, O Lord, is full of your love;*
instruct me in your statutes.
               *              *              *
65 O Lord, you have dealt graciously with your servant,*
according to your word.
66 Teach me discernment and knowledge,*
for I have believed in your commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,*
but now I keep your word.
68 You are good and you bring forth good;*
instruct me in your statutes.
69 The proud have smeared me with lies,*
but I will keep your commandments
   with my whole heart.
70 Their heart is gross and fat,*
but my delight is in your law.
71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted,*
that I might learn your statutes.
72 The law of your mouth is dearer to me*
than thousands in gold and silver.
               *              *              *
73 Your hands have made me and fashioned me;*
give me understanding,
   that I may learn your commandments.
74 Those who fear you will be glad when they see me,*
because I trust in your word.
75 I know, O Lord, that your judgements are right*
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76 Let your loving-kindness be my comfort*
as you have promised to your servant.
77 Let your compassion come to me, that I may live,*
for your law is my delight.
78 Let the arrogant be put to shame,
   for they wrong me with lies;*
but I will meditate on your commandments.
79 Let those who fear you turn to me,*
and also those who know your decrees.
80 Let my heart be sound in your statutes,*
that I may not be put to shame.
God our comforter,
your hands have made us and fashioned us,
your goodness restores us when we go astray.
As we seek you now with our whole heart,
be gracious to us and hear our prayer;
in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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               *              *              *
81 My soul has longed for your salvation;*
I have put my hope in your word.
82 My eyes have failed from watching for your promise,*
and I say, ‘When will you comfort me?’
83 I have become like a leather flask in the smoke,*
but I have not forgotten your statutes.
84 How much longer must I wait?*
when will you give judgement
   against those who persecute me?
85 The proud have dug pits for me;*
they do not keep your law.
86 All your commandments are true;*
help me, for they persecute me with lies.
87 They had almost made an end of me on earth,*
but I have not forsaken your commandments.
88 In your loving-kindness, revive me,*
that I may keep the decrees of your mouth.
               *              *              *
89 O Lord, your word is everlasting;*
it stands firm in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness remains
   from one generation to another;*
you established the earth and it abides.
91 By your decree these continue to this day,*
for all things are your servants.
92 If my delight had not been in your law,*
I should have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your commandments,*
because by them you give me life.
94 I am yours; O that you would save me!*
for I study your commandments.
95 Though the wicked lie in wait for me to destroy me,*
I will apply my mind to your decrees.
96 I see that all things come to an end,*
but your commandment has no bounds.
               *              *              *
97 O how I love your law!*
all the day long it is in my mind.
98 Your commandment has made me wiser
   than my enemies,*
and it is always with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,*
for your decrees are my study.
100 I am wiser than the elders,*
because I observe your commandments.
101 I restrain my feet from every evil way,*
that I may keep your word.
102 I do not shrink from your judgements,*
because you yourself have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste!*
they are sweeter than honey to my mouth.
104 Through your commandments I gain understanding;*
therefore I hate every lying way.
Come to our help, comfort us and give us life,
in your merciful goodness, O Lord,
for we are yours;
keep our feet from the evil path
and save us through Jesus Christ,
your Word and Wisdom. Amen.
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               *              *              *
105 Your word is a lantern to my feet*
and a light upon my path.
106 I have sworn and am determined*
to keep your righteous judgements.
107 I am deeply troubled;*
preserve my life, O Lord, according to your word.
108 Accept, O Lord, the willing tribute of my lips,*
and teach me your judgements.
109 My life is always in my hand,*
yet I do not forget your law.
110 The wicked have set a trap for me,*
but I have not strayed from your commandments.
111 Your decrees are my inheritance for ever;*
truly, they are the joy of my heart.
112 I have applied my heart to fulfil your statutes*
for ever and to the end.
               *              *              *
113 I hate those who have a divided heart,*
but your law do I love.
114 You are my refuge and shield;*
my hope is in your word.
115 Away from me, you wicked!*
I will keep the commandments of my God.
116 Sustain me according to your promise, that I may live,*
and let me not be disappointed in my hope.
117 Hold me up and I shall be safe,*
and my delight shall be ever in your statutes.
118 You spurn all who stray from your statutes;*
their deceitfulness is in vain.
119 In your sight all the wicked of the earth are but dross;*
therefore I love your decrees.
120 My flesh trembles with dread of you;*
I am afraid of your judgements.
               *              *              *
121 I have done what is just and right;*
do not deliver me to my oppressors.
122 Be surety for your servant’s good;*
let not the proud oppress me.
123 My eyes have failed from watching for your salvation*
and for your righteous promise.
124 Deal with your servant
   according to your loving-kindness*
and teach me your statutes.
125 I am your servant; grant me understanding,*
that I may know your decrees.
126 It is time for you to act, O Lord,*
for they have broken your law.
127 Truly, I love your commandments*
more than gold and precious stones.
128 I hold all your commandments to be right for me;*
all paths of falsehood I abhor.
God, our shelter and our shield,
do not disappoint us in our hope
but deal with us according to your loving mercy,
for your commands are the joy of our hearts
and give us life and light,
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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               *              *              *
129 Your decrees are wonderful;*
therefore I obey them with all my heart.
130 When your word goes forth it gives light;*
it gives understanding to the simple.
131 I open my mouth and pant;*
I long for your commandments.
132 Turn to me in mercy,*
as you always do to those who love your name.
133 Steady my footsteps in your word;*
let no iniquity have dominion over me.
134 Rescue me from those who oppress me,*
and I will keep your commandments.
135 Let your countenance shine upon your servant*
and teach me your statutes.
136 My eyes shed streams of tears,*
because people do not keep your law.
               *              *              *
137 You are righteous, O Lord,*
and upright are your judgements.
138 You have issued your decrees*
with justice and in perfect faithfulness.
139 My indignation has consumed me,*
because my enemies forget your words.
140 Your word has been tested to the uttermost,*
and your servant holds it dear.
141 I am small and of little account,*
yet I do not forget your commandments.
142 Your justice is an everlasting justice*
and your law is the truth.
143 Trouble and distress have come upon me,*
yet your commandments are my delight.
144 The righteousness of your decrees is everlasting;*
grant me understanding, that I may live.
               *              *              *
145 I call with my whole heart;*
answer me, O Lord, that I may keep your statutes.
146 I call to you; O that you would save me!*
I will keep your decrees.
147 Early in the morning I cry out to you,*
for in your word is my trust.
148 My eyes are open in the night watches,*
that I may meditate upon your promise.
149 Hear my voice, O Lord,
   according to your loving-kindness;*
according to your judgements, give me life.
150 They draw near who in malice persecute me;*
they are very far from your law.
151 You, O Lord, are near at hand,*
and all your commandments are true.
152 Long have I known from your decrees*
that you have established them for ever.
Righteous Lord God,
we ask you to make your face shine upon us
that, as we yearn for you,
we may know you ever close at hand
and rejoice in the life you give;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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               *              *              *
153 Behold my affliction and deliver me,*
for I do not forget your law.
154 Plead my cause and redeem me;*
according to your promise, give me life.
155 Deliverance is far from the wicked,*
for they do not study your statutes.
156 Great is your compassion, O Lord;*
preserve my life, according to your judgements.
157 There are many who persecute and oppress me,*
yet I have not swerved from your decrees.
158 I look with loathing at the faithless,*
for they have not kept your word.
159 See how I love your commandments!*
O Lord, in your mercy, preserve me.
160 The heart of your word is truth;*
all your righteous judgements endure for evermore.
               *              *              *
161 Rulers have persecuted me without a cause,*
but my heart stands in awe of your word.
162 I am as glad because of your promise*
as one who finds great spoils.
163 As for lies, I hate and abhor them,*
but your law is my love.
164 Seven times a day do I praise you,*
because of your righteous judgements.
165 Great peace have they who love your law;*
for them there is no stumbling block.
166 I have hoped for your salvation, O Lord,*
and I have fulfilled your commandments.
167 I have kept your decrees*
and I have loved them deeply.
168 I have kept your commandments and decrees,*
for all my ways are before you.
               *              *              *
169 Let my cry come before you, O Lord;*
give me understanding, according to your word.
170 Let my supplication come before you;*
deliver me, according to your promise.
171 My lips shall pour forth your praise,*
when you teach me your statutes.
172 My tongue shall sing of your promise,*
for all your commandments are righteous.
173 Let your hand be ready to help me,*
for I have chosen your commandments.
174 I long for your salvation, O Lord,*
and your law is my delight.
175 Let me live and I will praise you,*
and let your judgements help me.
176 I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost;*
search for your servant,
   for I do not forget your commandments.
God of mercy, swift to help us,
as our lips pour forth your praise,
fill our hearts with the peace you give
to those who love your law
and wait for your salvation,
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Psalm 120

1 When I was in trouble I called to the Lord,*
I called to the Lord and he answered me.
2 Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips*
and from the deceitful tongue.
3 What shall be done to you and what more besides,*
O you deceitful tongue?
4 The sharpened arrows of a warrior,*
along with hot glowing coals.
5 How hateful it is that I must lodge in Meshech*
and dwell among the tents of Kedar!
6 Too long have I had to live*
among the enemies of peace.
7 I am on the side of peace,*
but when I speak of it, they are for war.
God of consolation,
look upon us, pilgrims in a strange land:
preserve us from slander and deceit,
show us the truth
and give to our souls the peace
   Christ won upon the cross.
To him be glory for ever! Amen.
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Psalm 121

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills;*
from where is my help to come?
2 My help comes from the Lord,*
the maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot be moved*
and he who watches over you will not fall asleep.
4 Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel*
shall neither slumber nor sleep;
5 The Lord himself watches over you;*
the Lord is your shade at your right hand,
6 So that the sun shall not strike you by day,*
nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;*
it is he who shall keep you safe.
8 The Lord shall watch over your going out
   and your coming in,*
from this time forth for evermore.
Lord, ever watchful and faithful,
we look to you to be our defence
and we lift up our hearts to know your help;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Psalm 122

1 I was glad when they said to me,*
‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’
2 Now our feet are standing*
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem is built as a city*
that is at unity with itself.
4 To which the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord,*
the assembly of Israel, to praise the name of the Lord.
5 For there are the thrones of judgement,*
the thrones of the house of David.
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:*
‘May they prosper who love you.
7 ‘Peace be within your walls*
and quietness within your towers.
8 ‘For my family and companions’ sake,*
I pray for your prosperity.
9 ‘Because of the house of the Lord our God,*
I will seek to do you good.’
God of our joy and gladness,
hear our prayer for the peace of this world
and bring us at last,
with all our companions in faith,
to the peace of that city where you live and reign,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
now and to all eternity. Amen.
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Psalm 123

1 To you I lift up my eyes,*
to you enthroned in the heavens.
2 As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters,*
and the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,
3 So our eyes look to the Lord our God,*
until he show us his mercy.
4 Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy,*
for we have had more than enough of contempt,
5 Too much of the scorn of the indolent rich,*
and of the derision of the proud.
Sovereign God, enthroned in the heavens,
look upon us with your eyes of mercy
as we look upon you with humility and love
and fill our souls with your peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Psalm 124

1 If the Lord had not been on our side,*
let Israel now say;
2 If the Lord had not been on our side,*
when enemies rose up against us;
3 Then would they have swallowed us up alive*
in their fierce anger towards us;
4 Then would the waters have overwhelmed us*
and the torrent gone over us;
5 Then would the raging waters*
have gone right over us.
6 Blessèd be the Lord!*
he has not given us over to be a prey for their teeth.
7 We have escaped like a bird
   from the snare of the fowler;*
the snare is broken and we have escaped.
8 Our help is in the name of the Lord,*
the maker of heaven and earth.
God, maker of heaven and earth,
you save us in the water of baptism
and by the suffering of your Son you set us free:
help us to put our trust in his victory
and to know that there is salvation
only in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Psalm 125

1 Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,*
which cannot be moved, but stands fast for ever.
2 The hills stand about Jerusalem;*
so does the Lord stand round about his people,
   from this time forth for evermore.
3 The sceptre of the wicked shall not hold sway
   over the land allotted to the just,*
so that the just shall not put their hands to evil.
4 Show your goodness, O Lord, to those who are good*
and to those who are true of heart.
5 As for those who turn aside to crooked ways,
   the Lord will lead them away with the evildoers;*
but peace be upon Israel.
God of power,
you are strong to save
and you never fail those who trust in you:
keep us under your protection
and spread abroad your reign of peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Psalm 126

1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,*
then were we like those who dream.
2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter,*
and our tongue with shouts of joy.
3 Then they said among the nations,*
‘The Lord has done great things for them.’
4 The Lord has done great things for us,*
and we are glad indeed.
5 Restore our fortunes, O Lord,*
like the watercourses of the Negev.
6 Those who sowed with tears*
will reap with songs of joy.
7 Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed,*
will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.
Be with us, God of consolation,
when we are made weary by this world;
turn our sorrow into joy
and give us lips to sing your praise
and lives to proclaim your victory in Jesus Christ,
our crucified and risen Lord. Amen.
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Psalm 127

1 Unless the Lord builds the house,*
their labour is in vain who build it.
2 Unless the Lord watches over the city,*
in vain the guard keeps vigil.
3 It is in vain that you rise so early
   and go to bed so late;*
vain, too, to eat the bread of toil,
   for he gives to his belovèd sleep.
4 Children are a heritage from the Lord,*
and the fruit of the womb is a gift.
5 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior*
are the children of one’s youth.
6 Happy are they who have their quiver full of them!*
they shall not be put to shame
   when they contend with their enemies in the gate.
Lord, you are ever watchful,
you bless us with your gifts,
you provide for all our needs:
help us to build only what pleases you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Psalm 128

1 Happy are they all who fear the Lord,*
and who follow in his ways!
2 You shall eat the fruit of your labour;*
happiness and prosperity shall be yours.
3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
   within your house,*
your children like olive shoots round about your table.
4 Whoever fears the Lord*
shall thus indeed be blessed.
5 The Lord bless you from Zion,*
and may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
   all the days of your life.
6 May you live to see your children’s children;*
may peace be upon Israel.
Creator God,
whose Son is the true vine and we the branches:
make us fruitful in your service,
sharing your love and joy and peace
with all your children,
in the power of the Spirit
of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Psalm 129

1 ‘Greatly have they oppressed me since my youth’,*
let Israel now say;
2 ‘Greatly have they oppressed me since my youth,*
but they have not prevailed against me.’
3 The ploughers ploughed upon my back*
and made their furrows long.
4 The Lord, the Righteous One,*
has cut the cords of the wicked.
5 Let them be put to shame and thrown back,*
all those who are enemies of Zion.
6 Let them be like grass upon the housetops,*
which withers before it can be plucked;
7 Which does not fill the hand of the reaper,*
nor the bosom of him who binds the sheaves;
8 So that those who go by say not so much as,
   ‘The Lord prosper you.*
We wish you well in the name of the Lord.’
Father,
your Son gave himself up to the wicked
who scored his back and smote him,
yet he was not confounded:
in your righteousness set your people free
   from the thongs of wickedness,
that they may bless you and give you glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Psalm 130

1 Out of the depths have I called to you, O Lord;
   Lord, hear my voice;*
let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication.
2 If you, Lord, were to note what is done amiss,*
O Lord, who could stand?
3 For there is forgiveness with you;*
therefore you shall be feared.
4 I wait for the Lord; my soul waits for him;*
in his word is my hope.
5 My soul waits for the Lord,
   more than the night-watch for the morning,*
more than the night-watch for the morning.
6 O Israel, wait for the Lord,*
for with the Lord there is mercy;
7 With him there is plenteous redemption,*
and he shall redeem Israel from all their sins.
Lord of mercy and redemption,
rescue us, we pray, from the depths of sin and death;
forgive us what we do wrong,
and give us grace to stand in your presence,
to serve you in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Psalm 131

1 O Lord, I am not proud;*
I have no haughty looks.
2 I do not occupy myself with great matters,*
or with things that are too hard for me.
3 But I still my soul and make it quiet,
   like a child upon its mother’s breast;*
my soul is quieted within me.
4 O Israel, wait upon the Lord,*
from this time forth for evermore.
Eternal God,
like a mother you calm and quieten our souls:
keep us humble as we see your wonder
and trusting as we live in your love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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