Midday Readings

Your word is a lantern to my feet and a light upon my path.
I have sworn and am steadfastly purposed to keep your righteous judgments.
I am troubled above measure; revive me, O Lord, according to your word.

Let the freewill offerings of my mouth please you, O Lord; and teach me your judgments.

My life is always in my hand, yet I do not forget your law.

The ungodly have laid a snare for me, yet I have not strayed from your commandments.

Your testimonies have I claimed as my heritage for ever, and why? They are the very joy of my heart.

I have applied my heart to fulfill your statutes always, even unto the end.

I will lift up my eyes unto the hills; from whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord, who has made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved, and he who keeps you will not sleep.

Behold, he who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord himself is your keeper; the Lord is your defense upon your right hand,

So that the sun shall not burn you by day, neither the moon by night.

The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; indeed, it is he who shall keep your soul.

The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in, from this time forth for evermore.

When the Lord overturned the captivity of Zion, then were we like those who dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter and our tongue with shouts of joy.

Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”

Indeed, the Lord has done great things for us already, whereof we rejoice.

Overturn our captivity, O Lord, as when streams refresh the deserts of the south.

Those who sow in tears shall reap with songs of joy.

He who goes on his way weeping and bears good seed shall doubtless come again with joy, and bring his sheaves with him.

When the Lord overturned the captivity of Zion, then were we like those who dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter and our tongue with shouts of joy.

Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”

Indeed, the Lord has done great things for us already, whereof we rejoice.

Overturn our captivity, O Lord, as when streams refresh the deserts of the south.

Those who sow in tears shall reap with songs of joy.

He who goes on his way weeping and bears good seed shall doubtless come again with joy, and bring his sheaves with him.

Unless the Lord builds the house, their labor is in vain who build it.
Unless the Lord keeps the city, the watchman keeps vigil in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early, and take rest so late, and eat the bread of toil, for he gives to his beloved sleep.

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is a gift that comes from him.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth.

Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; he shall not be ashamed when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Blessed are all those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.
For you shall eat of the labors of your hands; it shall be well with you, and happy you shall be.

Your wife shall be as a fruitful vine upon the walls of your house,

Your children like the olive branches round about your table.

Indeed, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord.

May the Lord bless you out of Zion; may you see Jerusalem in prosperity all your life long.

May you see your children’s children, and may there be peace upon Israel.

“Many a time have they fought against me from my youth on,” may Israel now say;
“Indeed, many a time have they afflicted me from my youth on, but they have not prevailed against me.

The plowers plowed upon my back, and made long furrows.

But the righteous Lord has hewn the snares of the ungodly in pieces.”

Let them be ashamed and turned backward, as many as hate Zion.

Let them be as the grass growing upon the housetops, which withers before it grows up,

Which does not fill the hand of the reaper, neither the bosom of him who binds up the sheaves,

So that those who go by say not so much as, “The Lord prosper you. We bless you in the Name of the Lord.”

Out of the deep have I called unto you, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice.
O let your ears consider well the voice of my supplications.
If you, Lord, were to mark what is done amiss, O Lord, who could abide it?

For there is mercy with you; therefore you shall be feared.

I wait for the Lord; my soul waits for him; in his word is my trust.

My soul waits for the Lord, more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.

O Israel, trust in the Lord, for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption;

And he shall redeem Israel from all their sins.

O Lord, I am not haughty; I have no proud looks.
I do not occupy myself with great matters, or with things that are too high for me.
But I have stilled and quieted my soul, like a weaned child upon his mother’s breast; so is my soul quieted within me.

O Israel, trust in the Lord from this time forth for evermore.

Blessed are those who are undefiled in their ways, and walk in the law of the Lord.
Blessed are those who keep his testimonies and seek him with their whole heart,

Even those who do no wickedness and perfectly walk in his ways.

You have ordered your precepts that we should diligently keep them.

O that my ways were made so direct that I might keep your statutes!

Then would I not be put to shame while I give heed unto all your commandments.

I will thank you with an upright heart, when I have learned your righteous judgments.

I will keep your statutes; O do not forsake me utterly.

How shall a young man cleanse his way? By ruling himself according to your word.

With my whole heart I have sought you; O let me not go astray from your commandments.

Your words have I hidden within my heart, that I may not sin against you.

Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes.

With my lips have I been telling of all the judgments of your mouth.

I have had greater delight in the way of your testimonies than in all manner of riches.

I will meditate on your commandments and have respect for all your ways.

My delight will be in your statutes, and I will not forget your word.

O do well unto your servant, that I may live, and keep your word.

Open my eyes that I may see the wondrous things of your law.

I am a sojourner on earth; O hide not your commandments from me.

My soul is consumed with the fervent desire that it always has for your judgments.

You have rebuked the proud, and cursed are those who stray from your commandments.

O turn from me shame and contempt, for I have kept your testimonies.

Though princes sit and speak against me, yet will your servant meditate on your statutes;

For your testimonies are my delight, and they are my counselors.

My soul cleaves to the dust; O revive me, according to your word

I have acknowledged my ways, and you heard me; O teach me your statutes.

Make me to understand the way of your commandments, and so shall I meditate on your wondrous works.

My soul melts away for heaviness; comfort me according to your word.

Take from me the way of lying, and graciously teach me your law.

I have chosen the way of truth, and your judgments have I set before me.

I hold fast to your testimonies; O Lord, let me not be put to shame.

I will run the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart with understanding.

Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end.
Give me understanding, and I shall keep your law; indeed, I shall keep it with my whole heart.

Make me go in the path of your commandments, for therein is my desire.

Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to covetous desires.

O turn away my eyes, lest they behold vanity, and revive me in your ways.

Confirm your word to your servant, and to all those who fear you.

Take away the reproach that I am afraid of, for your judgments are good.

Behold, my delight is in your precepts; O revive me in your righteousness.

Let your loving mercy come to me, O Lord, even your salvation, according to your word.

So shall I answer those who taunt me, for my trust is in your word.

O do not take the word of your truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your judgments.

So shall I always keep your law, even for ever and ever;

And I will walk at liberty, for I seek your commandments.

I will speak of your testimonies also, even before kings, and will not be ashamed;

And my delight shall be in your commandments, which I have loved exceedingly.

My hands also will I lift up to your commandments, and I will meditate on your statutes.

O remember your word to your servant, in which you have caused me to put my trust.

This is my comfort in my trouble, for your word has given me life.

The proud have held me exceedingly in derision, yet I have not turned aside from your law.

For I have remembered, O Lord, your judgments from of old, and by them I have received comfort.

I am filled with indignation, because of the ungodly who forsake your law.

Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.

I have thought upon your Name, O Lord, in the night season, and I have kept your law.

This has been my reward, because I have kept your commandments.

You are my portion, O Lord; I have promised to keep your law.

I made my humble petition in your presence with my whole heart; O be merciful to me, according to your word.

I have called my ways to remembrance and turned my feet to your testimonies.

I made haste and did not delay to keep your commandments.

The cords of the ungodly have encircled me, but I have not forgotten your law.

At midnight I will rise to give thanks to you, because of your righteous judgments.

I am a companion of all those who fear you and keep your commandments.

The earth, O Lord, is full of your mercy; O teach me your statutes.

O Lord, you have dealt graciously with your servant, according to your word.

O teach me true understanding and knowledge, for I have believed your commandments.

Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.

You are good and gracious; O teach me your statutes.

The proud have slandered me with lies, but I will keep your commandments with my whole heart.

Their heart has become gross with fatness, but my delight is in your law.

It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn your statutes.

The law of your mouth is dearer to me than thousands in gold and silver.

Your hands have made me and fashioned me; O give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments.
Those who fear you will be glad when they see me, because I have put my trust in your word.

I know, O Lord, that your judgments are right, and that in your faithfulness you have caused me to be afflicted.

O let your merciful kindness be my comfort, according to your word to your servant.

O let your loving mercies come to me, that I may live, for your law is my delight.

Let the proud be put to shame, for they go about wickedly to destroy me; but I will meditate on your commandments.

Let those who fear you turn to me, even those who know your testimonies.

O let my heart be sound in your statutes, that I may never be put to shame.

My soul has longed for your salvation, and I have a good hope because of your word.

My eyes long sorely for your word, saying, “O when will you comfort me?”

For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, yet I do not forget your statutes.

How many are the days of your servant? When will you execute judgment on those who persecute me?

The proud have dug pits for me; they do not walk after your law.

All your commandments are true. They persecute me falsely; O Lord, be my help.

They had almost made an end of me on earth, but I have not forsaken your commandments.

O revive me with your loving-kindness, and so shall I keep the testimonies of your mouth.

O Lord, your word endures for ever; it stands fast in heaven.

Your faithfulness remains from one generation to another; you have laid the foundation of the earth, and it abides.

Surely your ordinances stand firm this day, for all things are your servants.

If my delight had not been in your law, I should have perished in my affliction.

I will never forget your commandments, for with them you have enlivened me.

I am yours; O save me! For I have sought your commandments.

The ungodly lie in wait for me to destroy me, but I will consider your testimonies.

I see that all things come to an end, but your commandment has no bounds.

Lord, what love I have for your law; all the day long I meditate on it.

You, through your commandment, have made me wiser than my enemies, for it is always with me.

I have more understanding than my teachers, for your testimonies are my study.

I am wiser than the agéd, because I keep your commandments.

I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep your word.

I have not turned aside from your judgments, for you yourself have taught me.

Oh how sweet are your words to my taste; indeed, sweeter than honey to my mouth.

Through your commandments I get understanding; therefore I hate all evil ways.

Your word is a lantern to my feet and a light upon my path.
I have sworn and am steadfastly purposed to keep your righteous judgments.
I am troubled above measure; revive me, O Lord, according to your word.

Let the freewill offerings of my mouth please you, O Lord; and teach me your judgments.

My life is always in my hand, yet I do not forget your law.

The ungodly have laid a snare for me, yet I have not strayed from your commandments.

Your testimonies have I claimed as my heritage for ever, and why? They are the very joy of my heart.

I have applied my heart to fulfill your statutes always, even unto the end.

I hate those who are double-minded, but your law do I love.

You are my defense and shield, and my trust is in your word.

Away from me, you wicked. I will keep the commandments of my God.

Establish me according to your word, that I may live, and let me not be disappointed in my hope.

Hold me up, and I shall be safe; indeed, my delight shall be ever in your statutes.

You have trodden down all those who depart from your statutes, for they only imagine deceit.

You put away all the ungodly of the earth like dross; therefore I love your testimonies.

My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgments.

I have done that which is lawful and right; O give me not over to my oppressors.

Be surety for your servant’s good; O let not the arrogant oppress me.

My eyes have wasted away with looking for your salvation, and for the word of your righteousness.

O deal with your servant according to your loving mercy, and teach me your statutes.

I am your servant; O grant me understanding, that I may know your testimonies.

It is time for you, O Lord, to act, for they have broken your law.

For I love your commandments above all things, more than gold and precious stones.

Therefore I hold all your commandments to be right, and all false ways I utterly abhor.

Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore does my soul keep them.

When your word goes forth it gives light and understanding to the simple.

I opened my mouth, and drew in my breath, for my delight was in your commandments.

O look upon me, and be merciful unto me, as you always do for those who love your Name.

Order my steps according to your word, and so shall no wickedness have dominion over me.

O deliver me from those who deal wrongfully, and so shall I keep your commandments.

Show the light of your countenance upon your servant, and teach me your statutes.

My eyes gush out water because of those who do not keep your law.

Righteous are you, O Lord, and true are your judgments.

The testimonies that you have commanded are exceedingly righteous and true.

My zeal has even consumed me, because my enemies have forgotten your words.

Your word is tested to the uttermost, and therefore your servant loves it.

I am small, and of no reputation, yet I do not forget your commandments.

Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and your law is the truth.

Trouble and heaviness have taken hold of me, yet my delight is in your commandments.

The righteousness of your testimonies is everlasting; O grant me understanding, and I shall live.

When I was in trouble I called upon the Lord, and he hearkened to my calling.
Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips and from a deceitful tongue.

What reward shall be given or done unto you, O false tongue? Even mighty and sharp arrows, with hot burning coals.

Woe is me, that I am constrained to dwell in Meshech, and to have my habitation among the tents of Kedar.

My soul has long dwelt among those who are enemies of peace.

I labor for peace, but when I speak to them of it, they make themselves ready for battle.

I will lift up my eyes unto the hills; from whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord, who has made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved, and he who keeps you will not sleep.

Behold, he who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord himself is your keeper; the Lord is your defense upon your right hand,

So that the sun shall not burn you by day, neither the moon by night.

The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; indeed, it is he who shall keep your soul.

The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in, from this time forth for evermore.

I was glad when they said unto me, “We will go into the house of the Lord.”
Now our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is built as a city that is at unity in itself.

For there the tribes go up, even the tribes of the Lord, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks unto the Name of the Lord.

For there is the throne of judgment, even the throne of the house of David.

O pray for the peace of Jerusalem; they shall prosper that love you.

Peace be within your walls and plenteousness within your palaces.

For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will wish you prosperity.

Indeed, because of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek to do you good.

Unto you I lift up my eyes, you who are enthroned in the heavens.
Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden to the hand of her mistress,

Even so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until he show us his favor.

Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us, for we have suffered more than enough contempt.

Long has our soul suffered the scorn of the wealthy and the spitefulness of the proud.

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,
Then would they have swallowed us up alive, when they were so wrathfully displeased with us;

Then the waters would have drowned us, and the torrent gone over us; then the raging waters would have gone clean over us.

But praised be the Lord, who has not given us over to be prey for their teeth.

We escaped like a bird out of the snare of the fowler; the snare is broken, and we have been delivered.

Our help is in the Name of the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.

Those who put their trust in the Lord shall be like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but stands fast for ever.
The hills stand about Jerusalem even as the Lord stands round about his people, from this time forth for evermore.

For the scepter of the ungodly shall not rest upon the land allotted to the righteous, lest the righteous put forth their hand to do wickedness.

Do good, O Lord, unto those who are good, unto those who are good and true of heart.

As for those who turn aside to their own wicked ways, the Lord shall lead them away with the evildoers; but peace shall be upon Israel.