Psaume (NAB) 134

Praise in the Night

1341 A song of ascents. Come, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD Who stand in the house of the LORD through the long hours of night. 2 Lift up your hands toward the sanctuary, and bless the LORD.3 May the LORD who made heaven and earth bless you from Zion.


Praise for God's Goodness and Might

1351 Hallelujah! I Praise the name of the LORD! Praise, you servants of the LORD, 2 Who stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God!3 Praise the LORD; the LORD is good! Sing to God's name; it is gracious!4 For the LORD has chosen Jacob, Israel as a treasured possession. 5 II I know that the LORD is great, our Lord is greater than all gods.6 Whatever the LORD wishes he does in heaven and on earth, in the seas and in all the deeps.7 He raises storm clouds from the end of the earth, makes lightning and rain, brings forth wind from the storehouse.8 III He struck down Egypt's firstborn, human and beast alike,9 And sent signs and portents against you, Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants.10 The Lord struck down many nations, slew mighty kings-- 11 Sihon, king of the Amorites, Og, king of Bashan, all the kings of Canaan-- 12 And made their land a heritage, a heritage for Israel his people.13 O LORD, your name is forever, your renown, from age to age!14 For the LORD defends his people, shows mercy to his servants.15 IV The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of human hands.16 They have mouths but speak not; they have eyes but see not;17 They have ears but hear not; no breath is in their mouths.18 Their makers shall be like them, all who trust in them.19 V House of Israel, bless the LORD! House of Aaron, bless the LORD!20 House of Levi, bless the LORD! You who fear the LORD, bless the LORD!21 Blessed from Zion be the LORD, who dwells in Jerusalem! Hallelujah!


God's Work in Creation and in History

1361 I Praise the LORD, who is so good; God's love endures forever; 2 Praise the God of gods; God's love endures forever;3 Praise the Lord of lords; God's love endures forever;4 II Who alone has done great wonders, God's love endures forever;5 Who skillfully made the heavens, God's love endures forever;6 Who spread the earth upon the waters, God's love endures forever;7 Who made the great lights, God's love endures forever;8 The sun to rule the day, God's love endures forever;9 The moon and stars to rule the night, God's love endures forever;10 III Who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, God's love endures forever;11 And led Israel from their midst, God's love endures forever;12 With mighty hand and outstretched arm, God's love endures forever;13 Who split in two the Red Sea, God's love endures forever;14 And led Israel through, God's love endures forever;15 But swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea, God's love endures forever;16 Who led the people through the desert, God's love endures forever;17 IV Who struck down great kings, God's love endures forever;18 Slew powerful kings, God's love endures forever;19 Sihon, king of the Amorites, God's love endures forever;20 Og, king of Bashan, God's love endures forever;21 And made their lands a heritage, God's love endures forever;22 A heritage for Israel, God's servant, God's love endures forever. 23 V The LORD remembered us in our misery, God's love endures forever;24 Freed us from our foes, God's love endures forever;25 And gives food to all flesh, God's love endures forever.26 VI Praise the God of heaven, God's love endures forever.


Lament over the Destruction of Jerusalem

1371 I By the rivers of Babylon we sat mourning and weeping when we remembered Zion. 2 On the poplars of that land we hung up our harps. 3 There our captors asked us for the words of a song; Our tormentors, for a joyful song: "Sing for us a song of Zion!"4 But how could we sing a song of the LORD in a foreign land?5 II If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand wither.6 May my tongue stick to my palate if I do not remember you, If I do not exalt Jerusalem beyond all my delights.7 III Remember, LORD, against Edom that day at Jerusalem. They said: "Level it, level it down to its foundations!"8 Fair Babylon, you destroyer, happy those who pay you back the evil you have done us!9 Happy those who seize your children and smash them against a rock.


Thanksgiving and Praise

1381 Of David. I I thank you, LORD, with all my heart; before the gods to you I sing. 2 I bow low toward your holy temple; I praise your name for your fidelity and love. For you have exalted over all your name and your promise.3 When I cried out, you answered; you strengthened my spirit.4 II All the kings of earth will praise you, LORD, when they hear the words of your mouth.5 They will sing of the ways of the LORD: "How great is the glory of the LORD!"6 The LORD is on high, but cares for the lowly and knows the proud from afar.7 Though I walk in the midst of dangers, you guard my life when my enemies rage. You stretch out your hand; your right hand saves me.8 The LORD is with me to the end. LORD, your love endures forever. Never forsake the work of your hands!


The Inescapable God

1391 For the leader. A psalm of David. I LORD, you have probed me, you know me: 2 you know when I sit and stand; you understand my thoughts from afar. 3 My travels and my rest you mark; with all my ways you are familiar.4 Even before a word is on my tongue, LORD, you know it all.5 Behind and before you encircle me and rest your hand upon me.6 Such knowledge is beyond me, far too lofty for me to reach.7 II Where can I hide from your spirit? From your presence, where can I flee?8 If I ascend to the heavens, you are there; if I lie down in Sheol, you are there too.9 If I fly with the wings of dawn and alight beyond the sea, 10 Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand hold me fast.11 If I say, "Surely darkness shall hide me, and night shall be my light"-- 12 Darkness is not dark for you, and night shines as the day. Darkness and light are but one.13 III You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb.14 I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works! My very self you knew;15 my bones were not hidden from you, When I was being made in secret, fashioned as in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes foresaw my actions; in your book all are written down; my days were shaped, before one came to be.17 IV How precious to me are your designs, O God; how vast the sum of them!18 Were I to count, they would outnumber the sands; to finish, I would need eternity.19 If only you would destroy the wicked, O God, and the bloodthirsty would depart from me!20 Deceitfully they invoke your name; your foes swear faithless oaths.21 Do I not hate, LORD, those who hate you? Those who rise against you, do I not loathe?22 With fierce hatred I hate them, enemies I count as my own.23 V Probe me, God, know my heart; try me, know my concerns.24 See if my way is crooked, then lead me in the ancient paths.


Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies

1401 For the leader. A psalm of David. 2 I Deliver me, LORD, from the wicked; preserve me from the violent,3 From those who plan evil in their hearts, who stir up conflicts every day,4 Who sharpen their tongues like serpents, venom of asps upon their lips. Selah 5 II Keep me, LORD, from the clutches of the wicked; preserve me from the violent, who plot to trip me up.6 The arrogant have set a trap for me; villains have spread a net, laid snares for me by the wayside. Selah 7 I say to the LORD: You are my God; listen, LORD, to the words of my prayer.8 My revered LORD, my strong helper, my helmet on the day of battle.9 LORD, do not grant the desires of the wicked; do not let their plots succeed. Selah10 Around me they raise their proud heads; may the mischief they threaten overwhelm them.11 May God rain burning coals upon them, cast them into the grave never more to rise.12 III Slanderers will not survive on earth; evil will quickly entrap the violent.13 For I know the LORD will secure justice for the needy, their rights for the poor.14 Then the just will give thanks to your name; the upright will dwell in your presence.


Prayer for Preservation from Evil

1411 A psalm of David. LORD, I call to you; come quickly to help me; listen to my plea when I call. 2 Let my prayer be incense before you; my uplifted hands an evening sacrifice. 3 Set a guard, LORD, before my mouth, a gatekeeper at my lips.4 Do not let my heart incline to evil, or yield to any sin. I will never feast upon the fine food of evildoers.5 Let the just strike me; that is kindness; let them rebuke me; that is oil for my head. All this I shall not refuse, but will pray despite these trials. 6 When their leaders are cast over the cliff, all will learn that my prayers were heard.7 As when a farmer plows a field into broken clods, so their bones will be strewn at the mouth of Sheol.8 My eyes are upon you, O GOD, my Lord; in you I take refuge; do not strip me of life.9 Guard me from the trap they have set for me, from the snares of evildoers.10 Into their own nets let all the wicked fall, while I make good my own escape.


Prayer for Deliverance from Persecutors

1421 A maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A prayer. 2 With full voice I cry to the LORD; with full voice I beseech the LORD.3 Before God I pour out my complaint, lay bare my distress.4 My spirit is faint within me, but you know my path. Along the way I walk they have hidden a trap for me.5 I look to my right hand, but no friend is there. There is no escape for me; no one cares for me.6 I cry out to you, LORD, I say, You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.7 Listen to my cry for help, for I am brought very low. Rescue me from my pursuers, for they are too strong for me.8 Lead me out of my prison, that I may give thanks to your name. Then the just shall gather around me because you have been good to me.


Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies

1431 A psalm of David. LORD, hear my prayer; in your faithfulness listen to my pleading; answer me in your justice. 2 Do not enter into judgment with your servant; before you no living being can be just.3 The enemy has pursued me; they have crushed my life to the ground. They have left me in darkness like those long dead. 4 My spirit is faint within me; my heart is dismayed.5 I remember the days of old; I ponder all your deeds; the works of your hands I recall.6 I stretch out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land. Selah7 Hasten to answer me, LORD; for my spirit fails me. Do not hide your face from me, lest I become like those descending to the pit.8 At dawn let me hear of your kindness, for in you I trust. Show me the path I should walk, for to you I entrust my life.9 Rescue me, LORD, from my foes, for in you I hope.10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your kind spirit guide me on ground that is level.11 For your name's sake, LORD, give me life; in your justice lead me out of distress.12 In your kindness put an end to my foes; destroy all who attack me, for I am your servant. Psalm


Prayer for National Deliverance and Security

1441 Of David. I Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war; 2 My safe guard and my fortress, my stronghold, my deliverer, My shield, in whom I trust, who subdues peoples under me.3 II LORD, what are mortals that you notice them; human beings, that you take thought of them? 4 They are but a breath; their days are like a passing shadow. 5 LORD, incline your heavens and come; touch the mountains and make them smoke. 6 Flash forth lightning and scatter my foes; shoot your arrows and rout them.7 Reach out your hand from on high; deliver me from the many waters; rescue me from the hands of foreign foes.8 Their mouths speak untruth; their right hands are raised in lying oaths. 9 O God, a new song I will sing to you; on a ten-stringed lyre I will play for you.10 You give victory to kings; you delivered David your servant. From the menacing sword11 deliver me; rescue me from the hands of foreign foes. Their mouths speak untruth; their right hands are raised in lying oaths.12 III May our sons be like plants well nurtured from their youth, Our daughters, like carved columns, shapely as those of the temple.13 May our barns be full with every kind of store. May our sheep increase by thousands, by tens of thousands in our fields; may our oxen be well fattened.14 May there be no breach in the walls, no exile, no outcry in our streets.15 Happy the people so blessed; happy the people whose God is the LORD.


The Greatness and the Goodness of God

1451 Praise. Of David. I will extol you, my God and king; I will bless your name forever. 2 Every day I will bless you; I will praise your name forever.3 Great is the LORD and worthy of high praise; God's grandeur is beyond understanding.4 One generation praises your deeds to the next and proclaims your mighty works.5 They speak of the splendor of your majestic glory, tell of your wonderful deeds.6 They speak of your fearsome power and attest to your great deeds.7 They publish the renown of your abounding goodness and joyfully sing of your justice.8 The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in love.9 The LORD is good to all, compassionate to every creature.10 All your works give you thanks, O LORD and your faithful bless you.11 They speak of the glory of your reign and tell of your great works,12 Making known to all your power, the glorious splendor of your rule.13 Your reign is a reign for all ages, your dominion for all generations. The LORD is trustworthy in every word, and faithful in every work.14 The LORD supports all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.15 The eyes of all look hopefully to you; you give them their food in due season.16 You open wide your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.17 You, LORD, are just in all your ways, faithful in all your works.18 You, LORD, are near to all who call upon you, to all who call upon you in truth.19 You satisfy the desire of those who fear you; you hear their cry and save them.20 You, LORD, watch over all who love you, but all the wicked you destroy.21 My mouth will speak your praises, LORD; all flesh will bless your holy name forever.


Praise for God's Help

1461 Hallelujah! 2 Praise the LORD, my soul; I shall praise the LORD all my life, sing praise to my God while I live.3 I Put no trust in princes, in mere mortals powerless to save.4 When they breathe their last, they return to the earth; that day all their planning comes to nothing.5 II Happy those whose help is Jacob's God, whose hope is in the LORD, their God,6 The maker of heaven and earth, the seas and all that is in them, Who keeps faith forever,7 secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free;8 the LORD gives sight to the blind. The LORD raises up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous.9 The LORD protects the stranger, sustains the orphan and the widow, but thwarts the way of the wicked.10 The LORD shall reign forever, your God, Zion, through all generations! Hallelujah!


Praise for God's Care for Jerusalem

1471 Hallelujah! I How good to celebrate our God in song; how sweet to give fitting praise. 2 The LORD rebuilds Jerusalem, gathers the dispersed of Israel,3 Heals the brokenhearted, binds up their wounds,4 Numbers all the stars, calls each of them by name.5 Great is our Lord, vast in power, with wisdom beyond measure.6 The LORD sustains the poor, but casts the wicked to the ground.7 II Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; with the lyre celebrate our God,8 Who covers the heavens with clouds, provides rain for the earth, makes grass sprout on the mountains, 9 Who gives animals their food and ravens what they cry for.10 God takes no delight in the strength of horses, no pleasure in the runner's stride. 11 Rather the LORD takes pleasure in the devout, those who await his faithful care.12 III Glorify the LORD, Jerusalem; Zion, offer praise to your God,13 Who has strengthened the bars of your gates, blessed your children within you,14 Brought peace to your borders, and filled you with finest wheat.15 The LORD sends a command to earth; his word runs swiftly! 16 Thus snow is spread like wool, frost is scattered like ash,17 Hail is dispersed like crumbs; before such cold the waters freeze.18 Again he sends his word and they melt; the wind is unleashed and the waters flow.19 The LORD also proclaims his word to Jacob, decrees and laws to Israel.20 God has not done this for other nations; of such laws they know nothing. Hallelujah!


Praise for God's Universal Glory

1481 Hallelujah! I Praise the LORD from the heavens; give praise in the heights. 2 Praise him, all you angels; give praise, all you hosts.3 Praise him, sun and moon; give praise, all shining stars.4 Praise him, highest heavens, you waters above the heavens. 5 Let them all praise the LORD'S name; for the LORD commanded and they were created,6 Assigned them duties forever, gave them tasks that will never change.7 II Praise the LORD from the earth, you sea monsters and all deep waters;8 You lightning and hail, snow and clouds, storm winds that fulfill his command;9 You mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars;10 You animals wild and tame, you creatures that crawl and fly;11 You kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all who govern on earth;12 Young men and women too, old and young alike.13 Let them all praise the LORD'S name, for his name alone is exalted, majestic above earth and heaven.14 The LORD has lifted high the horn of his people; to the glory of all the faithful, of Israel, the people near to their God. Hallelujah!


Praise for God's Goodness to Israel

1491 Hallelujah! Sing to the LORD a new song, a hymn in the assembly of the faithful. 2 Let Israel be glad in their maker, the people of Zion rejoice in their king.3 Let them praise his name in festive dance, make music with tambourine and lyre. 4 For the LORD takes delight in his people, honors the poor with victory.5 Let the faithful rejoice in their glory, cry out for joy at their banquet, 6 With the praise of God in their mouths, and a two-edged sword in their hands,7 To bring retribution on the nations, punishment on the peoples,8 To bind their kings with chains, shackle their nobles with irons,9 To execute the judgments decreed for them-- such is the glory of all God's faithful. Hallelujah!


Praise for God's Surpassing Greatness

1501 Hallelujah! Praise God in his holy sanctuary; give praise in the mighty dome of heaven. 2 Give praise for his mighty deeds, praise him for his great majesty.3 Give praise with blasts upon the horn, praise him with harp and lyre.4 Give praise with tambourines and dance, praise him with flutes and strings.5 Give praise with crashing cymbals, praise him with sounding cymbals.6 Let everything that has breath give praise to the LORD! Hallelujah!


Psaume (NAB) 134