Psalm 19

Michael ♦ March 6, 2012 ♦ Leave Your Comment

The lectionary for the 3rd Sunday in Lent includes the Decalogue (from Exodus 20) and Psalm 19.  As I prepare for Sunday, this Psalm has become a meditative piece for the week:

Caeli enarrant

1

The heavens declare the glory of God, *
and the firmament shows his handiwork 

2

One day tells its tale to another, *
and one night imparts knowledge to another. 

3

Although they have no words or language, *
and their voices are not heard,

4

Their sound has gone out into all lands, *
and their message to the ends of the world.

5

In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun; *
it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber;
it rejoices like a champion to run its course.

6

It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens
and runs about to the end of it again; *
nothing is hidden from its burning heat. 

7

The law of the LORD is perfect
and revives the soul; *
the testimony of the LORD is sure
and gives wisdom to the innocent. 

8

The statutes of the LORD are just
and rejoice the heart; *
the commandment of the LORD is clear
and gives light to the eyes. 

9

The fear of the LORD is clean
and endures for ever; *
the judgments of the LORD are true
and righteous altogether. 

10

More to be desired are they than gold,
more than much fine gold, *
sweeter far than honey,
than honey in the comb.

11

By them also is your servant enlightened, *
and in keeping them there is great reward.

12

Who can tell how often he offends? *
cleanse me from my secret faults. 

13

Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins;
let them not get dominion over me; *
then shall I be whole and sound,
and innocent of a great offense. 

14

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my
heart be acceptable in your sight, *
O LORD, my strength and my redeemer.