Psalm 19-21
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Psalm 19
God’s Glory in Creation and the Law
To the leader. A Psalm of David.
1 The heavens are telling the glory of God,
and the firmament[a] proclaims his handiwork.(A)
2 Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge.(B)
3 There is no speech, nor are there words;
their voice is not heard;
4 yet their voice[b] goes out through all the earth
and their words to the end of the world.
In the heavens[c] he has set a tent for the sun,(C)
5 which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy,
and like a strong man runs its course with joy.(D)
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens
and its circuit to the end of them,
and nothing is hid from its heat.(E)
7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the decrees of the Lord are sure,
making wise the simple;(F)
8 the precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is clear,
enlightening the eyes;(G)
9 the fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever;
the ordinances of the Lord are true
and righteous altogether.(H)
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.(I)
11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.(J)
12 But who can detect one’s own errors?
Clear me from hidden faults.(K)
13 Keep back your servant also from the insolent;[d]
do not let them have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless
and innocent of great transgression.(L)
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.(M)
Psalm 20
Prayer for Victory
To the leader. A Psalm of David.
1 The Lord answer you in the day of trouble!
The name of the God of Jacob protect you!(N)
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
and give you support from Zion.(O)
3 May he remember all your offerings
and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices. Selah(P)
4 May he grant you your heart’s desire
and fulfill all your plans.(Q)
5 May we shout for joy over your victory
and in the name of our God set up our banners.
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.(R)
6 Now I know that the Lord will help his anointed;
he will answer him from his holy heaven
with mighty victories by his right hand.(S)
7 Some take pride in chariots and some in horses,
but our pride is in the name of the Lord our God.(T)
8 They will collapse and fall,
but we shall rise and stand upright.(U)
9 Give victory to the king, O Lord;
answer us when we call.[e]
Psalm 21
Thanksgiving for Victory
To the leader. A Psalm of David.
1 In your strength the king rejoices, O Lord,
and in your help how greatly he exults!(V)
2 You have given him his heart’s desire
and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah(W)
3 For you meet him with rich blessings;
you set a crown of fine gold on his head.(X)
4 He asked you for life; you gave it to him—
length of days forever and ever.(Y)
5 His glory is great through your help;
splendor and majesty you bestow on him.(Z)
6 You bestow on him blessings forever;
you make him glad with the joy of your presence.
7 For the king trusts in the Lord,
and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved.(AA)
8 Your hand will find out all your enemies;
your right hand will find out those who hate you.(AB)
9 You will make them like a fiery furnace
when you appear.
The Lord will swallow them up in his wrath,
and fire will consume them.(AC)
10 You will destroy their offspring from the earth
and their children from among humankind.(AD)
11 If they plan evil against you,
if they devise mischief, they will not succeed.(AE)
12 For you will put them to flight;
you will aim at their faces with your bows.(AF)
13 Be exalted, O Lord, in your strength!
We will sing and praise your power.(AG)
New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.