BOOK 1

The Righteous and the Wicked Contrasted.

Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!

He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season, And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.

The wicked are not so, But they are like chaff which the wind blows away.

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

The kings of the earth take their stand And the rulers conspire together Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying,

“Let’s tear their shackles apart And throw their ropes away from us!”

He who sits in the heavens laughs, The Lord scoffs at them.

Then He will speak to them in His anger And terrify them in His fury, saying,

“I will announce the decree of the Lord: He said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have fathered You.

You shall break them with a rod of iron, You shall shatter them like earthenware.’”

Serve the Lord with reverence And rejoice with trembling.

Kiss the Son, that He not be angry and you perish on the way, For His wrath may be kindled quickly. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!

Morning Prayer of Trust in God.

A Psalm of David, when he fled from his son Absalom.

Lord, how my enemies have increased! Many are rising up against me.

Many are saying of my soul, “There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah

But You, Lord, are a shield around me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head.

I was crying out to the Lord with my voice, And He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah

I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustains me.

I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who have set themselves against me all around.

Arise, Lord; save me, my God! For You have struck all my enemies on the cheek; You have shattered the teeth of the wicked.

Salvation belongs to the Lord; May Your blessing be upon Your people! Selah

Evening Prayer of Trust in God.

For the music director; on stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

You sons of man, how long will my honor be treated as an insult? How long will you love what is worthless and strive for a lie? Selah

But know that the Lord has set apart the godly person for Himself; The Lord hears when I call to Him.

Tremble, and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah

Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And trust in the Lord.