Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)

4 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness. You have set me at liberty when I was in distress. Have mercy upon me and hear my prayer.

² O you sons of men, how long will you turn my glory into shame, loving vanity and seeking lies? Selah.

³ But know that the LORD has chosen for Himself a godly man. The LORD will hear when I call to Him.

⁴ Tremble and do not sin. Examine your own heart upon your bed and be still. Selah.

⁵ Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and trust in the LORD.

⁶ Many say, “Who will show us good?” LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.

⁷ You have given me more joy of heart than when their wheat and their wine abounded.

⁸ I will lay down, and also sleep, in peace. For You only, LORD, make me dwell in safety. To him who excels upon Nehiloth: A Psalm of David.

² At the same time I, Daniel, was in heaviness for three weeks of days.

³ I ate no pleasant bread, nor came flesh or wine into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three weeks of days were fulfilled.

⁴ And on the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was by the side of that great river, Hiddekel,

⁵ I lifted my eyes, and looked. And behold, there was a man clothed in linen, whose waist was bound with fine gold of Uphaz.

⁶ His body also was like the Chrysolite; and his face like the lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire. And his arms and his feet had the color of polished brass. And the voice of his words was like the voice of a multitude.

⁷ And I, Daniel, alone, saw the vision. For the men who were with me, saw not the vision. But a great fear fell upon them, so that they fled away and hid themselves.

⁸ Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision. And there remained no strength in me. For the strength in me was corrupted, and I retained no power.

⁹ Yet heard I the voice of his words. And when I heard the voice of his words, I slept on my face. And my face was toward the ground.

¹⁰ And behold, a hand touched me which set me up upon my knees, and upon the palms of my hands.

¹¹ And he said to me, “O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you. And stand in your place. For to you am I now sent.” And when he had said this word to me, I stood trembling.

¹² Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel. For from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. And I have come because of your words.

¹³ “But the prince of the kingdom of Persia resisted me twenty-one days. But lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me. And I remained there by the kings of Persia.

¹⁴ “Now I have come to show you what shall come to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for many days yet to come.”

¹⁵ And when he spoke these words to me, I set my face toward the ground, and held my tongue.

¹⁶ And behold, one looking similar to the sons of man touched my lips. Then I opened my mouth, and spoke, and said to him who stood before me, “O my lord, by the vision my sorrows have returned upon me. And I have retained no strength.

¹⁷ “For how can the servant of this, my lord, talk with my lord, being such one? For there now remains no strength in me, nor is there breath left in me.”

¹⁸ Then there came again one having the appearance of a man, who touched me, and strengthened me,

¹⁹ And said, “O man, greatly beloved, fear not. Peace be to you. Be strong and of good courage.” And when he had spoken to me, I was strengthened, and said, “Let my lord speak. For you have strengthened me.”

²⁶ These things I have written to you concerning those who deceive you.

²⁷ But that anointing which you received from Him dwells in you. And you do not need anyone to teach you. But as that same anointing teaches you of all things - and it is true, and not lying, and as it is taught to you - you shall abide in Him.

²⁸ And now, little children, abide in Him. So that when He shall appear, we may be bold and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.