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Psalm 139

(from Day 29 Morning Prayer)

Domine, probasti

  1. O LORD, thou hast searched me out and known me: thou knowest my down-sitting and mine up-rising, thou understandest my thoughts long before.
  2. Thou art about my path, and about my bed: and spiest out all my ways.
  3. For lo, there is not a word in my tongue: but thou, O Lord, knowest it altogether.
  4. Thou hast fashioned me behind and before: and laid thine hand upon me.
  5. Such knowledge is too wonderful and excellent for me: I cannot attain unto it.
  6. Whither shall I go then from thy Spirit: or whither shall I go then from thy presence?
  7. If I climb up into heaven, thou art there: if I go down to hell, thou art there also.
  8. If I take the wings of the morning: and remain in the uttermost parts of the sea;
  9. Even there also shall thy hand lead me: and thy right hand shall hold me.
  10. If I say, Peradventure the darkness shall cover me: then shall my night be turned to day.
  11. Yea, the darkness is no darkness with thee, but the night is as clear as the day: the darkness and light to thee are both alike.
  12. For my reins are thine: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
  13. I will give thanks unto thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works, and that my soul knoweth right well.
  14. My bones are not hid from thee: though I be made secretly, and fashioned beneath in the earth.
  15. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being imperfect: and in thy book were all my members written;
  16. Which day by day were fashioned: when as yet there was none of them.
  17. How dear are thy counsels unto me, O God: O how great is the sum of them!
  18. If I tell them, they are more in number than the sand: when I wake up I am present with thee.
  19. Wilt thou not slay the wicked, O God: depart from me, ye blood-thirsty men.
  20. For they speak unrighteously against thee: and thine enemies take thy Name in vain.
  21. Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee: and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?
  22. Yea, I hate them right sore: even as though they were mine enemies.
  23. Try me, O God, and seek the ground of my heart: prove me, and examine my thoughts.
  24. Look well if there be any way of wickedness in me: and lead me in the way everlasting.