Psalm 27

(from Day 5 Evening Prayer)

Dominus illuminatio

1. THE Lord is my light and my salvation ; whom then shall I fear: the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid?
2. When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh: they stumbled and fell.
3. Though an host of men were laid against me, yet shall not my heart be afraid: and though there rose up war against me, yet will I put my trust in him.
4. One thing have I desired of the Lord, which I will require: even that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the fair beauty of the Lord, and to visit his temple.
5. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his tabernacle: yea, in the secret place of his dwelling shall he hide me, and set me up upon a rock of stone.
6. And now shall he lift up mine head: above mine enemies round about me.
7. Therefore will I offer in his dwelling an oblation with great gladness: I will sing, and speak praises unto the Lord.
8. Hearken unto my voice, O Lord, when I cry unto thee: have mercy upon me, and hear me.
9. My heart hath talked of thee, Seek ye my face: Thy face, Lord, will I seek.
10. O hide not thou thy face from me: nor cast thy servant away in displeasure.
11. Thou hast been my succour: leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
12. When my father and my mother forsake me: the Lord taketh me up.
13. Teach me thy way, O Lord: and lead me in the right way, because of mine enemies.
14. Deliver me not over into the will of mine adversaries: for there are false witnesses risen up against me, and such as speak wrong.
15. I should utterly have fainted: but that I believe verily to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
16. O tarry thou the Lord's leisure: be strong, and he shall comfort thine heart ; and put thou thy trust in the Lord.