On you the Lord’s blessing!

 

Daytime Prayers, Thursday 17 October 2024

Psalm 129
God’s people reaffirm their trust in time of affliction

The voice of the Church lamenting its suffering is heard in this psalm (Saint Augustine).

“They have pressed me hard from my youth,” *
this is Israel’s song.
“They have pressed me hard from my youth *
but could never destroy me.

They plowed my back like plowmen, *
drawing long furrows.
But the Lord, who is just, has destroyed *
the yoke of the wicked.”

Let them be shamed and routed, *
those who hate Zion!
Let them be like grass on the roof *
that withers before it flowers.

With that no reaper fills his arms, *
no binder makes his sheaves
and those passing by will not say: *
“On you the Lord’s blessing!”

“We bless you in the name of the Lord.”

Glory to the Father, and to the Son: *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.