Society of the Precious Blood - Compline Psalms

Week 2 - Thursday

Psalm 39.1-8

I said, 'I will keep watch over my ways, • so that I offend not with my tongue.

'I will guard my mouth with a muzzle, • while the wicked are in my sight.'

So I held my tongue and said nothing; • I kept silent but to no avail.

My distress increased, my heart grew hot within me; • while I mused, the fire was kindled and I spoke out with my tongue:

'Lord, let me know my end and the number of my days, • that I may know how short my time is.

'You have made my days but a handsbreadth and my lifetime is as nothing in your sight; • truly, even those who stand upright are but a breath.

'We walk about like a shadow and in vain we are in turmoil; • we heap up riches and cannot tell who will gather them.

'And now, what is my hope? • Truly my hope is even in you.

Psalm 39.9-15

'Deliver me from all my transgressions • and do not make me the taunt of the fool.'

I fell silent and did not open my mouth, • for surely it was your doing.

Take away your plague from me; • I am consumed by the blows of your hand.

With rebukes for sin you punish us; like a moth you consume our beauty; • truly, everyone is but a breath.

Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; • hold not your peace at my tears.

For I am but a stranger with you, • a wayfarer, as all my forebears were.

Turn your gaze from me, that I may be glad again, • before I go my way and am no more.

Psalm 30

I will exalt you, O Lord, because you have raised me up • and have not let my foes triumph over me.

O Lord my God, I cried out to you • and you have healed me.

You brought me up, O Lord, from the dead; • you restored me to life from among those that go down to the Pit.

Sing to the Lord, you servants of his; • give thanks to his holy name.

For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, his favour for a lifetime. • Heaviness may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning.

In my prosperity I said, 'I shall never be moved. • You, Lord, of your goodness, have made my hill so strong.'

Then you hid your face from me • and I was utterly dismayed.

To you, O Lord, I cried; • to the Lord I made my supplication:

'What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the Pit? • Will the dust praise you or declare your faithfulness?

'Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me; • O Lord, be my helper.'

You have turned my mourning into dancing; • you have put off my sackcloth and girded me with gladness;

Therefore my heart sings to you without ceasing; • O Lord my God, I will give you thanks for ever.