Society of the Precious Blood - Compline Psalms

Week 2 - Wednesday

Psalm 24

The earth is the Lord's and all that fills it, • the compass of the world and all who dwell therein.

For he has founded it upon the seas • and set it firm upon the rivers of the deep.

'Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord, • or who can rise up in his holy place?'

'Those who have clean hands and a pure heart, • who have not lifted up their soul to an idol, nor sworn an oath to a lie;

'They shall receive a blessing from the Lord, • a just reward from the God of their salvation.'

Such is the company of those who seek him, • of those who seek your face, O God of Jacob.

Lift up your heads, O gates; be lifted up, you everlasting doors • and the King of glory shall come in.

'Who is the King of glory?' • 'The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord who is mighty in battle.'

Lift up your heads, O gates; be lifted up, you everlasting doors; • and the King of glory shall come in.

'Who is this King of glory?' • 'The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.'

Psalm 2

Why are the nations in tumult, • and why do the peoples devise a vain plot?

The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers take counsel together, • against the Lord and against his anointed:

'Let us break their bonds asunder • and cast away their cords from us.'

He who dwells in heaven shall laugh them to scorn; • the Lord shall have them in derision.

Then shall he speak to them in his wrath • and terrify them in his fury:

'Yet have I set my king • upon my holy hill of Zion.'

I will proclaim the decree of the Lord; • he said to me: 'You are my Son; this day have I begotten you.

'Ask of me and I will give you the nations for your inheritance • and the ends of the earth for your possession.

'You shall break them with a rod of iron • and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.'

Now therefore be wise, O kings; • be prudent, you judges of the earth.

Serve the Lord with fear, and with trembling kiss his feet, • lest he be angry and you perish from the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled.

Happy are all they • who take refuge in him.

Psalm 3

Lord, how many are my adversaries; • many are they who rise up against me.

Many are they who say to my soul, • 'There is no help for you in your God.'

But you, Lord, are a shield about me; • you are my glory, and the lifter up of my head.

When I cry aloud to the Lord, • he will answer me from his holy hill;

I lie down and sleep and rise again, • because the Lord sustains me.

I will not be afraid of hordes of the peoples • that have set themselves against me all around.

Rise up, O Lord, and deliver me, O my God, • for you strike all my enemies on the cheek and break the teeth of the wicked.

Salvation belongs to the Lord: • may your blessing be upon your people.