Day 27 Evening Prayer

Psalm 126

In convertendo

1. WHEN the Lord turned again the captivity of Sion : then were we like unto them that dream.
2. Then was our mouth filled with laughter : and our tongue with joy.
3. Then said they among the heathen : The Lord hath done great things for them.
4. Yea, the Lord hath done great things for us already : whereof we rejoice.
5. Turn our captivity, O Lord : as the rivers in the south.
6. They that sow in tears : shall reap in joy.
7. He that now goeth on his way weeping, and beareth forth good seed : shall doubtless come again with joy, and bring his sheaves with him.

Psalm 127

Nisi Dominus

1. EXCEPT the Lord build the house : their labour is but lost that build it.
2. Except the Lord keep the city : the watchman waketh but in vain.
3. It is but lost labour that ye haste to rise up early, and so late take rest, and eat the bread of carefulness : for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
4. Lo, children and the fruit of the womb : are an heritage and gift that cometh of the Lord.
5. Like as the arrows in the hand of the giant : even so are the young children.
6. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them : they shall not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.

Psalm 128

Beati omnes

1. BLESSED are all they that fear the Lord : and walk in his ways.
2. For thou shalt eat the labours of thine hands : O well is thee, and happy shalt thou be.
3. Thy wife shall be as the fruitful vine : upon the walls of thine house.
4. Thy children like the olive-branches : round about thy table.
5. Lo, thus shall the man be blessed : that feareth the Lord.
6. The Lord from out of Sion shall so bless thee : that thou shalt see Jerusalem in prosperity all thy life long.
7. Yea, that thou shalt see thy children's children : and peace upon Israel.

Psalm 129

Saepe expugnaverunt

1. MANY a time have they fought against me from my youth up : may Israel now say.
2. Yea, many a time have they vexed me from my youth up : but they have not prevailed against me.
3. The plowers plowed upon my back : and made long furrows.
4. But the righteous Lord : hath hewn the snares of the ungodly in pieces.
5. Let them be confounded and turned backward : as many as have evil will at Sion.
6. Let them be even as the grass growing upon the house-tops : which withereth afore it be plucked up;
7. Whereof the mower filleth not his hand : neither he that bindeth up the sheaves his bosom.
8. So that they who go by say not so much as, The Lord prosper you : we wish you good luck in the Name of the Lord.

Psalm 130

De profundis

1. OUT of the deep have I called unto thee, O Lord : Lord, hear my voice.
2. O let thine ears consider well : the voice of my complaint.
3. If thou, Lord, wilt be extreme to mark what is done amiss : O Lord, who may abide it?
4. For there is mercy with thee : therefore shalt thou be feared.
5. I look for the Lord; my soul doth wait for him : in his word is my trust.
6. My soul fleeth unto the Lord : before the morning watch, I say, before the morning watch.
7. O Israel, trust in the Lord, for with the Lord there is mercy : and with him is plenteous redemption.
8. And he shall redeem Israel : from all his sins.

Psalm 131

Domine, non est

1. LORD, I am not high-minded : I have no proud looks.
2. I do not exercise myself in great matters : which are too high for me.
3. But I refrain my soul, and keep it low, like as a child that is weaned from his mother : yea, my soul is even as a weaned child.
4. O Israel, trust in the Lord : from this time forth for evermore.