PREFACE

 

            The main reason for which I prepared this document is to search for words or phrases within the Psalter.  I hope that you also find it useful for this or any other purpose.  Anyone using this program for searching for words or phrases must bear in mind a few things regarding word spelling:

            a.         DIFFERENT SPELLINGS.  In some of the Psalter numbers, words are spelled as they would have been spelled many years ago.  For example, the word "Savior" is spelled "Savior" in some songs, and "Saviour" in others.  This could also be true of the word "honor" ("honour"), as well as of other words.  I have generally left the spellings the way that they appear in The Psalter, so the words may appear throughout the document with both spellings.

            b.         ABBREVIATIONS.  Many words in The Psalter have been abbreviated.  If the abbreviation consisted of the omission of a single vowel, I usually spelled the word in full.  For example, "giv'n" I typed as "given," "heav'n" as "heaven," etc.  Perhaps the most commonly abbreviated word in The Psalter appears as "tho'," which I consistently rendered as "though."  However, with other words I felt that I should not type them in their unabbreviated form, because the meter of the poetry would be clearly destroyed.  The most commonly abbreviated word, which I left abbreviated, is "o'er," along with any combination of this with other words.  Here is a nearly exhaustive list of words which are abbreviated in this document, as they would appear in abbreviated form: o'er (as well as o'erthrown, o'erflow, o'ercome, o'erwhelmed, o'ershadow), e'er (as well as whate'er, fore'er, where'er, whene'er), ne'er, 'tis, 'mid, e'en, 'bove, 'neath, and hid'.  Other contractions are I'll, He'll, We'll, and I've.  Of course these words are not always abbreviated or contracted.

So if you are searching for an entire line, and the program does not find it, it is possible that one or more of the words should be spelled differently, abbreviated, or contracted.

            The Psalms, being the spiritual biography of the child of God, speak to every situation in which the Christian might find himself or herself.  Such is also true, then, of the words of The Psalter found below.  Much profit can be gained simply by reading and contemplating these lines.  They instruct and teach us, warn and exhort us, and comfort and cheer us.  They contain our confessions of dependence upon God, and our prayers to Him that He bless us.  They are of great value and benefit, for they bring God to us, and us to God.  With these thoughts in mind I have undertaken this project, and with its completion I thank God for the heritage of Psalm singing, and for His saving revelation of Himself in Jesus Christ, through the means of His inspired and written Word.  SOLI DEO GLORIA.

 

Doug Kuiper

January, 1994

 

 

 

                                                                 THE PSALTER

 

1.  The Blessedness of the Godly.  Psalm 1.  C.M.

That man is blest who, fearing God,

From sin restrains his feet,

Who will not stand with wicked men,

Who shuns the scorners' seat.

 

Yea, blest is he who makes God's law

His portion and delight,

And meditates upon that law

With gladness day and night.

 

That man is nourished like a tree

Set by the river's side;

Its leaf is green, its fruit is sure,

And thus his works abide.

 

The wicked like the driven chaff

Are swept from off the land;

They shall not gather with the just,

Nor in the judgment stand.

 

The Lord will guard the righteous well,

Their way to Him is known;

The way of sinners, far from God,

Shall surely be o'er-thrown.

 

2.  The Righteous and Unrighteous.  Psalm 1.  8s and 7s.

Blest is he who loves God's precepts,

Who from sin restrains His feet,

He who will not stand with sinners,

He who shuns the scorners' seat.

 

Blest is he who makes the statutes

Of the Lord his chief delight,

In God's law, divinely perfect,

Meditating day and night.

 

He is like a tree well planted

By the flowing river's side,

Ever green of leaf and fruitful:

Thus shall all his works abide.

 

Like the driven chaff the wicked

Shall be swept from off the land;

With the just they shall not gather,

Nor shall in the judgment stand.

 

Well the Lord will guard the righteous,

For their way to Him is known;

But the way of evildoers

Shall by Him be overthrown.

 

3. The Kingship of Jesus Christ.  Psalm 2.  7s.

Wherefore do the nations rage

And the people vainly dream

That in triumph they can wage

War against the King supreme?

Christ His Son a scoff they make,

And the rulers plotting say:

Their dominion let us break,

Let us cast their yoke away.

 

But the Lord will scorn them all,

Calm He sits enthroned on high;

Soon His wrath will on them fall,

Sore displeased He will reply:

Yet according to my will

I have set my King to reign,

And on Zion's holy hill

My Anointed I maintain.

 

This His word shall be made known,

This Jehovah's firm decree:

Thou art my beloved Son,

Yea, I have begotten Thee.

All the earth at thy request

I will give Thee for Thy own;

Then Thy might shall be confessed

And Thy foes be overthrown.

 

Therefore, kings, be wise, give ear;

Hearken, judges of the earth;

Learn to serve the Lord with fear,

Mingle trembling with your mirth.

Kiss the Son, lest o'er your way

His consuming wrath should break;

But supremely blest are they

Who in Christ their refuge take.

 

4.  Christ's Inheritance.  Psalm 2.  L.M.

O wherefore do the nations rage,

And kings and rulers strive in vain,

Against the Lord of earth and heaven

To overthrow Messiah's reign?

 

Their strength is weakness in the sight

Of Him who sits enthroned above;

He speaks, and judgments fall on them

Who tempt His wrath and scorn His love.

 

By God's decree His Son receives

The nations for His heritage;

The conquering Christ supreme shall reign

As King of kings, from age to age.

 

Be wise, ye rulers of the earth,

And serve the Lord with godly fear;

With reverent joy confess the Son

While yet in mercy He is near.

 

Delay not, lest His anger rise,

And ye should perish in your way;

Lo, all that put their trust in Him

Are blest indeed, and blest for aye.

 

5.  God Our Guardian.  Psalm 3.  C.M.

O Lord, how are my foes increased!

Against me many rise;

How many say, In vain for help

He on his God relies!

 

Thou art my shield and glory, Lord,

My Savior, O Most High.

The Lord from out His holy hill

Gives answer when I cry.

 

I laid me down and slept, I waked,

Because the Lord sustains;

Though many thousands compass me,

Unmoved my soul remains.

 

Arise, O Lord; save me, my God;

For Thou hast owned my cause,

And oft hast beaten down my foes

Who scorn Thy righteous laws.

 

Salvation to the Lord belongs,

In Him His saints are blest;

O let Thy blessing evermore

Upon Thy people rest.

 

6. A Trustful Appeal to God.  Psalm 4.  L.M.

My righteous God, Who oft of old

Hast saved from troubles manifold,

Give answer when I call to Thee,

Be gracious now and hear my plea.

 

How long, O men, will ye defame,

How long my glory turn to shame,

How long will ye vain follies prize,

How long pursue deceit and lies?

 

But know, the Lord has set apart

The man of godly life and heart

To be His favored ones for aye;

Jehovah hears me when I pray.

 

In reverence wait, from sin depart,

In meditation calm your heart;

Hold fast the right, be true and just,

And in Jehovah put your trust.

 

O who will show us any good,

Exclaims the faithless multitude;

But lift on us, O Lord, we pray,

The brightness of Thy face this day.

 

More joy from Thee has filled my heart

Than great abundance could impart;

I lay me down to peaceful sleep,

For Thou, O Lord, dost safely keep.

 

7.  Quieting Thoughts.  Psalm 4.  6s and 5s.

On the good and faithful

God has set His love;

When they call He sends them

Blessings from above.

Stand in awe, and sin not,

Bid your heart be still;

Through the silent watches

Think upon His will.

 

Lay upon God's altar

Good and loving deeds,

And in all things trust Him

To supply your needs.

Anxious and despairing

Many walk in night;

But to those that fear Him

God will send His light.

 

In God's love abiding,

I have joy and peace

More than all the wicked,

Though their wealth increase.

In His care confiding,

I will sweetly sleep,

For the Lord, my Saviour,

Will in safety keep.

 

8. Faith and Peace.  Psalm 4.  6s and 5s.

On the good and faithful

God has set His love;

When they call He sends them

Blessings from above.

 

Stand in awe, and sin not,

Bid your heart be still;

Through the silent watches

Think upon His will.

 

Anxious and despairing,

Many walk in night;

But to those that fear Him

God will send His light.

 

In His care confiding,

I will sweetly sleep,

For the Lord, my Saviour,

Will in safety keep.

 

9.  An Entreaty for Guidance.  Psalm 5.  7s.

O Jehovah, hear my words,

To my thoughts attentive be;

Hear my cry, my King, my God,

I will make my prayer to Thee.

With the morning light, O Lord,

Thou shalt hear my voice arise,

And expectant I will bring

Prayer as morning sacrifice.

 

Thou, Jehovah, art a God

Who delightest not in sin;

Evil shall not dwell with Thee,

Nor the proud Thy favor win.

Evildoers Thou dost hate,

Lying tongues Thou wilt defeat;

God abhors the man who loves

Violence and base deceit.

 

In the fullness of Thy grace

To Thy house I will repair,

Bowing toward Thy holy place,

In Thy fear will worship there.

Lead me in Thy righteousness,

Let my foes assail in vain;

Lest my feet be turned aside,

Make Thy way before me plain.

 

10.  Confident Access to God.  Psalm 5.  7s.

In the fullness of Thy grace

To Thy house I will repair,

Bowing toward Thy holy place,

In Thy fear will worship there.

Lead me in Thy righteousness,

Let my foes assail in vain;

Lest my feet be turned aside,

Make Thy way before me plain.

 

False and faithless are my foes,

In their mouth no truth is found;

Deadly are the words they speak,

All their thoughts with sin abound.

Bring, O God, their plans to nought,

Hold them guilty in Thy sight,

For against Thee and Thy law

They have set themselves to fight.

 

O let all that trust Thy care

Ever glad and joyful be;

Let them joy who love Thy Name,

Safely guarded, Lord, by Thee.

For a blessing from Thy store

To the righteous Thou wilt yield;

Thou wilt compass him about

With Thy favor as a shield.

 

11.  Prayer and Protection.  Psalm 5.  7s.

O Jehovah, hear my words,

To my thoughts attentive be;

Hear my cry, my King, my God,

I will make my prayer to Thee.

 

With the morning light, O Lord,

Thou shalt hear my voice arise,

And expectant I will bring

Prayer as morning sacrifice.

 

O let all that trust Thy care

Ever glad and joyful be;

Let them joy who love Thy Name,

Safely guarded, Lord, by Thee.

 

For a blessing from Thy store

To the righteous Thou wilt yield;

Thou wilt compass him about

With Thy favor as a shield.

 

12.  Divine Chastisement.  Psalm 6. 8s and 7s.

Lord, rebuke me not in anger;

Chastened sore I waste away;

Pity my distress and hear me;

Lord, how long wilt Thou delay?

 

Come, O Lord, my soul deliver,

In Thy lovingkindness save.

Shall the dead Thy Name remember?

Who shall praise Thee in the grave?

 

Pity, Lord, my sad condition;

I am weary and distressed;

Many adversaries vex me,

Weeping, I can find no rest.

 

Now the foes that seek to harm me,

Quickly put to shame, shall flee,

For the Lord hath heard my weeping,

And He will regard my plea.

 

13.  Confidence in Divine Justice.  Psalm 7.  11s.

Jehovah, my God, on Thy help I depend;

From all that pursue me O save and defend;

Lest they like a lion should rend me at will,

While no one is near me their raging to still.

 

When wronged without cause I have kindness returned;

But if I my neighbor maltreated and spurned,

My soul let the enemy seize for his prey,

My life and my honor in dust let him lay.

 

O Lord, in Thy wrath stay the rage of my foes;

Awake, and Thy judgment ordained interpose.

Let peoples surround Thee and wait at Thy feet,

While o'er them for judgment Thou takest Thy seat.

 

All nations of men shall be judged by the Lord;

To me, O Jehovah, just judgment accord,

As faithful and righteous in life I have been,

And ever integrity cherished within.

 

Establish the righteous, let evil depart,

For God Who is just tries the thoughts of the heart.

In God for defense I have placed all my trust;

The upright He saves and He judges the just.

 

The Lord with the wicked is wroth every day,

And if they repent not is ready to slay;

By manifold ruin for others prepared

They surely at last shall themselves be ensnared.

 

Because He is righteous His praise I will sing,

Thanksgiving and honor to Him I will bring,

Will sing to the Lord on Whose grace I rely,

Extolling the Name of Jehovah Most High.

 

14.  The Name of the Lord.  Psalm 8.  C.M.

O Lord, our Lord, in all the earth

How excellent Thy Name!

Thy glory Thou hast spread afar

In all the starry frame.

 

From lips of children, Thou, O Lord,

Hast mighty strength ordained,

That adversaries should be stilled

And vengeful foes restrained.

 

When I regard the wondrous heavens,

Thy handiwork on high,

The moon and stars ordained by Thee,

O what is man, I cry.

 

O what is man, in Thy regard

To hold so large a place,

And what the son of man, that Thou

Dost visit him in grace.

 

On man Thy wisdom hath bestowed

A power well nigh divine;

With honor Thou hast crowned his head

With glory like to Thine.

 

Thou hast subjected all to him,

And lord of all is he,

Of flocks and herds, and beasts and birds,

And all within the sea.

 

Thy mighty works and wondrous grace

Thy glory, Lord, proclaim.

O Lord, our Lord, in all the earth

How excellent Thy Name.

 

15. God's Glory in His Works.  Psalm 8.  7s.

Lord, our Lord, Thy glorious Name

All Thy wondrous works proclaim;

In the heavens with radiant signs

Evermore Thy glory shines.

Infant lips Thou dost ordain

Wrath and vengeance to restrain,

Weakest means fulfill Thy will,

Mighty enemies to still.

 

Moon and stars in shining height

Nightly tell their Maker's might;

When Thy wondrous heavens I scan,

Then I know how weak is man.

What is man that he should be

Loved and visited by Thee,

Raised to an exalted height,

Crowned with honor in Thy sight?

 

With dominion crowned he stands

O'er the creatures of Thy hands;

All to him subjection yield

In the sea and air and field.

Lord, our Lord, Thy glorious Name

All thy wondrous works proclaim,

Thine the Name of matchless worth,

Excellent in all the earth.

 

16.  The Lord the Righteous Judge.  Psalm 9.  11s.

Wholehearted thanksgiving to Thee will I bring,

In praise of Thy marvelous deeds I will sing,

In Thee I will joy and exultingly cry,

Thy Name I will praise, O Jehovah Most High.

 

My enemies turn and are scattered in fear,

They stumble and perish because Thou art near;

For Thou hast defended my right and my cause,

Thou sittest in judgment, upholding Thy laws.

 

Rebuked are the nations, the wicked destroyed,

Their memory perished, their dwellingplace void;

Enthroned and eternal, Jehovah shall reign,

The peoples to judge and the right to maintain.

 

Thou, Lord, art a refuge for all the oppressed;

All trust Thee who know Thee, and trusting are blest;

For never, O Lord, did Thy mercy forsake

The soul that has sought of Thy grace to partake.

 

Give praise to Jehovah, the mighty deeds tell

Of Him Who has chosen in Zion to dwell,

Of Him to Whom justice and vengeance belong,

Who visits the lowly and overthrows wrong.

 

Behold my affliction, Thy mercy accord,

And back from death's portals restore me, O Lord,

That I in the gates of Thy Zion may raise

My song of salvation and show forth Thy praise.

 

The sins of the nations their ruin have wrought,

Their own evildoing destruction has brought;

In this the Lord's justice eternally stands,

That sinners are snared in the work of their hands.

 

The wicked shall perish, the nations shall fall,

Forgetting their God, Who is God over all;

But God will remember the prayer of the weak,

Most surely fulfilling the hope of the meek.

 

Arise in Thy justice, O Lord, and Thy might,

No longer let sinners prevail in Thy sight;

Great Judge of the nations, in judgment appear

To humble the proud and to teach them Thy fear.

 

17.  Whole-Hearted Praise.  Psalm 9.  L.M.

O Lord Most High, with all my heart

Thy wondrous works I will proclaim;

I will be glad and give Thee thanks

And sing the praises of Thy Name.

 

The Lord, the everlasting King,

Is seated on His judgment throne;

The righteous judge of all the world

Will make His perfect justice known.

 

Jehovah will a refuge prove,

A refuge strong for all oppressed,

A safe retreat, where weary souls

In troublous times may surely rest.

 

All they, O Lord, that know Thy Name

Their confidence in Thee will place,

For Thou hast never forsaken them

Who earnestly have sought Thy face.

 

Sing praises to the Lord Most High,

To Him Who doth in Zion dwell,

Declare His mighty deeds abroad,

His deed among the nations tell.

 

18. Complaint Against the Wicked.  Psalm 10.  L.M.

Why standest Thou afar, O Lord,

Why art Thou hid in trouble's hour?

The wicked persecute the poor

In haughty pride and reckless power.

 

Let their devices work their fall,

For in their shame is all their pride;

And while they seek unrighteous gain

The Lord of justice is defied.

 

The wicked thinks, in foolish pride,

There is no God Who will repay;

He has no fear of God or man

Because God's judgments long delay.

 

Unmoved by fear of coming doom,

On fraud and wickedness intent,

With craft he lurks and waits to catch

The helpless and the innocent.

 

A lion crouching for his prey,

He waits the poor to overthrow;

He thinks that God remembers not,

Or hides His face and will not know.

 

Arise, O Lord, lift up Thy hand,

O God, protect the poor and meek;

Why should the proud Thy justice doubt,

And words of bold defiance speak?

 

O Lord, Thou wilt indeed requite,

The sin and sorrow Thou dost see;

The helpless and the fatherless

Commit themselves, O Lord, to Thee.

 

Break Thou the power of wicked men

And let their works no longer stand;

The Lord is King for evermore,

Who drove the nations from His land.

 

Lord, Thou hast heard the lowly prayer,

The fainting heart Thou wilt restore,

The helpless cause Thou wilt maintain,

That mortal man may boast no more.

 

19.  Prayer for the Oppressed.  Psalm 10.  S.M.

Why dost Thou stand afar,

O Lord, in our distress?

And why dost Thou conceal Thyself

When troublous times oppress?

 

Do Thou, O Lord, arise;

O God, lift up Thy hand;

Forget Thou not the suffering poor,

The humble in the land.

 

Their foes Thou dost behold,

Their wrongs Thou wilt repay;

The poor commit themselves to Thee,

Thou art the orphans' stay.

 

Thou, Lord, hast heard their prayer

When humble hearts drew nigh;

Thou also wilt revive their strength

And ever hear their cry.

 

Defend the fatherless

And all who are oppressed,

That they by human pride and power

May be no more distressed.

 

20. Unshaken Faith Amid Danger.  Psalm 11.  11s.

In God will I trust, though my counselors say,

O flee as a bird to your mountain away;

The wicked are strong and the righteous are weak,

Foundations are shaken, yet God will I seek.

 

The Lord in His temple shall ever abide;

His throne is eternal, whatever betide,

The children of men He beholds from on high,

The wicked to punish, the righteous to try.

 

The Lord is most righteous, the Lord loves the right,

The evil He hates and will surely requite.

The wicked His anger will drive from their place,

The upright in rapture shall gaze on His face.

 

21. Assurances for Evil Days.  Psalm 12.  C.P.M.

O Lord, be Thou my helper true,

For just and godly men are few;

The faithful who can find?

From truth and wisdom men depart,

With flattering lips and double heart

They speak their evil mind.

 

The lips that speak, the truth to hide,

The tongues of arrogance and pride,

That boastful words employ,

False-speaking tongues that boast their might,

That own no law, that know no right,

Jehovah will destroy.

 

Because the poor are sore oppressed,

Because the needy are distressed,

And bitter are their cries,

The Lord will be their helper strong;

To save them from contempt and wrong

Jehovah will arise.

 

Jehovah's promises are sure,

His words are true, His words are pure

As silver from the flame.

Though base men walk on every side,

His saints are safe, whate'er betide,

Protected by His Name.

 

22. Trust in the Mercy of God.  Psalm 13.  7s and 6s.

How long wilt Thou forget me,

O Lord, Thou God of grace?

How long shall fears beset me

While darkness hides Thy face?

How long shall griefs distress me

And turn my day to night?

How long shall foes oppress me

And triumph in their might?

 

O Lord my God, behold me,

And hear my earnest cries;

Lest sleep of death enfold me,

Enlighten Thou my eyes;

Lest now my foe insulting

Should boast of his success,

And enemies exulting

Rejoice in my distress.

 

But I with expectation

Have on Thy grace relied;

My heart in Thy salvation

Shall still with joy confide.

And I with voice of singing

Will praise the Lord above,

Who, richest bounties bringing,

Hast dealt with me in love.

 

23.  Human Corruption.  Psalm 14.  L.M.

The God Who sits enthroned on high

The foolish in their hearts deny;

Not one does good; corrupt in thought,

Unrighteous works their hands have wrought.

 

From heaven the Lord with searching eye

Looked down the sons of men to try,

To see if any understood

And sought for God, the only good.

 

From righteousness they all depart,

Corrupt are all, and vile in heart;

Yea, every man has evil done;

Not one does good, not even one.

 

Has knowledge with the wicked failed,

That they My people have assailed,

That they delight in works of shame,

And call not on Jehovah's Name?

 

Thy lowly servant they despise,

Because he on the Lord relies;

But they shall tremble yet in fear,

For to the righteous God is near.

 

O that from Zion His abode

Salvation were on us bestowed!

When God His exiles shall restore,

They shall in song His grace adore.

 

24.  Tests of Christian Character.  Psalm 15.  8s and 7s.

Who, O Lord, with Thee abiding,

In Thy house shall be Thy guest?

Who, his feet to Zion turning,

In Thy holy hill shall rest?

He that ever walks uprightly,

Does the right without a fear,

When he speaks, he speaks not lightly,

But with truth and love sincere.

 

He that slanders not his brother,

Does no evil to a friend;

To reproaches of another,

He refuses to attend.

Wicked men win not his favor,

But the good who fear the Lord;

From his vow he will not waver,

Though it bring him sad reward.

 

Freely to the needy lending,

No excess he asks again;

And the innocent befriending,

He desires not praise of men.

Doing this, and evil spurning,

He shall nevermore be moved:

This the man with Thee sojourning,

This the man by Thee approved.

 

25.  The Godly Man.  Psalm 15.  S.M.

Lord, who shall come to Thee,

And stand before Thy face?

Who shall abide, a welcome guest,

Within Thy holy place?

 

The man of upright life,

Sincere in word and deed,

Who slanders neither friend nor foe,

Nor idle tales will heed.

 

Who honors godly men,

But scorns the false and vile,

Who keeps his promised word to all,

Though loss be his the while.

 

Who loves not usury,

Nor takes a base reward;

Unmoved forever he shall be,

And stand before the Lord.

 

26. An Ideal Worshipper.  Psalm 15.  7s.

Who, O Lord, shall dwell with Thee

In the temple of Thy grace?

Who Thy constant guest shall be

In Thy high and holy place?

 

He who walks in righteousness,

All his actions just and clear;

He whose words the truth express,

Spoken from a heart sincere.

 

He to whom does not belong

Tongue of malice or deceit;

Who will not his neighbor wrong,

Nor a slanderous tale repeat.

 

Who the wicked man will spurn,

Honor those that fear the Lord;

Nor will from his promise turn

Though but loss be his reward.

 

Who no usury will claim,

Nor with bribes pollute his hand:

He who thus his life shall frame

Shall unmoved forever stand.

 

27. God the Highest Good.  Psalm 16.  C.M.

O God, preserve me, for in Thee

Alone my trust has stood;

My soul has said, Thou art my Lord,

My chief and only good.

 

I love Thy saints, who fear Thy Name

And walk as in Thy sight;

They are the excellent of earth,

In them is my delight.

 

Their sorrows shall be multiplied

Who worship aught but Thee;

I share not in their offerings,

Nor join their company.

 

The Lord is my inheritance,

The Lord alone remains

The fullness of my cup of bliss;

The Lord my lot maintains.

 

The lines are fallen unto me

In places large and fair;

A goodly heritage is mine,

Marked out with gracious care.

 

28.  Fellowship with God.  Psalm 16.  C.M.

When in the night I meditate

On mercies multiplied,

My grateful heart inspires my tongue

To bless the Lord, my Guide.

 

Forever in my thought the Lord

Before my face shall stand;

Secure, unmoved, I shall remain,

With Him at my right hand.

 

My inmost being thrills with joy

And gladness fills my breast;

Because on Him my trust is stayed,

My flesh in hope shall rest.

 

I know that I shall not be left

Forgotten in the grave,

And from corruption, Thou, O Lord,

Thy holy one wilt save.

 

The path of life Thou showest me;

Of joy a boundless store

Is ever found at Thy right hand,

And pleasures evermore.

 

29.  Immortality and Resurrection.  Psalm 16.  S.M.

To Thee, O Lord, I fly

And on Thy help depend;

Thou art my Lord and King Most High;

Do Thou my soul defend.

I praise the Lord above

Whose counsel guides aright;

My heart instructs me in His love

In seasons of the night.

 

I keep before me still

The Lord Whom I have proved;

At my right hand He guards from ill,

And I shall not be moved.

My heart is glad and blest,

My soul its joy shall tell;

And, lo, my flesh in hope shall rest,

And still in safety dwell.

 

My soul in death's dark pit

Shall not be left by Thee;

Corruption Thou wilt not permit

Thy holy one to see.

Life's pathway Thou wilt show,

To Thy right hand wilt guide,

Where streams of pleasure ever flow,

And boundless joys abide.

 

30. The Lord Our Inheritance.  Psalm 16.  S.M.

To Thee, O Lord, I fly

And on Thy help depend;

Thou art my Lord and King Most High;

Do Thou my soul defend.

A heritage for me

Jehovah will remain;

My portion rich and full is He,

My right He will maintain.

 

The lot to me that fell

Is beautiful and fair;

The heritage in which I dwell

Is good beyond compare.

I praise the Lord above

Whose counsel guides aright;

My heart instructs me in His love

In seasons of the night.

 

I keep before me still

The Lord Whom I have proved;

At my right hand He guards from ill,

And I shall not be moved.

Life's pathway Thou wilt show,

To Thy right hand wilt guide,

Where streams of pleasure ever flow,

And boundless joys abide.

 

31.  The Prayer of the Righteous.  Psalm 17.  C.H.M.

Lord, hear the right, regard my cry,

My prayer from lips sincere;

Send Thy approval from on high,

My righteousness make clear.

Thou in the night my heart hast tried,

Nor found it turned from Thee aside.

 

With steadfast courage I design

No wrong to speak or do;

Thy path of life I choose for mine

And walk with purpose true.

For help, O God, I cry to Thee,

Assured that Thou wilt answer me.

 

O Thou that ever savest those

Whose trust on Thee is stayed,

Preserving them from all their foes

By Thy almighty aid,

Let me Thy lovingkindness see,

Thy wondrous mercy, full and free.

 

O guard me well as one doth guard

The apple of the eye;

While deadly foes are pressing hard,

To Thee, to Thee I cry.

Do Thou my rest and refuge be,

O let Thy wings o'er-shadow me.

 

My enemy, grown strong in pride,

Would take my life away,

A lion lurking by my side,

Most greedy for his prey.

Confront and cast him down, O Lord,

From evil save me by Thy sword.

 

Defend me from the men of pride,

Whose portion is below,

Who, with life's treasures satisfied,

No better portion know;

They, with earth's joys and wealth content,

Must leave them all when life is spent.

 

When I in righteousness at last

Thy glorious face shall see,

When all the weary night is past,

And I awake with Thee

To view the glories that abide,

Then, then I shall be satisfied.

 

32. Our Need of Divine Help.  Psalm 17.  C.H.M.

Lord, hear the right, regard my cry,

My prayer from lips sincere;

Send Thy approval from on high,

My righteousness make clear.

Thou in the night my heart hast tried,

Nor found it turned from Thee aside.

 

With steadfast courage I design

No wrong to speak or do;

Thy path of life I choose for mine

And walk with purpose true.

For help, O God, I cry to Thee,

Assured that Thou wilt answer me.

 

O Thou that ever savest those

Whose trust on Thee is stayed,

Preserving them from all their foes

By Thy almighty aid,

Let me Thy lovingkindness see,

Thy wondrous mercy, full and free.

 

When I in righteousness at last

Thy glorious face shall see,

When all the weary night is past,

And I awake with Thee

To view the glories that abide,

Then, then I shall be satisfied.

 

33. Our Refuge in the Lord.  Psalm 17.  C.M.

Lord, hear the right, attend my cry,

And to my prayer give ear,

My prayer that riseth unto Thee

From heart and lips sincere.

 

I shunned the ways of wicked men,

For I Thy word obey;

Upon Thy paths my steps held fast,

My feet slipped not away.

 

On Thee, O God, again I call,

For Thou wilt answer me;

Incline Thy ear and hear the prayer

That I direct to Thee.

 

Thy wondrous lovingkindness show,

Thou Who by Thy right hand

Defendest those who trust in Thee

From all who them withstand.

 

Soon I in glorious righteousness

Shall see Thee as Thou art;

Thy likeness, Lord, when I awake

Shall satisfy my heart.

 

34.  God's Strength Our Protection.  Psalm 18.  L.M.

I love the Lord, His strength is mine;

He is my God, I trust His grace.

My fortress high, my shield divine,

My Saviour and my hidingplace.

 

My prayer to God shall still be raised

When troubles thick around me close;

The Lord, most worthy to be praised,

Will rescue me from all my foes.

 

When, floods of evil raging near,

Down nigh to death my soul was brought,

I cried to God in all my fear;

He heard and great deliverance wrought.

 

He came: the earth's foundations quake,

The hills are shaken from their place,

Thick smoke and fire devouring break

In anger dread before His face.

 

Descending through the bending skies,

With gloom and darkness under Him,

Forth through the storm Jehovah flies

As on the wings of cherubim.

 

Thick darkness hides Him from the view,

And swelling clouds His presence veil,

Until His glorious light breaks through

In lightning flash and glistening hail.

 

Jehovah's thunders fill the heaven,

The dreadful voice of God Most High;

With shafts of light the clouds are riven,

His foes, dismayed, in terror fly.

 

The raging torrents overflow,

And sweep the world's foundations bare,

Because Thy blasts of anger blow,

O Lord of earth and sea and air.

 

He took me from the whelming waves

Of bitter hate and sore distress;

The Lord, my stay and helper, saves,

Though mighty foes around me press.

 

From direful straits He set me free,

He saved the man of His delight;

For good the Lord rewarded me,

Because I kept His ways aright.

 

35.  Holiness and Divine Favor.  Psalm 18.  L.M.

Since with my God with perfect heart

I walk and make His word my guide,

And from iniquity depart,

The Lord His blessing will provide.

 

The merciful shall know Thy grace,

The perfect Thy perfection see,

The pure shall see Thy own pure face,

The froward find a foe in Thee.

 

To smite the proud and bring them low,

To save the poor is Thy delight.

The Lord will cause my lamp to glow,

My God will make my darkness light.

 

From God the victory I receive;

Most perfect is His holy way;

His word is tried, they who believe

Will find the Lord their shield and stay.

 

For who is God, and strong to save,

Beside the Lord, our God of might?

'Tis He that makes me strong and brave,

The Lord Who guides my steps aright.

 

Thy free salvation is my shield,

My sure defense in every strait;

Thy hand upholds me, lest I yield;

Thy gentleness has make me great.

 

36. Our Source of Strength.  Psalm 18.  L.M.

As Thou, O Lord, hast made me strong

To overcome my mighty foe,

So now to fight against the wrong

And conquer in Thy Name I go.

 

From strife Thou wilt deliver me,

And make the nations own my sway;

Strange peoples, when my power they see,

Shall come with trembling and obey.

 

Jehovah lives, and blest is He,

My rock, my refuge and defense,

My Saviour Who delivers me,

And will the wicked recompense.

 

For grace and mercy ever near,

For foes subdued and victories won,

All nations of the earth shall hear

My praise for what the Lord has done.

 

To David, His anointed king,

And to his sons upon his throne,

The Lord will great salvation bring

And ever make His mercy known.

 

37.  Nature's Tribute to God.  Psalm 19.  H.M.

The spacious heavens declare

The glory of our God,

The firmament displays

His handiwork abroad;

Day unto day proclaims His might,

And night His wisdom tells to night.

 

Aloud they do not speak,

They utter forth no word,

Nor into language break,

Their voice is never heard;

Yet through the world the truth they bear

And their Creator's power declare.

 

The clouds of heaven are spread,

A tent to hold the sun,

And like a bridegroom fair

Comes forth the mighty one,

Rejoicing in his strength and grace

To run his wondrous daily race.

 

His daily going forth

Is from the end of heaven;

The firmament to him

Is for his circuit given;

His journey reaches to its ends,

And everywhere his heat extends.

 

38.  The Perfect Law of God.  Psalm 19.  H.M.

Jehovah's perfect law

Restores the soul again;

His testimony sure

Gives wisdom unto men;

The precepts of the Lord are right,

And fill the heart with great delight.

 

The Lord's commands are pure,

They light and joy restore;

Jehovah's fear is clean,

Enduring evermore;

His statutes, let the world confess,

Are wholly truth and righteousness.

 

They are to be desired

Above the finest gold;

Than honey from the comb

More sweetness far they hold;

With warning they Thy servant guard,

In keeping them is great reward.

 

His errors who can know?

Cleanse me from hidden stain;

Keep me from willful sins,

Nor let them o'er me reign;

And then I upright shall appear

And be from great transgressions clear.

 

When Thou dost search my life,

May all my thoughts within

And all the words I speak

Thy full approval win.

O Lord, Thou art a rock to me,

And my Redeemer Thou shalt be.

 

39.  The Witness of Nature to God.  Psalm 19.  8s.

The heavens in their splendor declare

The might and the glory of God;

For day unto day speaks His praise,

And night tells His wisdom abroad.

 

They speak not with audible word,

Yet clear is the message they send;

Their witness goes out through the earth,

Their word to the world's farthest end.

 

Forsaking his tent in the sky,

Arrayed as a bridegroom, the sun

Comes forth in his glorious strength,

Rejoicing his circuit to run.

 

He tells through the length of the heavens

His Maker's great wisdom and might,

And nothing in all of the earth

Is hid from his heat and his light.

 

40.  The Divine Law.  Psalm 19.  8s.

The law that the Lord has ordained

Is perfect, the soul to restore;

His truth makes the simple most wise,

The truth that is sure evermore.

 

His precepts are righteous and just,

Rejoicing the heart and the mind;

And all His commandments are pure,

Enlightening the eyes of the blind.

 

The fear of the Lord is most clean,

Forever unmoved it has stood;

His judgments are perfectly true,

In all things most righteous and good.

 

Such treasure no gold can supply,

Such sweetness no honey afford;

Their warnings none heed and obey,

But find most abundant reward.

 

O who can his errors discern?

From hidden faults, Lord, keep me free;

Let pride never reign in my heart,

And clear of great sin I shall be.

 

I pray that my words and my thoughts

May all with Thy precepts accord,

And ever be pleasing to Thee,

My rock, my Redeemer, my Lord.

 

41.  The Value of Holy Scripture.  Psalm 19.  C.M.

Most perfect is the law of God,

Restoring those that stray;

His testimony is most sure,

Proclaiming wisdom's way.

 

The precepts of the Lord are right;

With joy they fill the heart;

The Lord's commandments all are pure,

And clearest light impart.

 

The fear of God is undefiled

And ever shall endure;

The statutes of the Lord are truth

And righteousness most pure.

 

They warn from ways of wickedness

Displeasing to the Lord,

And in the keeping of His word

There is a great reward.

 

What man can know his evil heart,

Discerning all his sin?

O cleanse me, Lord, from hidden faults,

And make me pure within.

 

From willful sins Thy servant keep,

No vantage let them gain;

From great transgression thus make free,

I upright shall remain.

 

The words which from my mouth proceed,

The thoughts within my heart,

Accept, O Lord, for Thou my Rock

And my Redeemer art.

 

42.  Love for God's Word.  Psalm 19.  C.M.

Most perfect is the law of God,

Restoring those that stray;

His testimony is most sure,

Proclaiming wisdom's way.

 

Chorus:

O how love I Thy law!

O how love I Thy law!

It is my meditation all the day.

 

The precepts of the Lord are right;

With joy they fill the heart;

The Lord's commandments all are pure,

And clearest light impart.

 

The fear of God is undefiled

And ever shall endure;

The statutes of the Lord are truth

And righteousness most pure.

 

They warn from ways of wickedness

Displeasing to the Lord,

And in the keeping of His word

There is a great reward.

 

43.  Mutual Intercession.  Psalm 20.  L.M.

Jehovah hear thee in thy grief,

Our fathers' God defend thee still,

Send from His holy place relief,

And strengthen thee from Zion's hill.

 

Thy sacrifice may He regard,

And all thy offerings bear in mind;

Thy heart's desire to thee accord,

Fulfilling all thou hast designed.

 

In thy salvation we rejoice,

And in God's Name our banners raise;

Jehovah hearken to thy voice,

Fulfill thy prayers through all thy days.

 

Salvation will the Lord command,

And His anointed will defend;

Yea, with the strength of His right hand

From heaven He will an answer send.

 

How vain their every confidence

Who on mere human help rely;

But we remember for defense

The Name of God, the Lord Most High.

 

Now we arise and upright stand,

While they, subdued and helpless, fall;

Jehovah, save us by Thy hand,

The King give answer when we call.

 

44.  The Safeguards of Prayer.  Psalm 20.  C.M.

Jehovah hear thee in the day

When trouble He doth send;

And let our covenant-keeping God

From every ill defend.

 

O let Him send His help to thee

Forth from His holy place;

Let Him from Zion, His own hill,

Sustain thee by His grace.

 

May He remember all thy gifts.

Accept thy sacrifice,

And, granting thee thy heart's desire

Fulfill thy counsels wise.

 

In thy salvation we will joy;

When thou to God dost pray,

May He give answer, in Whose Name

Our banners we display.

 

45.  Jesus Crowned and Triumphant.  Psalm 21.  12s and 9s.

Now the King in Thy strength shall be joyful, O Lord,

Thy salvation shall make him rejoice;

For the wish of His heart Thou didst freely accord,

The request of His suppliant voice.

 

All the blessings of goodness Thou freely didst give;

With the purest of gold He is crowned;

When He asked of Thee life Thou hast made Him to live

While the ages shall circle around.

 

Through salvation from Thee hath His fame spread abroad,

Thou didst glory and honor impart;

Thou hast made Him most blessed forever, O God,

And Thy presence hath gladdened His heart.

 

For the King in the strength of Jehovah Most High

Did unwavering confidence place;

On the Name of Jehovah he still will rely,

And shall stand evermore in His grace.

 

By the hand of Thy might and Thy honor destroyed,

All Thy foes and their offspring shall fail;

By the evil they planned and the craft they employed

They shall never against Thee prevail.

 

Thou wilt speedily make them turn backward in flight,

When Thy arrows are aimed to destroy.

O Jehovah, be Thou far exalted in might,

And Thy power shall our praises employ.

 

46.  The Coronation of Jesus Christ.  Psalm 21.  L.M.

The King rejoiceth in Thy strength,

In Thy salvation, Lord Most High,

For Thou hast filled His heart's desire

His prayer Thy love doth not deny.

 

A kingly crown Thou givest Him,

Thy blessings meet Him on His ways;

He asked for life, and unto Him

Thou gavest endless length of days.

 

With majesty and honor crowned,

How great His glory in Thy grace!

Forever blest, Thou makest Him

With joy to live before Thy face.

 

The King doth in Jehovah trust,

His lovingkindness He hath proved;

Confiding in the Lord Most High

He standeth evermore unmoved.

 

47.  The Cross of Calvary.  Psalm 22.  L.M.

My God, my God, I cry to Thee;

O why hast Thou forsaken me?

Afar from Me, Thou dost not heed,

Though day and night for help I plead.

 

But Thou art holy in Thy ways,

Enthroned upon Thy people's praise;

Our fathers put their trust in Thee,

Believed, and Thou didst set them free.

 

They cried, and, trusting in Thy Name,

Were saved, and were not put to shame.

But in the dust My honor lies,

While all reproach and all despise.

 

My words a cause for scorn they make,

The lip they curl, the head they shake,

And, mocking, bid me trust the Lord

Till He salvation shall afford.

 

My trust on Thee I learned to rest

When I was on My mother's breast;

From birth Thou art my God alone,

Thy care My life has ever known.

 

O let Thy strength and presence cheer,

For trouble and distress are near;

Be Thou not far away from Me,

I have no source of help but Thee.

 

Unnumbered foes would do Me wrong,

They press about Me, fierce and strong,

Like beasts of prey their rage they vent,

My courage fails, My strength is spent.

 

Down unto death Thou leadest Me,

Consumed by thirst and agony;

With cruel hate and anger fierce

My helpless hands and feet they pierce.

 

While on My wasted form they stare,

The garments torn from Me they share,

My shame and sorrow heeding not,

And for My robe they cast the lot.

 

O Lord, afar no longer stay;

O Thou my helper, haste, I pray;

From death and evil set Me free;

I live, for Thou didst answer Me.

 

I live and will declare Thy fame

Where brethren gather in Thy Name;

Where all Thy faithful people meet,

I will Thy worthy praise repeat.

 

48.  A Call to Praise.  Psalm 22.  L.M.

All ye that fear Jehovah's Name,

His glory tell, His praise proclaim;

Ye children of His chosen race,

Stand ye in awe before His face.

 

The suffering one He has not spurned

Who unto Him for succor turned;

From him He has not hid His face,

But answered his request in grace.

 

O Lord, Thy goodness makes me raise

Amid Thy people songs of praise;

Before all them that fear Thee, now

I worship Thee and pay my vow.

 

For all the meek Thou wilt provide,

They shall be fed and satisfied;

All they that seek the Lord shall live

And neverending praises give.

 

The ends of all the earth shall hear

And turn unto the Lord in fear;

All kindreds of the earth shall own

And worship Him as God alone.

 

For His the kingdom, His of right,

He rules the nations by His might;

All earth to Him her homage brings,

The Lord of lords, the King of kings.

 

Both rich and poor, both bond and free,

Shall worship Him with bended knee,

And children's children shall proclaim

The glorious honor of His Name.

 

The Lord's unfailing righteousness

All generations shall confess,

From age to age shall men be taught

What wondrous works the Lord has wrought.

 

49.  The Triumphs of the Gospel.  Psalm 22.  L.M.

The ends of all the earth shall hear

And turn unto the Lord in fear;

All kindreds of the earth shall own

And worship Him as God alone.

 

Chorus:

All earth to Him her homage brings,

The Lord of lords, the King of kings.

 

For His the kingdom, His of right,

He rules the nations by His might;

All earth to Him her homage brings,

The Lord of lords, the King of kings.

 

Both rich and poor, both bond and free,

Shall worship Him with bended knee,

And children's children shall proclaim

The glorious honor of His Name.

 

50.  The Dominion of Jesus Christ.  Psalm 22.  7s and 6s.

Come ye that fear Jehovah,

Ye saints, your voices raise;

Come, stand in awe before Him,

And sing His glorious praise.

Ye lowly and afflicted

Who on His word rely,

Your heart shall live forever,

The Lord will satisfy.

 

All kindreds of the nations

To Christ the Lord shall turn,

Through earth's remotest regions

His altar-fires shall burn.

All kingdom, power, and glory

Belong to Him alone;

He ruleth o'er the nations,

Kings bow before His throne.

 

Both high and low shall worship,

Both strong and weak shall bend,

A faithful Church shall serve Him

Till generations end.

His praise shall be recounted

To nations yet to be,

The triumphs of His justice

A newborn world shall see.

 

51.  Witness-Bearing and Grateful Praise.  Psalm 22.  C.M.

Amid the thronging worshippers

Jehovah will I bless;

Before my brethren gathered there,

His Name will I confess.

Come, praise Him, ye that fear the Lord,

Ye children of His grace;

With reverence sound His glories forth

And bow before His face.

 

The burden of the sorrowful

The Lord will not despise;

He has not turned from those that mourn,

He hearkens to their cries.

His goodness makes me join the throng

Where saints His praise proclaim,

And there will I fulfill my vows

'Mid those who fear His Name.

 

He feeds with good the humble soul

And satisfies the meek,

And they shall live and praise the Lord

Who for His mercy seek.

The ends of all the earth take thought,

The nations seek the Lord;

They worship Him, the King of kings,

In earth and heaven adored.

 

52.  The Guardian Care of God.  Psalm 23.  8s, 7s, 4.

Thou, Jehovah, art my Shepherd,

Therefore I no want shall know;

In green pastures Thou dost rest me,

Leadest where still waters flow,

And, when fainting,

Sweet refreshment dost bestow.

 

For Thy Name's sake Thou dost guide me

In the paths of righteousness;

Though I walk the vale of shadows,

Fears no more my soul oppress;

Thou art with me,

With Thy rod and staff to bless.

 

Thou preparest me a table

In the presence of the foe;

Thou my head with oil anointest,

Yea, my cup doth overflow.

O my Saviour,

Having Thee, no want I know.

 

Surely grace and lovingkindness

Shall forever follow me,

Till, my days of life all ended,

Evermore my home shall be,

O Jehovah,

In Thy holy house with Thee.

 

53.  The Lord Our Shepherd.  Psalm 23.  C.M.

The Lord's my Shepherd, I'll not want;

He makes me down to lie

In pastures green; He leadeth me

The quiet waters by.

 

My soul He doth restore again,

And me to walk doth make

Within the paths of righteousness,

E'en for His own Name's sake.

 

Yea, though I walk through death's dark vale,

Yet will I fear no ill,

For Thou art with me, and Thy rod

And staff me comfort still.

 

A table Thou hast furnished me

In presence of my foes;

My head Thou dost with oil anoint,

And my cup overflows.

 

Goodness and mercy all my life

Shall surely follow me,

And in God's house forevermore

My dwellingplace shall be.

 

54.  Jesus Our Shepherd.  Psalm 23.  C.M.

My faithful Shepherd is the Lord,

Supplying all my needs;

In pastures green He makes me rest,

By quiet waters leads.

 

He tenderly restores my soul

When I am in distress,

And for His Name's sake guides my feet

In paths of righteousness.

 

Through death's dark valley though I walk,

No evil will I fear;

Thy rod and staff will comfort me,

For Thou art ever near.

 

A table dost Thou spread for me

In presence of my foes;

Thou hast anointed me with oil,

My cup of joy o'erflows.

 

Through life Thy goodness and Thy grace

Shall daily follow me;

And I, within Thy house, O Lord,

Shall ever dwell with Thee.

 

55.  The Good Shepherd.  Psalm 23.  7s and 6s.

The Lord my Shepherd holds me

Within His tender care,

And with His flock He folds me,

No want shall find me there.

In pastures green He feeds me,

With plenty I am blest;

By quiet streams He leads me

And makes me safely rest.

 

Whatever ill betides me,

He will restore and bless;

For His Name's sake He guides me

In paths of righteousness.

Thy rod and staff shall cheer me

In death's dark vale and shade,

For Thou wilt then be near me:

I shall not be afraid.

 

My food Thou dost appoint me,

Supplied before my foes;

With oil Thou dost anoint me,

My cup of bliss o'erflows.

Thy goodness, Lord, shall guide me,

Thy mercy cheer my way;

A home Thou wilt provide me

Within Thy house for aye.

 

56.  The Saviour's Constant Presence.  Psalm 23.  10s and 4s.

My Shepherd is the Lord Who know my needs,

And I am blest;

By quiet streams, in pastures green, He leads

And makes me rest.

My soul He saves and for His own Name's sake

He guides my feet the paths of right to take.

 

Though in death's vale and shadow be my way

I fear no ill,

For Thou art near, Thy rod and staff my stay

And comfort still.

My table Thou dost spread before my foes,

My head Thou dost anoint, my cup o'erflows.

 

The goodness and the mercy that have aye

Upon me shone

Shall surely follow me through all the way

Till life is done;

And evermore Jehovah's house shall be

My dwelling place through all eternity.

 

57. Conditions of Approach to God.  Psalm 24.  11s.

The earth and the fullness with which it is stored,

The world and its dwellers belong to the Lord;

For He on the seas its foundations has laid,

And firm on the waters its pillars has stayed.

 

What man shall the hill of Jehovah ascend,

And who in the place of His presence attend?

The man of pure heart, and of hands without stain,

Who swears not to falsehood nor loves what is vain.

 

That man ever blest of Jehovah shall live,

The God of salvation shall righteousness give;

For this is the people, yea, this is the race,

The Israel true that are seeking His face.

 

58. The Triumphal Ascension of Christ.  Psalm 24.  11s.

Ye gates, lift your heads, the glad summons obey,

Ye doors everlasting, wide open the way;

The King of all glory high honors await,

The King of all glory shall enter in state.

 

What King of all glory is this that ye sing?

The Lord, strong and mighty, the conquering King.

Ye gates, lift your heads, and His summons obey,

Ye doors everlasting, wide open the way.

 

The King of all glory high honors await,

The King of all glory shall enter in state.

What King of all glory is this that ye sing?

Jehovah of Hosts, He of glory is King.

 

59.  The Divine King and the Worshiper.  Psalm 24.  C.M.

The earth, with all that dwell therein,

With all its wealth untold,

Belongs to God Who founded it

Upon the seas of old.

 

What man shall stand before the Lord

On Zion's holy hill?

The clean of hand, the pure of heart,

The just who do His will.

 

Lo, such are they that seek for God,

And blest by Him they live;

To them His perfect righteousness

The God of grace will give.

 

Ye everlasting doors, give way,

Lift up your heads, ye gates!

For now, behold, to enter in

The King of glory waits.

 

Who is this glorious King that comes

To claim His sovereign right?

It is the Lord omnipotent,

All-conquering in His might.

 

Ye everlasting doors, give way,

Lift up your heads, ye gates!

For now, behold, to enter in

The King of glory waits.

 

Who is this glorious King that comes

To claim His rightful throne?

The Lord of Hosts, He is the King

Of glory, God alone.

 

60. Prayer for Defense and Guidance.  Psalm 25.  S.M.

To Thee I lift my soul,

In Thee my trust repose;

My God, O put me not to shame

Before triumphant foes.

 

None shall be put to shame

That humbly wait for Thee,

But those that willfully transgress,

On them the shame shall be.

 

Show me Thy paths, O Lord,

Teach me Thy perfect way,

O guide me in Thy truth divine,

And lead me day by day.

 

For Thou art God that dost

To me salvation send,

And patiently through all the day

Upon Thee I attend.

 

Recall Thy mercies, Lord,

Their tenderness untold,

And all Thy lovingkindnesses,

For they have been of old.

 

61.  The Sins of Youth.  Psalm 25.  S.M.

My sins and faults of youth,

Let them forgotten be,

And for Thy tender mercies' sake,

O Lord, remember me.

 

The Lord is just and good,

Instructing those that stray;

The meek He will in judgment guide

And make them know His way.

 

The pathways of the Lord

Are truth and mercy sure

To such as keep His covenant

And testimonies pure.

 

For Thy Name's sake, O Lord,

With Thee I humbly plead

To pardon my iniquity,

For it is great indeed.

 

62.  The Friendship of the Lord.  Psalm 25.  S.M.

The man that fears the Lord

God's ways shall understand;

His soul shall ever dwell at ease,

His children rule the land.

 

The friendship of the Lord

Is ever with His own,

And unto those that fear His name

His faithfulness is shown.

 

My eyes are evermore

Toward Thee, O Lord, Whose care

Shall surely save my heedless feet

From every hidden snare.

 

O turn to me Thy face,

To me Thy mercy show,

For I am very desolate

And brought exceeding low.

 

63. Forgiveness and Deliverance.  Psalm 25.  S.M.

My griefs of heart abound,

Relieve my sore distress.

See my affliction and my pain,

Forgive my sinfulness.

 

Consider Thou my foes,

So many and so bold.

For cruel is the hatred, Lord,

Which they against me hold.

 

Defend and keep my soul,

From foes deliver me,

And let me not be brought to shame:

I put my trust in Thee.

 

Be truth and right my shield,

Because I wait for Thee;

Thy Church, O God, do Thou redeem

From all adversity.

 

64.  Spiritual Aspirations.  Psalm 25.  7s.

Lord, I lift my soul to Thee,

O my God, I trust Thy might;

Let not foes exalt o'er me,

Shame me not before their sight.

Yea, may none be put to shame,

None who wait for Thee to bless;

But dishonored be their name

Who without a cause transgress.

 

Lord, to me Thy ways make known,

Guide in truth and teach Thou me;

Thou my Saviour art alone,

All the day I wait for Thee.

Lord, remember in Thy love

All Thy mercies manifold,

Tender mercies from above,

Changeless from the days of old.

 

Sins of youth remember not,

Nor my trespasses record;

Let not mercy be forgot,

For Thy goodness' sake, O Lord.

Just and good the Lord abides,

He His way will sinners show,

He the meek in justice guides,

Making them His way to know.

 

65. The Blessings of the God-Fearing.  Psalm 25.  7s.

68.  The Paths of the Lord.  Psalm 25.  7s.

Grace and truth shall mark the way

Where the Lord His own will lead,

If His word they still obey

And His testimonies heed.

 

For Thy Name's sake hear Thou me,

For Thy mercy, Lord, I wait;

Pardon my iniquity,

For my sin is very great.

 

He who walks in godly fear

In the path of truth shall go;

Peace shall be his portion here,

And his sons all good shall know.

 

They that fear and love the Lord

Shall Jehovah's friendship know;

He will grace to them accord,

And His faithful covenant show.

 

66. The Look of Faith.  Psalm 25.  7s.

Ever are my longing eyes

Toward the Lord, Whose watchful care,

When my foes their plots devise,

Keep my feet from every snare.

 

Turn to me, Thy grace impart,

I am desolate indeed;

Great the troubles of my heart;

Save Thou me, O Lord, I plead.

 

Look on my afflicted state,

Freely all my sins forgive,

Mark my foes, their cruel hate,

Keep my soul and let me live.

 

Shame me not, I hide in Thee;

Truth and right preserve me still;

Let, O God, Thy people be

Now redeemed from every ill.

 

67. Aspiration and Supplication.  Psalm 25.  7s.

Lord, to me Thy ways make known,

Guide in truth and teach Thou me;

Thou my Saviour art alone,

All the day I wait for Thee.

 

Lord, remember in Thy love

All Thy mercies manifold,

Tender mercies from above,

Changeless from the days of old.

 

Sins of youth remember not,

Nor my trespasses record;

Let not mercy be forgot,

For Thy goodness' sake, O Lord.

 

Just and good the Lord abides,

He His way will sinners show,

He the meek in justice guides,

Making them His way to know.

 

Grace and truth shall mark the way

Where the Lord His own will lead,

If His word they still obey

And his testimonies heed.

 

68.  The Paths of the Lord.  Psalm 25.  7s.

See Psalter 65, verses 1-4.

 

69. The Petition of a Good Conscience.  Psalm 26.  C.M.

Be Thou my judge, O righteous Lord,

Try Thou my inmost heart;

I walk with steadfast trust in Thee,

Nor from Thy ways depart.

 

O search me, Lord, and prove me now;

Thy mercy I adore;

I choose Thy truth to be my guide,

And sinful ways abhor.

 

My hands I wash in innocence

And seek Thy altar, Lord,

That there I may with thankful voice

Thy wondrous works record.

 

The habitation of Thy house

Is ever my delight;

The place where dwells Thy glory, Lord,

Is lovely in my sight.

 

Let not the judgment fall on me

For evil men decreed,

For cruel men and violent,

Inspired by bribes and greed.

 

But I in my integrity

Will humbly walk with Thee;

O my Redeemer and my Lord,

Be merciful to me.

 

Redeemed by Thee, I stand secure

In peace and happiness;

And in the Church, among Thy saints,

Jehovah I will bless.

 

70. Integrity of Character.  Psalm 26.  S.M.

Judge my integrity,

The righteous judge Thou art;

Prove me, O Lord, examine me,

And try my inmost heart.

 

Thy mercy and Thy grace

I love to contemplate;

Thy paths of truth my footsteps trace,

And wicked men I hate.

 

Clean hands, O Lord, I raise

As I Thy altars seek,

Where I may sing in grateful praise,

And of Thy wonders speak.

 

O Lord, Thy house I love,

Where glory dwells within;

O keep my heart secure above

All fellowship with sin.

 

Redeeming love and grace

Bestow, O Lord, on me;

Among Thy saints how blest my place,

Forever praising Thee.

 

71. The Fearlessness of Faith.  Psalm 27.  H.M.

Jehovah is my light,

And my salvation near;

Who shall my soul affright,

Or cause my heart to fear?

While God my strength, my life sustains,

Secure from fear my soul remains.

 

When evildoers came

To make my life their prey,

They stumbled in their shame

And fell in sore dismay;

Though hosts make war on every side,

Still fearless I in God confide.

 

My one request has been,

And still this prayer I raise,

That I may dwell within

God's house through all my days,

Jehovah's beauty to admire,

And in His temple to inquire.

 

When troubles round me swell,

When fears and dangers throng,

Securely I will dwell

In His pavilion strong;

Within the covert of His tent

He hides me till the storm is spent.

 

Uplifted on a rock

Above my foes around,

Amid the battle shock

My song shall still resound;

Then joyful offerings I will bring,

Jehovah's praise my heart shall sing.

 

72. Entreaty and Hopeful Trust.  Psalm 27.  H.M.

Lord, hear me when I pray,

And answer me in grace;

Oft as I hear Thee say,

Come ye and seek My face,

My heart and lips their answer speak,

Thy face, Jehovah, will I seek.

 

Hide not Thy face from me,

In wrath turn not away,

My help and Saviour be,

Forsake me not, I pray;

Should father, mother, friends forsake,

The Lord on me will pity take.

 

Teach me, O Lord, Thy way,

Make plain to me my path;

Because of foes, I pray,

Protect me from their wrath;

To false accusers, cruel foes,

O Lord, do not my soul expose.

 

Fainthearted would I be,

Didst Thou not promise, Lord,

I shall Thy goodness see

While Thou dost life accord.

Wait on the Lord, nor faint, nor fear,

Yea, trust and wait, the Lord is near.

 

73.  The Confidence of Faith.  Psalm 27.  8s and 6.

The Lord Almighty is my light,

He is my Saviour ever near,

And, since my strength is in His might

Who can distress me or affright?

What evil shall I fear?

 

O Lord, regard me when I cry,

In mercy hear me when I speak;

Thou bidst me seek Thy face, and I,

O Lord, with willing heart reply,

Thy face, Lord, will I seek.

 

Hide not Thy face afar from me,

For Thou alone canst help afford;

O cast me not away from Thee

Nor let my soul forsaken be,

My Saviour and my Lord.

 

Though earthly friends no pity take,

Yet Thy compassion knows no end;

E'en though my father shall forsake,

E'en though my mother's love shall break,

The Lord will be my friend.

 

My heart had failed in fear and woe

Unless in God I had believed,

Assured that He would mercy show

And that my life His grace should know,

Nor was my hope deceived.

 

Fear not, though succor be delayed.

Still wait for God, and He will hear;

Be strong, nor be thy heart dismayed,

Wait, and the Lord shall bring thee aid,

Yea, trust and never fear.

 

74. Desire After God.  Psalm 27.  C.M.

O Lord, give ear when with my voice

I cry aloud to Thee;

Have mercy also, I entreat,

Give answer unto me.

 

When Thou didst say, Seek ye my face,

My answering heart replied,

Thy face, Jehovah, will I seek

Above all else beside.

 

Hide not Thy face, nor in Thy wrath

Thy servant put away;

Thou hast a helper been to me

In every troublous day.

 

O God, my Saviour, leave me not;

Though parents should forsake,

The Lord, within His arms of love,

His child will surely take.

 

75.  Invocation and Confident Petition.  Psalm 28.  S.M.

O Lord, to Thee I cry;

Thou art my rock and trust;

O be not silent, lest I die

And slumber in the dust.

 

O hear me when in prayer

Thy favor I entreat;

Hear, while I lift imploring hands

Before Thy mercy seat.

 

O let me have no part

With those that hate the right;

For as their works, so their reward:

Jehovah will requite.

 

But blessed be the Lord

Who hearkens when I cry;

The Lord, my strength, my help, my shield,

On Him will I rely.

 

His help makes glad my heart,

And songs of praise I sing;

Jehovah is His people's strength,

The stronghold of their king.

 

Bless Thy inheritance,

Our Saviour be, I pray;

Supply Thou all Thy people's need,

And be their constant stay.

 

76. Divine Power in Manifestation.  Psalm 29.  12s and 11s.

Now unto Jehovah, ye sons of the mighty,

All glory and strength and dominion accord;

Ascribe to Him glory, and render Him honor,

In beauty of holiness worship the Lord.

 

The voice of Jehovah, the God of all glory,

Rolls over the waters, the thunders awake;

The voice of Jehovah, majestic and mighty,

Is heard, and the cedars of Lebanon break.

 

His voice makes the mountains and deserts to tremble,

Wild beasts are affrighted, the forests laid bare,

And through all creation, His wonderful temple,

All things He has fashioned His glory declare.

 

The Lord ruled in might at the flood of great waters,

A King Whose dominion is never to cease;

The Lord will give blessing and strength to His people,

The Lord all His people will comfort with peace.

 

77. Commemoration and Praise.  Psalm 30.  7s and 6s.

O Lord, by Thee delivered,

I Thee with songs extol;

My foes Thou hast not suffered

To glory o'er my fall.

O Lord, my God, I sought Thee,

And Thou didst heal and save;

Thou, Lord, from death didst ransom

And keep me from the grave.

 

His holy name remember,

Ye saints, Jehovah praise;

His anger lasts a moment,

His favor all our days;

For sorrow, like a pilgrim,

May tarry for a night,

But joy the heart will gladden

When dawns the morning light.

 

In prosperous days I boasted,

Unmoved I shall remain,

For, Lord, by Thy good favor

My cause Thou didst maintain.

I soon was sorely troubled,

For Thou didst hide Thy face;

I cried to Thee, Jehovah,

I sought Jehovah's grace.

 

What profit if I perish,

If life Thou dost not spare?

Shall dust repeat Thy praises,

Shall it Thy truth declare?

O Lord, on me have mercy,

And my petition hear;

That Thou mayst be my helper,

In mercy, Lord, appear.

 

My grief is turned to gladness,

To Thee my thanks I raise,

Who hast removed my sorrow

And girded me with praise;

And now, no longer silent,

My heart Thy praise will sing;

O Lord, my God, forever

My thanks to Thee I bring.

 

78.  Grateful Praise.  Psalm 30.  H.M.

Lord, I will praise Thy Name,

For Thou hast set me free,

Nor suffered foes to claim

A triumph over me.

O Lord, my God, to Thee I cried

And Thou hast health and strength supplied.

 

Thou hast my soul restored

When I was near the grave,

And from the depths, O Lord,

Thou graciously didst save;

O ye His saints, sing to the Lord,