A favorite Psalm

Psalm 18

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day pours out the word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge;
nor a word nor a discourse whose voice is not is not heard;
through all the earth their voice resounds, and to the ends of the world, their message.

He has pitched a tent there for the sun, which comes forth like the groom from his bridal chamber and, like a giant, joyfully runs its course. At one end of the heavens it comes forth, and its course is to their other end; nothing escapes its heat.

The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul; the decree of the Lord is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the command of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eye; the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are all true, all of them just; they are more precious than gold, than a heap of purest gold; sweeter also than syrup or honey from the comb.

Though your servant is careful of them, very diligent in keeping them, yet who can detect failings? Cleanse me from unknown faults! From wanton sin especially, restrain your servant; let it not rule over me. Then shall I be blameless and innocent of serious sin. Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart find favor before you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.


(For the leader. A psalm of David.)