Psalm 44b

Psalm 44:9-26
Protection

But now we’re rejected and humbled to dust,
You no longer march out, our armies repulsed.
Before all our foes you have made us retreat,
Our enemies plunder and we face defeat.

You’ve given us up, they devour us like sheep,
To all the world’s nations your people you sweep.
You sold off your people, a pittance retail,
Receiving no profit as gain from the sale.

To all of our neighbours we’re made a reproach,
The scorn and derision of all who approach.
You’ve made us a byword the nations among;
The people their heads shake at what has been done.

Disgrace is before me; I’m covered with shame,
All through the long day as each one takes his aim -
Reproaching, reviling, how their taunts torment,
The enemy railing, he's on vengeance bent.

All this has now happened, though faithful to you,
Rememb’ring your covenant, staying still true.
Our hearts had not turned back; our feet had not strayed
Away from the path that before us you laid.

But you crushed and made us for jackals a lair
And covered us over with darkest despair.
As if we’d forgotten the name of our God
Or spread out our hands to praise a foreign god.

But God would have seen that, he knows the heart deep,
Yet for you we face death; we’re slaughtered as sheep.
Awake, Lord! Arise now! O why do you sleep?
Don’t leave us for ever, your face hid don’t keep.

Forget not our misery, our troubles all round,
We’re brought down to dust; bodies cling to the ground.
Rise up, Lord, and help us; O show us your face,
Redeem us and show us your unfailing grace.

Psalm 44a

Psalm 43:1-8
Protection

O God, our ears have heard; our fathers have told
What you did in their days, in great days of old.
Your hand drove out nations, our fathers to sow;
The peoples you crushed and our fathers made grow.

Their winning the land was not done by their sword,
Nor did such a victory their own arm afford;
No, your right hand, your arm, the light of your face,
These did it for love’s sake, you did it by grace.

You’re my King and my God, the one who decrees,
Who decrees for Jacob such great victories.
Through you we push back those who us do oppose,
Through your name we trample on all of our foes.

My sword brings no vict’ry, I don’t trust my bow,
You shame my opposers, you bring down each foe.
In God we are boasting through all of our days,
For ever and ever your name we will praise.

Catechism 4

Q&A 22-27
CM

In what condition had God made
Adam and Eve at first?
Holy and happy they were made,
That's how they were at first.

Happy and holy did they stay?
No, they against God sinned.
Our parents sinned in just what way?
They ate the fruit God banned.

Forbidden fruit, why did they eat?
Because they'd not believe
What God had said. Let us repeat:
No, they would not believe.

Who tempted into sin this pair?
The devil tempted Eve,
And she with Adam did then share,
He took the fruit from Eve.

What was it to our parents came
When they sinned at the tree?
They sinful, mis'rable became,
Happy not, nor holy.

Psalm 43

CM

Me vindicate, O God, and plead
My cause against a state
That wicked is; relief I need
From men who lie and cheat.

You’re God my stronghold, my relief,
Why am I turned away?
Why must I go about in grief,
Oppressed by foes all day.

Send forth your truth, send forth your light,
And let them be my guide
And bring me to your holy height,
The place where you reside.

Then at God’s altar I’ll be found,
With God, my joy, my bliss,
And with the harp I there will sound,
O God, my God, your praise.

Why are you, O my soul, downcast?
Within, why so disturbed?
Put hope in God, you'll praise at last,
My Saviour and my God.

Psalm 42

CM

As pants the deer for streams that flow,
I pant for you, O God.
My soul the God who lives would know,
When can I meet with God?

My tears my food both day and night,
While ‘Where's your God?’ men shout.
These things my memory brings to light
As I my soul pour out:

How to God’s house I would progress,
Lead multitudes in song,
With shouts of joy and thankfulness
Among the festive throng.

Why are you, O my soul, downcast?
Within, why so disturbed?
Put hope in God, you'll praise at last,
My Saviour and my God.

My soul’s downcast within again,
So I’ll remember you
From Hermon’s heights, from Jordan’s plain
And from Mount Mizar too.

Deep calls to deep beneath the roar
Of your high cataract;
Your waves and breakers on me pour,
Across me they have swept.

By day the Lord directs his love,
At night his song’s with me -
A prayer to my life’s God above,
To God my rock I flee:

I - ‘Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I mourning go?
Why is it that I’m constantly
Cowed by the enemy?’

My bones in mortal agony,
My foes all taunting me,
They all day long still say to me
‘Where is your God? Where’s he?’.

Why are you, O my soul, downcast?
Within, why so disturbed?
Put hope in God, you'll praise at last,
My Saviour and my God.

Psalm 41

CM

Blessed he who to the weak shows care;
The Lord in times of strife
Will save; the Lord that man will spare,
He will protect his life.

The Lord will bless him in the land,
Yield not to his foes’ will.
When sick, the Lord will strength command,
Raise him from bed when ill.

'O Lord show mercy', this I said
'For I've wronged you. Heal me.'
'When will he rot, his name be dead?’
Harsh speaks my enemy.

Whenever one on me attends,
He lies. Meanwhile his heart
Amasses slander, then he spreads
These things to every part.

Against me all my foes conspire;
The worst for me conceive,
‘A vile disease will him bemire;
His bed he'll never leave.’

My close friend whom I learned to trust,
Who with me shared my bread,
Has his raised heel against me thrust
But you have mercy, Lord.

O raise me up, let me repay.
I know you’re pleased with me,
My enemy holds not full sway,
My ruler he'll not be.

You do in my integrity
Uphold me constantly
And in your presence you set me
For ever more to be.

So bring your praise the Lord before,
The God of Israel praise,
From evermore to evermore
Amen, amen, always.

Catechism 3

Q&A 14-21
SM

So where can you learn how
To love God and obey?
The Bible is the one place now,
Then read that book we say.

Who did the Bible write?
It was those holy men
Who had the Holy Spirit's light,
He taught those holy men.

Who were our parents first?
Adam it was and Eve.
How were they made our parents first?
What is it we believe?

God Adam's body made,
He made it from the ground,
Then from that body Eve he made
And so the two were found.

What else did God supply?
Besides their bodies, what?
He gave them souls that could not die
That's what from him they got.

And do you have a soul
Besides a body, say?
Yes. I've a never dying soul,
That's how it is today.

A soul - how do you know?
The Bible tells me so.
'What is my soul?' All that should know
And love God too – that's so.

Psalm 40b

Psalm 40:11-17
Ballerma CM

O Lord, your mercy don’t withhold,
With love and truth surround.
For troubles vast and manifold
All round me now are found.

My sins in front of me have sped
I cannot see ahead.
They’re more than hairs upon my head,
Within, my heart is dead.

Be pleased, O Lord, me safe to make:
To help me, Lord, make haste.
May all who seek my life to take,
Be brought down and disgraced;

May all who ruin for me seek
Turned back, lose their good name.
May those ‘Aha! Aha!’ who speak,
Be shocked at their own shame.

But all who seek for you, may they
Be glad in you with joy;
Let all who love your grace still say
‘The Lord be lifted high!’

Yet needy still I am and poor,
Lord, think of me, I pray.
My deliv'rer, my help, you are;
My God, O don't delay.

Psalm 40a

PSALM 40:1-11
Ballerma CM

I waited for the Lord did I,
With patience ’til his time;
Until he turned and heard my cry
And took me from the slime.

He lifted me out of the pit,
Out of the sinking sand.
My feet upon a rock he set,
Enabling me to stand.

He put a new song on my tongue,
Praise to our God, a hymn.
A host in fear see what God's done;
The Lord - they trust in him.

The man who trusts the Lord is blessed,
All false gods he denies.
He does not seek the proud for rest
Or turn aside to lies.

How many wonders you have done,
O Lord my God, what care.
For us you’ve planned a greater sum
Than any can declare.

A sacrifice you don’t desire
But pierce my ears instead;
Burnt offerings, too, you don’t require,
Or offering up the dead.

‘I’m here, I’ve come’ I said to you,
‘It’s written in the scroll.
Your will it’s my desire to do
Your law is in my soul.’

Proclaim I righteousness not woe,
My lips I do not seal.
In the assembly great, you know,
O Lord, I you reveal.

Your righteousness I don’t conceal;
Your saving love my song,
Your love and truth, yes, I reveal
To the assembled throng.

Psalm 39

SM

I said, I'll watch my way,
From sin keep my tongue free;
A muzzle on my mouth I'll lay,
While sinners are with me.

But when I silent stood,
From movement having ceased,
Not even saying one thing good,
My anguish it increased.

My heart grew hot in me,
As I did meditate,
The fire it burned; my tongue ran free
With words I now relate:

Lord, show me my life's end,
The number of my days;
Let me know just how soon I'll spend
My life, its earthly phase.

You've made my days to be
The merest hand in breadth;
My years' span you pass easily,
And each life's but a breath.

A phantom, that is man,
As he goes to and fro.
He heaps up wealth, bustles in vain -
For whom, he does not know.

Lord, what would I now see?
My hope to you it flies.
From my transgressions set me free;
Let fools not me despise.

Silent; my mouth was bound -
It's you who has this planned.
Remove from me your scourge. I'm downed
By blows from your own hand.

You charge men and you scold,
It is because of sin;
As a moth you consume their gold -
He's but a breath, each man.

Please hear, O Lord, my prayer,
My cry for help hear tell;
Be deaf not to my tears but care.
An alien here I dwell.

I am an alien,
Like those who came before.
Look from me, make me glad again
Before I am no more.

Psalm 38

O Lord in wrath don't chasten me
Or scold me angrily.
For arrows from you have pierced me,
Your hand's come down on me.
Due to your wrath, my frame lacks health;
My sin makes my bones tear.
My guilt it will me overwhelm,
The weight's too great to bear.

My wounds turn foul, they loathsome grow -
For I'm a fool, so bad.
I am bowed down and brought so low;
Throughout the day how sad.
My back with searing pain is wracked
No health my frame has known.
I feeble am, completely cracked.
With anguished heart I groan.

Before you, Lord, my longings lie,
I cannot hide my sighs.
My heart it pounds, my strength will die,
The light's gone from my eyes.
My friends and my companions stray,
Because of all my wounds,
My neighbours far away they stay,
Each one me he avoids.

To take my life their traps they lay,
They seek my destruction.
They speak about my end all day,
They plot their deception.
I'm like a deaf man, who can't hear,
A mute, whose mouth is dry;
I'm now like one who does not hear,
whose mouth gives no reply.

For you it is, O Lord, I wait;
Lord God, you will reply.
I said “Don't let them deprecate,
Gloat, when my foot goes wry."
For I have started to regress,
Always my pain's with me.
I my iniquity confess;
How my sin troubles me.

How many are my vigorous foes,
Who for no cause despise.
They all my good with ill oppose,
The right I seek with lies.
O Lord, do not be far from me;
My God, don't me forsake.
O Lord, my Saviour, come help me,
O to my aid, come quick!

Catechism 2

Q&A 6-13
SM

Are there more gods than one?
There's only one; one God.
One God but how many persons?
Three persons but one God.

Who are these persons three?
The Father and the Son,
The Holy Spirit – that makes three -
The Father, Spirit, Son.

Does God like us have a body?
No, God is a spirit.
Infinitely, eternally
Yes, God is a spirit.

And where is God? Where's God?
God's everywhere, you see.
Can you see God? I can't see God.
But he always sees me.

Are all things to God known?
Yes. Nothing's hidd'n, it's true,
Can God do all things? Yes he can
His holy will he'll do.

Catechism 1

Q&A 1-5

SM

Who made you? God made me

And what else did God make?

God all things he has made to be.

Yes, all things he did make.

And why did God make you?

Why did he make all things?

For his own glory, it is true,

That's why he made all things.

How is God glorified?

By loving him and this -

Doing what he commands (your guide)

God's glory comes through this.

Why should you glorify?

Because he has made me

And takes care of me, that is why

I must give him glory.

Psalm 37c

Psalm 37:33-40
CMD

If the Lord's pleased with a man's way,
He makes his footsteps firm;
Though he slip, he'll not fall away,
The Lord's hand will confirm.
I once was young and now I'm old,
Yet still I've not beheld
The righteous left or by him sold,
Their children begging bread.

They're always generous, each request
They gladly seek to meet.
And all their children will be blessed.
Do good and spurn deceit
You'll then enjoy the land always,
The Lord he loves the just,
He never faithful ones betrays,
Forever he'll protect.

The offspring of the wicked find
Their lives cut short, their days.
The good they will receive the land
And live in it always.
The good man's mouth says what is wise,
What's just is on his lips.
The law of God in his heart lies;
And his foot never slips.

Sinners wait good men to devour,
They seek their very lives;
The Lord won't leave such in their pow'r,
He uncondemned survives.
Wait for the Lord and keep his way,
It's you that he exalts.
You will gain it, the land survey,
When sinners he demotes.

I've seen a bad man, harsh, before,
Grow tree-like from the ground,
But he soon passed and was no more;
I looked, he wasn't found.
The blameless note, the upright see;
There's hope for men of peace.
But sinners all destroyed will be;
The wicked's hope will cease.

Salvation all the righteous know,
It comes down from the Lord,
Their stronghold in the time of woe.
He'll save, he'll help afford,
The Lord delivers, he sets free,
He saves from wicked men,
Because they refuge take in him.
Amen, amen, amen.

Psalm 37b

Psalm 37:13-22
CMD

Against the righteous sinners plan
And gnash their teeth at them;
But such men the Lord laughs to scorn,
He knows their day will come.
The wicked take and bend the bow,
And draw the sword for fight,
To poor and needy ones bring low,
To slay those who're upright.

But these swords in their own hearts go,
Their bows will all be spoiled.
Better the little good men know
Than many sinners' gold;
The wicked's pow'r he will erase,
The Lord good men works for,
The Lord he knows the blameless' days,
Their birthright's evermore.

In times of dearth they'll wither not;
In famine, know his aid.
The Lord's foes wane, the wicked rot,
Their flower falls, like smoke they fade.
The wicked take but don't repay,
The righteous gladly give;
With the Lord's blessed the land will stay,
Those cursed by him won't live.

Psalm 37a

Psalm 37:1-12

CMD

Do not fret over evil men
Or envy those who're wrong;
Just like the grass they'll soon be gone,
Green plants, they won't last long.
Trust in the Lord and do what's right;
Graze safe, dwell in the land
And in the Lord yourself delight,
He'll give what you demand.

So to the Lord commit your way,
Trust in him, this he'll do:
Your good make shine as break of day,
Your cause, as noon, prove true.
Be still before the Lord and wait;
When men succeed, don't fret,
When wicked schemes they operate,
Leave wrath – it's vain - don't fret.

For evil men he will destroy,
But those who place their cares
Into the Lord's hands will enjoy
The land, it will be theirs.
A little while, no more they'll be;
No, sinners won't be found.
The meek, the land's their legacy,
They'll know a peace profound.

More extra verses

A Kempis

There is a well known children's chorus based on the words of Thomas a Kempis in his Imitation of Christ “Without the way , there is no going; without the truth, there is no knowing; without the life, there is no living.” The whole quote from A Kempis goes

"Follow thou me. I am the way and the truth and the life. Without the way there is no going; without the truth there is no knowing; without the life there is no living. I am the way which thou must follow; the truth which thou must believe; the life for which thou must hope. I am the inviolable way; the infallible truth; the never-ending life. I am the straightest way; the sovereign truth; life true, life blessed, life uncreated. If thou remain in my way thou shalt know the truth, and the truth shall make thee free, and thou shalt lay hold on eternal life."

Perhaps you could add further verses therefore.

I am the way, the truth and the life,
That's what Jesus said. (2)

Without the way, there is no going;
Without the truth, there is no knowing;
Without the life, there is no growing.

You are the way that I must keep to;
You are the truth that I must trust to;
You are the life that I must live to.

You are the way that's not pretending;
You are the truth that's never bending;
You are the life that's never ending.

You are the way, there's no way straighter;
You are the truth, there's no truth greater;
You are the life, you're the Creator.

You are the way, so we can truth see;
You are the truth, the truth that sets free;
You are the life, that always will be.

Psalm 36

CM

An oracle within now hear
Of sinners' wicked ways:
So evil he, there is no fear
Of God before his eyes.

For self he far too readily
Flatters in his own eyes,
For him iniquity to see
Or to his sin despise.

The words of their mouths - wickedness,
By them men are deceived.
No wisdom do they now possess,
From doing good they've ceased.

They evil plot upon their bed;
On sinning they're intent,
Committed, in that way they're led,
From wrong they won’t relent.

Your love, O Lord, soars to the sky,
To heaven your goodness leaps.
Your righteousness, like mountains high,
Your justice, like great deeps.

O Lord, to man and beast you’re kind.
How priceless your great love!
Both high and low among men find
Your wings their shield above.

They feast on your gifts that abound,
Drink at your stream delight.
With you the fount of life is found;
In your light, we see light.

To those who know you, your love be
Continued all their days.
Your righteousness, may good men see,
Whose hearts seek upright ways.

Let proud feet not come against me,
Nor wicked hands uprise,
The evildoers fallen, see.
Thrown down, they’ll never rise!

Psalm 35b

Psalm 35:11-24

11 11 11 11

Witnesses so ruthless come forward and speak;
Seek answers to questions on things I don't know.
To me with their evil my good they pay back,
They leave my soul feeling so sad and so low.

Yet when they were unwell, in sackcloth I dressed
And eating no food I would humbly bend.
When my prayers came back to me all unaddressed,
Mournful I was as for a brother or friend.

Head bowed, I wept, as for my mother, in grief,
But then when I stumbled, they gathered in glee.
They slandered me often - there was no relief
Attackers quite hidden were grouped against me.

Just like the ungodly they mocked viciously;
With their teeth they gnashed at me ferociously.
How long, O Lord, will you look on? Rescue me!
May my precious life from li'ns' mauling saved be.

I'll give thanks to you in the great assembly;
Praise I will give you amid gatherings great.
Let them not gloat who without reason hate me;
The mean winks ban of those who without cause hate.

They do not speak peace, but they slander prepare
Against those who quietly live in the land.
Aha! and Aha! they call. At me they stare,
With our eyes we've seen it, we've seen it first hand.

O Lord, you have seen this; cease from your silence.
Far from me, I ask you, O Lord, do not be.
Awake and rise up and come to my defence!
My God and my Lord come and contend for me.

In righteousness, O Lord my God, vindicate;
From their boastful glee let them be disallowed
'Aha, what we want!' let them not thus relate.
May they not say here's one that we have swallowed.

Shame and confuse those who at my troubles gloat;
Clothe with disgrace, with shame, those who self exalt,
May those who in my vindication delight
May these men for joy and for gladness all shout.

The Lord be exalted, may they always say,
He who in his servant's well-being delights.
My tongue of your praise will speak all the long day
It will not cease speaking of your righteousness.

Psalm 35a

Psalm 35:1-10

11 11 11 11

Contend, Lord, with those who with me would contend;
Those who with me fight, come Lord, fight and subdue.
Take up shield and armour; come, rise to defend.
Wield javelin and spear against those who pursue.

‘I am your salvation’ now to my soul say,
Send shame and dishonour on those who'd me seize;
May those plotting ruin turn back in dismay,
God’s angel drive them out as chaff on the breeze.

May their pathway darkness and slipp'riness see,
May the Lord's own angel pursue as they flee.
Since they without cause hid their net there for me
And without a reason a pit dug for me.

May ruin ov’rtake them, take them by surprise,
May they be enmeshed in their nets and held tight.
May they in the pit fall, O cause their demise.
The Lord makes my soul glad, he saves - my delight.

My whole being shouts out 'O Lord, Who's like you?'
From those for them too strong, the poor you set free,
Those poor and in need you come rescue, you do,
From those who would rob them, they gain liberty.

Psalm 34b

Psalm 34:12-22
CM

My children come, attend to me;
Learn how to fear the Lord.
If many days and good you’d see
Do this, if life’s adored, -

All evil speech your tongue must spurn,
Your lips to lies be barred.
Do what is good, from evil turn;
Seek peace, pursue it hard.

The Lord’s eyes on the righteous rest,
His ears attend their cry;
The Lord’s face evildoers against
So that their name will die.

The righteous cry, the Lord he hears;
From all their woes he saves.
The Lord to broken-hearts is close
The downtrod soul he saves.

The righteous may have many woes
The Lord all these will take;
He will protect all of his bones,
Not one of them will break.

By woes the wicked will be slain;
The foes of righteous men will fall
To judgement pre-ordained,
The Lord redeems his servants all.

The Lord his servants will redeem;
Not one will he condemn
Who will to him for refuge come.
Amen, amen, amen.

Psalm 34a

Psalm 34:1-11
CM

At all times I’ll extol the Lord,
My lips will ever praise.
My soul is boasting in the Lord.
Hear, needy ones, rejoice!

Come, glorify the Lord with me,
As one, his name admire.
I sought the Lord, he answered me;
Saved me from every fear.

All those, from shame their faces cleared,
Who look to him, shine bright.
This poor man called, the Lord he heard
And saved him from his plight.

The angel of the Lord’s encamped
Round those by whom he’s feared
And by his hand they are relieved,
Taste, see, the Lord is good.

Blessed the man who’ll refuge find
In him, so fear the Lord
His saints, for those to fear inclined
Lack nothing that they need.

The lions may hungry grow and weak
But those who seek the Lord
No good thing will they ever lack
They will not be ignored.

Psalm 33

Richmond CM

You righteous, joyful sing in praise,
How apt to praise the Lord.
With ten-stringed lyres, come, music raise.
With harps come praise the Lord.

Let’s sing to him a song that’s new;
Rejoice! With skill let’s play.
The Lord’s own word is right and true;
He’s faithful every way.

The Lord loves what is right and just,
The earth’s filled with his love.
The Lord's word made the heavens exist,
His mouth's breath stars above.

He gathers seas into a jar;
The deep he puts in store.
Let all the earth the Lord now fear;
Its peoples, serve with awe.

For by his word it came to be;
At his command, it stands.
The Lord foils what countries agree;
He thwarts the people's plans.

But the Lord's plans they stand so strong,
He'll never them recall.
The purpose of his heart goes on
Through generations all.

Blessed is the land whose God’s the Lord,
Those who he chose as his.
From heav’n the Lord looks down toward
The earth and mankind sees.

He forms the heart of everyone,
Their works he keeps in sight.
A king’s not saved by arms of men,
Nor warriors by their might.

A horse gives no deliverance,
Its strength gives hope no ground.
The Lord's eyes looks where reverence
And hope in grace is found.

He will such ones from death set free,
When nothing’s in the field.
In hope we wait, the Lord will see,
He is our help and shield.

In him our hearts are made so glad
To his pure name we’re true.
Lord, may your grace upon us rest,
Ev’n as we hope in you.

Psalm 32

St Peter CM

How blessed is he who is forgiv’n,
Though oft he has transgressed,
Whose every sin has now been hidd’n,
That man is truly blessed.

The Lord he does not that man's sin
Against him ever count,
That man he has a heart within
Where only truth is found.

When silent, my bones wore away,
With groans all day I'd bleat.
Your hand hard on me night and day,
My strength sapped as by heat.

Then I agreed that I transgress,
I hid it not but said,
‘My sins I'll to the Lord confess’ -
Through you sin's guilt was dead.

So let the godly pray to you,
While still you may be found.
When mighty waters rise, it’s true,
He’ll stand upon dry ground.

In you my hiding place I’ve found;
You’ll keep me from mischance;
With songs my life you do surround,
Songs of deliverance.

I will instruct you and I'll teach
The way that you should go,
I'll counsel you, I will beseech,
I'll watch ov'r you, you know.

Do not be like the horse or mule,
Which do not understand,
The bit and bridle is their rule
Or they’ll not stay in hand.

Great are the woes of wicked men,
The Lord’s unfailing love
Surrounds the man who trusts in him,
All round him is that love.

Rejoice in the Lord and be glad,
You righteous ones, take part.
Sing praise each one of you to God
Who upright are in heart.

Psalm 31b

Psalm 31:16-25

CM

In your hands are these times of mine;
From foes deliver me.
Let your face on your servant shine,
From my pursu'rs set free.

In your unfailing love, save me.
Lord, may I not be shamed.
For I have called on you to see;
May wicked men be shamed.

Let them be silenced when they die.
They speak contemptuously,
Silence the haughty lips that lie
Against the good proudly.

How great the goodness you have stored
For all those who fear you,
Which will in men's sight be bestowed
On those who hide in you.

In the shelter of your presence
You hide from tricks men use.
The place you dwell is their defence,
From tongues that them accuse.

And so now let the Lord be praised,
For he has shown to me,
When in a city caught, besieged,
His love so great to see.

"I have been cut off from your sight!"
In my alarm I said.
You heard my cry, pitied my plight,
When I sought you for aid.

Love the Lord, who'll the faithful save
But pay in full the proud.
All you be strong, all you be brave,
Whose hope is in the Lord.

Psalm 31a

Psalm 31:1-15

CM

In you, O Lord, I refuge take;
May I not see disgrace;
Come save me and do not forsake,
Save, in your righteousness.

Come, may your ear be turned to me,
Come rescue before long;
A rock of refuge to me be,
To save, a fortress strong.

For your name's sake guide and lead me,
My strength, my rock you are.
Out from the trap they've laid set free,
My refuge sure you are.

Lord, in your hands my soul is placed,
O God of truth, redeem.
Those who to idols cling I hate;
I trust in the Lord's name.

I'm joyful in your love, I'm glad,
My suff'ring you well know.
You saw the anguish my soul had,
I'm not left to the foe.

In spaces large my feet you've set,
O Lord, send me relief,
Distressed, my eyes they weaker get,
My frame, my soul, know grief.

My life by suff'ring is consumed,
My years in groans they go;
My strength, by pain, to failure doomed,
My bones they weaker grow.

My neighbours hate me utterly,
Because of every foe;
If on the street we meet, they flee,
My friends, what dread they show.

Forgotten like the broken shards,
It's as if I had died;
I hear so many cruel words;
Terror on every side.

Against me they all plan and scheme,
To take my life they plot.
But you, O Lord, I trust, esteem,
I say, “You are my God.”

Psalm 30

LM

O Lord my God, you I’ll exalt,
You lifted me out of the depths,
O Lord, you’d not let my foes gloat.
Help I sought, my God - you gave health.

O Lord you brought me from the grave;
Out from the pit my life you raised.
Sing to the Lord, you saints he’ll save;
O may his holy name be praised.

His anger lasts not long, it’s slight,
His favour lasts until life’s end.
Though tears remain all through the night,
Yet with the morning, joy he’ll send.

‘I’ll not be moved’ I said, secure,
O Lord, when you your grace displayed.
How firm my mountain stood, so sure -
You hid your face: I was dismayed.

To you, O Lord, I called, to you;
For mercy to the Lord I cried:
‘What good does my destruction do?’
‘What good if in the pit I died?’

‘Will dust give praise to you on high?
Your faithfulness will it declare?’
‘O Lord, show mercy! Hear!’ I cry,
‘O Lord, come help, show me your care.

My wailing’s gone and dancing’s come;
You changed my sackcloth for great joys,
My heart now sings, it is not dumb.
O Lord my God, thank you always.

Psalm 29

Woodlands

O mighty ones, ascribe you to the Lord,
Glory and strength, ascribe it to the Lord.
The glory due, ascribe now to the Lord;
In splendour holy, come and praise the Lord.

Come hear the Lord, his voice over the seas,
The God of glory thunders on strong seas.
Come hear the Lord, his voice sounds powerf'lly;
Come hear the Lord, his voice sounds wonderf'lly.

The cedars break at the voice of the Lord;
The Leb'non cedars shattered by the Lord.
Leb'non like calves he makes to skip along
Hermon as oxen that are wild and young.

The Lord's voice strikes, with lightning flashes strikes,
The Lord's voice shakes the wastes, he Kadesh shakes.
The Lord's voice twists the oaks, strips forests bare.
And in his temple - they cry "Glory!" there.

Over the flood, the Lord he sits enthroned;
As King fore'er, the Lord he sits enthroned.
Strength for his people he gives, from the Lord;
With peace his people are blessed by the Lord.

Hymn Noah

CM

Back when Noah was in his prime
Men sinned and all was dark.
With patience God he marked the time
While Noah built his ark.

And by his faith he did condemn
The world that God would drown,
An heir of righteousness became,
An heir through faith alone.

Noah, by faith, when made aware
Of things he could not see,
Prepared the ark in holy fear
To save his family.

God did not spare the ancient world
When he sent that great flood.
While sinners drowned, the eight were saved,
All in the ark who hid.

God will not spare the world we see
The fiercest fire he’ll bring.
Yes, on that day the lost will flee
But those in Christ will sing.

In the ark there were but a few,
Just eight were saved, that's all.
As they through water rescue knew
So all who on Christ call.

Psalm 28

Melcombe

O Lord my Rock, to you I call;
Do not a deaf ear turn to me;
Like those into the pit who fall,
If you stay silent, I shall be.

O hear my cry for mercy, Lord,
As I call out to you for grace,
As I lift up my hands toward,
My hands to your Most Holy Place.

With those who do great wickedness
Don’t drag me off, with men of sin.
They to their neighbours peace profess
But harbour malice there within.

Their deeds and evil work repay;
For what their hands have done reserve
A payment for that coming day.
Bring back on them what they deserve.

The Lord's works, what his hands have done,
These works they hold in great disdain,
So he will tear them down each one,
And never build them up again.

The Lord be praised, he’s heard my cry,
The Lord's my strength and he’s my shield;
My heart trusts in him; helped am I.
My heart for joy leaps; thanks I yield.

The Lord he makes his people strong,
He is for Christ a safe fortress.
Their shepherd be, bear them along;
Save them; your heritage come bless.

Psalm 27

CM

The Lord’s my Saviour and my light,
Why should I be dismayed?
The Lord’s my life’s defence and might,
Why should I be afraid?

When evil men to me turn back
My body to devour,
When enemies and foes attack
They’ll stumble, lose their pow'r.

So, though an army me surround,
My heart from fear is free;
Though war break out to me confound,
Still confident I’ll be.

There's one thing I ask from the Lord,
It's this that I pursue:
That there in the house of the Lord
I may reside with you.

May I behold all my life's days
The beauty of the Lord
At his shrine may I on it gaze
And there seek for the Lord

He'll keep me safe, in days of woe,
Safe in his house I’ll be.
The shelter of his tent I’ll know,
He’ll on a rock set me.

Above my foes he will exalt
My head, though they surround.
I’ll sacrifice with joyful shout,
The Lord’s praise there I’ll sound.
___________________________

O hear, Lord, when I call, my voice;
Have mercy, answer me.
My heart says ‘Come, seek the Lord's face!’
Your face I’ll seek to see.

In wrath don’t hide your face from me,
Don’t give your servant over;
You’ve helped; don’t scorn, don’t turn from me,
O God, my Saviour.

Though father, mother, me reject,
The Lord he is my rest.
Teach me your way, I’ll not neglect
Straight paths, Lord, though oppressed.

Don’t leave me, Lord, to the desires
Of those who are my foes.
False witnesses against me rise,
They're breathing violent blows.

I'm sure I'll see still, in this state,
The goodness of the Lord.
Be strong, take heart, for the Lord wait,
Yes, still wait for the Lord.

Psalm 26

CM

O Lord, come now and vindicate,
My life is free from blame;
I’ve trusted in the Lord and state
That’s been my constant aim.

Examine me, O Lord, and test;
Come try my heart and mind;
Your love before me always set,
My feet to truth inclined.

With lying men I do not sit,
Vile gatherings I hate,
I will not join the hypocrite
Nor sit with the depraved.

I wash my hands in innocence,
Go round your altar, Lord,
Aloud your praises I’ll announce,
Your wondrous deeds record.

I love the house, Lord, where you dwell,
The place your glory owns.
With sinners do not take my soul,
My life with ruthless ones.

Their schemes they are despicable,
With bribes their hands o’erflow.
But I am irreproachable;
Redeem me, mercy show.

My feet they stand on level ground;
With that great gathered throng
Before the Lord I will be found
Praising his name in song.

Psalm 25b

Psalm 25:11-22
CM

O, for the sake of your name, Lord,
My sin, though great, forgive.
Who is the man that fears the Lord?
He'll teach him how to live.

His days in prosperousness he spends,
The land his seed receive.
Those who him fear the Lord befriends;
His cov'nant they believe.

They're ever on the Lord my eyes,
He from the snare will free.
Turn to me, kindly hear my cries,
I'm suff'ring and lonely.

My heart's distress has multiplied;
From anguish set me free.
See my great need, the tears I've cried,
Remove my sins from me.

See how my foes they do increase,
They hate me through and through!
Guard my life, save; from shame release,
I refuge take in you.

Virtue and goodness protect me,
Because my hope's in you.
Israel, O God, come set them free
From all their hardships, do!

Psalm 25a

Psalm 25:1-10
CM

To you, O Lord, my soul I raise;
In you my God I trust.
Save me from my adversaries' gaze,
O may my foes not boast.

No-one who puts his hope in you
Will ever come to shame,
But they who causeless are untrue
They will be put to shame.

Show me your paths, O Lord, teach me,
Guide right, teach me your way,
For God my Saviour you will be,
My hope's in you all day.

Recall, O Lord, your grace and faith
For they're from ancient days.
Do not recall my sins of youth
And my rebellious ways.

In your great love remember me,
You're good, O Lord, always.
The Lord will good and upright be
So sinners learn his ways.

The humble he guides in right ways
The Lord shows them his way.
He's faithful, loving, kind always
To those who him obey.

Psalm 24

Irby

The Earth is the Lord’s possession,
All with which it does abound,
All the world, its population;
For he on the sea it found,
He has on the vast ocean
Put in place his creation.

Who may go up to the Lord’s hill?
In his holy place, who stands?
He whose heart is free from evil,
Who from sin has washed his hands,
He whose soul all idols spurns,
And who from false witness turns.

Blessings great the Lord will confer,
He receives vindication
From the God who is his Saviour
Such is the generation
Of those who for him do seek,
Jacob’s God, your face who seek.

Lift your heads, O gates, on high;
Ancient doors, uplifted be,
For the King of glory comes nigh.
‘King of glory’, who is he?
He’s the Lord of strength and might,
God who’s mighty in the fight.

Lift your heads, O gates, on high;
Ancient doors, let them raised be,
For the King of glory comes nigh.
'King of glory', who is he?
He’s the Lord, all might is his,
He the King of Glory is.

Psalm 23

Crimond?!

The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ve no needs.
He makes me down to lie
In pastures green and me he leads
The quiet waters by.

My soul he does restore again.
He guides me so I walk
The paths of righteousness upon -
This for his own name’s sake.

Yes, though through death’s dark vale I tread,
Yet I will fear no ill,
For you are with me and your rod
And staff they comfort will.

A table you for me appoint
Though I can see my foes.
My head with oil you do anoint
And my cup overflows.

Goodness and love for all my days
Will surely follow me
And evermore within God’s house
My dwelling place will be.

Psalm 22b

Melita

Psalm 22:15-31

My strength is dried like hardened clay,
My tongue is stuck betwen my jaws.
Down in the dust of death I lay.
A pack of dogs around me gnaws;
A band of evil men surrounds,
They've pierced my feet and pierced my hands.

I count my bones, I cannot hide,
The people gloat at me and stare.
My clothes among them they divide,
By casting lots decide their share.
But you, O Lord, don't hide away,
My strength come quickly, help, I pray.

My life deliver from the sword,
From pow'rful dogs my dear life free,
Save from the horns of oxen wild
And from the lions' mouths save me;
Your name to brothers I'll declare
Where they are found, I'll praise you there.

All you who fear the Lord, him praise!
Bow Jacob's seed, fear Israel's son;
He'd not disdain, he'd not despise
The anguish of the suff'ring one;
He would not hide his face away,
He'd hear him when for help he'd pray.

My theme for praise it comes from you
When the assembly great is met;
Where God is feared, to vows I'm true,
The poor they eat, they are content;
They who the Lord seek, him adore,
May your hearts live forevermore!

Earth's farthest ends they will recall
And to the Lord they'll all return,
The families of the nations all
Bow down to him as they all turn.
For with the Lord vast pow'r remains
Over the nations all he reigns.

The rich of earth all feast and bow;
Bound for the dust, him kneel toward,
To stay alive they don't know how.
A seed will serve, heirs hear the Lord.
His righteousness they will make known,
To those unborn - what he has done.

Psalm 22a

Melita

Psalm 22:1-14

My God, my God, O why have you,
In my distress, forsaken me?
And why so far from saving too
Far from my groans, far from my plea?
My God by day I cry in vain,
By night, I cry and cry again.

Yet you're enthroned the Holiest;
The praise of Is-ra-el are you.
In you our fathers put their trust;
They trusted and deliverance knew.
To you they cried; salvation came;
In you they trusted without shame.

A worm and not a man am I,
By men I'm scorned, by them despised.
All those who see me, mocking cry,
They hurl their insults, shake their heads,
'The Lord's his trust; so let Him fight,
The Lord save him; he's his delight.'

Yet you brought me out of the womb,
You gave me faith on mother's breast.
You've been my God from mother's womb,
From birth on you I have been cast.
Be not far off, for trouble's nigh,
There's none on whom I can rely.

Bulls me surround, strong bulls round me.
The roaring lions tear their prey,
They open wide their mouths 'gainst me.
Like water I am poured away.
Bones out of joint, my heart is wax,
It melts away at these attacks

Psalm 21

CMD

O Lord, your strength the king inspires,
How glad for vict’ries giv’n!
You’ve granted him his heart’s desires,
His prayer you’ve not forbidd’n.
With blessings rich you welcomed him,
With gold his head you crowned.
He asked for life, you gave it him –
Long life in you he's found.

Through victories on him bestowed,
His glory now is great;
With praise and fame you've him endowed.
Eternally you've blessed,
You made him glad when you drew near.
The king trusts in the Lord;
So he will never shake with fear,
The Most High’s grace will guard.

Your hand will catch your enemies;
Your right hand seize your foes.
When you appear and each you sees
They’ll burn like furnace fires.
Them in his wrath the Lord will drown,
His fire each one devour.
From earth their offspring you’ll bring down,
From mankind every heir.

Though they against you evil plot,
Preparing vile attacks,
They'll not succeed for they cannot;
You’ll make them turn their backs
Then aim at them with drawn bowstring.
Be praised, Lord, to the height,
Exalted in your strength, we'll sing
O how we'll praise your might.

Psalm 20

Fulda (Germany)

The Lord respond when you’re dismayed;
The God of Jacob’s name protect.
Out of the sanct’ry send you aid,
To you from Zion strength direct.

May all your offerings be recalled,
Each sacrifice be well received.
The longings of your heart fulfilled,
May every plan of yours succeed.

When you’re victorious, we will shout
With sounding joy and in God’s name
We’ll hang our battle banners out.
The Lord grant all from him you claim.

Now I can say, the Lord I know
Will surely save his Christ as planned;
From holy heav’n him answers show
With saving power in his right hand.

Some faith to chariot wheels accord,
Some put their faith in charging horse,
But we are trusting in the Lord
Yes, in our God we put our trust.

Brought to their knees how low they bow,
But we rise up and we stand tall.
O Lord, come save the king, save now!
O give your answer when we call!

Psalm 19

Fulda (Germany)

The heavens declare God's majesty;
The skies his handiwork portray.
Day after day speak fluently;
Night after night, the truth display.

There is no speech, nor are there tongues,
Where their clear voice cannot be heard.
Throughout the world their voice it runs,
To earth’s remotest ends, their word.

He's pitched a tent there for the sun,
A bridegroom glad, a keen athlete.
From east to west now see it run;
There's nothing hidden from its heat.

The Lord's own law unflawed it is,
The weary soul it soon revives.
The Lord's own statutes we can trust,
They serve to make the simple wise.

The Lord's own precepts they are right,
They cause great joy from hearts to rise.
The Lord's commands they shine so bright,
They shed clear light upon the eyes.

The Lord to fear, that is so pure,
Enduring through eternity.
The Lord ordains - then it is sure,
He always governs righteously.

Worth more than gold, than much pure gold;
With honey from the comb their stored.
Of dangers there your servant's told;
In keeping them there's great reward.

Forgive the sins I cannot see,
Keep me from sinning wilfully;
May sin no longer rule in me.
From great transgression set me free.

May every word that I recite,
What in my heart I've pondered on;
May both be pleasing in your sight,
My Rock, Redeemer and my Lord.

Psalm 18b

St Denio

The faithful they see that you’re faithful that’s sure,
The blameless your blameless, of that their assured,
The pure know that to them you show yourself pure,
But crooked men see that with them you are shrewd.

The humble you save but the haughty-eyed fall.
Lord, you keep my lamp bright; my God makes dark light.
With help from my God I can scale any wall
With your help I can, Lord, against a troop fight.

As for God, his way's right; not flawed, the Lord's Word.
A shield he for all, he's their refuge from harm.
Who's God but the Lord? Who's the Rock but our God?
God makes my way perfect, with strength he'll me arm.

He makes my feet firm like those of a gazelle;
Enabling me unmoved to stand on a height.
A bronze bow my strong arms can bend very well,
My hands he trains well and prepares them to fight.

You give me your shield, your shield of victory,
Your right hand sustains me; you stoop, I'm made great.
You broaden the path that is underneath me,
So that I don’t suffer a sprain to my feet.

My foes I pursued and I overtook them;
I did not turn back till they fell in defeat.
I crushed them so that they could not rise again;
All of them fell prostrate, fell under my feet.

You armed me with strength in the battle to fight;
You made my adversaries bow at my feet.
You made all my rivals turn their backs in flight,
And all my opponents I brought to defeat.

They cried out for help, but none saves them or sees –
They cried to the Lord, but no answer he gave.
I beat them as fine as the dust on the breeze;
I poured them like mud in the streets wave on wave.

Though people attacked, you have now set me free;
I’m set over nations as head by your hands;
Those I did not know are now subject to me.
As soon as they hear me, they meet my demands.

These foreigners cringe and before me they cry,
All trembling from strongholds, no heart left, they flee,
The Lord lives! Praise my Rock! Lift my Saviour high!
He is the God who has come to avenge me.

He subdues the nations, puts them under me,
And he rescues and saves from each enemy.
Above all my foes you have exalted me
And from violent men you have set me free.

So you among nations all, O Lord, I’ll praise;
Your name I sing. He gives his king great success;
Unfailing the love that to the Christ he shows,
To David and his sons for all of their days.

Psalm 18a

St Denio

I love you, O Lord, you’re my strength. Yes, O Lord,
You’re my Rock, my fortress, my saviour revealed;
My God is my rock, who will refuge afford.
My horn of salvation, my stronghold, my shield.

The Lord who is worthy of praise, him I call,
I’m saved from my foes, though death’s cords wrapped me round;
The torrents of ruin have been my downfall.
The grave cords coiled round me; by death’s snares fast bound.

Distressed how I called out, called out to the Lord;
I cried to my God and I asked him for aid.
From out of his temple, my voice he has heard;
My cry came before him, to his ears relayed.

Earth trembled and quaked and the mountains' depths moved;
They trembled because in his anger he came.
Smoke rose from his nostrils; his mouth it expelled
Fierce fire that consumes and hot coals all aflame.

He parted the heavens and he came right down;
Dark clouds his feet under. On cherubs he flies;
He soars on the wind’s wings, makes darkness his gown,
His canopy round him - dark clouds in the skies.

From out of the brightness of where he was went
Clouds, lightning and hail. The Lord thundered from heav’n;
The voice of the Most High resounding. He sent
His darts scatt'ring foes; by great bolts overthrown.

Exposed then were valleys hid deep in the sea,
The earth’s own foundations were all laid quite bare.
O Lord, at your censure these things came to be
The blast from your nostrils, of breath, on them there.

From on high he reached down and took hold of me;
Up out of the waters so deep he drew me.
From my foe so pow'rful he's now set me free,
From one so much stronger, my adversary.

In days of disaster, we came face to face.
The Lord, though, was near me to be my support
And he brought me out into a spacious place;
He saved me because I was his great delight.

What my righteous deeds earned, the Lord gave to me;
Because of my clean hands he gave me reward.
For I've kept the ways of the Lord faithfully;
I have not done evil, not turned from my God.

Not turned from your precepts, all his laws I see.
From sin I've held back; before him done what's right.
In line with my righteousness the Lord blessed me,
In line with how clean were my hands in his sight.

Psalm 17

CM

O Lord, come hear my righteous plea;
Come listen to my cry.
Your ears to my prayer open be,
It’s not from lips that lie.

May vindication come from you;
May your eyes see what’s right.
You probe my heart, test if I'm true -
I am, though searched at night.

My mouth won’t sin I have resolved.
And as for what man does -
By your lips' word, I’m not involved
With violent people's ways.

My steps with your paths correspond;
And my feet do not err.
On you I call, God, you’ll respond;
Give ear and hear my prayer.

The wonder of your love show me,
Who’s right hand will set free
Those who to you for refuge flee
From ev’ry enemy.

Keep me the apple of your eye;
In your wings’ shadow hide
From wicked men who villify,
Dire foes from every side.

Their mouths with arrogance abound,
Their callous hearts close fast.
They’ve tracked me down, they now surround,
Alert, me down to cast.

They’re like a li’n hungry for prey,
A great li'n crouching low.
Rise up, O Lord, confront, waylay;
From sinners may I go.

O Lord, from such save by your sword,
O by your hand save me,
From men of this world whose reward
Is in this life only.

The hunger you bring to an end
Of all your cherished ones;
Their heirs have plenty; they extend
Their wealth to their own sons.

And I - in righteousness I’ll see
Your face; awake I'll be
And satisfied I then will be
Your likeness there to see.

Psalm 16

CM

Keep me unharmed, O God, because
In you I safely hide.
I told you ‘You're my Lord. The source
Of all I have that's good.’

As for the saints who’re in the land,
They're glorious – my delight.
The sorrows of those will expand
Who to false gods take flight.

To pour out blood to gods I'll not
Or speak their names, for sure.
Lord, you my cup and share allot,
You’ve made my lot secure.

My bound’ry lines fall pleasantly,
My heritage so bright.
I’ll praise the Lord, he counsels me,
My heart's taught too at night.

I have the Lord before me set,
Always at my right hand.
And so whatever may be yet,
Unshaken I will stand.

Therefore my heart it is so glad,
My tongue by joy possessed,
My body also is secured,
It will in safety rest.

Because you’ll not abandon me,
In death I will not stay,
Your Holy One you will keep free
From bodily decay.

The path of life to me you show,
With joy from you I’m filled.
Throughout eternity I’ll know
Good things from your right hand.

Psalm 15

CM

Lord, who may in your sanct’ry dwell?
Who on your holy hill?
The man who walks in all things well,
Who does your righteous will.

He speaks the truth out of his heart,
His tongue will not slander.
No ill to neighbours he’ll impart,
On others casts no slur.

And he a vile man will despise
But always honour those
Who fear the Lord. He keeps his oaths,
Though he may suffer woes.

He lends his money not for gain
And bribes will never take.
He who to such things can attain
No change will ever shake.

Psalm 14

CM (St Agnes [Dykes]?)

The fool, he speaks to his own heart,
He says “There is no God.”
Their deeds are vile, they are corrupt;
There's no-one who does good.

From heaven the Lord looks down and scans
The sons of men to see
If there is one who understands
Or seeks to God to flee.

They've turned aside, yes, everyone,
Corrupted they've become;
Those who do good – there now are none,
No, there's not even one.

Will evil doers never learn?
My people they've devoured,
As though they're bread. There's no concern,
They call not on the Lord.

There they are all in dread so great -
God's with his righteous ones.
Though sinners poor men’s plans frustrate -
The Lord their refuge comes.

From Zion may deliv’rance rise,
For Isra'l from the Lord!
Jacob be glad, Isra’l rejoice
When what is good’s restored.

Psalm 13

CM

How long, Lord, will I be forgot?
How long your face not see?
How long my thoughts churn, sad at heart,
How long my foe mock me?

Lord my God, look on me, answer,
Give light, from death save me;
"I've overcome" my foe will say,
Foes glad my fall to see.

But in your cov'nant love I trust;
Salvation glad to see.
Sing gladly to the Lord I must,
For he's been good to me.

Psalm 12

St Chrysostom

Help, Lord, the godly are no more;
The faithful from mankind take leave.
They all tell lies to their neighbour;
With flatt'ring lips they all deceive.
Lord, may you cut off lips that fawn,
Be every boastful tongue withdrawn.

They say, ‘We'll triumph by our cries;
We own our lips - who is our head?’
The Lord declares, ‘I’ll now arise,
Because the weak are so oppressed,
Because the needy ones all groan,
Them I’ll protect from spiteful men.’

Like silver smelted sevenfold,
The Lord's pure words contain no flaw.
O Lord, you will us safe uphold,
Protect us from them evermore.
The wicked freely strut round while
Men give esteem to what is vile.

Psalm 11

Evangel/Seraph

The Lord is my security.
So how then can you say:
'Up to your mountain, birdlike, flee,
For look now at the way
The vile bend bows, shoot secretly,
The upright to waylay.
When men destroy foundations true,
What can the righteous do?'

The Lord is in his holy place;
The Lord's on his high throne.
His eyes behold the human race;
Examining his own.
The Lord the righteous tests and weighs,
But those devoid of grace,
Who violence love and sin extol,
He hates with all his soul.

Upon the wicked he will rain
Hot coals and sulphur spew;
He’ll blast with scorching hurricane,
Yes, this will be their due.
For righteous will the Lord remain,
He justice loves, it's true;
They'll see his face will upright men.
Amen. It's true. Amen.

Psalm 10

Montgomery

Why is it, O Lord, that so far off you stand?
Why do you hide yourself when troubles arise?
The wicked, while boasting, the weak how they hound,
They’re caught in the schemes that the wicked devise.

He boasts of the cravings that lurk in his heart;
He blesses the greedy, the Lord how he mocks.
With pride filled, the wicked to seek him won't start;
In all of his thoughts there is no room for God.

His ways are all prosperous; he looks haughtily.
Your laws are far from him; he sneers at each foe.
He says to himself, There’s nought that will shake me;
I’ll always be glad and no trouble I’ll know.

His mouth's full of curses, of lies and of threats;
Beneath his tongue, trouble and evil they lay.
Near villages, watching, he secretly waits
To ambush and slaughter his innocent prey.

A lion, he lies there, the weak are his haul;
He catches the weak, drags them off in his net.
His victims are crushed, by his strength they all fall.
He says to himself, God can’t see, he’ll forget.

Arise, Lord! Lift your hand. The helpless recall.
O God, why do sinners mock so readily?
Why say to himself, To account he won't call?
But, O God, their trouble and grief you do see.

You weigh it all up and you take it in hand.
The victim commits himself only to you;
Those who have no fathers, you help them to stand.
The arm of the sinner, the evil, break, do.

Call him now to explain his great wickedness,
Yes, all of the things that he'd secretly planned.
The Lord's King forever and ever, no less;
The nations will all soon expire from his land.

You hear, O Lord, what the afflicted request;
You comfort them and when they cry, yes, you hear,
Defending the orphan and he who's oppressed,
So that man, who’s of earth, may frighten no more.

Psalm 9

Montgomery

Wholehearted my praise, O Lord, to you I’ll bring;
Of all your great wonders I’ll tell, this my cry.
I’ll be glad, rejoicing in you as I sing;
I’ll sing praise to your name, O to you Most High.

My enemies turn back, they stumble and flee.
They die, for my right and my cause you’ve upheld;
You've sat on your throne and you've judged righteously,
Rebuked all the nations, the wicked expelled.

You've blotted their name out now and evermore.
Endless is the ruin in which they collapsed,
Their cities uprooted by you, they’re no more;
And even their memory by now has elapsed.

The Lord reigns forever, his rule has no end,
For judgement his throne he's established, now see.
In righteousness, judgement on this world he'll send;
The peoples he'll govern in truth faithfully.

The Lord is a refuge for all the oppressed,
A stronghold in times when great troubles do shake.
Those who know your name will all yet in you trust,
For those, Lord, who seek you, you'll never forsake.

Sing praise to the Lord who's enthroned on Mount Zi’n,
Proclaim among nations what he has done yet.
He does not ignore the afflicted who pine,
For he who avenges their blood won’t forget.

O Lord, see my foes, how they persecute me!
Have mercy and me from the gates of death raise,
That here in the gates of Zi'n's daughter I'll be
Glad in your salvation, declaring your praise.

The nations are sunk in the pit they've prepared;
Their feet have been caught in the net they have hidd’n.
By their own hands' work are the wicked ensnared;
The Lord he is known by the justice he’s giv’n.

The wicked return to the grave in the end,
All lands that forget to keep God in their eye.
The needy won't always be left out of mind,
Nor will the oppressed see their hope ever die.

Arise now, O Lord, let not man's way prevail;
Let nations be judged in your presence, amen.
Strike them now with terror, O Lord, do not fail,
Let all of the nations know they are but men.

Psalm 8

Stockport (Yorkshire)


Lord, our Lord, O how splendid is your name,
In all the whole wide earth how great your fame.Above the heavens, your majesty you show.
Because of opposition from the foe,
From babes and children's lips, praise you ordained,
The foe and the avenger, you restrained.

When in the heavens your fingers' work I trace,
The moon and stars which you have set in place.
What is a man, so mindful you're of him?
Why do you care so for the son of man?
Only below the angels he's been placed,
But with a crown of glory, he's been graced.

Over your hands' works given rule to wield -
All flocks and herds and beasts out in the field,
All placed beneath his feet by your decree -
Birds of the air, beasts, fish that swim the sea.
 Lord, our Lord, O how splendid is your name,
In all the whole wide earth how great your fame.

Psalm 7

Toulon

O Lord my God, I hide myself in you;
Save and deliver from those who pursue,
Or, like a lion, my soul they will tear,
Rip me to pieces, with no-one to care.

O Lord my God, if guilt at my door lays -
If I’ve robbed foe, or friend my act betrays -
Let foes pursue, o’ertake me, as is just,
Trample my life down, make me sleep in dust.

Arise, O Lord, in wrath my foes confound,
Awake, my God and justice now decree.
Let the assembled peoples gather round,
Lord, from on high, their Ruler you must be.

O Lord, judge people; O Most High, judge me,
Lord, judge my soundness and integrity.
O righteous God, men's minds and hearts you see.
Give cru’l men death, the just security.

God The Most High, the one who is my shield,
The upright heart he surely saves always.
God is a righteous judge, it is revealed,
Day after day his wrath he does express.

If he does not relent, he’ll hone his sword;
He’ll take and bend and then he’ll string his bow.
His deadly weapons he has had prepared;
All ready are his flaming shafts to go.

He who is pregnant with such vile intent,
Trouble conceives, bears disillusionment.
Who digs a hole and scoops it with a spade
Falls in the pit which he himself has made.

The trouble caused upon himself recoils;
In his own violence he himself embroils.
I'll thank the Lord for his own righteousness,
The Lord's name - God Most High, I'll sing, I’ll praise.

Psalm 6

Melita

O Lord in wrath rebuke me not,
Nor in your anger chasten me.
Show mercy, Lord, for I am faint;
Lord heal my bones from agony.
My soul's affliction don't prolong,
How long, O Lord; O Lord, how long?

Return, O Lord, make me anew;
Through your unfailing love, O save.
A dead man won't remember you,
Who gives you praises from the grave?
Worn out from groaning, I can't sleep,
All night I flood my bed and weep.

All night my couch with tears I soak
Because of these my heavy woes.
My eyes with sorrow they grow weak;
They fail because of all my foes.
All who do evil, leave this place,
The Lord has heard my weeping cries.

The Lord has heard my cry for grace;
The Lord accepts my prayers that rise.
All who oppose me he'll disgrace,
They'll be dismayed who me despise;
In sudden shame they're turned away.
Amen. So may it be, I say.

Extra verses

Bringing in the sheaves

There were 12 disciples
Jesus called to help him
Simon Peter, Andrew,
James, his brother John.
Philip, Thomas, Matthew,
James the son of Alphaeus,
Thaddeus, Simon, Judas
And Bartholomew.

He has called us too (2)
To be his disciples;
Me and you and you.
He has called us too (2)
To be his disciples;
We his work must do.

(The above is not original but these are my two additional verses)

Peter always spoke first,
James and John were eager.
Peter's brother's Andrew,
Thomas he had doubts.
Philip brought Barthol'mew,
Matthew left his tax booth,
Simon was a zealot,
Judas proved untrue.

Foxes have their fox-holes,
The birds all have a nest
But for Jesus, how true,
There’s nowhere to rest.
Preach him, though we're so few,
Seeking first his kingdom,
Keep your eyes on Jesus,
Serve him and stay true.

Psalm 5

Gounod

Hear my words, Lord, see my sighing,
Hear my prayer for help; draw near.
God, my King, to you I’m crying,
Lord, my voice each morn you hear.
I before you lay my plea
And I wait expectantly.

You take no delight in evil;
Wicked men with you can’t stay.
From his face he drives proud people;
You hate all who go astray.
You destroy those who tell lies;
Cheats and murderers you despise.

But by mercy, I’ll find entrance,
I will come into your house,
Bow towards your shrine in reverence,
Lead, O Lord, in righteousness -
Make your way run straight for me,
Save me from each enemy.

You can’t trust a word they’re saying,
With destruction their hearts filled.
Open graves their throats, tongues lying,
Be their guilt, O God, declared!
May they fall by what they planned,
Rebels for their great sins banned.

All who find in you a shelter,
Let them ever sing for joys.
Spread your wing o'er them, Protector,
Those who love your name, rejoice.
Surely, Lord, the good you bless,
Like a shield around, your grace.

Metrical Lord's Prayer

CM (Crimond)

Our Father who is in the heav'n
May your name hallowed be.
Your kingdom come, your will be done,
On earth as is in heav'n.

Today our daily bread give us,
Forgive our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass,
Who trespass against us.

Lead us not into temptation;
Deliver us from sin,
Deliver from the evil one
So may it be. Amen.

[The kingdom it belongs to you
And yours is all the pow'r
And yours be all the glory too
For ever and fore'er.]

Psalm 4

CM
When I to you make my address,
My righteous God, then hear.
Give me relief from my distress,
Show mercy, hear my prayer.

For how long, you people, will you,
With scorn my glory treat?
How long false gods will you pursue?
How long love such deceit?

Know that the Lord has set apart
His servant to his care;
The Lord will hear, when I impart
To him my earnest prayer.

When you are angry, do not sin;
In bed, searched hearts be stilled.
Right sacrifices make to him,
With trust in God be filled.

Now many ask, ‘O who can show
A thing that's good to us?’
So turn, O Lord, and let us know
Light shining from your face.

Lord, when grain and new wine abound,
My heart with joy be filled.
Through you alone is safety found
Laid down in peace, I sleep.

Hymn Sowing Reaping

7676D

Who sows to please the Spirit?
Who seeks to do what’s right?
Who’ll reap a harvest from it?
Who’ll see eternal light?
See that you don’t grow weary,
See you do good to all,
See where the Lord will soon be,
Wait for the trumpet call.

Who sows to please his nature?
Who’s learned to live a lie?
Who’s that without a future?
Who’s that condemned to die?
How many times just wasted?
How come you’re not afraid?
How many good things tasted?
Wait 'til the day you’re paid.

Who laughs at resurrection?
Who says he can’t see why?
Who thinks he’ll miss destruction?
Who thinks he’ll never die?
So soon God’s scythe must scatter,
So soon the flocks divide,
So soon his hammer shatter,
Then Christ will take his Bride.

Psalm 3

Martyrdom

O Lord, how many are my foes!
Against me many rise!
Concerning me the crowds suppose:
‘His God no help supplies.’

But you’re my glory, shielded round,
My head you lift, Lord, high.
He answers from his holy mound,
The Lord to whom I cry.

I lie down, sleep; I wake again -
Because the Lord supplied.
I will not fear ten thousand men
Drawn up on ev’ry side.

Arise, O Lord! My God save me!
Strike my foes on the jaw;
O break the teeth of those there be
Who break your holy law.

The source of all deliverance
It is the Lord alone.
Now may blessings in abundance
Be by your people known.

Hymn 10 Commandments

Stenka Rezin

God has given ten great commandments,
Here his will for us is seen.
But we’ve not shown him obedience,
O Lord Jesus make us clean!

Worship God; in his own way;
And show rev’rence for his name;
Keep to God, each week, one day;
At your parents’ honour aim.

Do not kill; avoid adultery;
Do not steal; and do not lie;
Do not covet or be greedy -
Hear the Law of God Most High.

What does God require, then, from you?
Love the Lord with all your heart
And then love your neighbour too,
Without grace you cannot start.

Psalm 2

St George's Windsor

Why do nations scheme and plan,
Why do peoples plot in vain?
Kings of earth rise as one man
Altogether those who reign,
To oppose the Lord most high,
And resist Messiah’s sway,
‘Let us break their chains!’ they cry,
‘We will cast their bonds away’.

He who sits in heaven will laugh,
How the Lord will scoff, he'll jeer,
Then rebuke them in his wrath
And in anger make them fear.
This is his word to all,
‘I've installed my King to reign,
Here on Zion, holy hill,
My Anointed I maintain.’

His decree I will proclaim:
Just to me the Lord did say,
‘You're my Son; this is your name,
I’m your Father from today.
Ask of me, and I will make
You the heir to nations all.
With an iron sceptre break,
Dash them into pieces small!’

Therefore, kings, be wise, give ear!
Listen rulers of the earth!
Serve the Lord with godly fear;
Mingle trembling with your mirth;
Kiss his Son, his wrath avoid,

For his wrath can quickly flare.

On the way don't be destroyed,
Bless'd are all who seek his care.

Hymn Prophet Priest King

CM

A song of praise to Christ let’s sing
Exalt him with this hymn.
Christ is the Prophet, Priest and King
For all who come to him.

Christ is the Prophet sent to preach
And show the will of God.
I’m ignorant, but he can teach
Me through his holy Word.

Christ is the Priest who died for sin
And now prays for our needs.
I’m lost, I’m guilty, but for him,
Unless he intercedes.

Christ is the King who from on high
Rules and defends his own.
I’m weak, I’m helpless, I must cry
To Jesus on his throne.

Psalm 1

St Petersburg

Bless'd is the one who does not walk
Where wicked ones would guide his feet,
Or stand in sinners’ ways to talk,
Or sit down in the mockers’ seat.
The Lord's own law is his delight,
His meditation day and night.

But like a strong and fruitful tree
That grows where water streams are seen,
As seasons change, its fruit we see
And all its leaves are ever green.
In all to which they put their mind
Prosperity their bound to find!

Not so the wicked! They are all
Like chaff the wind blows far away.
The wicked at the judgement fall,
Lost sinners with the Just can’t stay.
The Lord the righteous' way he knows;
The wicked’s way he overthrows!