Through the Bible – Day 191

₁The heavens keep telling

the wonders of God,

and the skies declare

what he has done.

₂Each day informs

the following day;

each night announces

to the next.

₃They don't speak a word,

and there is never

the sound of a voice.

₄Yet their message reaches

all the earth,

and it travels

around the world.

In the heavens a tent

is set up for the sun.

₅It rises like a bridegroom

and gets ready like a hero

eager to run a race.

₆It travels all the way

across the sky.

Nothing hides from its heat.

₇The Law of the LORD is perfect;

it gives us new life.

His teachings last for ever,

and they give wisdom

to ordinary people.

₈The LORD's instruction is right;

it makes our hearts glad.

His commands shine brightly,

and they give us light.

₉Worshipping the LORD is sacred;

he will always be worshipped.

All of his decisions

are correct and fair.

₁₀They are worth more

than the finest gold

and are sweeter than honey

from a honeycomb.

₁₁By your teachings, Lord,

I am warned;

by obeying them,

I am greatly rewarded.

₁₂None of us know our faults.

Forgive me when I sin

without knowing it.

₁₃Don't let me do wrong

on purpose, Lord,

or let sin have control

over my life.

Then I will be innocent,

and not guilty

of some terrible fault.

₁₄Let my words and my thoughts

be pleasing to you, LORD,

because you are my mighty rock

and my protector.

₁I pray that the LORD

will listen when you

are in trouble,

and that the God of Jacob

will keep you safe.

₂May the LORD send help

from his temple

and come to your rescue

from Mount Zion.

₃May he remember your gifts

and be pleased

with what you bring.

₄May God do what you want most

and let all go well for you.

₅Then you will win victories,

and we will celebrate,

while raising our banners

in the name of our God.

May the LORD answer

all of your prayers!

₆I am certain, LORD,

that you will help

your chosen king.

You will answer my prayers

from your holy place

in heaven,

and you will save me

with your mighty arm.

₇Some people trust the power

of chariots or horses,

but we trust you, LORD God.

₈Others will stumble and fall,

but we will be strong

and stand firm.

₉Give the king victory, LORD,

and answer our prayers.

₁Our LORD, your mighty power

makes the king glad,

and he celebrates victories

that you have given him.

₂You did what he wanted most

and never told him “No.”

₃You truly blessed the king,

and you placed on him

a crown of finest gold.

₄He asked to live a long time,

and you promised him life

that never ends.

₅The king is highly honoured.

You have let him win victories

that have made him famous.

₆You have given him blessings

that will last for ever,

and you have made him glad

by being so near to him.

₇LORD Most High,

the king trusts you,

and your kindness

keeps him from defeat.

₈With your mighty arm, LORD,

you will strike down all

of your hateful enemies.

₉They will be destroyed by fire

once you are here,

and because of your anger,

flames will swallow them.

₁₀You will wipe their families

from the earth,

and they will disappear.

₁₁All their plans to harm you

will come to nothing.

₁₂You will make them run away

by shooting your arrows

at their faces.

₁₃Show your strength, LORD,

so that we may sing

and praise your power.