Psalm 119 from the Book of Common Prayer

Aleph Beati immaculati

1 Happy are they whose way is blameless, *
who walk in the law of the LORD!

2 Happy are they who observe his decrees *
and seek him with all their hearts!

3 Who never do any wrong, *
but always walk in his ways.

4 You laid down your commandments, *
that we should fully keep them.

5 Oh, that my ways were made so direct *
that I might keep your statutes!

6 Then I should not be put to shame, *
when I regard all your commandments.

7 I will thank you with an unfeigned heart, *
when I have learned your righteous judgments.

8 I will keep your statutes; *
do not utterly forsake me.

Beth In quo corrigit?

9 How shall a young man cleanse his way? *
By keeping to your words.

10 With my whole heart I seek you; *
let me not stray from your commandments.

11 I treasure your promise in my heart, *
that I may not sin against you.

12 Blessed are you, O LORD; *
instruct me in your statutes.

13 With my lips will I recite *
all the judgments of your mouth.

14 I have taken greater delight in the way of your decrees *
than in all manner of riches.

15 I will meditate on your commandments *
and give attention to your ways.

16 My delight is in your statutes; *
I will not forget your word.

Gimel Retribue servo tuo

17 Deal bountifully with your servant, *
that I may live and keep your word.

18 Open my eyes, that I may see *
the wonders of your law.

19 I am a stranger here on earth; *
do not hide your commandments from me.

20 My soul is consumed at all times *
with longing for your judgments.

21 You have rebuked the insolent; *
cursed are they who stray from your commandments!

22 Turn from me shame and rebuke, *
for I have kept your decrees.

23 Even though rulers sit and plot against me, *
I will meditate on your statutes.

24 For your decrees are my delight, *
and they are my counselors.

Daleth Adhœsit pavimento

25 My soul cleaves to the dust; *
give me life according to your word.

26 I have confessed my ways, and you answered me; *
instruct me in your statutes.

27 Make me understand the way of your commandments, *
that I may meditate on your marvelous works.

28 My soul melts away for sorrow; *
strengthen me according to your word.

29 Take from me the way of lying; *
let me find grace through your law.

30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness; *
I have set your judgments before me.

31 I hold fast to your decrees; *
O LORD, let me not be put to shame.

32 I will run the way of your commandments, *
for you have set my heart at liberty.

He Legem pone

33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes, *
and I shall keep it to the end.

34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep your law; *
I shall keep it with all my heart.

35 Make me go in the path of your commandments, *
for that is my desire.

36 Incline my heart to your decrees *
and not to unjust gain.

37 Turn my eyes from watching what is worthless; *
give me life in your ways.

38 Fulfill your promise to your servant, *
which you make to those who fear you.

39 Turn away the reproach which I dread, *
because your judgments are good.

40 Behold, I long for your commandments; *
in your righteousness preserve my life.

Waw Et veniat super me

41 Let your loving-kindness come to me, O LORD, *
and your salvation, according to your promise.

42 Then shall I have a word for those who taunt me, *
because I trust in your words.

43 Do not take the word of truth out of my mouth, *
for my hope is in your judgments.

44 I shall continue to keep your law; *
I shall keep it for ever and ever.

45 I will walk at liberty, *
because I study your commandments.

46 I will tell of your decrees before kings *
and will not be ashamed.

47 I delight in your commandments, *
which I have always loved.

48 I will lift up my hands to your commandments, *
and I will meditate on your statutes.

Zayin Memor esto verbi tui

49 Remember your word to your servant, *
because you have given me hope.

50 This is my comfort in my trouble, *
that your promise gives me life.

51 The proud have derided me cruelly, *
but I have not turned from your law.

52 When I remember your judgments of old, *
O LORD, I take great comfort.

53 I am filled with a burning rage, *
because of the wicked who forsake your law.

54 Your statutes have been like songs to me *
wherever I have lived as a stranger.

55 I remember your Name in the night, O LORD, *
and dwell upon your law.

56 This is how it has been with me, *
because I have kept your commandments.

Heth Portio mea, Domine

57 You only are my portion, O LORD; *
I have promised to keep your words.

58 I entreat you with all my heart, *
be merciful to me according to your promise.

59 I have considered my ways *
and turned my feet toward your decrees.

60 I hasten and do not tarry *
to keep your commandments.

61 Though the cords of the wicked entangle me, *
I do not forget your law.

62 At midnight I will rise to give you thanks, *
because of your righteous judgments.

63 I am a companion of all who fear you *
and of those who keep your commandments.

64 The earth, O LORD, is full of your love; *
instruct me in your statutes.

Teth Bonitatem fecisti

65 O LORD, you have dealt graciously with your servant, *
according to your word.

66 Teach me discernment and knowledge, *
for I have believed in your commandments.

67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, *
but now I keep your word.

68 You are good and you bring forth good; *
instruct me in your statutes.

69 The proud have smeared me with lies, *
but I will keep your commandments with my whole heart.

70 Their heart is gross and fat, *
but my delight is in your law.

71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted, *
that I might learn your statutes.

72 The law of your mouth is dearer to me *
than thousands in gold and silver.

Yodh Manus tuœ fecerunt me

73 Your hands have made me and fashioned me; *
give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments.

74 Those who fear you will be glad when they see me, *
because I trust in your word.

75 I know, O LORD, that your judgments are right *
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.

76 Let your loving-kindness be my comfort, *
as you have promised to your servant.

77 Let your compassion come to me, that I may live, *
for your law is my delight.

78 Let the arrogant be put to shame, for they wrong me with lies; *
but I will meditate on your commandments.

79 Let those who fear you turn to me, *
and also those who know your decrees.

80 Let my heart be sound in your statutes, *
that I may not be put to shame.

Kaph Defecit in salutare

81 My soul has longed for your salvation; *
I have put my hope in your word.

82 My eyes have failed from watching for your promise, *
and I say, “When will you comfort me?”

83 I have become like a leather flask in the smoke, *
but I have not forgotten your statutes.

84 How much longer must I wait? *
when will you give judgment against those who persecute me?

85 The proud have dug pits for me; *
they do not keep your law.

86 All your commandments are true; *
help me, for they persecute me with lies.

87 They had almost made an end of me on earth, *
but I have not forsaken your commandments.

88 In your loving-kindness, revive me, *
that I may keep the decrees of your mouth.

Lamedh In œternum, Domine

89 O LORD, your word is everlasting; *
it stands firm in the heavens.

90 Your faithfulness remains from one generation to another; *
you established the earth, and it abides.

91 By your decree these continue to this day, *
for all things are your servants.

92 If my delight had not been in your law, *
I should have perished in my affliction.

93 I will never forget your commandments, *
because by them you give me life.

94 I am yours; oh, that you would save me! *
for I study your commandments.

95 Though the wicked lie in wait for me to destroy me, *
I will apply my mind to your decrees.

96 I see that all things come to an end, *
but your commandment has no bounds.

Mem Quomodo dilexi!

97 Oh, how I love your law! *
all the day long it is in my mind.

98 Your commandment has made me wiser than my enemies, *
and it is always with me.

99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, *
for your decrees are my study.

100 I am wiser than the elders, *
because I observe your commandments.

101 I restrain my feet from every evil way, *
that I may keep your word.

102 I do not shrink from your judgments, *
because you yourself have taught me.

103 How sweet are your words to my taste! *
they are sweeter than honey to my mouth.

104 Through your commandments I gain understanding; *
therefore I hate every lying way.

Nun Lucerna pedibus meis

105 Your word is a lantern to my feet *
and a light upon my path.

106 I have sworn and am determined *
to keep your righteous judgments.

107 I am deeply troubled; *
preserve my life, O LORD, according to your word.

108 Accept, O LORD, the willing tribute of my lips, *
and teach me your judgments.

109 My life is always in my hand, *
yet I do not forget your law.

110 The wicked have set a trap for me, *
but I have not strayed from your commandments.

111 Your decrees are my inheritance for ever; *
truly, they are the joy of my heart.

112 I have applied my heart to fulfill your statutes *
for ever and to the end.

Samekh Iniquos odio habui

113 I hate those who have a divided heart, *
but your law do I love.

114 You are my refuge and shield; *
my hope is in your word.

115 Away from me, you wicked! *
I will keep the commandments of my God.

116 Sustain me according to your promise, that I may live, *
and let me not be disappointed in my hope.

117 Hold me up, and I shall be safe, *
and my delight shall be ever in your statutes.

118 You spurn all who stray from your statutes; *
their deceitfulness is in vain.

119 In your sight all the wicked of the earth are but dross; *
therefore I love your decrees.

120 My flesh trembles with dread of you; *
I am afraid of your judgments.

Ayin Feci judicium

121 I have done what is just and right; *
do not deliver me to my oppressors.

122 Be surety for your servant’s good; *
let not the proud oppress me.

123 My eyes have failed from watching for your salvation *
and for your righteous promise.

124 Deal with your servant according to your loving-kindness *
and teach me your statutes.

125 I am your servant; grant me understanding, *
that I may know your decrees.

126 It is time for you to act, O LORD, *
for they have broken your law.

127 Truly, I love your commandments *
more than gold and precious stones.

128 I hold all your commandments to be right for me; *
all paths of falsehood I abhor.

Pe Mirabilia

129 Your decrees are wonderful; *
therefore I obey them with all my heart.

130 When your word goes forth it gives light; *
it gives understanding to the simple.

131 I open my mouth and pant; *
I long for your commandments.

132 Turn to me in mercy, *
as you always do to those who love your Name.

133 Steady my footsteps in your word; *
let no iniquity have dominion over me.

134 Rescue me from those who oppress me, *
and I will keep your commandments.

135 Let your countenance shine upon your servant *
and teach me your statutes.

136 My eyes shed streams of tears, *
because people do not keep your law.

Sadhe Justus es, Domine

137 You are righteous, O LORD, *
and upright are your judgments.

138 You have issued your decrees *
with justice and in perfect faithfulness.

139 My indignation has consumed me, *
because my enemies forget your words.

140 Your word has been tested to the uttermost, *
and your servant holds it dear.

141 I am small and of little account, *
yet I do not forget your commandments.

142 Your justice is an everlasting justice *
and your law is the truth.

143 Trouble and distress have come upon me, *
yet your commandments are my delight.

144 The righteousness of your decrees is everlasting; *
grant me understanding, that I may live.

Qoph Clamavi in toto corde meo

145 I call with my whole heart; *
answer me, O LORD, that I may keep your statutes.

146 I call to you; oh, that you would save me! *
I will keep your decrees.

147 Early in the morning I cry out to you, *
for in your word is my trust.

148 My eyes are open in the night watches, *
that I may meditate upon your promise.

149 Hear my voice, O LORD, according to your loving-kindness; *
according to your judgments, give me life.

150 They draw near who in malice persecute me; *
they are very far from your law.

151 You, O LORD, are near at hand, *
and all your commandments are true.

152 Long have I known from your decrees *
that you have established them for ever.

Resh Vide humilitatem

153 Behold my affliction and deliver me, *
for I do not forget your law.

154 Plead my cause and redeem me; *
according to your promise, give me life.

155 Deliverance is far from the wicked, *
for they do not study your statutes.

156 Great is your compassion, O LORD; *
preserve my life, according to your judgments.

157 There are many who persecute and oppress me, *
yet I have not swerved from your decrees.

158 I look with loathing at the faithless, *
for they have not kept your word.

159 See how I love your commandments! *
O LORD, in your mercy, preserve me.

160 The heart of your word is truth; *
all your righteous judgments endure for evermore.

Shin Principes persecuti sunt

161 Rulers have persecuted me without a cause, *
but my heart stands in awe of your word.

162 I am as glad because of your promise *
as one who finds great spoils.

163 As for lies, I hate and abhor them, *
but your law is my love.

164 Seven times a day do I praise you, *
because of your righteous judgments.

165 Great peace have they who love your law; *
for them there is no stumbling block.

166 I have hoped for your salvation, O LORD, *
and have fulfilled your commandments.

167 I have kept your decrees *
and I have loved them deeply.

168 I have kept your commandments and decrees, *
for all my ways are before you.

Taw Appropinquet deprecatio

169 Let my cry come before you, O LORD; *
give me understanding, according to your word.

170 Let my supplication come before you; *
deliver me, according to your promise.

171 My lips shall pour forth your praise, *
when you teach me your statutes.

172 My tongue shall sing of your promise, *
for all your commandments are righteous.

173 Let your hand be ready to help me, *
for I have chosen your commandments.

174 I long for your salvation, O LORD, *
and your law is my delight.

175 Let me live, and I will praise you, *
and let your judgments help me.

176 I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost; *
search for your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.

St. Thomas’ read Psalm 119 together while we were apart during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic in March/April 2020.

Psalm 119 is a beautiful Psalm, and also famous for being the longest in the Bible. It’s an acrostic: each section of the Psalm has all the sentences begin with the same letter (in Hebrew). The name of that Hebrew letter is printed above that section in your prayer book. Some Bibles will actually print the letter itself!

You can hear the entire Psalm here, or individual sections of it down below.

Psalm 119

Letter	Reader
א – Aleph	Jonathan W.
ב – Beth	Aviva F.
ג – Gimel	Eric C.
ד – Daleth	Barbara C.
ה – He	Todd F.
ו – Vav	Gretchen O.
ז – Zayin	Tal K.
ח – Chet	Jeannie M.
ט – Tet	Daniel O.
י – Yodh	Becky S.
כ – Kaf	Cole B.
ל – Lamed	Carl K.
מ – Mem	Donna F.
נ – Nun	John H.
ס – Samech	Bobby K.
Y – Ayin	Vivian H.
פ – Peh	Matthew O.
צ – Tsade	Sara J.
ק – Qof	Joe R.
ר – Resh	Rachael O.
ש – Sin/Shin	Becky F.
ת – Tav	Jo-Ann T.

Thank you to everyone who took part in this effort!

References:

• Aleph-Bet pronunciation
• Psalm 119

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