Psalm 124

A Song of Ascents. Of David.
1 If it had not been the Lord who was on our side
   —let Israel now say—
2 if it had not been the Lord who was on our side,
   when our enemies attacked us,
3 then they would have swallowed us up alive,
   when their anger was kindled against us;
4 then the flood would have swept us away,
   the torrent would have gone over us;
5 then over us would have gone
   the raging waters.


6 Blessed be the Lord,
   who has not given us
   as prey to their teeth.
7 We have escaped like a bird
   from the snare of the fowlers;
the snare is broken,
   and we have escaped.


8 Our help is in the name of the Lord,
   who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 138

Of David.
1 I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart;
   before the gods I sing your praise;
2 I bow down towards your holy temple
   and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness;
   for you have exalted your name and your word
   above everything.
3 On the day I called, you answered me,
   you increased my strength of soul.


4 All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O Lord,
   for they have heard the words of your mouth.
5 They shall sing of the ways of the Lord,
   for great is the glory of the Lord.
6 For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly;
   but the haughty he perceives from far away.


7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
   you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies;
you stretch out your hand,
   and your right hand delivers me.
8 The Lord will fulfil his purpose for me;
   your steadfast love, O Lord, endures for ever.
   Do not forsake the work of your hands.