Psalms 129; Psalms 130; Psalms 131

1 Israel, tell us how your enemies have persecuted you ever since you were young.

2 "Ever since I was young, my enemies have persecuted me cruelly, but they have not overcome me.

3 They cut deep wounds in my back and made it like a plowed field.

4 But the Lord, the righteous one, has freed me from slavery."

5 May everyone who hates Zion be defeated and driven back.

6 May they all be like grass growing on the housetops, which dries up before it can grow;

7 no one gathers it up or carries it away in bundles.

8 No one who passes by will say, "May the Lord bless you! We bless you in the name of the Lord."

1 From the depths of my despair I call to you, Lord.

2 Hear my cry, O Lord; listen to my call for help!

3 If you kept a record of our sins, who could escape being condemned?

4 But you forgive us, so that we should stand in awe of you.

5 I wait eagerly for the Lord's help, and in his word I trust.

6 I wait for the Lord more eagerly than sentries wait for the dawn - than sentries wait for the dawn.

7 Israel, trust in the Lord, because his love is constant and he is always willing to save.

8 He will save his people Israel from all their sins.

1 Lord, I have given up my pride and turned away from my arrogance. I am not concerned with great matters or with subjects too difficult for me.

2 Instead, I am content and at peace. As a child lies quietly in its mother's arms, so my heart is quiet within me.

3 Israel, trust in the Lord now and forever!