SCRIPTURE
Psalm 118: 1-2, 14-24
O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever! 2
Let Israel say, "His steadfast love endures forever." 3 Let
the house of Aaron say, "His steadfast love endures forever." 4
Let those who fear the LORD say, "His steadfast love endures forever."
5 Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and
set me in a broad place. 6 With the LORD on my side I do not fear.
What can mortals do to me? 7 The LORD is on my side to help me; I
shall look in triumph on those who hate me. 8 It is better to take
refuge in the LORD than to put confidence in mortals. 9 It is better
to take refuge in the LORD than to put confidence in princes. 10 All
nations surrounded me; in the name of the LORD I cut them off! 11
They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side; in the name of the LORD I cut
them off! 12 They surrounded me like bees; they blazed like a fire of
thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off! 13 I was pushed hard,
so that I was falling, but the LORD helped me. 14 The LORD is my
strength and my might; he has become my salvation. 15 There are glad
songs of victory in the tents of the righteous: "The right hand of the LORD
does valiantly; 16 the right hand of the LORD is exalted; the right
hand of the LORD does valiantly." 17 I shall not die, but I
shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD. 18 The LORD has
punished me severely, but he did not give me over to death. 19 Open
to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks
to the LORD. 20 This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall
enter through it. 21 I thank you that you have answered me and have
become my salvation. 22 The stone that the builders rejected has
become the chief cornerstone. 23 This is the LORD's doing; it is
marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day that the LORD has made; let
us rejoice and be glad in it.