Psalm 39, Chant E

 

Psalm 39   Dixi, Custodiam

1 I said, “I will keep watch upon my ways, *
so that I do not offend with my tongue.

2 I will put a muzzle on my mouth *
while the wicked are in my pre-sence.”

3 So I held my tongue and said no-thing; *
I refrained from rash words; but my pain became un-bear-able.

4 My heart was hot within me; while I pondered, the fire burst in-to flame; *
I spoke out with my tongue:

5 LORD, let me know my end and the number of my days, *
so that I may know how short my life is.

6 You have given me a mere handful of days, and my lifetime is as nothing in your sight; *
truly, even those who stand erect are but a puff of wind.

7 We walk about like a shadow, and in vain we are in tur-moil; *
we heap up riches and cannot tell who will ga-ther them.

8 And now, what is my hope? *
O Lord, my hope is in you.

9 Deliver me from all my trans-gres-sions *
and do not make me the taunt of the fool.

10 I fell silent and did not open my mouth, *
for surely it was you that did it.

11 Take your affliction from me; *
I am worn down by the blows of your hand.

12 With rebukes for sin you punish us; like a moth you eat away all that is dear to us; *
truly, everyone is but a puff of wind.

13 Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry; *
hold not your peace at my tears.

14 For I am but a sojourner with you *
a wayfarer, as all my fore-bears were.

15 Turn your gaze from me, that I may be glad a-gain, *
before I go my way and am no more.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Ho-ly Spir-it: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. A-men.