Psalm for Thursday in the Third Week of Advent

Psalm 30

1     I will exalt you, O LORD,

         because you have lifted me up*

            and have not let my enemies triumph over me.

2     O LORD my God, I cried out to you,*

          and you restored me to health.

3      You brought me up, O LORD, from the dead;*

           you restored my life as I was going down to the grave.

4       Sing to the LORD, you servants of his;*

           give thanks for the remembrance of his holiness.

5      For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye,*

           his favor for a lifetime.

6      Weeping may spend the night,*

           but joy comes in the morning.

7      While I felt secure, I said, "I shall never be disturbed.*

           You, LORD, with your favor, made me as strong as the mountains."

8      Then you hid your face,*

           and I was filled with fear.

9       I cried to you, O LORD;*

            I pleaded with the Lord, saying,

10     "What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the Pit?*

             will the dust praise you or declare your faithfulness?

11      Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me;*

             O LORD, be my helper."

12     You have turned my wailing into dancing;*

             you have put off my sack-cloth and clothed me with joy.

13     Therefore my heart sings to you without ceasing;*

            O LORD my God, I will give you thanks for ever.