by Pat Youngdahl
The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims God’s handiwork.
Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
Yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.
In the heavens God has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like one “Just Married!” from the wedding canopy, and like an athlete runs their course with joy.
The rising of the sun is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.
The faithfulness of God is trustworthy, reviving the soul; the grace of God is luminous, making wise the simple;
The kindness of God is everywhere, rejoicing the heart; the leading of God is clear, enlightening the eyes;
the love of God is steadfast, enduring forever; the pathways toward God are enticing and beautiful altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, in these pathways we are fulfilled; in treading them we find deep wisdom.
But who can detect their errors? Clear us from hidden faults.
Protect us also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over us. Then we shall be liberated, and free of great transgression.
Let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to you, O God, our rock and our salvation.