A song of the ascents. Shelomoh’s.
1If Yahweh doesn’t build a house,
in vain the builders have laboured on it.
If Yahweh doesn’t keep a town,
in vain the one who keeps watch has been wakeful.
2It is in vain for you,
being people early to get up, people late to sit down,
People who eat bread of toil
– yes, he gives sleep to his beloved.
3There, sons are your domain from Yahweh;
the fruit of the womb is a reward.
4Like arrows in a strong man’s hand
– so are the sons of youth.
5The blessings of the man
who has filled his quiver!
Of them he will not be shamed
when they speak with enemies in the gateway.
Lord God,,
you feed us with the living bread from heaven;
you renew our faith,
increase our hope,
and strengthen our love.
Teach us to hunger
for Christ who is the true and living bread,
and to live by every word
that comes from your mouth,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.