Psalm 39.1-8

I said, 'I will keep watch over my ways, • so that I offend not with my tongue. 

'I will guard my mouth with a muzzle, • while the wicked are in my sight.' 

So I held my tongue and said nothing; • I kept silent but to no avail. 

My distress increased, my heart grew hot within me; • while I mused, the fire was kindled and I spoke out with my tongue: 

'Lord, let me know my end and the number of my days, • that I may know how short my time is. 

'You have made my days but a handsbreadth and my lifetime is as nothing in your sight; • truly, even those who stand upright are but a breath. 

'We walk about like a shadow and in vain we are in turmoil; • we heap up riches and cannot tell who will gather them. 

'And now, what is my hope? • Truly my hope is even in you.

Psalm 39.9-15

'Deliver me from all my transgressions • and do not make me the taunt of the fool.' 

I fell silent and did not open my mouth, • for surely it was your doing. 

Take away your plague from me; • I am consumed by the blows of your hand. 

With rebukes for sin you punish us; like a moth you consume our beauty; • truly, everyone is but a breath. 

Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; • hold not your peace at my tears. 

For I am but a stranger with you, • a wayfarer, as all my forebears were. 

Turn your gaze from me, that I may be glad again, • before I go my way and am no more.

Psalm 30

I will exalt you, O Lord, because you have raised me up • and have not let my foes triumph over me. 

O Lord my God, I cried out to you • and you have healed me. 

You brought me up, O Lord, from the dead; • you restored me to life from among those that go down to the Pit. 

Sing to the Lord, you servants of his; • give thanks to his holy name. 

For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, his favour for a lifetime. • Heaviness may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning. 

In my prosperity I said, 'I shall never be moved. • You, Lord, of your goodness, have made my hill so strong.' 

Then you hid your face from me • and I was utterly dismayed. 

To you, O Lord, I cried; • to the Lord I made my supplication: 

'What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the Pit? • Will the dust praise you or declare your faithfulness? 

'Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me; • O Lord, be my helper.' 

You have turned my mourning into dancing; • you have put off my sackcloth and girded me with gladness; 

Therefore my heart sings to you without ceasing; • O Lord my God, I will give you thanks for ever.