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THE SIX PSALMS
There should be no moving about and no sitting during the reading of the Six
Psalms.
All candles in the stands should be extinguished (and relit at the end of the
reading).
The Reader reads in the middle of the church, using a candle.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among men.
Thrice. (With the sign of the Cross and a bow from the waist each time.)
O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.
Twice.
O
Lord, why are they multiplied that afflict me? Many rise up against me.
Many say unto my soul: There is no salvation for him in his God. But Thou, O
Lord, art my helper, my glory, and the lifter up of my head. I cried unto the Lord
with my voice, and He heard me out of His holy mountain. I laid me down and
slept; I awoke, for the Lord will help me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of
people that set themselves against me round about. Arise, O Lord, save me, O my
God, for Thou hast smitten all who without cause are mine enemies; the teeth of
sinners hast Thou broken. Salvation is of the Lord, and Thy blessing is upon Thy
people.
I laid me down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord will help me.
O
Lord, rebuke me not in Thine anger, nor chasten me in Thy wrath. For
Thine arrows are fastened in me, and Thou hast laid Thy hand heavily upon me.
There is no healing in my flesh in the face of Thy wrath; and there is no peace in
my bones in the face of my sins. For mine iniquities are risen higher than my
head; as a heavy burden have they pressed heavily upon me. My bruises are
become noisome and corrupt in the face of my folly. I have been wretched and
utterly bowed down until the end; all the day long I went with downcast face. For