Psalm 27 A Hymn, adapted – Ian Sowton
I AM is my light, my salvation, my life’s sanctuary,
so who can frighten me? Why should I live in fear?
2 When enemies – scoundrels all – gather to make a meal of me,
they’re going to stumble and fall flat on their faces.
3 A whole besieging army shall not cow my spirit;
even if I’m caught in a war I will stay confident.
4 One thing I asked of God, something I really long for:
to live out my life in the house of the Most High,
to fix my contemplating gaze upon God’s beauty,
to plumb my faith in the quiet of the temple.
5 When the day of trouble comes you will shelter me,
safely enfolded in the cover of your tent;
you are sure to set me in place on a high rock.
6 Now, head held high above surrounding enemies,
I will offer sacrifices in the sacred tent with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to El Shaddai.
7 Hear, O God, when I call! answer in your graciousness!
8 “Come now,” says my heart, “search out Yahweh’s face!”
I truly do seek your face. 9 Do not hide it from me.
You who’ve been my help, do not turn from me in anger.
O my salvation, do not discard, do not forsake me!
10 Even if my own parents desert me, God will adopt me.
11 Instruct me in your way, O eternal Wisdom,
guide me on some level path leading past my foes.
12 Do not abandon me to the will of adversaries,
for perjurers, breathing malice, have appeared against me.
13 I believe that in my day I shall live to see God’s goodness.
14 Wait for the Most High; be strong, take courage. Wait.
