Page:Book of common prayer (TEC, 1979).pdf/642

 The preserves them and keeps them alive, so that they may be happy in the land; * he does not hand them over to the will of their enemies.

The sustains them on their sickbed * and ministers to them in their illness.

I said, “, be merciful to me; * heal me, for I have sinned against you.”

My enemies are saying wicked things about me: * “When will he die, and his name perish?”

Even if they come to see me, they speak empty words; * their heart collects false rumors; they go outside and spread them.

All my enemies whisper together about me * and devise evil against me.

“A deadly thing,” they say, “has fastened on him; * he has taken to his bed and will never get up again.”

Even my best friend, whom I trusted, who broke bread with me, * has lifted up his heel and turned against me.

But you, O, be merciful to me and raise me up, * and I shall repay them.

By this I know you are pleased with me, * that my enemy does not triumph over me.

In my integrity you hold me fast, * and shall set me before your face for ever.

Blessed be the God of Israel, * from age to age. Amen. Amen.