Holy Trinity Scottish Episcopal Church, Stirling

(please join in singing the psalm, pausing shortly at the asterisk *)

Refrain: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? *
and are so far from my cry and from the words of my distress?

O my God, I cry in the daytime, but you do not answer; *
by night as well, but I find no rest.

Yet you are the Holy One, *
enthroned upon the praises of Israel.

Our forefathers put their trust in you; *
they trusted, and you delivered them.

They cried out to you and were delivered; *
they trusted in you and were not put to shame.

But as for me, I am a worm and no man, *
scorned by all and despised by the people.

All who see me laugh me to scorn; *
they curl their lips and wag their heads, saying,

‘He trusted in the Lord; let him deliver him; *
let him rescue him, if he delights in him.’

Yet you are he who took me out of the womb, *
and kept me safe upon my mother’s breast.

I have been entrusted to you ever since I was born; *
you were my God when I was still in my mother’s womb.

Be not far from me, for trouble is near, *
and there is none to help.

Many young bulls encircle me; *
strong bulls of Bashan surround me.

They open wide their jaws at me, *
like a ravening and a roaring lion.

I am poured out like water; all my bones are out of joint; *
my heart within my breast is melting wax.

My mouth is dried out like a pot-sherd; my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; *
and you have laid me in the dust of the grave.

Packs of dogs close me in, and gangs of evildoers circle around me; *
they pierce my hands and my feet; I can count all my bones.

They stare and gloat over me; *
they divide my garments among them; they cast lots for my clothing.

Be not far away, O Lord; *
you are my strength; hasten to help me.

Save me from the sword, *
my life from the power of the dog.

Save me from the lion’s mouth, *
my wretched body from the horns of wild bulls.

Refrain: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?