PSALM 27, READ BY RABBI STERN OF ARDEN HEIGHTS BOULEVARD JEWISH CENTER

A Psalm of David

The L-rd is my light and my help. Whom shall I fear?

The L-rd is the strength of my life. Whom shall I dread?

When evildoers draw near to slander me, when foes threaten, they stumble and fall.

Though armies be arrayed against me, I will have no fear.

Though wars threaten, I remain steadfast in my faith.

One thing I ask of the L-rd, for this I yearn: To dwell in the House of the L-rd all the days of my life, to behold His beauty, to pray in His sanctuary.

He will hide me in His shrine, safe from peril. He will shelter me beyond the reach of disaster.

He will raise my head high above my enemies. I will bring Him offerings with shouts of joy, singing, chanting praise to the L-rd.

0 L-rd, hear my voice when I call; be gracious to me, and answer.

It is You that I seek, says my heart. It is Your Presence that I seek, 0 L-rd.

Hide not from me, reject not Your servant.

You have always been my help, do not abandon me. Forsake me not, my G-d of deliverance.

Though my father and my mother leave me, the L-rd will care for me.

Teach me Your way, 0 L-rd; guide me on the right path, to confound my oppressors.

Abandon me not to the will of my foes.

False witnesses have risen against me, people who breathe out lies.

Mine is the faith that I surely shall see the L-rd's goodness in the land of the living.

Hope in the L-rd and be strong. Take courage, hope in the L-rd.