Holy Hour

107 1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, * and his mercy endures for ever. 2 Let all those whom the Lord has redeemed proclaim * that he redeemed them from the hand of the foe. 3 He gathered them out of the lands; * from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.   4 Some wandered in desert wastes; * they found no way to a city where they might dwell. 5 They were hungry and thirsty; * their spirits languished within them. 6 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, * and he delivered them from their distress. 7 He put their feet on a straight path * to go to a city where they might dwell. 8 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his mercy * and the wonders he does for his children. 9 For he satisfies the thirsty * and fills the hungry with good things. 10 Some sat in darkness and deep gloom, * bound fast in misery and iron; 11 Because they rebelled against the words of God * and despised the counsel of the Most High. 12 So he humbled their spirits with hard labor; * they stumbled, and there was none to help. 13 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, * and he delivered them from their distress. 14 He led them out of darkness and deep gloom * and broke their bonds asunder. 15 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his mercy * and the wonders he does for his children. 16 For he shatters the doors of bronze * and breaks in two the iron bars.   17 Some were fools and took to rebellious ways; * they were afflicted because of their sins. 18 They abhorred all manner of food * and drew near to death's door. 19 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, * and he delivered them from their distress. 20 He sent forth his word and healed them * and saved them from the grave. 21 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his mercy * and the wonders he does for his children. 22 Let them offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving * and tell of his acts with shouts of joy. 23 Some went down to the sea in ships * and plied their trade in deep waters; 24 They beheld the works of the Lord * and his wonders in the deep. 25 Then he spoke, and a stormy wind arose, * which tossed high the waves of the sea. 26 They mounted up to the heavens and fell back to the depths; * their hearts melted because of their peril. 27 They reeled and staggered like drunkards * and were at their wits' end. 28 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, * and he delivered them from their distress. 29 He stilled the storm to a whisper * and quieted the waves of the sea. 30 Then were they glad because of the calm, * and he brought them to the harbor they were bound for. 31 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his mercy * and the wonders he does for his children. 32 Let them exalt him in the congregation of the people * and praise him in the council of the elders.