Responsive Reading

55

Psalm 127

Leader: Unless the Lord builds the house,
the builders labor in vain.
People: Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the guards stand watch in vain.

Leader: In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
People: toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to those he loves.

Leader: Children are a heritage from the Lord,
offspring a reward from him.
People: Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one’s youth.

Leader: Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
People: They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their opponents in court.