Psalm 126 has long been a favorite of mine. Just as I viewed Pachelbel's famous canon as "our song" when I was partnered, so I considered this "our psalm."
It is a psalm of unexpected blessing, of good things unlooked for, of grace upon grace. It is not saccharine, for tears precede the harvest of joy, but there is a simple testimony of goodness that never fails to put me in a state of calm assurance and abiding hope.
Psalm 126 In convertendo1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, *
then were we like those who dream.
2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *
and our tongue with shouts of joy.
3 Then they said among the nations, *
"The LORD has done great things for them."
4 The LORD has done great things for us, *
and we are glad indeed.
5 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, *
like the watercourses of the Negev.
6 Those who sowed with tears *
will reap with songs of joy.
7 Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, *
will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.
--The Book of Common Prayer
Almighty God, through the incarnate Word you have caused us to be born anew of an imperishable and eternal seed: Look with compassion upon those who are being prepared for Holy Baptism, and grant that they may be built as living stones into a spiritual temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
--the BB
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