Psalm 127 - Marcellin Champagnat's Favourite Prayer

'It is understood this psalm was written by King Solomon. It focuses on the contrast between grace and effort' (Rev Edmund Power OSB, Rome, 23rd October, 2017).

Unless the Lord builds the house,

those who build it labour in vain.

Unless the Lord guards the city,

the guard keeps watch in vain.

It is in vain that you rise up early

and go late to rest,

eating the bread of anxious toil;

for he gives sleep to his beloved.

 

Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord,

the fruit of the womb a reward.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior

are the sons of one's youth.

Happy is the man who has

his quiver full of them.

He shall not be put to shame

when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.