PSALTERIVM

PSALMVS CXX — LEVAVI OCVLOS

I Have Lifted Up My Eyes

Levavi oculos meos in montes is one of the most beloved Gradual Psalms, expressing complete trust in divine protection. The confident assertions ('He shall neither slumber nor sleep') make this a classic pilgrimage prayer. The Fathers apply the 'mountains' to Christ and the saints from whom help comes.

LATINE
Levavi oculos meos in montes, unde veniet auxilium mihi.
Auxilium meum a Domino, qui fecit caelum et terram.
Non det in commotionem pedem tuum: neque dormitet qui custodit te.
Ecce non dormitabit neque dormiet, qui custodit Israel.
Dominus custodit te, Dominus protectio tua, super manum dexteram tuam.
Per diem sol non uret te: neque luna per noctem.
Dominus custodit te ab omni malo: custodiat animam tuam Dominus.
Dominus custodiat introitum tuum, et exitum tuum; ex hoc nunc, et usque in saeculum.
ENGLISH
I have lifted up my eyes to the mountains, from whence help shall come to me.
My help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
May he not suffer thy foot to be moved: neither let him slumber that keepeth thee.
Behold he shall neither slumber nor sleep, that keepeth Israel.
The Lord is thy keeper, the Lord is thy protection upon thy right hand.
The sun shall not burn thee by day: nor the moon by night.
The Lord keepeth thee from all evil: may the Lord keep thy soul.
May the Lord keep thy coming in and thy going out; from henceforth now and for ever.
NOTA
FONS
Douay-Rheims (1609) / Vulgata
USUS
Pilgrimage, Compline, Travel blessing
CONTEXT
Psalm 121 in Hebrew numbering. Second Song of Ascents. Often used for travel blessings. 'Coming in and going out' covers all of life's movements.