IF THE LORD DOES NOT BUILD THE HOUSE (Ps. 1 26)

Antiphon : May the Lord watch over this house and keep us in peace.\nIf the Lord does not build the house,\nIn vain do its builders labour;\nIf the Lord does not watch over the city,\nIn vain does the watchman keep vigil.\n2. In vain is your earlier rising,\nYour going later to rest,\nYou who toil for the bread you eat:\nWhen he pours gifts on his beloved while they slumber.\n3. Truly sons are gifts from the Lord,\nA blessing, the fruit of the womb.\nIndeed, the sons of youth\nAre like arrows in the hand of a warrior.\n4. O the happiness of the man\nWho has filled his quiver with these arrows!\nHe will have no cause for shame\nWhen he disputes with his foes in the gateways.\n5. Give praise to the father almighty,\nTo his son, Jesus Christ, the Lord,\nTo the spirit who dwells in our hearts,\nBoth now and for Ages unending.