Your word, O Lord, endures forever;
It is firm as the heavens.
Through all generations your truth endures;
you have established the earth, and it stands firm.
According to your ordinances they still stand firm:
all things serve you.
The revelation of your words sheds light,
giving understanding to the simple.
Let your countenance shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
Let my soul live to praise you,
and may your ordinances help me.
Byzantine mosaic, 547. Christ offers the martyr crown to San Vitale, while an angel offers a model of the church to bishop Ecclesius. Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna.