An alternative response

The lectionary suggests Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 as an alternative response to the reading from 1 Samuel

I will sing of the LORD ’s loyal love forever. I will proclaim your faithfulness with my own mouth from one generation to the next. 2 That’s why I say, “ Youry loyal love is rightly built—forever! You establish your faithfulness in heaven. ” 3 You said,z “ I made a covenant with my chosen one; I promised my servant David: 4 ‘I will establish your offspring forever; I will build up your throne from one generation to the next.’ ” Selah 19 Once you spoke in a vision to your faithful servants: I placed a crown on a strong man. I raised up someone specially chosen from the people. 20 I discovered my servant David. I anointed him with my holy oil. 21 My hand will sustain him— yes, my arm will strengthen him! 22 No enemy will oppress him; no wicked person will make him suffer. 23 I will crush all his foes in front of him. I will strike down all those who hate him. 24 My faithfulness and my loyal love will be with him. He will be strengthened by my name. 25 I will set his hand on the sea. I will set his strong hand on the rivers. 26 He will cry out to me: “ You are my father, my God, the rock of my salvation. ”