18 The singers, accompanied by harps,sang praises with their voices;they made a sweet melodywith a full-bodied sound.
19 The people of the Lord Most Highoffered prayers before the merciful oneuntil the order of the Lord’s servicewas completed,and they finished theirworship duties to him.
20 Then Simon came downand raised his handsover the entire assemblyof the Israelitesto give the Lord’s blessing from his lipsand to glorify his name.
21 And they bowed down to worshipa second time,to receive the blessingfrom the Most High.
22 Now bless the God of allwho everywhere does great things,who raises us up from our birthand deals mercifully with us.
23 May he give us gladness in our hearts,and may there be peace in our time,in Israel as in times past.
24 May he grant us his mercy,and may he rescue us in our lifetime.