Evening Prayer

Ecclus. 24: 1- 12 Wisdom praises herself,  and tells of her glory in the midst of her people.  2 In the assembly of the Most High she opens her mouth,  and in the presence of his hosts she tells of her glory:  3 "I came forth from the mouth of the Most High,  and covered the earth like a mist.  4 I dwelt in the highest heavens,  and my throne was in a pillar of cloud.  5 Alone I compassed the vault of heaven  and traversed the depths of the abyss.  6 Over waves of the sea, over all the earth,  and over every people and nation I have held sway. 7 Among all these I sought a resting place;  in whose territory should I abide? 8 "Then the Creator of all things gave me a command,  and my Creator chose the place for my tent.  He said, 'Make your dwelling in Jacob,  and in Israel receive your inheritance.'  9 Before the ages, in the beginning, he created me,  and for all the ages I shall not cease to be.  10 In the holy tent I ministered before him,  and so I was established in Zion.  11 Thus in the beloved city he gave me a resting place,  and in Jerusalem was my domain.  12 I took root in an honored people,  in the portion of the Lord, his heritage. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.