ISV(i)
1 To the Director: To Jeduthun. A Davidic Psalm.
A Prayer about Life’s Priorities I told myself, “I will keep watch over my tongue to keep from sinning. I will muzzle my mouth when the wicked are around.”
2 I was as silent as a mute person; I said nothing, not even something good, and my distress deepened.
3 My heart within me became incensed; as I thought about it, the fire burned. Then I spoke out:
4 “LORD, let me know how my life ends, and the standard by which you will measure my days, whatever it is! Then I will know how transient my life is.
5 Look, you have made my life span fit in your hand; It is nothing compared to yours. Surely every person at their best is a puff of wind. Interlude
6 In fact, people walk around as shadows. Surely, they busy themselves for nothing, heaping up possessions but not knowing who will get them.
7 How long, LORD, will I wait expectantly? I have placed my hope in you.
8 Deliver me from all my transgressions, and do not let fools scorn me.”
9 I remain silent; I do not open my mouth, for you are the one who acted.
10 Stop scourging me, since I have been crushed by your heavy hand.
11 You rebuke by chastening a man with the consequence of iniquities; you destroy what is attractive to him, as one would treat a moth. Indeed, every person is a puff of wind. Interlude
12 Hear my prayer, LORD, pay attention to my cry, and do not ignore my tears. I am an alien in your presence, a stranger just like my ancestors were.
13 Stop looking at me with chastisement, so I can smile again, before I depart and am no more.
40 1To the Director: A Davidic Psalm.
Prayer for Help and Praise to God I waited expectantly for the LORD, and he took notice of me and heard my cry.
2 He plucked me out of a pit of confusion, even out of the quicksand; he placed my feet on a rock and established my steps.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, praise to our God! Many will watch and be in awe, and they will place their trust in the LORD.
4 How blessed is that strong person who places his trust in the LORD, and who has not acknowledged the proud nor resorted to lies.
5 LORD, my God, You have done great things: marvelous works and your thoughts toward us. There is no one who compares to you! I will try to recite your actions, even though there are too many to number.
6 You take no delight in sacrifices and offerings— you have prepared my ears to listen— you require no burnt offerings or sacrifices for sin.
7 Then I said, “Here I am! I have come! In the scroll of the book it is written about me.
8 I delight to do your will, my God. Your Law is part of my inner being.”
9 In the great congregation I have proclaimed the righteous good news. Behold, I did not seal my lips, LORD, as you know.
10 I have not ignored your righteousness in my heart; instead, I have proclaimed your faithfulness and deliverance. I have not concealed your gracious love and truthfulness from the great congregation.
11 LORD, do not withhold your mercy from me, for your gracious love and truthfulness will keep me safe continuously.
12 Innumerable evils have surrounded me; my iniquities have overtaken me so that I cannot see. They are more in number than the hair on my head, and my courage has forsaken me.
13 Be pleased, LORD, to deliver me; LORD, hurry up and help me!
14 May those who seek to destroy my life be ashamed and confounded; let them be driven backwards and humiliated, particularly those who wish me evil.
15 Let shame be the reward for those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!”
16 Let all who seek you shout for joy and be glad in you. May those who love your deliverance say, “The LORD be magnified!” continuously.
17 But I am poor and needy; may the Lord think about me. You are my help and deliverer. My God, do not tarry too long!
41 1To the Director: A Davidic Psalm.
When Things Go Wrong Blessed is the one who is considerate of the destitute; the LORD will deliver him when the times are evil.
2 The LORD will protect him and keep him alive; he will be blessed in the land; and he will not be handed over to the desires of his enemies.
3 The LORD will uphold him even on his sickbed; you will transform his bed of illness into health.
4 As for me, I said, “LORD, be gracious to me! Heal me, for I have sinned against you!”
5 As for my enemies, with malice they said, “When will he die and memory of his name perish?”
6 The one who comes to visit me speaks lies; in his heart he thinks slanderous things about me and goes around spreading them.
7 As for all who hate me, they whisper together against me; they desire to do me harm.
8 They say, “Wickedness is entrenched in him. Once he is brought low, he will not rise again.”
9 As for my best friend, the one in whom I trusted, the one who ate my bread, even he has insulted me!
10 But you, LORD, be gracious to me and raise me up so that I may pay them back!
A Prayer about Life’s Priorities
40 1
Prayer for Help and Praise to God
41 1
When Things Go Wrong