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Psalm 61

A Soldier’s Prayer From the End of the Earth

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For the choir director. On a stringed instrument. By David.

A Prayer From the End of the Earth

Hear my cry, O God.
Pay attention to my prayer.
From the end of the earth I call to you
    when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me up onto the rock that is higher than I.
For you have been a refuge for me,
a tower of strength in the face of the enemy.
I want to keep living in your tent forever. Interlude
I will take refuge under the cover of your wings.
For you, God, have heard my vows.
You have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
Add days to the days of the king.
His years will last through all generations.
Let him be seated in God’s presence forever.
Appoint your mercy and truth to protect him.
Then will I make music to your name forever,
    to fulfill my vows day after day.

Psalm 61[a]

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David.

Hear my cry, O God;(A)
    listen to my prayer.(B)

From the ends of the earth I call to you,
    I call as my heart grows faint;(C)
    lead me to the rock(D) that is higher than I.
For you have been my refuge,(E)
    a strong tower against the foe.(F)

I long to dwell(G) in your tent forever
    and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.[b](H)
For you, God, have heard my vows;(I)
    you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.(J)

Increase the days of the king’s life,(K)
    his years for many generations.(L)
May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever;(M)
    appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.(N)

Then I will ever sing in praise of your name(O)
    and fulfill my vows day after day.(P)

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 61:1 In Hebrew texts 61:1-8 is numbered 61:2-9.
  2. Psalm 61:4 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.

61 Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.

From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.

I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.

For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.

Thou wilt prolong the king's life: and his years as many generations.

He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him.

So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.