OVERVIEW
The book of Psalms is the longest book in the Bible, having a total of one hundred and fifty chapters.
The Psalms range from praise and worship of God; to that of confession, prayer and prophesy.
King David, who was a musician as well as a prophet, wrote about seventy-three of the psalms.
PSALMS FOR MEDITATION
As citizens of heaven, the following psalms are just a few to meditate on and apply to one's life while on this Christian journey.
The Righteous and the Ungodly
As it is written:
Psalm 1:1-6
1 Blessed is the man that does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners,
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law does he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper.
4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
The Sovereignty of God
As it is written:
Psalm 8:1-9
1 O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth. You have set your glory above the heavens.
2 Out of the mouth of babes and Sucklings you have ordained strength because of your enemies, that you might still the enemy and the avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have ordained;
4 what is man, that you are mindful of him? And the son of man, that you visit him?
5 For you have made him a little lower than the angels and has crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You made him to have dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet:
7 all sheep and oxen, yes, and the beasts of the field;
8 the fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passes through the paths of the seas.
9 O Lord our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth!
The Character of the Godly
As it is written:
Psalm 15:1-5
1 Lord, who may sojourn in your tent, who may dwell on your holy mountain?
2 He who lives without blame, who does what is right, and in his heart acknowledges the truth.
3 Whose tongue is not given to evil, who has never done harm to his fellow, or take up reproach against his neighbor.
4 For whom a contemptible man is abhorrent, but who honors those who fear the Lord, who stands by his oath even to his hurt.
5 Who has never lent money at interest or accepted a bribe against the innocent. The man who acts thus shall never be shaken.
The Glory of God Declared
As it is written:
Psalm 19:8-15
8 The teaching of the Lord is perfect, renewing life; the decrees of the Lord are enduring, making the simple wise.
9 The precepts of the Lord are just, rejoicing the heart; the instruction of the Lord is easy to understand, making the eyes light up.
10 The fear of the Lord is pure, abiding forever; the judgments of the Lord are true, righteous altogether.
11 More desirable than gold, than much fine gold; sweeter than honey, than drippings of the comb.
12 Your servant pays them heed; in obeying them there is much reward.
13 Who can be aware of errors? Clear me of unperceived guilt,
14 And from willful sins keep your servant; let them not dominate me; then shall I be blameless and clear of grave offense.
15 May the words of my mouth and the prayer of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
The Lord Is Our Shepherd
As it is written:
Psalm 23:1-6
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want [I lack nothing].
2 He make me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul; he leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
David's Trust and Commitment to God
As it is written:
Psalm 27:1-14
1 The Lord is my light and my help; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evil men attack me to devour my flesh it is they, my foes and my enemies, who stumble and fall.
3 Should an army besiege me, my heart would have no fear; should war beset me, still would I be confident.
4 One thing I ask of the Lord, only that do I seek: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord, to frequent his temple.
5 He will shelter me in His pavilion on an evil day, grant me the protection of His tent, raise me high upon a rock.
6 Now is my head high over my enemies roundabout; I sacrifice in His tent with shouts of joy, singing and chanting a hymn to the Lord.
7 Hear, Lord, when I cry aloud; have mercy on me, answer me.
8 In your behalf my heart says: “Seek My face!” Lord, I seek your face.
9 Do not hide your face from me; do not thrust aside your servant in anger; you have ever been my help. Do not forsake me, do not abandon me, O Lord, my deliverer.
10 Though my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will take me in.
11 Show me your way, Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my watchful foes.
12 Do not subject me to the will of my foes, for false witnesses and unjust accusers have appeared against me.
13 I would have fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.
The Steadfast Love of God
As it is written:
Psalm 36:5-10
5 Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.
6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.
7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
8 They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.
9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.
10 Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart.
Trust in God
As it is written:
Psalm 37:1-7
1 Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;
2 For like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.
3 Trust in the Lord and do good...
4 Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this:
6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.
7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
As it is written:
Psalm 37:8
8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret it leads only to evil.
As it is written:
Psalm 37:12
12 The wicked plot against the righteousness and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for He knows their day is coming.
As it is written:
Psalm 37:23-24
23 The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him.
24 Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.
As it is written:
Psalm 37:28
28 For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones.
As it is written:
Psalm 37:30-31
30 The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just.
31 The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip.
As it is written:
Psalm 37:37-40
37 Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace.
38 But all sinners will be destroyed; there will be no future for the wicked.
39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble.
40 The Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.
A Prayer of Salvation
As it is written:
Psalm 51:1-17
1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to your lovingkindness: according to the multitude of your tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly of my iniquity and purify me of my sin.
3 For I recognize my transgressions and am ever conscious of my sin.
4 Against you alone have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight; so you are just in your sentence, and right in your judgment.
5 Indeed I was born with iniquity; with sin my mother conceived me.
6 Indeed you desire truth about that which is hidden; teach me wisdom about secret things.
7 Purge me with hyssop till I am pure; wash me till I am whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear tidings of joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed exult.
9 Hide your face from my sins; blot out all my iniquities.
10 Fashion a pure heart for me, O God; create in me a steadfast spirit.
11 Do not cast me out of your presence or take your holy spirit away from me.
12 Let me again rejoice in your help; let a vigorous spirit sustain me.
13 I will teach transgressors your ways, that sinners may return to you.
14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God, you God, my deliverer, that I may sing forth your beneficence.
15 O God, open my lips, and let my mouth declare your praise.
16 You do not want me to bring sacrifices; You do not desire burnt offerings;
17 True sacrifice to God is a contrite spirit; O God, you will not despise a contrite and crushed heart.
A Hymn and A Prayer
As it is written:
Psalm 89:1-18
1 I will sing of the Lord's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.
2 I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.
3 You said, "I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant,
4 I will establish your line forever and make your throne firm through all generations."
5 The heavens praise your wonders, Lord, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones.
6 For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord? Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings?
7 In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him.
8 Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.
9 You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them.
10 You crushed Rahab like one of the slain; with your strong arm you scattered your enemies.
11 The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it.
12 You created the north and the south; Tabor and Hermon sing for joy at your name.
13 Your arm is endowed with power; your hand is strong, your right hand exalted.
14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne: love and faithfulness go before you.
15 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.
16 They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness.
17 For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn.
18 Indeed, our shield belongs to the Lord, our king to the Holy One of Israel.
The Everlasting God
As it is written:
Psalm 90:1-6
1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.
2 Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
3 You turn people back to dust, saying, "Return to dust, you mortals."
4 A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.
5 Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death, they are like the new grass of the morning:
6 In the morning it springs up new, but by evening it is dry and withered.
Security In Our God
As it is written:
Psalm 91:1-13
1 O you who dwell in the shelter of the Most High and abide in the protection of the Almighty.
2 I say of the Lord, my refuge and stronghold, my God in whom I trust,
3 that He will save you from the fowler’s trap, from the destructive plague.
4 He will cover you with his pinions; you will find refuge under his wings; his fidelity is an encircling shield.
5 You need not fear the terror by night, or the arrow that flies by day,
6 the plague that stalks in the darkness, or the scourge that ravages at noon.
7 A thousand may fall at your left side, ten thousand at your right, but it shall not reach you.
8 You will see it with your eyes, you will witness the punishment of the wicked.
9 Because you took the Lord my refuge, the Most High as your haven,
10 no harm will befall you, no disease touch your tent.
11 For he will order his angels to guard you wherever you go.
12 They will carry you in their hands lest you hurt your foot on a stone.
13 You will tread on cubs and vipers; you will trample lions and asps.
God is Speaking in verses 14 through 16.
As it is written:
Psalm 91:14-16
14 Because he is devoted to Me I will deliver him; I will keep him safe, for he knows My name.
15 When he calls on Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in distress; I will rescue him and make him honored;
16 I will let him live to a ripe old age and show him My salvation.
A Psalm of Grateful Praise to God
As it is written:
Psalm 100:1-5
1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
God's Love and Mercy to We His People
As it is written:
Psalm 103:1-22
1 Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel:
8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
14 for he knows how we are formed; he remembers that we are dust.
15 The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field;
16 the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.
17 But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children.
18 with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.
19 The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.
20 Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word.
21 Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will.
22 Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the Lord, my soul.
The People of God Who are Generous
As it is written:
Psalm 112:1-10
1 Hallelujah. Happy is the man who fears the Lord, who is devoted to his commandments.
2 His descendants will be mighty in the land, a blessed generation of upright men.
3 Wealth and riches are in his house, and his beneficence lasts forever.
4 A light shines for the upright in the darkness; he is gracious, compassionate, and beneficent.
5 All goes well with the man who lends generously, who conducts his affairs with equity.
6 He shall never be shaken; the beneficent man will be remembered forever.
7 He is not afraid of evil tidings; his heart is firm, he trusts in the Lord.
8 His heart is determined, he is unafraid; in the end he will see the fall of his foes.
9 He gives freely to the poor; his beneficence lasts forever; his horn is exalted in honor.
10 The wicked man shall see it and be vexed; he shall gnash his teeth; his courage shall fail. The desire of the wicked shall come to nothing.
Psalm 119 is the Longest Chapter Having a Total of 176 Verses...Be Blessed!
Blessings are Introduced
As it is written:
Psalm 119:1-8
1 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.
2 Blessed are those who keep his statutes, and seek him with all their heart
3 they do no wrong but follow his ways.
4 You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.
5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!
6 Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands.
7 I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.
8 I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.
Holiness Through the Word of God
As it is written:
Psalm 119:9-16
9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
12 Praise be to you, Lord; teach me your decrees.
13 With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.
14 I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.
15 I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
16 I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.
Prayer in Keeping the Word of God
As it is written:
Psalm 119:17-24
17 Be good to your servant while I live, that I may obey your word.
18 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
19 I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me.
20 My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times.
21 You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed, those who stray from your commands.
22 Remove from me their scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes.
23 Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees.
24 Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.
Prayer Request According to the Word of God
As it is written:
Psalm 119:25-32
25 I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word.
26 I gave an account of my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees.
27 Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
28 My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.
29 Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me your law.
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws.
31 I hold fast to your statutes, Lord; do not let me be put to shame.
32 I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding.
Prayer Request for Deliverance
As it is written:
Psalm 119:33-40
33 Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart.
35 Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.
38 Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared.
39 Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good.
40 How I long for your precepts! In your righteousness preserve my life.
Trusting in the Word of God
As it is written:
Psalm 119:41-48
41 May your unfailing love come to me, Lord, your salvation, according to your promise;
42 Then I can answer anyone who taunts me, for I trust in your word.
43 Never take your word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws.
44 I will always obey your law, for ever and ever.
45 I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.
46 I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame,
47 for I delight in your commands because I love them.
48 I reach out for your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on your decrees.
Being Comforted by the Word of God
As it is written:
Psalm 119:49-56
49 Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope.
50 My comfort in my suffering is this: your promise preserves my life.
51 The arrogant mock me unmercifully, but I do not turn from your law.
52 I remember, Lord, your ancient laws, and I find comfort in them.
53 Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law.
54 Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge.
55 In the night, Lord, I remember your name, that I may keep your law.
56 This has been my practice: I obey your precepts.
Being Committed to the Word of God
As it is written:
Psalm 119:57-64
57 You are my portion, Lord; I have promised to obey your words.
58 I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.
59 I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.
60 I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.
61 Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law.
62 At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.
63 I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts.
64 The earth is filled with your love, Lord; teach me your decrees.
Being Taught by the Word of God
As it is written:
Psalm 119:65-72
65 Do good to your servant according to your word, Lord.
66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands.
67 Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I obey your word.
68 You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees.
69 Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart.
70 Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law.
71 It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.
72 The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.
A Prayer Request for Understanding, Comfort, and Compassion
As it is written:
Psalm 119:73-80
73 Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands.
74 May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word.
75 I know, Lord, that your laws are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76 May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.
77 Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight.
78 May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will meditate on your precepts.
79 May those who fear you turn to me, those who understand your statutes.
80 May I wholeheartedly follow your decrees, that I may not be put to shame.
Restoration by the Word of God
As it is written:
Psalm 119:81-88
81 My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word.
82 My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, “When will you comfort me?”
83 Though I am like a wine skin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees.
84 How long must your servant wait? When will you punish my persecutors?
85 The arrogant dig pits to trap me, contrary to your law.
86 All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for I am being persecuted without cause.
87 They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88 In your unfailing love preserve my life, that I may obey the statutes of your mouth.
The Word of God is Eternal
As it is written:
Psalm 119:89-96
89 Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures.
91 Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you.
92 If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.
94 Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts.
95 The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes.
96 To all perfection I see a limit, but your commands are boundless.
Security in the Law of God
As it is written:
Psalm 119:97-104
97 Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.
98 Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies.
99 I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes.
100 I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts.
101 I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word.
102 I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore, I hate every wrong path.
God's Word Acknowledged
As it is written:
Psalm 119:105-112
105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws.
107 I have suffered much; preserve my life, Lord, according to your word.
108 Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws.
109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law.
110 The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts.
111 Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.
112 My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.
Hope in the Word of God
As it is written:
Psalm 119:113-120
113 I hate double minded people, but I love your law.
114 You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.
115 Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God!
116 Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.
117 Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees.
118 You reject all who stray from your decrees, for their delusions come to nothing.
119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross; therefore, I love your statutes.
120 My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws.
God's Law Obeyed
As it is written:
Psalm 119:121-128
121 I have done what is righteous and just; do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Ensure your servant’s well-being; do not let the arrogant oppress me.
123 My eyes fail, looking for your salvation, looking for your righteous promise.
124 Deal with your servant according to your love and teach me your decrees.
125 I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.
126 It is time for you to act, Lord; your law is being broken.
127 Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold,
128 and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong path.
God's Word Is Light
As it is written:
Psalm 119:129-136
129 Your statutes are wonderful; therefore, I obey them.
130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.
131 I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands.
132 Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name.
133 Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.
134 Redeem me from human oppression, that I may obey your precepts.
135 Make your face shine on your servant and teach me your decrees.
136 Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed.
The Righteousness of God
As it is written:
Psalm 119:137-144
137 You are righteous, Lord, and your laws are right.
138 The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy.
139 My zeal wears me out, for my enemies ignore your words.
140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them.
141 Though I am lowly and despised, I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is everlasting, and your law is true.
143 Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight.
144 Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live.
God's Word Is Strength
As it is written:
Psalm 119:145-152
145 I call with all my heart; answer me, Lord, and I will obey your decrees.
146 I call out to you; save me and I will keep your statutes.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word.
148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.
149 Hear my voice in accordance with your love; preserve my life, Lord, according to your laws.
150 Those who devise wicked schemes are near, but they are far from your law.
151 Yet you are near, Lord, and all your commands are true.
152 Long ago I learned from your statutes that you established them to last forever.
God's Word Is Steadfast
As it is written:
Psalm 119:153-160
153 Look on my suffering and deliver me, for I have not forgotten your law.
154 Defend my cause and redeem me; preserve my life according to your promise.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek out your decrees.
156 Your compassion, Lord, is great; preserve my life according to your laws.
157 Many are the foes who persecute me, but I have not turned from your statutes.
158 I look on the faithless with loathing, for they do not obey your word.
159 See how I love your precepts; preserve my life, Lord, in accordance with your love.
160 All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.
Praising God's Promise and Laws
As it is written:
Psalm 119:161-168
161 Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word.
162 I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil.
163 I hate and detest falsehood, but I love your law.
164 Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws.
165 Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.
166 I wait for your salvation, Lord, and I follow your commands.
167 I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly.
168 I obey your precepts and your statutes, for all my ways are known to you.
God's Word Brings Delight
As it is written:
Psalm 119:169-176
169 May my cry come before you, Lord; give me understanding according to your word.
170 May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise.
171 May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees.
172 May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous.
173 May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I long for your salvation, Lord, and your law gives me delight.
175 Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me.
176 I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.
A Hymn of Protection
As it is written:
Psalm 121:1-8
1 I turn my eyes to the mountains; from where will my help come?
2 My help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot give way; your guardian will not slumber;
4 See, the guardian of Israel, neither slumbers nor sleeps!
5 The Lord is your guardian; the Lord is your protection at your right hand.
6 By day the sun will not strike you, nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord will guard you from all harm; he will guard your life.
8 The Lord will guard your going and coming now and forever.
God's Presence and Knowledge
As it is written:
Psalm 139:1-18
1 O Lord, you have examined me and know me.
2 When I sit down or stand up you know it; you discern my thoughts from afar.
3 You observe my walking and reclining and are familiar with all my ways.
4 There is not a word on my tongue but that you, O Lord, know it well.
5 You hedge me before and behind; you lay your hand upon me.
6 It is beyond my knowledge; it is a mystery; I cannot fathom it.
7 Where can I escape from your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I descend to Sheol, you are there too.
9 If I take wing with the dawn to come to rest on the western horizon,
10 even there your hand will be guiding me, your right hand will be holding me fast.
11 If I say, “Surely darkness will conceal me, night will provide me with cover,”
12 darkness is not dark for you; night is as light as day; darkness and light are the same.
13 It was you who created my conscience; you fashioned me in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you, for I am awesomely, wondrously made; your work is wonderful; I know it very well.
15 My frame was not concealed from you when I was shaped in a hidden place, knit together in the recesses of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed limbs; they were all recorded in your book; in due time they were formed, to the very last one of them.
17 How weighty your thoughts seem to me, O Lord, how great their number!
18 I count them they exceed the grains of sand; I end but am still with You.
A Praise to God
As it is written:
Psalm 146:1-10
1 Hallelujah. Praise the Lord, O my soul!
2 I will praise the Lord all my life, sing hymns to my God while I exist.
3 Put not your trust in the great, in mortal man who cannot save.
4 His breath departs; he returns to the dust; on that day his plans come to nothing.
5 Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God,
6 maker of heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever;
7 who secures justice for those who are wronged, gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free;
8 the Lord restores sight to the blind; the Lord makes those who are bent stand straight; the Lord loves the righteous;
9 the Lord watches over the stranger; He gives courage to the orphan and widow, but makes the path of the wicked tortuous.
10 The Lord shall reign forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Hallelujah.
A Universal Praise to God
As it is written:
Psalm 150:1-6
1 Hallelujah. Praise the Lord in his sanctuary; praise him in the sky, his stronghold.
2 Praise him for his mighty acts; praise him for his exceeding greatness.
3 Praise him with blasts of the shofar; praise him with harp and lyre.
4 Praise him with timbrel and dance; praise him with strings and pipe.
5 Praise him with resounding cymbals; praise him with loud-clashing cymbals.
6 Let all that has breath praise the Lord. Hallelujah.
He sends forth His word to the earth;
His command runs swiftly.
Psalm 147:15