Psalms – Chapter 141

Old Testament8 Verses

1Of understanding for David, A prayer when he was in the cave.

2I cried to the Lord with my voice: with my voice I made supplication to the Lord.

3In his sight I pour out my prayer, and before him I declare my trouble:

4When my spirit failed me, then thou knewest my paths. In this way wherein I walked, they have hidden a snare for me.

5I looked on my right hand, and beheld, and there was no one that would know me. Flight hath failed me: and there is no one that hath regard to my soul.

6I cried to thee, O Lord: I said: Thou art my hope, my portion in the land of the living.

7Attend to my supplication: for I am brought very low. Deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.

8Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the just wait for me, until thou reward me.

Reflection for Today

The late section of Psalms—Chapter 141 of 150—opens a particular moment in the story of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.

According to Catholic teaching, the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). This chapter especially highlights the fear of the Lord as wisdom, a theme the Catechism develops in relation to the whole of revelation (CIC 74).

Consider praying with this chapter again at day's end, offering God gratitude for one insight received. The Church encourages daily contact with Scripture (CIC 302) so that Christ's mind may be formed in us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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