Psalms – Chapter 19

Old Testament10 Verses

1Unto the end. A psalm for David.

2May the Lord hear thee in the day of tribulation: may the name of the God of Jacob protect thee.

3May he send thee help from the sanctuary: and defend thee out of Sion.

4May he be mindful of all thy sacrifices: and may thy whole burntoffering be made fat.

5May he give thee according to thy own heart; and confirm all thy counsels.

6We will rejoice in thy salvation; and in the name of our God we shall be exalted.

7The Lord fulfil all thy petitions: now have I known that the Lord hath saved his anointed. He will hear him from his holy heaven: the salvation of his right hand is in powers.

8Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will call upon the name of the Lord, our God.

9They are bound, and have fallen: but we are risen, and are set upright.

10O Lord, save the king: and hear us in the day that we shall call upon thee.

Reflection for Today

Psalms Chapter 19 contributes to the biblical theme of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God, which Catholic teaching develops throughout the Catechism. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The enduring truth that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him calls us to response.

The Second Vatican Council's Dei Verbum teaches that "Sacred Scripture is the speech of God as it is put down in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit" (DV 9). This chapter, like all Scripture, is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.

Catholic tradition encourages daily engagement with Scripture, whether through the Liturgy of the Hours, personal reading, or group study. The Catechism teaches that "prayer should accompany the reading of Sacred Scripture, so that a dialogue takes place between God and man" (CIC 2653). May your reading of this chapter be a true encounter with the living God.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Deepen your understanding with these related articles