Psalms – Chapter 4

Old Testament10 Verses

1Unto the end, in verses. A psalm for David.

2When I called upon him, the God of my justice heard me: when I was in distress, thou hast enlarged me. Have mercy on me: and hear my prayer.

3O ye sons of men, how long will you be dull of heart? why do you love vanity, and seek after lying?

4Know ye also that the Lord hath made his holy one wonderful: the Lord will hear me when I shall cry unto him.

5Be ye angry, and sin not: the things you say in your hearts, be sorry for them upon your beds.

6Offer up the sacrifice of justice, and trust in the Lord: many say, Who sheweth us good things?

7The light of thy countenance, O Lord, is signed upon us: thou hast given gladness in my heart.

8By the fruit of their corn, their wine, and oil, they are multiplied:

9In peace in the self same I will sleep, and I will rest:

10For thou, O Lord, singularly hast settled me in hope.

Reflection for Today

The early section of Psalms—Chapter 4 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 sacrificial love modeled on Christ, a theme the Catechism develops in relation to the whole of revelation (CIC 1095).

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 1431) so that Christ's mind may be formed in us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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