Psalms – Chapter 55

Old Testament13 Verses

1Unto the end, for a people that is removed at a distance from the sanctuary: for David, for an inscription of a title (or pillar) when the Philistines held him in Geth.

2Have mercy on me, O God, for man hath trodden me under foot; all the day long he hath afflicted me fighting against me.

3My enemies have trodden on me all the day long; for they are many that make war against me.

4From the height of the day I shall fear: but I will trust in thee.

5In God I will praise my words, in God I have put my trust: I will not fear what flesh can do against me.

6All the day long they detested my words: all their thoughts were against me unto evil.

7They will dwell and hide themselves: they will watch my heel. As they have waited for my soul,

8For nothing shalt thou save them: in thy anger thou shalt break the people in pieces. O God,

9I have declared to thee my life: thou hast set me tears in thy sight, As also in thy promise.

10Then shall my enemies be turned back. In what day soever I shall call upon thee, behold I know thou art my God.

11In God will I praise the word, in the Lord will I praise his speech. In God have I hoped, I will not fear what man can do to me.

12In me, O God, are vows to thee, which I will pay, praises to thee:

13Because thou hast delivered my soul from death, my feet from falling: that I may please in the sight of God, in the light of the living.

Reflection for Today

Catholic exegesis approaches Psalms Chapter 55 with reverence, seeking both the literal sense and the spiritual meaning ordered to Christ.

Catholic theology recognizes that prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God is not an abstract idea but a reality encountered in prayer, sacraments, and charity. This chapter contributes to that vision by stressing the reality of spiritual combat and vigilance.

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

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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