Psalms – Chapter 56

Old Testament12 Verses

1Unto the end, destroy not, for David, for an inscription of a title, when he fled from Saul into the cave.

2Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me: for my soul trusteth in thee. And in the shadow of thy wings will I hope, until iniquity pass away.

3I will cry to God the most high; to God who hath done good to me.

4He hath sent from heaven and delivered me: he hath made them a reproach that trod upon me. God hath sent his mercy and his truth,

5And he hath delivered my soul from the midst of the young lions. I slept troubled. The sons of men, whose teeth are weapons and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

6Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens, and thy glory above all the earth.

7They prepared a snare for my feet; and they bowed down my soul. They dug a pit before my face, and they are fallen into it.

8My heart is ready, O God, my heart is ready: I will sing, and rehearse a psalm.

9Arise, O my glory, arise psaltery and harp: I will arise early.

10I will give praise to thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing a psalm to thee among the nations.

11For thy mercy is magnified even to the heavens: and thy truth unto the clouds.

12Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth.

Reflection for Today

In Psalms Chapter 56, we encounter the continuing revelation of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God. The Catholic Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, has always treasured these sacred texts. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The central message—God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him—speaks to believers in every age.

The Magisterium teaches that Scripture must be interpreted in light of the whole of revelation and the Church's living Tradition. The Catechism emphasizes that "the task of giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God has been entrusted to the living teaching office of the Church alone" (CIC 85). This does not limit our engagement with Scripture but ensures its proper understanding.

As you reflect on this chapter, consider how its message applies to your life today. The Word of God is living and active, capable of transforming hearts and renewing minds. Through prayer and meditation, allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you through these ancient yet ever-new words.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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