Psalms – Chapter 85

Old Testament17 Verses

1A prayer for David himself. Incline thy ear, O Lord, and hear me: for I am needy and poor.

2Preserve my soul, for I am holy: save thy servant, O my God, that trusteth in thee.

3Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I have cried to thee all the day.

4Give joy to the soul of thy servant, for to thee, O Lord, I have lifted up my soul.

5For thou, O Lord, art sweet and mild: and plenteous in mercy to all that call upon thee.

6Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer: and attend to the voice of my petition.

7I have called upon thee in the day of my trouble: because thou hast heard me.

8There is none among the gods like unto thee, O Lord: and there is none according to thy works.

9All the nations thou hast made shall come and adore before thee, O Lord: and they shall glorify thy name.

10For thou art great and dost wonderful things: thou art God alone.

11Conduct me, O Lord, in thy way, and I will walk in thy truth: let my heart rejoice that it may fear thy name.

12I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify thy name for ever:

13For thy mercy is great towards me: and thou hast delivered my soul out of the lower hell.

14O God, the wicked are risen up against me, and the assembly of the mighty have sought my soul: and they have not set thee before their eyes.

15And thou, O Lord, art a God of compassion, and merciful, patient, and of much mercy, and true.

16O look upon me, and have mercy on me: give thy command to thy servant, and save the son of thy handmaid.

17Shew me a token for good: that they who hate me may see, and be confounded, because thou, O Lord, hast helped me and hast comforted me.

Reflection for Today

Psalms Chapter 85 continues the biblical theme 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 invites us to reflect on God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him.

The Church Fathers and saints have meditated on these passages for centuries, finding in them nourishment for the spiritual life. The Catechism teaches that "the Sacred Scriptures contain the Word of God and, because they are inspired, they are truly the Word of God" (CIC 135). As we read this chapter, we join the great Tradition of Catholic biblical interpretation.

Catholic spirituality encourages us to approach Scripture with faith, seeking not merely information but transformation. Through the practice of lectio divina—reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation—we allow God's Word to penetrate our hearts. May this chapter deepen your love for God and neighbor, and strengthen your commitment to live the Gospel in daily life.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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