> [[psalm-60|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-62|Next →]] --- # Psalm 61 ## Prayer of the King in Time of Danger 1 For the leader; with stringed instruments. Of David. ^psalm-61-1 ### I 2 Hear my cry, O God, ^psalm-61-2 listen to my prayer! 3 From the ends of the earth I call; ^psalm-61-3 my heart grows faint. Raise me up, set me on a rock, 4 for you are my refuge, ^psalm-61-4 a tower of strength against the foe. 5 Let me dwell in your tent forever, ^psalm-61-5 take refuge in the shelter of your wings. *Selah* ### II 6 For you, O God, have heard my vows, ^psalm-61-6 you have granted me the heritage of those who revere your name. 7 Add days to the life of the king; ^psalm-61-7 may his years be as from generation to generation; 8 May he reign before God forever; ^psalm-61-8 send your love and fidelity to preserve him— 9 I will duly sing to your name forever, ^psalm-61-9 fulfill my vows day after day. \* (Psalm 61) A lament of the king who feels himself at the brink of death ([Ps 61:3]) and cries out for the strong and saving presence of God ([Ps 61:3b] – [5]). The king cites the prayer being made for him ([Ps 61:7] – [8]), and promises to give thanks to God. \* (61:3) Ends of the earth: “earth” being taken in its occasional meaning “the underworld,” cf. [Jon 2:3]. \* (61:8) Send your love and fidelity: as in [Ps 43:3] the psalmist asks God to send these two divine attributes like angels to protect the king. a. (61:4) [Ps 46:2]. b. (61:5) ([[psalm-17|Ps 17]]:8]; [36:8]; [57:2]. c. (61:7) ([[psalm-21|Ps 21]]:5]. d. (61:8) [Ps 72:5]; [89:5], [30], [37]. e. (61:8) [Ps 85:11]; [89:15], [25]; [Prv 20:28]. --- _New American Bible, revised edition_ (2010, 1991, 1986, 1970) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. > [[psalm-60|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-62|Next →]]