Psalm 39

 

1 I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me. 2 I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred. 3 My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue, 4 Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am. 5 Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah. 6 Surely every man walketh in a vain show: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them. 7 And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee. 8 Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish. 9 I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it. 10 Remove thy stroke away from me: I am consumed by the blow of thine hand. 11 When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah. 12 Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were. 13 O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more. Prayer :

Abba Father, in the name of Jesus, I come before You with a heart filled with reflection and humility. Like the psalmist, I declare that I will take heed to my ways, especially the words that come from my tongue. Help me to keep my mouth with a bridle, especially when faced with the presence of the wicked.

There are moments when I, too, am silent, and my sorrow stirs within me. In those times of introspection, I recognize the fire that burns within my heart. Lord, make me aware of the brevity of life, the measure of my days, and the frailty of my existence. I acknowledge that my days are as a handbreadth, and all human pursuits are, at their best, vanity before You.

In this world, we often engage in a vain show, accumulating riches without knowing who will gather them. Yet, Lord, my hope is in You. Deliver me from my transgressions, and let me not become a reproach among the foolish.

I recognize that Your corrections are just, and I submit to Your rebukes. When Your hand brings forth a stroke, I am consumed. I acknowledge my dependence on You and seek Your mercy.

Hear my prayer, O Lord, and be attentive to my cry. Do not remain silent at my tears, for I am a stranger and sojourner in this world, just as all my fathers were. Spare me, that I may recover strength before I go hence and am no more.

In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, I pray.

Amen.