Add parallel Print Page Options

Psalm 25[a]

Prayer for Guidance and Help

[b]Of David.

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul;
    in you, O my God, I trust.
Do not let me be put to shame,
    or permit my enemies to gloat over me.
No one who places his hope in you
    will ever be put to shame,
but shame will be the lot of all
    who break faith without justification.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 25:1 One admires the inner quality of the righteous man who addresses himself to God in this alphabetical psalm. He does not believe that he is totally innocent. He takes false steps and deserves his wretchedness and his isolation because of his sins. His confession testifies to much uprightness and honesty. It is the attitude of a humble person who knows he is loved by God and trusts in him; he hopes to receive pardon, counsel, and assistance from the Lord. The theme of this beautiful prayer is given in the cry of hope in verses 1-2, which the Liturgy puts on the lips of Christians at the beginning of Advent.
    In praying this psalm, we can dwell on the fact that in his unfailing love God is pleased to lead us back to the right path when we go astray and to keep us on it. Christ gives us salvation through the remission of sins (see Lk 1:77-79).
  2. Psalm 25:1 Prayer for relief from distress and the ensuing slander from one’s foes.