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Evening Prayer for Help[a]

Answer me when I pray,
    O God, my defender!
When I was in trouble, you helped me.
    Be kind to me now and hear my prayer.

How long will you people insult me?
    How long will you love what is worthless
    and go after what is false?

Remember that the Lord has chosen the righteous for his own,
    and he hears me when I call to him.

(A)Tremble with fear and stop sinning;
    think deeply about this,
    when you lie in silence on your beds.
Offer the right sacrifices to the Lord,
    and put your trust in him.

There are many who pray:
    “Give us more blessings, O Lord.
    Look on us with kindness!”
But the joy that you have given me
    is more than they will ever have
    with all their grain and wine.

When I lie down, I go to sleep in peace;
    you alone, O Lord, keep me perfectly safe.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 4:1 HEBREW TITLE: A psalm by David.

Psalm 4[a]

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.

Answer me(A) when I call to you,
    my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;(B)
    have mercy(C) on me and hear my prayer.(D)

How long will you people turn my glory(E) into shame?(F)
    How long will you love delusions and seek false gods[b]?[c](G)
Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant(H) for himself;
    the Lord hears(I) when I call to him.

Tremble and[d] do not sin;(J)
    when you are on your beds,(K)
    search your hearts and be silent.
Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
    and trust in the Lord.(L)

Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
    Let the light of your face shine on us.(M)
Fill my heart(N) with joy(O)
    when their grain and new wine(P) abound.

In peace(Q) I will lie down and sleep,(R)
    for you alone, Lord,
    make me dwell in safety.(S)

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 4:1 In Hebrew texts 4:1-8 is numbered 4:2-9.
  2. Psalm 4:2 Or seek lies
  3. Psalm 4:2 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 4.
  4. Psalm 4:4 Or In your anger (see Septuagint)