Psalm 40
New American Bible Revised Edition

Psalm 40*

Gratitude and Prayer for Help

1For the leader. A psalm of David.

A

2Surely, I wait for the Lord;

who bends down to me and hears my cry,a

3Draws me up from the pit of destruction,

out of the muddy clay,b

Sets my feet upon rock,

steadies my steps,

4And puts a new song* in my mouth,c

a hymn to our God.

Many shall look on in fear

and they shall trust in the Lord.

5Blessed the man who sets

his security in the Lord,

who turns not to the arrogant

or to those who stray after falsehood.d

6You, yes you, O Lord, my God,

have done many wondrous deeds!

And in your plans for us

there is none to equal you.e

Should I wish to declare or tell them,

too many are they to recount.f

7*Sacrifice and offering you do not want;g

you opened my ears.

Holocaust and sin-offering you do not request;

8so I said, “See; I come

with an inscribed scroll written upon me.

9I delight to do your will, my God;

your law is in my inner being!”h

10When I sing of your righteousness

in a great assembly,

See, I do not restrain my lips;

as you, Lord, know.i

11I do not conceal your righteousness

within my heart;

I speak of your loyalty and your salvation.

I do not hide your mercy or faithfulness from a great assembly.

12Lord, may you not withhold

your compassion from me;

May your mercy and your faithfulness

continually protect me.j

B

13But evils surround me

until they cannot be counted.

My sins overtake me,

so that I can no longer see.

They are more numerous than the hairs of my head;

my courage fails me.k

14Lord, graciously rescue me!l

Come quickly to help me, Lord!

15May those who seek to destroy my life

be shamed and confounded.

Turn back in disgrace

those who desire my ruin.m

16Let those who say to me “Aha!”n

Be made desolate on account of their shame.

17While those who seek you

rejoice and be glad in you.

May those who long for your salvation

always say, “The Lord is great.”o

18Though I am afflicted and poor,

my Lord keeps me in mind.

You are my help and deliverer;

my God, do not delay!


Book Introduction

Footnotes

Scripture texts, prefaces, introductions, footnotes and cross references used in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC All Rights Reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.





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