Psalm 41

For the music director: a psalm of David.

Those who take care of the wretched

are blessed because Adonai will save them

when the day is evil.

Adonai will shelter and sustain them

– they will be numbered along the land’s blessed

– they will not be given over

to the whims of their enemies.

Adonai will give them strength

when they are lying on their sickbed

and will heal them where they lay.

I said “Have mercy on me, Adonai.

Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.”

My enemies maliciously talk about me,

saying “When will he die and his name be forgotten?”

If one of them comes to visit me,

he lies and he stores up slander in his heart

then he goes out and gossips.

Those who hate me whisper together against me,

they dream up torments for me, saying

“An evil potion was poured into him.

He won’t rise again from his sickbed.”

Even my trusted friend,

one who shared my bread

has lifted up his heel against me.

But You, Adonai, show me mercy,

and raise me up, so I can repay them.

By this I know that You are pleased with me:

my enemy does not defeat me.

You uphold me because of my integrity

and place me right in front of You forever.

May Adonai, the God of Israel,

be praised for all eternity.

Amen and amen!

Psalm 40

For the music director, a Davidic psalm.

Patiently, I waited for Adonai,

and Adonai turned toward me

and heard my cry.

Adonai lifted me up out of the slimy pit,

out of the muck and mire,

set my feet upon a rock

and made firm my footsteps.

Adonai placed a new song in my mouth,

a hymn praising our God.

Many will see and be in awe

and trust in Adonai.

The person who puts their trust in Adonai

is blessed, instead of following arrogant people

or those who listen to lies.

Much have You done, Adonai,

You plan wonderful things for us

– nothing can compare with You!

It would be impossible for me to recount

all Your deeds.

You don’t want sacrifice or offering

– You have opened my ears –

You don’t require burnt or sin offerings.

Then I spoke, “Here I am, I have come

– it is written about me in the scroll of a book.

I delight to do what You want, my God.

Yes, Your Torah lives in my heart.”

I declare the good news of righteousness

in the great assembly.

Behold, I do not shut up my lips Adonai,

 as You know.

I do not hide Your righteousness in my heart,

instead I spoke about

Your salvation and faithfulness.

I did not hide Your compassion and truth

from the great assembly.

Adonai, don’t hold back Your mercy from me.

Let Your compassion and truth

protect me always.

For limitless troubles surround me,

my mistakes have overwhelmed me

– making me blind –

more numerous than the hairs in my head

– and my heart is weak.

Adonai, deliver me!

Adonai, race to my help!

Let those who seek to end my life

be disgraced and humiliated.

Let those who wish evil for me

be driven back in disgrace.

Let those who mock me

be appalled at their own humiliation.

Let everyone who seeks You

be glad and rejoice in You,

let everyone who loves Your salvation say

“Adonai be magnified!” continuously.

As for me, I am poor and needy,

yet the Lord thinks of me.

You are my help and salvation,

my God, come quickly!