PSALM XXV

A Psalm of David.

Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause. Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O LORD. Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. For thy name’s sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great. What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth. The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net. Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses. Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins. Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred. O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee. Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles." (Psalm 25, KJV)

PSALM 25

Prayer and Meditation

Oh, what mercy! Oh what mercy!
That God hears our cries when we
Are in trouble and reaches down
To the troubled soul and sets it free.

David’s prayer like flames of fire
Mounted up to God and found
Tender mercies and forgiveness,
And in peace his soul was crowned.

Then he meditates about the goodness
Of God in teaching sinners in the way.
One must stand at the foot of the cross
And view the price for human clay.

Lowly hearts sit at Jesus’ feet
And find the gate of glory.
The meek will he teach his way.
Blessed Teacher! What oratory!

This most beautiful of Psalms and hymns
Closes with a sweet petition
Redeem Israel, O God! Rescue Israel!
What a holy prayer of aspiration.

(c) Rex H. Henderson 2003

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