Psalms

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PSALM 130^*

Prayer for Pardon and Mercy

1A song of ascents.

I

Out of the depths^* I call to you, LORD;

2Lord, hear my cry!

May your ears be attentive

to my cry for mercy.^a

3If you, LORD, keep account of sins,

Lord, who can stand?^b

4But with you is forgiveness

and so you are revered.^*

II

5I wait for the LORD,

my soul waits

and I hope for his word.^c

6My soul looks for the Lord

more than sentinels for daybreak.^d

More than sentinels for daybreak,

7let Israel hope in the LORD,

For with the LORD is mercy,

with him is plenteous redemption,^e

8And he will redeem Israel

from all its sins.^f

* [Psalm 130] This lament, a Penitential Psalm, is the De profundis used in liturgical prayers for the faithful departed. In deep sorrow the psalmist cries to God (Ps 130:1–2), asking for mercy (Ps 130:3–4). The psalmist’s trust (Ps 130:5–6) becomes a model for the people (Ps 130:7–8).

* [130:1] The depths: Sheol here is a metaphor of total misery. Deep anguish makes the psalmist feel “like those descending to the pit” (Ps 143:7).

* [130:4] And so you are revered: the experience of God’s mercy leads one to a greater sense of God.

a. [130:2] Ps 5:2–3; 55:2–3; 86:6; Lam 3:55–56; Jon 2:3.

b. [130:3] Na 1:6.

c. [130:5] Ps 119:81.

d. [130:6] Is 21:11; 26:9.

e. [130:7] Ps 86:15; 100:5; 103:8.

f. [130:8] Ps 25:22; Mt 1:21.