Verse 1-3: Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak and troubled. Heal me, for my bones are trembling with fear. My soul is in anguish, and I am overwhelmed by my sins.
Verse 4-6: O Lord, turn and deliver me from my sins. Save me because of your unfailing love. I cannot recall you in death; who praises you from the grave?
Verse 7-9: I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes.
Verse 10-12: Depart from me, all you evildoers, for the Lord has heard my weeping. The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer. May all my enemies be ashamed and dismayed; may they turn back in sudden disgrace.
Details about Psalm 6 (the First Penitential Psalm)
Psalm 6, also known as the First Penitential Psalm, is a prayer of repentance and forgiveness that is commonly used in the Catholic Church. The psalm is attributed to King David, who is credited with many of the psalms in the Bible.
The First Penitential Psalm is a prayer of lament, in which the psalmist acknowledges his own weakness and sinfulness and asks for mercy from God. The psalmist is overwhelmed by his sins, and his plea for mercy is an expression of his faith and trust in God’s willingness to forgive.
Over time, Psalm 6 became part of the Catholic tradition and was included in the Penitential Psalms, a group of psalms used for confession and repentance. The First Penitential Psalm is often used during the season of Lent as a way of reflecting on one’s sins and seeking forgiveness from God.
In addition to its use as a prayer of penance, Psalm 6 is also a reminder of the power of prayer and the importance of trusting in God’s mercy. The psalmist acknowledges the difficulties and challenges of life, but also expresses confidence in God’s ability to grant mercy and healing.
Overall, Psalm 6 is a powerful prayer that continues to be an important part of the Catholic tradition, reminding believers of the need for repentance, forgiveness, and trust in God’s mercy. The psalmist’s expression of faith and hope serves as a model for all those seeking spiritual renewal and reconciliation with God.