How lovely are Thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts:
My soul longeth and fainteth for the courts of the Lord.
My heart and my flesh have rejoiced in the living God.
For the sparrow hath found herself a house, and the dove a nest for herself, where she may lay her young ones:
Thy altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.
Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house, O Lord:
they shall praise Thee for ever and ever.
Blessed is the man whose help is from Thee:
in his heart he hath disposed to ascend by steps, In the vale of tears, in the place which he hath set.
For the lawgiver shall give a blessing, they shall go from virtue to virtue:
the God of gods shall be seen in Sion.
O Lord, God of hosts, hear my prayer:
give ear, O God of Jacob!
Behold, O God our Protector:
and look on the face of Thy Christ.
For better is one day in Thy courts above thousands.
I have chosen to be an abject in the house of my God, rather than to dwell in the tabernacles of sinners.
For God loveth mercy and truth: the Lord will give grace and glory.
He will not deprive of good things them that walk in innocence:
O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in Thee.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen.
Deeper understanding of Psalm 83
Psalm 83 is a prayer commonly used in Catholic liturgy, particularly during times of conflict and adversity. Like many other Psalms, its roots can be traced back to the Old Testament.
The Psalm is a plea for God’s protection and intervention against enemies who seek to harm the psalmist and the people of Israel. It expresses a sense of outrage and desperation, as well as a deep faith in God’s power to defend his people.
In the Catholic tradition, Psalm 83 has been used in a variety of contexts, including during times of war and political unrest. It is often recited during Mass, as well as in personal prayer and devotions.
The prayer has also inspired many artists, including composers who have set the words to music. Some of these musical settings have become popular hymns in the Catholic Church, adding to the Psalm’s enduring appeal and significance.
Overall, Psalm 83 is a powerful prayer of faith and trust that continues to resonate with Catholics around the world. Its themes of protection, justice, and hope reflect the enduring human need for divine guidance and intervention in times of difficulty and strife.