The servant of God, worn out by trials and anguished by death, implores the help of the One who is pure goodness.
① 1Listen, O Lord, and answer me, for I am afflicted and needy.
2Preserve my life for I am God-fearing; save your servant who trusts in you.
3Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I cry to you all day.
4Bring joy to the soul of your servant, for you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
5You are good and forgiving, O Lord, caring for those who call on you.
6Listen, O Lord, to my prayer, hear the voice of my pleading.
7I call on you in the time of my trouble for you will answer me.
8None is like you among the gods, your works are beyond compare.
9All the nations you have made will come; they will worship before you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name.
10For you are great, and wonderful are your deeds; you alone are God.
11Teach me, O Lord, how to walk in your truth, that my heart may fear your name.
12I give thanks to you, O Lord my God; I will glorify your name forever,
13for great has been your love for me, you have saved me from the grave.
14O God, the insolent are against me; a band of cut-throats, evildoers who do not hold you in reverence.
15But you, O Lord God, are merciful, slow to anger, loving and faithful.
16Turn to me, take pity on me; give your strength to your servant, and save the child of your handmaid.
17Give me a sign of your grace, that my foes may see to their disgrace, that you, O Lord, are my help and comfort.
- Here is a very tranquil psalm, without cursing and cries of anguish: the son of your handmaid has enemies, of course, but in the setting of a small town. But his sorrow is no less great because of that.
We add here some verses from the Imitation of Christ: Christ calls us to share his anguish.
Many are in love with my kingdom, but few are ready to carry my cross.
Many want my consolation, but few want my tribulations. I find many companions at my table, but few to share my privations.
Everyone would like to rejoice with me, but few wish to suffer with me.
Many follow me to the breaking of bread, but few to drinking the cup of my passion.
Many venerate my miracles, but few are devoted to the ignominy of my cross.
Many love me as long as they are without trials.
Many praise me and bless me as long as they receive favors.
But if I hide and leave them for a while, they complain and sink into depression.
On the other hand, those who love me for my own sake and not because of a particular interest, bless me in time of trial and anguish of heart, just as in their time of great joy.
