Psalm 31, in solidarity with Ukraine [updated]

I heard from a Ukrainian-American friend today who shared that the religious leaders there are united and are focusing on praying Psalm 31.

I share this to encourage you to join them — to pray these sacred words in solidarity with their prayer. This psalm is a most appropriate psalm for this time of distress. I have copied verses 2-6 below, but all of it is appropriate. How truly the psalms come to life when our need for them is greatest! You can find the full text here.

In you, LORD, I take refuge;

let me never be put to shame.

In your righteousness deliver me;

incline your ear to me;

make haste to rescue me!

Be my rock of refuge,

a stronghold to save me.

For you are my rock and my fortress;

for your name’s sake lead me and guide me.

Free me from the net they have set for me,

for you are my refuge.

Into your hands I commend my spirit;

you will redeem me, LORD, God of truth.

[UPDATE]

I’d like to share this video — created by the Church of Christ the Savior (in Ukraine) and circulated by the Bible Society of Ukraine yesterday — in gratitude to all those have been praying Psalm 31 in solidarity with the Ukrainian people these past days. Let us continue to be united in prayer. “Be strong and take heart, all who hope in the LORD!”

 

Rita Ferrone

Rita Ferrone is an award-winning writer and frequent speaker on issues of liturgy and church renewal in the Roman Catholic tradition. She is currently a contributing writer and columnist for Commonweal magazine and an independent scholar. The author of several books about liturgy, she is most widely known for her commentary on Sacrosanctum Concilium (Liturgy: Sacrosanctum Concilium, Paulist Press). Her most recent book, Pastoral Guide to Pope Francis's Desiderio Desideravi, was published by Liturgical Press.

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Comments

2 responses to “Psalm 31, in solidarity with Ukraine [updated]”

  1. Dr.Cajetan Coelho

    Life is a precious gift. May Ukraine, the land and its people be blessed with peace, security, and safety.

    Reply
  2. Todd Flowerday

    Verses 18 and 19 seem particularly appropriate in our age of lies and fake news:

    Do not let me be put to shame,
    for I have called to you, LORD.
    Put the wicked to shame;
    reduce them to silence in Sheol.
    Strike dumb their lying lips,
    which speak arrogantly against the righteous
    in contempt and scorn.

    Reply

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