A Prayer for Deliverance: Explanatory Notes on Psalm 140

Reflecting on the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Three Days after Sunday (Year B)

Scripture

Semi-continuous: Psalm 140; Esther 8:1-17; Matthew 18:6-9

Complementary: Psalm 5; Zechariah 10:1-12; Matthew 18:6-9

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Prayer

Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer)

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Reflection

Deliver me, O Lord, from evildoers;

    protect me from those who are violent,

who plan evil things in their minds

    and stir up wars continually.

They make their tongue sharp as a snake’s,

    and under their lips is the venom of vipers. Selah

Guard me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked;

    protect me from the violent

    who have planned my downfall.

The arrogant have hidden a trap for me,

    and with cords they have spread a net,

    along the road they have set snares for me. Selah

I say to the Lord, “You are my God;

    give ear, O Lord, to the voice of my supplications.”

O Lord, my Lord, my strong deliverer,

    you have covered my head in the day of battle.

Do not grant, O Lord, the desires of the wicked;

    do not further their evil plot. Selah

Those who surround me lift up their heads;

    let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them!

Let burning coals fall on them!

    Let them be flung into pits, no more to rise!

Do not let the slanderer be established in the land;

    let evil speedily hunt down the violent!

I know that the Lord maintains the cause of the needy

    and executes justice for the poor.

Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name;

    the upright shall live in your presence (Psalm 140).

Psalm 140 is a prayer for deliverance, attributed to David, where he seeks protection from violent and wicked men.