Psalms
Chapter 61
A song asking God for help from far away, when the writer's heart is worn out. He remembers that God has kept him safe before, like a high rock or a strong tower, and he asks to stay close to God always. The psalm ends with a prayer for the king's long life and a promise to keep singing and to keep the promises he made to God.
Plain reading written for preteens. Clear and complete, at about a fifth grade reading level.
Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
1Listen to my cry, God. Pay attention to my prayer.
2From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
2From far away, at the edge of the earth, I call to you when my heart is worn out. Lead me up to the rock that stands higher than I can climb on my own.
3For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
3You have been a safe place for me, a strong tower that keeps my enemy out.
4I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.
4Let me live in your tent forever. Let me hide safely under your wings, the way a bird covers its young. Selah.
"Tabernacle" means a tent. It was the tent where God's people worshiped him before the temple was built. "Selah" is a music word in the psalms. Nobody knows for sure what it meant, but it may have marked a pause.
5For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.
5God, you have heard the promises I made to you. You have given me what belongs to those who honor your name.
6Thou wilt prolong the king’s life: and his years as many generations.
6Add more days to the king's life. Let his years stretch on and on, like many lifetimes.
7He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him.
7May he stay in God's presence forever. Send your steady love and your faithfulness to guard him.
The KJV says "prepare mercy and truth." It means "appoint" or "send them out," like sending guards to protect someone.
8So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.
8Then I will sing praise to your name forever, and keep the promises I made to you, day after day.
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