Psalm 71

O Blessed Lord, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comforts: We beseech you, look down in pity and compassion upon this your afflicted servant.¹

You write bitter things against him, and make him to possess his former iniquities; your wrath lies hard upon him, and his soul is full of trouble:² But, O merciful God, who has written your holy Word for our learning, that we, through patience and comfort of your holy Scriptures, might have hope; give him a right understanding of himself, and of your threats and promises; that he may neither cast away his confidence in you,³

nor place it anywhere but in you. Give him strength against all his temptations, and heal all his distempers.⁴

Break not the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax. Shut not up your tender mercies in displeasure; but make him to hear of joy and gladness, that the bones which you have broken may rejoice.⁵

Deliver him from fear of the enemy, and lift up the light of your countenance upon him, and give him peace, through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.⁶