Why read Psalm 64?
Psalm 64 is a prayer of thanksgiving for creation, food and the fruits of the earth. Forgiveness and answered prayer are celebrated alongside images of rain, fertile fields and abundance.
You can read this psalm when its themes speak to your circumstances, or as part of your regular reading of the Psalter. This explanation draws on the text itself; the psalm is not reserved for one particular need.
In the Ninth Kathisma of the Psalter, Psalm 64 awaits its reader with 14 verses of prayer rising out of a real experience. It begins with "Unto Thee belongeth a song, O God, in Sion..." — and from there on, everything is dialogue between man and God.
The text of Psalm 64
1. Unto Thee belongeth a song, O God, in Sion; and unto Thee shall the vow be performed in Jerusalem.
2. Hear my prayer; unto Thee shall all flesh come.
3. The words of the wicked have prevailed against us; and as for our transgressions, Thou shalt purge them away.
4. Blessed is the man whom Thou hast chosen and accepted; he shall dwell in Thy courts.
5. We shall be filled with the goodness of Thy house; holy is Thy temple, wonderful in righteousness.
6. Hear us, O God our Saviour, the hope of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea;
7. Who preparest the mountains in Thy strength, being girded about with power; Who troublest the depth of the sea and the noise of its waves.
8. The nations shall be troubled, and they that dwell in the uttermost parts shall be afraid at Thy tokens; Thou shalt make the outgoings of the morning and of the evening to rejoice.
9. Thou hast visited the earth and watered it; Thou hast abundantly enriched it;
10. The river of God is full of waters; Thou hast prepared their food, for so is the preparation of it.
11. Water her furrows, multiply her fruits; with drops of rain shall she rejoice at her springing.
12. Thou shalt bless the crown of the year of Thy goodness, and Thy fields shall be filled with plenteousness.
13. The pastures of the wilderness shall be fattened, and the hills shall be girded about with joy.
14. The rams of the flock are clothed, and the valleys shall abound in corn; they shall shout for joy, yea, they shall sing.
When Psalm 64 is read
- It belongs to the Ninth Kathisma and is read in the course of the Psalter at the services; the faithful read it during fasts and in times of need.
- At the end of each psalm, the tradition adds: "Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen."
Neighbouring psalms
The numbering follows the Orthodox Psalter (Septuagint). The same psalm may have a different number in other Bible editions.
