Psalm 71

Psalm 71 is a prayer from someone who has trusted God since childhood. The person praying is now old and facing trouble. They ask God to keep helping them, just like He always has. This psalm reminds us that we can turn to God at every stage of life.

The psalm talks about fear, enemies, and weakness. But it also shows hope and trust. The writer does not give up. Even when others speak against him, he keeps asking God for help. He believes God will not leave him alone.

Psalm 71 is not a prayer for only the young or strong. It is for older people too. It speaks for anyone who feels weak or forgotten. It reminds us that our faith journey does not end as we grow older. God still listens, still cares, and still acts.

This psalm helps us reflect on God’s care across a whole lifetime. It encourages us to speak openly with God about our needs. It also pushes us to praise Him, even when life is hard. Psalm 71 is a prayer of trust, asking God to stay close, always.

This psalm is found in the second section of the Book of Psalms. That section includes Psalms 42 through 72. These psalms often focus on trouble, prayer, and trusting God through it all. They were likely gathered and arranged during a time when the people of Israel were looking back on their history with God.

The author of this psalm is not named. Many psalms in this part of the book are linked to David, but this one does not say who wrote it. Still, the writer clearly has deep trust in God and speaks with the voice of someone who has walked with God since youth.

The writer talks about being old and needing help. This gives the psalm a special tone. It sounds like a prayer from someone who has seen a lot and still believes. It is honest and personal, looking back on a life of faith and asking God to stay close.

This psalm was likely written during a time of danger or change. Enemies are mentioned. The writer feels weak. But even in this hard moment, the prayer does not give up. It keeps asking God for strength, showing the kind of trust that grows over time.

One main theme in this psalm is trust. The writer trusts God in youth, in old age, and in times of trouble. This shows us that faith is not just for one part of life. Catholics believe that our whole life is a journey with God. From baptism to death, we are called to walk with Him.

Another theme is God’s faithfulness. The writer remembers how God helped in the past and asks for help again. This fits with Catholic teaching that God does not forget us. Even when we are weak or feel alone, God stays near. The psalm invites us to remember God’s care and keep calling out to Him.

The psalm also speaks about praising God. Even while asking for help, the writer promises to speak about God’s goodness. Catholics are called to be people of praise, even when life is hard. Praising God is not just for good times.

Lastly, the psalm speaks about old age. The Church values the wisdom of elders. This psalm reminds us that older people still have a voice in prayer and praise. God does not stop working in our lives just because we grow older. Faith grows with us, year by year.

This psalm speaks to people today who feel weak, forgotten, or afraid. Many older adults feel left out or alone. Others face sickness or hard times. This prayer reminds us that God listens, no matter our age or condition. We are never too old or too broken to call on Him.

The psalm is also helpful for younger people. It shows that faith is something we build over a lifetime. We need to trust God not just when things go well, but also when life gets hard. That kind of trust starts early and grows with us.

In today’s world, many people feel like their worth depends on what they can do. This psalm reminds us that our value comes from God. He sees us and stays with us, even when we are tired or feel like we can’t give much anymore.

This prayer is a reminder to all of us. God is with us in every season of life. He never stops caring. We can always turn to Him for help, and we can always praise Him for His love.

Stay With Me, God

God, I come to You today.
Sometimes I feel lost and unsure.
There is so much noise around me.
Please be my place of safety.

You have been with me since I was little.
You know me better than anyone.
Help me trust You more each day.
Don’t let me forget how much You care.

Some days I feel weak and tired.
Other people don’t always understand me.
Help me stand strong in what is right.
Stay close when I feel alone.

I want to talk about You with others.
I want to share what You have done for me.
Give me courage to speak with kindness.
Let my life show Your love.

Thank You for always listening.
Thank You for never giving up on me.
Help me keep turning to You,
today and every day.

Psalm 71 appears several times in the Roman Catholic lectionary. It is not often used on Sundays, but it comes up during special feast days and weekday Masses. Each time it is read, it reminds us of God’s steady care throughout our lives.

This psalm is read on the 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time during Year C. It also appears on Tuesday of Holy Week and during Wednesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time in Year II. These moments in the liturgical year invite us to place our trust in God, especially in hard or confusing times.

Psalm 71 is also used on the Passion of Saint John the Baptist and during the Vigil Mass for his Nativity. These occasions highlight courage and faithfulness, even in danger. The psalm fits well, showing trust in God even when enemies speak out.

It is also read on December 19, an Advent weekday, and on Saturday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time in Year II. Whether in Advent or Ordinary Time, the message stays the same: God is our help from youth to old age. He is with us, and we can keep turning to Him in every season.

Click on a link below for more information and resources for a specific responsorial psalm.

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Singing Through Struggle

Psalm 71:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 15-17 is a prayer of trust from someone who has known God since youth. The speaker is asking for help and safety. They feel surrounded by danger and are turning to God as their strong place. Even in fear, they do not give up. They know God has always been with them and will not stop now.

The psalm also includes praise. The speaker wants to keep talking about God’s goodness. They want to tell others about God’s justice and saving help. Even when life feels uncertain, they hold on to what they’ve learned from God over the years. It’s a message for anyone who needs to remember that faith grows over time and that God’s care never ends.

Psalm 71 at weekday Masses:

• Tuesday of Holy Week – Psalm 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5ab-6ab, 15 and 17: Lifelong Trust in the Lord
• Wednesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time II – Psalm 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5-6ab, 15ab and 17: God My Refuge
• The Passion of Saint John the Baptist – Psalm 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5-6ab, 15ab and 17: A Prayer for Deliverance
• Nativity of Saint John the Baptist (Vigil Mass) – Psalm 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5-6ab, 15ab and 17: God, My Strength from Birth
• Advent Weekday on December 19 – Psalm 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 8, 16-17: Trust and Praise in God
• Saturday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time II – Psalm 71:8-9, 14-15AB, 16-17, 22: Singing of Salvation

Who wrote Psalm 71?

The writer is not named. Many psalms are linked to David, but this one does not say who wrote it. It sounds like it came from someone older who had trusted God for many years.

What is Psalm 71 about?

It is a prayer asking God for help. The person praying feels weak and alone. They ask God to stay with them, just like He did when they were young.

Why is this psalm important for Catholics?

It reminds us that God is with us at every stage of life. It also shows us how to keep praying and trusting God, even when we feel forgotten or weak.

Can young people learn from this psalm?

Yes. Even though it is spoken by someone older, it teaches all of us to build trust in God early and to keep that trust strong through life.

Psalm 71 is a prayer from someone who has walked with God for a long time. The writer is now old and feeling weak. Enemies are speaking against him. He turns to God again, just like he did when he was young. He asks God not to forget him now.

The psalm moves between fear and trust. The writer feels afraid, but he does not give up. He remembers how God helped him before. That gives him hope. He asks for strength, but also promises to keep praising God, no matter what happens.

This prayer speaks to people of all ages. Older adults may feel left behind or tired. This psalm gives them words to pray. Younger people can also learn from it. It shows how faith can grow strong over time.

Psalm 71 reminds us that God is with us in every part of life. When we are young, God is near. When we are old, He is still near. We can always call out to Him.

Take a few minutes to read Psalm 71 today. It doesn’t take long, but it can help you reflect. Think about how God has helped you in your past. Ask Him to stay close to you now.

After you read it, come back here. Share your thoughts in the comments. What part stood out to you? Does this prayer remind you of your own life? Let’s talk about how this psalm still speaks to us today.