Psalm 13

Psalm 13 is a short but very moving prayer. It begins with a cry of pain and ends with a song of trust. The writer feels abandoned by God and does not know why the suffering goes on so long. Many people can relate to this feeling when life seems too heavy and God feels far away.

The psalm has only six verses, but it carries a deep message. It starts with questions full of sadness, asking how long God will remain silent. Then it turns into a plea for help. Finally, it ends with a strong choice to trust in God’s love and goodness, even when nothing makes sense.

This psalm reminds us that prayer can be honest. We can bring our sadness, confusion, and anger to God. He is big enough to handle our pain. The words of Psalm 13 give us permission to say what we really feel, instead of pretending everything is fine.

At the same time, Psalm 13 shows that faith means holding on to hope. Even when God feels far away, we can choose to remember His love. We can praise Him, trusting that He will act in His time. This balance of sorrow and trust makes the psalm a real guide for those who struggle and wait on the Lord.

• Prayer Based on this Psalm
• Printable Copy of Prayer
• More Psalms

This prayer comes from the first part of the Book of Psalms. The psalms are divided into five sections, and this one is found in the very first group, which runs from Psalm 1 through Psalm 41. Many of these psalms are linked to King David, who is remembered as both a warrior and a poet. Tradition holds that David wrote this psalm, though we cannot know for certain.

The first section of the psalms often deals with trouble, enemies, and the struggle of faith. These are prayers that rise up from the middle of pain and fear. Yet even in this hard setting, there are notes of hope and trust in God’s care. Psalm 13 fits this pattern very well.

In history, psalms like this would have been prayed by the people of Israel during their worship. They spoke about the real troubles of life while still pointing to God as the one who saves. These songs gave voice to the fears of the people, but also their faith.

For us today, knowing this context helps us see that this prayer is not just a personal cry, but part of a larger story. It shows how God’s people have always wrestled with waiting, with suffering, and with hope in His promise.

One clear theme in this psalm is the feeling of being forgotten. The writer asks, “How long, O Lord?” again and again. This shows the pain of waiting for God’s help. In Catholic life, we know this feeling too. Sometimes prayers seem unanswered, and it feels like God is silent. The psalm reminds us that it is normal to bring these cries to Him.

Another theme is the struggle with enemies and fear. The psalm speaks about sorrow in the heart and the danger of being overcome. In our faith, this can point to both outside troubles and the battles within our souls. The Church teaches that we all face trials, but God is with us even when we cannot see Him clearly.

The turning point comes when the psalmist chooses trust. He remembers God’s love and promises to sing His praise. This is the heart of Catholic faith. We believe that even in darkness, God’s mercy never ends. Hope is not based on our feelings but on His promise.

This psalm also points us toward Christ. Jesus Himself prayed words of sorrow on the cross. Through Him we see that suffering is never the end. Just as the psalm ends with trust, our lives can end in joy if we stay close to the Lord.

This psalm is very real for people today. Many struggle with feelings of being alone or unheard. When problems go on and on, it can seem like God has forgotten us. These words give us a way to pray when we feel lost. They show that we can be honest with God about our pain.

In our world, there is much anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty. Families face struggles with health, work, and relationships. The psalm gives language to these experiences. It reminds us that faith is not about hiding our pain, but about bringing it before the Lord.

Catholics can also see this psalm as a call to keep hope alive. Even in hard times, we trust that God is still with us. The choice to praise Him at the end of the psalm is a reminder that love and mercy have the final word.

This prayer can guide us in daily life. It helps us lift up our fears, yet also keep our eyes on God’s care. It tells us that sorrow and trust can live side by side. For anyone who struggles, these verses are a companion on the journey of faith.

When You Feel Far Away

Lord, sometimes I wonder where You are.
The days feel long, and I feel alone.
I ask how long I must wait to see Your light.
It is hard to keep going when I do not hear You.

My worries grow heavy in my mind.
School, friends, family, and the future press on me.
I feel like I cannot carry it all.
I need Your help to stand strong.

Give me courage when I feel weak.
Open my eyes to see that You are near.
Send me people who remind me of Your care.
Help me not to lose hope.

Teach me to trust even when I do not feel it.
Let me remember Your love each day.
Show me that You are working in ways I cannot see.
Guide my steps when I feel lost.

I will choose to praise You.
I will sing because You are good.
I will trust that joy will come again.
You are my strength, and I belong to You.

In the Roman Catholic lectionary, this psalm appears in the daily Mass readings. It is often used when the theme is trust in God during times of trouble. The verses remind the faithful that it is natural to cry out in pain but also important to end with praise.

The psalm is also found in the Liturgy of the Hours. This means priests, religious, and many lay people pray it as part of the Church’s daily prayer. It gives words for moments of sadness and waiting, helping the whole Church lift these feelings to God.

When the psalm is used in worship, it connects the struggles of today with the faith of God’s people long ago. The same questions and the same hope are prayed by us now, just as they were by Israel.

Hearing this psalm at Mass reminds us that even in suffering, we are never alone. The Church prays with us, and Christ stands with us. The movement from sorrow to trust becomes a shared prayer, not just a personal one.

At Weekday Masses

• Wednesday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time I – Psalm 13:4-5, 6: Trust in God’s Mercy
• The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Psalm 13:6ab, 6c: Rejoicing in God’s Goodness

Steps Toward the Light

This image, inspired by Psalm 13, is now available for download to use in bulletins, newsletters, and ministry materials. The upward path lit by the sun reflects the journey from sorrow to trust, a theme central to this psalm. It serves as a visual reminder that even in seasons of waiting, God’s light guides us forward.

Share this artwork in your parish or group to encourage hope and faith in the Lord’s unfailing love.

Paid subscribers may download a large copy this digital artwork without watermarks, suitable for use in bulletins, social media, newsletters, etc., free of charge by clicking here. You must be logged in as a paid subscriber to access the file.

Only current paid subscribers have the rights to use the artwork.

What is Psalm 13 about?

Psalm 13 is a short prayer that begins with sorrow and ends with trust. The writer feels forgotten by God, asks for help, and then chooses to praise Him.

Who wrote Psalm 13?

Tradition says King David wrote it. Many psalms in the first part of the book are linked to him. We cannot be fully sure, but his name is often connected with this prayer.

Why does the psalmist ask “How long, O Lord?”

This shows the pain of waiting for God’s help. It expresses the feeling of being forgotten. Many people know what it is like to wait and wonder when God will act.

How does Psalm 13 end?

It ends with trust and praise. The psalmist chooses to believe in God’s love and promises to sing to Him. This shift shows faith even in the middle of struggle.

How is this psalm used in the Catholic Church?

It appears in the daily Mass readings and in the Liturgy of the Hours. It is prayed when the focus is trust in God during trouble. It helps the Church give voice to sorrow and hope.

Why is Psalm 13 important for Catholics today?

It reminds us that it is okay to be honest with God about pain. At the same time, it calls us to keep trusting Him. It shows that sorrow and faith can go together.