Psalm 38 (Kathisma 6)
Read on Monday (Monday and Wednesday during Lent)
For the End: An Ode of David for Idithum.
(Psalm 39 – Hebrew Numbering)
I said: I will take heed to my ways lest I sin with my tongue.
I set a guard for my mouth, when the sinner stood up against me.
I was dumb and was humbled, and held my peace, even from good, and my sorrow was stirred anew.
My heart grew hot within me, and in my meditation a fire was kindled.
I spake with my tongue: O Lord, make me to know mine end, and the number of my days, what it is, that I may know what I lack.
Behold, Thou hast made my days as the spans of a hand, and my being is as nothing before Thee.
Nay, all things are vanity, every man living.
Surely man walketh about like a phantom, nay, in vain doth he disquiet himself.
He layeth up treasure, and knoweth not for whom he shall gather it.
And now, what is my patient endurance?
Is it not the Lord?
Yea, my hope is from Thee.
From all mine iniquities deliver me; Thou hast made me a reproach to the foolish.
I was dumb and opened not my mouth, for Thou hast made me.
Take away from me Thy scourges; for from the strength of Thy hand I have fainted.
With reprovings for iniquity hast Thou chastened man, and hast made his life to melt away like a spider’s web; nay, in vain doth every man disquiet himself.
Hearken unto my prayer, O Lord, and unto my supplication; give ear unto my tears.
Be not silent, for I am a sojourner with Thee, and a stranger, as were all my fathers.
Spare me, that I may be refreshed before I go hence, and be no more.