Psalm 41
1Happy are they who consider the poor and needy! *
the LORD will deliver them in the time of trouble.
2The LORD preserves them and keeps them alive,
so that they may be happy in the land; *
he does not hand them over to the will of their enemies.
3The LORD sustains them on their sickbed *
and ministers to them in their illness.
4I said, “LORD, be merciful to me; *
heal me, for I have sinned against you.”
5My enemies are saying wicked things about me: *
When will he die, and his name perish?”
6Even if they come to see me, they speak empty words; *
their heart collects false rumors;
they go outside and spread them.
7All my enemies whisper together about me *
and devise evil against me.
8″A deadly thing,” they say, “has fastened on him; *
he has taken to his bed and will never get up again.”
9Even my best friend, whom I trusted,
who broke bread with me, *
has lifted up his heel and turned against me.
10But you, O LORD, be merciful to me and raise me up, *
and I shall repay them.
11By this I know you are pleased with me, *
that my enemy does not triumph over me.
12In my integrity you hold me fast, *
and shall set me before your face for ever.
13Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, *
from age to age. Amen. Amen.
A Prayer for the Poor and Neglected
Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this, Father, for the love of your Son, who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
