Faith Daily Lectio Wednesday, October 21, 2026 Evening Psalm
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 · Wednesday in the week of the Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 24)
Evening Psalm
Oratio (prayer)
O God of my righteousness, hear me when I call. As this day ends, send Your Holy Spirit as I pray Psalm 4, that I may lie down in peace, trusting You through Jesus Christ. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Meditatio (meditation)
Psalm 4
To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm of David.
1Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.
2O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.
3But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.
4Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
5Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.
6There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.
7Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
8I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
Consider even rereading in another translation.
You could also consider listening to this chapter, narrated:
KJV (Max McLean) · ESV (Max McLean) · NIV (dramatized)
You might read the whole reading slowly, aloud, more than once.
Consider this verse, for example:
“the LORD will hear when I call unto him” (Psalm 4:3)
What other lines speak to you?
The Law "O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing?" (v. 2). We chase empty things and believe what is false. By evening we may find our hearts restless, still asking, "Who will shew us any good?" (v. 6).
The Gospel God answers that question with His own face: "LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us" (v. 6). In Jesus the Lord's face shines on you in grace. You belong to Him, and "the LORD will hear when I call unto him" (v. 3). Because Christ is your righteousness, you can pray, "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety" (v. 8).
Prayer Lord, I confess that I have loved vanity and sought after what is false. Forgive me for Jesus' sake. Lift up the light of Your countenance upon me, and give me Your peace tonight. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Tentatio (trial)
Night can bring anxious thoughts that keep us awake. David said, "commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still" (v. 4). Under trial it may help to bring each worry to God by name, then to pray the Psalm's last verse, and to rest in the truth that He alone keeps you safe.
Evening prayer Lord, I lay me down in peace. Keep me safe through this night, quiet my heart, and let the light of Your face shine on me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Scripture quotations are from the King James Version.
My church home: Peace Lutheran Church, McMurray, PA. Looking for a church? See About Daily Lectio.
