About the text: The “Psalms of Ascent” are a series of psalms (Psalms 120-134) that were traditionally prayed by the people of Israel as they ascended Mount Zion to approach the Temple of God. The first four of these psalms are reproduced here revealing a progression akin to that of the pilgrim, from dwelling in the midst of suffering and longing for peace to the joy of seeing Jerusalem, which moves us to ask God for mercy.
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Psalm 120
In my distress I cry to the Lord,
that he may answer me:
2 “Deliver me, O Lord,
from lying lips,
from a deceitful tongue.”
3 What shall be given to you?
And what more shall be done to you,
you deceitful tongue?
4 A warrior’s sharp arrows,
with glowing coals of the broom tree!
5 Woe is me, that I sojourn in Meshech,
that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!
6 Too long have I had my dwelling
among those who hate peace.
7 I am for peace;
but when I speak,
they are for war!
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*Taken from The Catholic Edition of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1965, 1966 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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