Psalm 20


For the upcoming Sunday, our Old Testament lesson in Lectionary Track One (which runs the OT in series, instead of in anticipation of the Gospel reading as in Track Two) is from First Samuel, the anointing of David the shepherd boy as king. The psalm that follows is then meant to respond to the OT reading in some way, sometimes clearly and obviously, perhaps more often somewhat abstrusely. For this Sunday, Proper 6, Lectionary Year B, the psalm is beautifully tailored to the story of David’s anointing.
20   Exaudiat te Dominus


1
May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble, *
    the Name of the God of Jacob defend you;


2
Send you help from his holy place *
    and strengthen you out of Zion;


3
Remember all your offerings *
    and accept your burnt sacrifice;


4
Grant you your heart's desire *
    and prosper all your plans.


5
We will shout for joy at your victory
and triumph in the Name of our God; *
    may the LORD grant all your requests.


6
Now I know that the LORD gives victory to his anointed; *
    he will answer him out of his holy heaven,
    with the victorious strength of his right hand.


7
Some put their trust in chariots and some in horses, *
    but we will call upon the Name of the LORD our God.


8
They collapse and fall down, *
    but we will arise and stand upright.


9
O LORD, give victory to the king *
    and answer us when we call.
David has been anointed, and the psalm prays that God will make all go well for him. At our early service Sunday morning, eight o’clock, we will read the psalm responsively by half-verse, acknowledging and participating in the parallelism that is found in Hebrew poetry: the second half of each verse echoes or complements the first half. Thus, the people affirm what the lector has read -- like a vigorous, ratifying Amen at the end of an assertion or prayer.  
TW+