Read Psalms 116 in the King James Bible (opens in a new tab)
Psalm 116 is a personal testimony of love toward the LORD because He hears prayer and delivers from death and distress. The psalmist recounts being surrounded by sorrow, calling upon the name of the LORD, and experiencing God’s gracious rescue. It emphasizes that the LORD is merciful, righteous, and attentive to the simple-hearted. The chapter moves from desperation to gratitude, expressing a desire to walk before the LORD and to offer thanksgiving. It teaches that salvation produces devotion, obedience, and a life of grateful worship.
Psalms 116:1 - 116:19
1 I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice [and] my supplications.
2 Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon [him] as long as I live.
3 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.
4 Then called I upon the name of the Lord; O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.
5 Gracious [is] the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God [is] merciful.
6 The Lord preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.
7 Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.
8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, [and] my feet from falling.
9 I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.
10 I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:
11 I said in my haste, All men [are] liars.
12 What shall I render unto the Lord [for] all his benefits toward me?
13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.
14 I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people.
15 Precious in the sight of the Lord [is] the death of his saints.
16 O Lord, truly I [am] thy servant; I [am] thy servant, [and] the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.
17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord.
18 I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people,
19 In the courts of the Lord’s house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the Lord.