Psalms 20 and 119

The following Psalms are particularly effective when recited in times of distress. Psalm 20 is traditionaly recited for oneself or a loved one who is suffering or in danger.

In Hebrew:

English Translation:

For the Choirmaster; a Psalm by David.
May the Lord answer you on the day of distress; may the Name of the G-d of Jacob fortify you.
May He send your help from the Sanctuary, and support you from Zion.
May He remember all your offerings, and always accept favorably your sacrifices.
May He grant you your heart's desire, and fulfill your every counsel.
We will rejoice in your deliverance, and raise our banners in the name of our G-d; may the Lord fulfill all your wishes.
Now I know that the Lord has delivered His anointed one, answering him from His holy heavens with the mighty saving power of His right hand.
Some (rely) upon chariots and some upon horses, but we [rely upon and] invoke the Name of the Lord our G-d.
They bend and fall, but we rise and stand firm.
Lord, deliver us; may the King answer us on the day we call.

Transliteration:

Lam'na-tzay-ach mizmor l'dövid.
Ya-an'chö adonöy b'yom tzörö, y'sagev'chö shaym elohay ya-akov.
Yishlach ez-r'chö mi-kodesh, umi-tziyon yis-ödekö.
Yizkor köl min'cho-sechö, v'olös'chö y'dash'neh selöh.
Yiten l'chö chil'vö-vechö, v'chöl atzös'chö y'ma-lay.
N'ran'nöh bishu-ösechö, uv'shaym elo-haynu nidgol, y'malay adonöy köl mish-alo-sechö.
Atöh yöda-ti, ki hoshi-a adonöy m'shi-cho, ya-anayhu mish'may köd-sho, big'vuros yay-sha y'mino.
Ayleh vö-rechev, v'ayleh va-susim, va-anachnu b'shaym adonöy elo-haynu naz-kir.
Hay-möh kör'u v'nöfölu, va-anachnu kam-nu vanis-odöd.
Adonöy ho-shi-öh, ha-melech ya-anaynu v'yom kör'aynu.

Psalm 119 is composed according to the Hebrew alphabet, eight verses for each letter. Each verse contains a word referring to a different aspect of Torah, thereby encompassing the entire Scriptures. It is thus customary to recite the verses that comprise the letters of the person's Hebrew name when praying for him or her.

In Hebrew:

Click here for an English translation of Psalm 119