What Does Psalm 91 Say?
There is a lot of interest in Psalm 91. So, why pray it, especially in today’s world?
Psalm 91, often called the “Psalm of Protection,” has special significance in the Catholic tradition for several reasons, including its prominence within the book of Psalms as a powerful prayer of divine shelter and reassurance. Amidst a time when the “world rulers of this present darkness,” the devil and his minions (Eph. 6:12), seem more active than ever, praying Psalm 91 offers security and serenity to those who seek refuge in God’s unfailing care (John 14:27; Phil. 4:4–7).
Psalm 91 Catholic Version
Whether you’re reading Psalm 91 from the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE), the King James Version (KJV), or some other biblical translation, the prayer speaks directly to the hearts of the faithful, reminding us of God’s promise to shield and protect his devoted ones.
As Catholics, this psalm reminds us of God’s unwavering presence and commitment to protect each of us and his larger Church. In praying Psalm 91, we thus gain renewed strength in times of challenge, fostering a deeper connection with our heavenly Father and further anchoring our trust in his providential care.
How to Pray Psalm 91 as a Prayer of Protection
In this short two-minute video, learn how to pray Psalm 91 without falling into the error of superstition.
What is the Psalm 91 Prayer?
The Psalm itself is prayer. Just pray this powerful psalm with the intention of seeking God’s protection and other provision.
Download Psalm 91 Printable PDF.
Assurance of God’s Protection
91 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High,
who abides in the shadow of the Almighty,
2 will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress;
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence;
4 he will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
5 You will not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand;
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only look with your eyes
and see the recompense of the wicked.
9 Because you have made the Lord your refuge,
the Most High your habitation,
10 no evil shall befall you,
no scourge come near your tent.
11 For he will give his angels charge of you
to guard you in all your ways.
12 On their hands they will bear you up,
lest you dash your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the adder,
the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.
14 Because he cleaves to me in love, I will deliver him;
I will protect him, because he knows my name.
15 When he calls to me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will rescue him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him,
and show him my salvation.
Why Is Psalm 91 So Powerful?
Because it invokes God’s protection. As with all Scripture, Psalm 91 proclaims God’s inspired words, which are all the more powerful when we faithfully beseech their omnipotent author, who will provide the safeguarding grace he promises in this prayer. That includes helping us navigate the worst trials, for he will ultimately lead us to heaven (Ps. 91:16; Rom. 8:37-39).
The Arrow that Flies by Day
First, Psalm 91’s words deeply resonate with our Faith, instilling a sense of unwavering trust in God: “You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day” (Psalm 91:5).
Thousand May Fall
Second, this psalm serves as a powerful testament that God will shield his faithful followers from harm, reminding us of his constant vigilance over our lives: “A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you” (Psalm 91:7).
Refuge and My Fortress
Further, Psalm 91 emphasizes the effectiveness of wrapping oneself in God’s protective mantle: “Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your habitation, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent (Psalm 91:9–10).
The enduring relevance of Psalm 91 lies in its power to strengthen our belief in God’s watchful care and deepen our bond with him and his unfailing love.
How to Unlock the Protective Power of Psalm 91 in Prayer
It’s as simple as faithfully praying Psalm 91, even when you struggle to do so! By proclaiming this prayer no matter the circumstances, we will profit from the divine protection outlined within its verses.
Are you seeking to deepen your prayer life? You’re not alone! This homily provides guidance on how you can elevate your prayer.
May You Pray Psalm 91 Over Your Home?
Yes you may, but make sure to avoid any superstition, such as thinking that merely leaving your Bible open to Psalm 91 will protect you and your family from all spiritual warfare. In short, it won’t. But if keeping a Bible open reminds you to pray Psalm 91 as a family every day, amen to that and the divine protection it will provide you all.
Indeed, the real source of spiritual strength and defense is found in persevering prayer, not keeping your Bible open as a lazy, superstitious substitute. So focus on cultivating a deep and sincere prayer life through regular, heartfelt prayer. That’s how we allow God to anchor our lives fruitfully in him, including through the spiritual protection he provides.
How can we apply the teachings of the Protection Prayer to our lives today?
Amidst the darkness and uncertainties of our world, Psalm 91 serves as an enduring source of wisdom and direction. Its timeless truths, when woven into our daily lives, empower us to confront life’s challenges with steadfast courage in the Lord.
Psalm 91 assures us of God’s constant presence as our refuge and support. Let us dwell upon the sacred verses of this Psalm, drawing strength and renewed faith from the assurance of God’s unwavering love and protection.
Additional Resources
Pray the Rosary! Here are a few resources to get you started:
- How to Pray the Rosary: Catholic Answers Guide to the Holy Rosary
- Encountering Jesus through the Rosary
- 20 Answers: The Rosary
- Need a Rosary? Here is one we recommend!
Start a personal devotion to the brown scapular.
- Click here to learn about the promises of the brown scapular.
- Need a scapular? We’ve got you covered! Click here to buy a brown scapular.
Books from our shop:
- 20 Answers: Prayer
- Learn more about the evil we are fighting against in Demons, Deliverance, and Discernment: Separating Fact from Fiction About the Spirit World.
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- More reading about how the Church doesn’t encourage superstition.