Psalm 71 is the great prayer of old age - a psalmist whose confidence in God stretches from birth to grey hair asks for continued refuge as enemies circle and strength begins to fail.

Full sung version coming soon.

Lyrics

In you, LORD, I take refuge Never let me be disappointed

Deliver me in your righteousness and rescue me Turn your ear to me and save me Be to me a rock of refuge to which I may always go Give the command to save me for you are my rock and my fortress

Rescue me, my God, from the hand of the wicked From the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man For you are my hope, Lord GOD My confidence from my youth

I have relied on you from the womb You are he who took me out of my mother’s womb I will always praise you I am a marvel to many but you are my strong refuge

My mouth shall be filled with your praise With your honour all day long Don’t reject me in my old age Don’t forsake me when my strength fails

For my enemies talk about me Those who watch for my soul conspire together Saying, God has forsaken him Pursue and take him for no one will rescue him

God, don’t be far from me My God, hurry to help me I will always hope and will add to all of your praise My mouth will tell about your righteousness

Until now I have declared your wondrous works Yes, even when I am old and grey-haired, God, don’t forsake me

Listen

Psalms 71 sung by Psalm Selah. The whole Bible, one chapter at a time.

Published 2026-05-22 · Last updated 2026-06-06
Written by Reid Wender, Editorial Director at Psalmody Press