Psalm 71: A Prayer in Old Age
Best for: Aging, retirement, passing on faith
Psalm 71 ("A Prayer in Old Age") is a lament psalm best read for aging, retirement, passing on faith. Psalm 71 is an older person's prayer, recalling a lifetime of trusting God from youth and asking not to be cast off in old age when strength fails.
Overview
Psalm 71 is an older person's prayer, recalling a lifetime of trusting God from youth and asking not to be cast off in old age when strength fails. The psalmist has been a wonder to many because God was his strong refuge. He asks to declare God's strength to the next generation and resolves to praise God more and more, even when troubles are many and severe.
Key Verses
"Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth."— Psalm 71:9 (KJV)
"Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation."— Psalm 71:18 (KJV)
Key Themes
Reflection
Growing old in faith means your story of God's faithfulness only gets richer. Don't stop praising — your testimony of decades with God is the most powerful sermon for the next generation.
Historical Context
An elderly believer's prayer, looking back on a lifetime of God's faithfulness ('You have taught me from my youth') while facing the vulnerability of old age ('Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails'). It is the only psalm in Book II without a superscription.
How to Apply This Today
If you're aging, pray this psalm with gratitude for decades of God's faithfulness and confidence for the years ahead. If you're young, pray it prophetically—declaring now that you will still praise God when gray-haired. Also: honor the elderly around you. Their stories of faith are treasures.
🙏 A Prayer from Psalm 71
In You, O Lord, I put my trust. You have been my hope from my youth. By You I have been upheld from birth. Do not cast me off in old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails. I will go in the strength of the Lord God. Even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation. Amen.
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Read devotionalFrequently Asked Questions
What is Psalm 71 about?
Psalm 71 is an older person's prayer, recalling a lifetime of trusting God from youth and asking not to be cast off in old age when strength fails. The psalmist has been a wonder to many because God was his strong refuge. He asks to declare God's strength to the next generation and resolves to praise God more and more, even when troubles are many and severe.
What does Psalm 71 teach us?
Growing old in faith means your story of God's faithfulness only gets richer. Don't stop praising — your testimony of decades with God is the most powerful sermon for the next generation.
What are the key themes of Psalm 71?
The key themes of Psalm 71 include: Old Age, Lifelong Faith, Legacy, Continued Praise.
When should I read Psalm 71?
Psalm 71 is especially meaningful for: Aging, retirement, passing on faith. The overall mood is reflective, determined.
How can I apply Psalm 71 to my life?
If you're aging, pray this psalm with gratitude for decades of God's faithfulness and confidence for the years ahead. If you're young, pray it prophetically—declaring now that you will still praise God when gray-haired. Also: honor the elderly around you. Their stories of faith are treasures.
Continue Studying Themes from Psalm 71
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