Old Testament
Psalms 61:1
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Hear my cry, O God; pay attention to my prayer.
Compare translations
Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
What Psalms 61:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist is calling out to God in a moment of distress. The phrase "Hear my cry" indicates a deep sense of urgency and desperation, suggesting that the speaker is in a difficult situation and needs divine intervention. The request for God to "pay attention" or "attend" to the prayer emphasizes the belief that God is listening and capable of responding to human needs. This verse reflects a personal relationship with God, where the psalmist feels comfortable expressing vulnerability and seeking help. It highlights the importance of prayer as a means of communication with God, especially during challenging times. The psalmist's plea serves as a reminder that turning to God in prayer is a vital response to life's struggles, reinforcing the idea that God is a refuge and source of strength for those in need.
How to apply Psalms 61:1 to your life
When facing challenges, remember to reach out to God in prayer. Express your feelings honestly and seek His guidance. Trust that He hears you and is attentive to your needs, providing comfort and support in difficult times.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 61:1
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 61:1
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 61:1 mean?
Psalms 61:1 expresses a heartfelt plea from the psalmist to God during a time of distress. The verse emphasizes the urgency of the psalmist's situation and the need for divine attention and support.
What is the meaning of 'Hear my cry' in Psalms 61:1?
'Hear my cry' signifies a deep sense of urgency and desperation. It shows that the psalmist is reaching out to God for help, indicating a strong emotional need for God's intervention.
Why does the psalmist ask God to 'pay attention' in Psalms 61:1?
The psalmist asks God to 'pay attention' to emphasize the belief that God is listening and can respond to human needs. It reflects a personal relationship where the psalmist feels comfortable expressing vulnerability.
How can I apply Psalms 61:1 in my life?
You can apply Psalms 61:1 by turning to God in prayer when facing challenges. Be honest about your feelings and trust that God hears you and provides comfort and guidance during tough times.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.