New Testament • Verse 6 is quoted in the
New Testament in
Acts ;
Acts Judaism • The psalm in its entirety is recited during
Pesukei Dezimra, the initial section of the daily morning prayer service. • The blessings
Pokeiakh Ivrim ("gives sight to the blind"),
Matir asurim ("releases the bound"),
Zokef kefufim ("straightens the bent"), from the
Birkat HaShachar are derived from Psalm 146:7-8. • Verse 10 is part of
Kedusha, and is a part of the third blessing of the
High Holidays Amidah.
Catholic Church • Since the
Middle Ages, this psalm was recited or sung during the
vespers office on Thursday, according to the
Rule of St. Benedict, established in 530
AD. In the modern
Roman Catholic Liturgy of the Hours, Psalm 139 is recited at Vespers, and also Wednesdays in the fourth and final week of the cycle of liturgical prayers. In the
liturgy of the Mass, it is played or sung for the
feast of St. John the Baptist.
Book of Common Prayer In the
Church of England's
Book of Common Prayer, this psalm is appointed to be read on the morning of the thirtieth day of the month.
Coptic Orthodox Church In the
Agpeya, the
Coptic Church's
book of hours, this psalm is prayed in the office of
Compline and the third watch of the
Midnight office. It is also in the prayer of the Veil, which is generally prayed only by monks. == Musical settings ==