(A psalm by David.)
A Prayer for the Lord's Protection
1I pray to you, Lord!
Please listen when I pray
and hurry to help me.
2 Think of my prayer
as sweet-smelling incense,
and think of my lifted hands
as an evening sacrifice.
3Help me to guard my words
whenever I say something.
4Don't let me want to do evil
or waste my time doing wrong
with wicked people.
Don't let me even taste
the good things they offer.
5Let your faithful people
correct and punish me.
My prayers condemn the deeds
of those who do wrong,
so don't let me be friends
with any of them.
6Everyone will admit
that I was right
when their rulers are thrown
down a rocky cliff,
7and their bones lie scattered
like crushed rocks
on top of a grave.
8You are my Lord and God,
and I look to you for safety.
Don't let me be harmed.
9Protect me from the traps
of those violent people,
10and make them fall
into their own traps
while you help me escape.