A Prayer for Protection
A prayer of David.
1Lord, hear a just cause;
pay attention to my cry;
listen to my prayer —
from lips free of deceit.
2Let my vindication come from you,
for you see what is right.
3You have tested my heart;
you have examined me at night.
You have tried me and found nothing evil;
I have determined that my mouth will not sin.
4Concerning what people do:
by the words from your lips
I have avoided the ways of the violent.
5My steps are on your paths;
my feet have not slipped.
6I call on you, God,
because you will answer me;
listen closely to me; hear what I say.
7Display the wonders of your faithful love,
Savior of all who seek refuge
from those who rebel against your right hand.
8Protect me as the pupil of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings
9from the wicked who treat me violently,
my deadly enemies who surround me.
10They are uncaring; ,
their mouths speak arrogantly.
11They advance against me; now they surround me.
They are determined
to throw me to the ground.
12They are like a lion eager to tear,
like a young lion lurking in ambush.
13Rise up, Lord!
Confront him; bring him down.
With your sword, save me from the wicked.
14With your hand, Lord, save me from men,
from men of the world
whose portion is in this life:
You fill their bellies with what you have in store;
their sons are satisfied,
and they leave their surplus to their children.
15But I will see your face in righteousness;
when I awake, I will be satisfied with your presence. ,