A PRAYER OF DAVID.

A. 1 Hear a just cause, O LORD; attend to my cry!
Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit!
2 From your presence let my vindication come!
Let your eyes behold the right!

B. 3 You have tried my heart,
you have visited me by night,
you have tested me, and you will find nothing;
I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.

C. 4 With regard to the works of man,
by the word of your lips
I have avoided the ways of the violent.
5 My steps have held fast to your paths;
my feet have not slipped.

D. 6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
incline your ear to me; hear my words.

E. 7 Wondrously show your steadfast love,
O Saviour of those who seek refuge
from their adversaries at your right hand.

F. 8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings,

E’. 9 from the wicked who do me violence,
my deadly enemies who surround me.

D’. 10 They close their hearts to pity;
with their mouths they speak arrogantly.

C’. 11 They have now surrounded our steps;
they set their eyes to cast us to the ground.
12 He is like a lion eager to tear,
as a young lion lurking in ambush.

B’. 13 Arise, O LORD! Confront him, subdue him!
Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword,
14 from men by your hand, O LORD,
from men of the world whose portion is in this life.

A’. You fill their womb with treasure;
they are satisfied with children,
and they leave their abundance to their infants.
15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;
when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.