Davidica

A Prayer for Help and Forgiveness

1I will lift up my soul to you, LORD.

2I trust in you, my God,

do not let me be ashamed;

do not let my enemies triumph over me.

3Indeed, no one who waits on you will be ashamed,

but those who offend for no reason will be put to shame.

4Cause me to understand your ways, LORD;

teach me your paths.

5Guide me in your truth and teach me;

for you are the God who delivers me.

All day long I have waited for you.

6Remember, LORD, your tender mercies and your gracious love;

indeed, they are eternal!

7Do not remember my youthful sins and transgressions;

but remember me in light of your gracious love,

in light of your goodness, LORD.

8The LORD is good and just;

therefore he will teach sinners concerning the way.

9He will guide the humbleb to justice;

he will teach the humblec his way.

10All the paths of the LORD lead to gracious love and truth

for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.d

11For the sake of your name,e LORD,

forgive my sin, for it is great.

12Who is the man who fears the LORD?

Godf will teach him the path he should choose.

13Heg will experience good things;

his descendants will inherit the earth.

14The intimate counsel of the LORD is for those who fear him

so they may know his covenant.

15My eyes look to the LORD continuously,

because he’s the one who releases my feet from the trap.h

16Turn toward me and have mercy on me,

for I am lonely and oppressed.

17The troubles of my heart have increased;

bring me out of my distress!

18Look upon my distress and affliction;

forgive all my sins.

19Look how many enemies I have gained!

They hate me with a vicious hatred.

20Preserve my life and deliver me;

do not let me be ashamed,

because I take refuge in you.

21Integrity and justice will preserve me,

because I wait on you.

22Redeem Israel, God, from all its troubles.