To the Director: For flutes. A Davidic Psalm

A Prayer for God’s Help

1LORD, listen to my words,

consider my groaning.

2Pay attention to my cry for help,a

my king and my God,

for unto you will I pray.

3LORD, in the morning you will hear my voice;

in the morning I will prayb to you,

and I will watch for your answer.c

4Indeed, you aren’t a God who delights in wickedness;

evil will never dwell with you.

5Boastful ones will not stand before you;

you hate all those who practice wickedness.

6You will destroy those who speak lies.

The LORD abhors the person of bloodshed and deceit.

7But I, because of the abundance of your gracious love,

may come into your house.

In awe of you, I will worship in your holy Temple.

8LORD, lead me in your righteousness because of my enemies.

Make your path straight before me.

9But as for the wicked,d

they do not speak truth at all.

Inside them there is only wickedness.

Their throat is an open grave,

on their tongue is deceitful flattery.

10Declare them guilty, God!

Let them fall by their own schemes.

Drive them away because of their many transgressions,

for they have rebelled against you.

11Let all those who take refuge in you rejoice!

Let them shout for joy forever,

and may you protect them.

Let those who love your name exult in you.

12Indeed, you will bless the righteous one, LORD,

like a large shield, you will surround him with favor.