1 The prayer of Dauid. Heare the right, O Lord, consider my crye: hearken vnto my prayer of lips vnfained. 2 Let my sentence come forth from thy presence, and let thine eyes beholde equitie. 3 Thou hast prooued and visited mine heart in the night: thou hast tryed me, and foundest nothing: for I was purposed that my mouth should not offend. 4 Concerning the workes of men, by the wordes of thy lips I kept mee from the paths of the cruell man. 5 Stay my steps in thy paths, that my feete doe not slide. 6 I haue called vpon thee: surely thou wilt heare me, O God: incline thine eare to me, and hearken vnto my wordes. 7 Shewe thy marueilous mercies, thou that art the Sauiour of them that trust in thee, from such as resist thy right hand. 8 Keepe me as the apple of the eye: hide me vnder the shadowe of thy wings, 9 From the wicked that oppresse mee, from mine enemies, which compasse me round about for my soule. 10 They are inclosed in their owne fat, and they haue spoken proudely with their mouth. 11 They haue compassed vs now in our steps: they haue set their eyes to bring downe to the ground: 12 Like as a lyon that is greedy of pray, and as it were a lyons whelp lurking in secret places. 13 Vp Lord, disappoint him: cast him downe: deliuer my soule from the wicked with thy sworde, 14 From men by thine hand, O Lord, from men of the world, who haue their portion in this life, whose bellies thou fillest with thine hid treasure: their children haue ynough, and leaue the rest of their substance for their children. 15 But I will beholde thy face in righteousnes, and when I awake, I shalbe satisfied with thine image.
The Prayer of an Innocent Person
1 Listen, O Lord, to my plea for justice;
pay attention to my cry for help!
Listen to my honest prayer.
2 You will judge in my favor,
because you know what is right.
3 You know my heart.
You have come to me at night;
you have examined me completely
and found no evil desire in me.
I speak no evil, 4 as others do;
I have obeyed your command
and have not followed paths of violence.
5 I have always walked in your way
and have never strayed from it.
6 I pray to you, O God, because you answer me;
so turn to me and listen to my words.
7 Reveal your wonderful love and save me;
at your side I am safe from my enemies.
8 Protect me as you would your very eyes;
hide me in the shadow of your wings
9 from the attacks of the wicked.
Deadly enemies surround me;
10 they have no pity and speak proudly.
11 They are around me now, wherever I turn,
watching for a chance to pull me down.
12 They are like lions, waiting for me,
wanting to tear me to pieces.
13 Come, Lord! Oppose my enemies and defeat them!
Save me from the wicked by your sword;
14 save me from those who in this life have all they want.
Punish them with the sufferings you have stored up for them;
may there be enough for their children
and some left over for their children's children!
15 But I will see you, because I have done no wrong;
and when I awake, your presence will fill me with joy.