Psalm 17, Confident Prayer

A prayer of David.

Hear me, Lord, my plea is just;

    listen to my cry.

Hear my prayer—it does not rise from deceitful lips.

Let my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right.

Though you probe my heart, though you examine me at night and test me,

you will find that I have planned no evil;

    my mouth has not transgressed.

Though people tried to bribe me,

I have kept myself from the ways of the violent through what your lips have commanded.

My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled.

I call on you, my God, for you will answer me;

    turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.

Show me the wonders of your great love,

you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings

from the wicked who are out to destroy me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.

They close up their callous hearts, and their mouths speak with arrogance.

They have tracked me down, they now surround me, with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground.

They are like a lion hungry for prey, like a fierce lion crouching in cover.

Rise up, Lord, confront them, bring them down;

    with your sword rescue me from the wicked.

By your hand save me from such people, Lord,

    from those of this world whose reward is in this life.

May what you have stored up for the wicked fill their bellies;

    may their children gorge themselves on it, and may there be leftovers for their little ones.

As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face;

    when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.

 

Oh, Lord, David had a confidence to call on you when he needed you, the trust that you would help him. Teach me, help me have this confidence. Through any trouble, remind me of the hope and joy of one day seeing your face.