Psalm 140
1Deliver me, O LORD, from evildoers; *
protect me from the violent,
2Who devise evil in their hearts *
and stir up strife all day long.
3They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; *
adder’s poison is under their lips.
4Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; *
protect me from the violent,
who are determined to trip me up.
5The proud have hidden a snare for me
and stretched out a net of cords; *
they have set traps for me along the path.
6I have said to the LORD, “You are my God; *
listen, O LORD, to my supplication.
7O Lord GOD, the strength of my salvation, *
you have covered my head in the day of battle.
8Do not grant the desires of the wicked, O LORD, *
nor let their evil plans prosper.
9Let not those who surround me lift up their heads; *
let the evil of their lips overwhelm them.
10Let hot burning coals fall upon them; *
let them be cast into the mire, never to rise up again.”
11A slanderer shall not be established on the earth, *
and evil shall hunt down the lawless.
12I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the poor *
and render justice to the needy.
13Surely, the righteous will give thanks to your Name, *
and the upright shall continue in your sight.
A Prayer for Our Enemies
O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
