Psalm 26
1Give judgment for me, O LORD,
for I have lived with integrity;*
I have trusted in the Lord and have not faltered.
2Test me, O LORD, and try me;*
examine my heart and my mind.
3For your love is before my eyes;*
I have walked faithfully with you.
4I have not sat with the worthless,*
nor do I consort with the deceitful.
5I have hated the company of evildoers;*
I will not sit down with the wicked.
6I will wash my hands in innocence, O LORD, *
that I may go in procession round your altar,
7Singing aloud a song of thanksgiving *
and recounting all your wonderful deeds.
8LORD, I love the house in which you dwell *
and the place where your glory abides.
9Do not sweep me away with sinners,*
nor my life with those who thirst for blood,
10Whose hands are full of evil plots,*
and their right hand full of bribes.
11As for me, I will live with integrity;*
redeem me, O LORD, and have pity on me.
12My foot stands on level ground;*
in the full assembly I will bless the LORD.
A Collect for Peace
Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
