Psalm 5
1Give ear to my words, O LORD;*
consider my meditation.
2Hearken to my cry for help, my King and my God,*
for I make my prayer to you.
3In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; *
early in the morning I make my appeal and watch for you.
4For you are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness,*
and evil cannot dwell with you.
5Braggarts cannot stand in your sight;*
you hate all those who work wickedness.
6You destroy those who speak lies;*
the bloodthirsty and deceitful, O LORD, you abhor.
7But as for me, through the greatness of your mercy I will go into your house;*
I will bow down toward your holy temple in awe of you.
8Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness,
because of those who lie in wait for me;*
make your way straight before me.
9For there is no truth in their mouth;*
there is destruction in their heart;
10Their throat is an open grave;*
they flatter with their tongue.
11Declare them guilty, O God;*
let them fall, because of their schemes.
12Because of their many transgressions cast them out,*
for they have rebelled against you.
13But all who take refuge in you will be glad; *
they will sing out their joy for ever.
14You will shelter them,*
so that those who love your Name may exult in you.
15For you, O LORD, will bless the righteous; *
you will defend them with your favor as with a shield.
A Prayer for the Human Family
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
