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 Victims of Addiction
Blessed Lord, you ministered to all who came to you: Look with compassion upon all who through addiction have lost their health and freedom. Restore to them the assurance of your unfailing mercy; remove from them the fears that beset them; strengthen them in the work of their recovery; and to those who care for them, give patient understanding and persevering love. Amen.
