Psalm 17
1 Hear my plea of innocence, O Lord;
give heed to my cry;
listen to my prayer, which does not come from lying lips.
2 Let my vindication come forth from your presence;
let your eyes be fixed on justice.
3 Weigh my heart, summon me by night,
melt me down; you will find no impurity in me.
4 I give no offense with my mouth as others do;
I have heeded the words of your lips.
5 My footsteps hold fast to the ways of your law;
in your paths my feet shall not stumble.
6 I call upon you, O God, for you will answer me;
incline your ear to me and hear my words.
7 Show me your marvelous loving-kindness,
O Savior of those who take refuge at your right hand
from those who rise up against them.
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me under the shadow of your wings,
9 From the wicked who assault me,
from my deadly enemies who surround me.
10 They have closed their heart to pity,
and their mouth speaks proud things.
11 They press me hard,
now they surround me,
watching how they may cast me to the ground,
12 Like a lion, greedy for its prey,
and like a young lion lurking in secret places.
13 Arise, O Lord; confront them and bring them down;
deliver me from the wicked by your sword.
14 Deliver me, O Lord, by your hand
from those whose portion in life is this world;
15 Whose bellies you fill with your treasure,
who are well supplied with children
and leave their wealth to their little ones.
16 But at my vindication I shall see your face;
when I awake, I shall be satisfied, beholding
your likeness.
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.
