1 Hear my just cause, O Lord; consider my complaint; ♦
listen to my prayer, which comes not from lying lips.
2 Let my vindication come forth from your presence; ♦
let your eyes behold what is right.
3 Weigh my heart, examine me by night, ♦
refine me, and you will find no impurity in me.
4 My mouth does not trespass for earthly rewards; ♦
I have heeded the words of your lips.
5 My footsteps hold fast in the ways of your commandments; ♦
my feet have not stumbled in your paths.
6 I call upon you, O God, for you will answer me; ♦
incline your ear to me, and listen to my words.
7 Show me your marvellous loving-kindness, ♦
O Saviour 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 enemies who surround me to take away my life.
10 They have closed their heart to pity ♦
and their mouth speaks proud things.
11 They press me hard, they surround me on every side, ♦
watching how they may cast me to the ground,
12 Like a lion that is greedy for its prey, ♦
like a young lion lurking in secret places.
13 Arise, Lord; confront them and cast 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 unending,
15 Whose bellies you fill with your treasure, ♦
who are well supplied with children
and leave their wealth to their little ones.
16 As for me, I shall see your face in righteousness; ♦
when I awake and behold your likeness, I shall be satisfied.
Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, material from which is included here,
is copyright © The Archbishops' Council 2000 and published by Church House Publishing.
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