Psalm 5

1    Give ear to my words, O Lord;  

consider my lamentation.

2    Hearken to the voice of my crying, my King and my God,  

for to you I make my prayer.

3    In the morning, Lord, you will hear my voice;  

early in the morning I make my appeal to you, and look up.

4    For you are the God who takes no pleasure in wickedness;  

no evil can dwell with you.

5    The boastful cannot stand in your sight;  

you hate all those that work wickedness.

6    You destroy those who speak lies;  

the bloodthirsty and deceitful the Lord will abhor.

7    But as for me, through the greatness of your mercy,

    I will come into your house;  

I will bow down towards your holy temple in awe of you.

8    Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness,

    because of my enemies;  

make your way straight before my face.

9    For there is no truth in their mouth,

    in their heart is destruction,  

their throat is an open sepulchre,

    and they flatter with their tongue.

10  Punish them, O God;  

let them fall through their own devices.

11  Because of their many transgressions cast them out,  

for they have rebelled against you.

12  But let all who take refuge in you be glad;  

let them sing out their joy for ever.

13  You will shelter them,  

so that those who love your name may exult in you.

14  For you, O Lord, will bless the righteous;  

and with your favour you will defend them as with a shield.

 

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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