1 Rescue me from my enemies, O my God; ♦
set me high above those that rise up against me.
2 Save me from the evildoers ♦
and from murderous foes deliver me.
3 For see how they lie in wait for my soul ♦
and the mighty stir up trouble against me.
4 Not for any fault or sin of mine, O Lord; ♦
for no offence, they run and prepare themselves for war.
5 Rouse yourself, come to my aid and see; ♦
for you are the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel.
6 Awake, and judge all the nations; ♦
show no mercy to the evil traitors.
7 They return at nightfall and snarl like dogs ♦
and prowl about the city.
8 They pour out evil words with their mouths;
swords are on their lips; ♦
‘For who’, they say, ‘can hear us?’
9 But you laugh at them, O Lord; ♦
you hold all the nations in derision.
10 For you, O my strength, will I watch; ♦
you, O God, are my strong tower.
11 My God in his steadfast love will come to me; ♦
he will let me behold the downfall of my enemies.
12 Slay them not, lest my people forget; ♦
send them reeling by your might
and bring them down, O Lord our shield.
13 For the sins of their mouth, for the words of their lips, ♦
let them be taken in their pride.
14 For the cursing and falsehood they have uttered, ♦
consume them in wrath, consume them till they are no more.
15 And they shall know that God rules in Jacob, ♦
and to the ends of the earth.
16 And still they return at nightfall and snarl like dogs ♦
and prowl about the city.
17 Though they forage for something to devour, ♦
and howl if they are not filled,
18 Yet will I sing of your strength ♦
and every morning praise your steadfast love;
19 For you have been my stronghold, ♦
my refuge in the day of my trouble.
20 To you, O my strength, will I sing; ♦
for you, O God, are my refuge,
my God of steadfast love.
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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