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(A psalm by David.)

Who Can Enter the Lord's Temple?

(A) The earth and everything on it,
including its people,
    belong to the Lord.
The world and its people
    belong to him.
The Lord placed it all
    on the oceans and rivers.

Who may climb the Lord's hill[a]
    or stand in his holy temple?
(B) Only those who do right
    for the right reasons,
and don't worship idols
    or tell lies under oath.
The Lord God, who saves them,
    will bless and reward them,
because they worship and serve
    the God of Jacob.[b]
Open the ancient gates,
so that the glorious king
    may come in.

Who is this glorious king?
He is our Lord, a strong
    and mighty warrior.

Open the ancient gates,
so that the glorious king
    may come in.

10 Who is this glorious king?
He is our Lord,
    the All-Powerful!

(By David.)

A Prayer for Guidance and Help

I offer you my heart, Lord God,
    and I trust you.
Don't make me ashamed
    or let enemies defeat me.
Don't disappoint any
    of your worshipers,
but disappoint all
    deceitful liars.
Show me your paths
    and teach me to follow;
guide me by your truth
    and instruct me.
You keep me safe,
    and I always trust you.

Please, Lord, remember,
you have always
    been patient and kind.
Forget each wrong I did
    when I was young.
Show how truly kind you are
    and remember me.
You are honest and merciful,
and you teach sinners
    how to follow your path.

You lead humble people
to do what is right
    and to stay on your path.
10 In everything you do,
    you are kind and faithful
to everyone who keeps
    our agreement with you.

11 Be true to your name, Lord,
by forgiving each one
    of my terrible sins.
12 You will show the right path
    to all who worship you.
13 Then they will have plenty,
and their children
    will receive the land.

14 Our Lord, you are the friend
    of your worshipers,
and you make an agreement
    with all of us.
15 I always look to you,
because you rescue me
    from every trap.
16 I am lonely and troubled.
Show that you care
    and have pity on me.
17 My awful worries keep growing.
    Rescue me from sadness.
18 See my troubles and misery
    and forgive my sins.

19 Look at all my enemies!
    See how much they hate me.
20 I come to you for shelter.
Protect me, keep me safe,
    and don't disappoint me.
21 I obey you with all my heart,
and I trust you, knowing
    that you will save me.

22 Our God, please save Israel
    from all its troubles.

(By David.)

The Prayer of an Innocent Person

Show that I am right, Lord!
    I stay true to myself,
and I have trusted you
    without doubting.
Test my thoughts and find out
    what I am like.
I never forget your kindness,
and I am always faithful
    to you.[c]
I don't spend my time
with worthless liars
    or go with evil crowds.

I wash my hands, Lord,
    to show my innocence,
and I worship at your altar,
while gratefully singing
    about your wonders.
I love the temple
where you live, and where
    your glory shines.
Don't sweep me away,
    as you do sinners.
Don't punish me with death
as you do those people
    who are brutal
10     or full of meanness
    or who bribe others.
11 I stay true to myself.
    Be kind and rescue me.

12 Now I stand on solid ground!
And when your people meet,
    I will praise you, Lord.

Footnotes

  1. 24.3 the Lord's hill: The hill in Jerusalem where the temple was built.
  2. 24.6 worship … Jacob: Two ancient translations; Hebrew “worship God and serve the descendants of Jacob.”
  3. 26.3 I am … to you: Or “I trust your faithfulness.”

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