Psalm 26-27

Contemporary English Version

(By David.)

The Prayer of an Innocent Person

¹Show that I am right, Lord!
    I stay true to myself,
and I have trusted you
    without doubting.
²Test my thoughts and find out
    what I am like.
³I never forget your kindness,
and I am always faithful
    to you.^[a]
⁴I don't spend my time
with worthless liars
⁵    or go with evil crowds.

⁶I wash my hands, Lord,
    to show my innocence,
and I worship at your altar,
⁷while gratefully singing
    about your wonders.
⁸I love the temple
where you live, and where
    your glory shines.
⁹Don'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.
¹¹I stay true to myself.
    Be kind and rescue me.

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

(By David.)

A Prayer of Praise

¹You, Lord, are the light
    that keeps me safe.
I am not afraid of anyone.
You protect me,
    and I have no fears.
²Brutal people may attack
and try to kill me,
    but they will stumble.
Fierce enemies may attack,
    but they will fall.
³Armies may surround me,
    but I won't be afraid;
war may break out,
    but I will trust you.

⁴I ask only one thing, Lord:
Let me live in your house
every day of my life
to see how wonderful you are
and to pray in your temple.

⁵In times of trouble, Lord,
    you will protect me.
You will hide me in your tent
and keep me safe
    on top of a mighty rock.^[b]
⁶You will let me defeat
    all my enemies.
Then I will celebrate,
    as I enter your tent
with animal sacrifices
    and songs of praise.

⁷Please listen when I pray!
    Have pity. Answer my prayer.
⁸My heart tells me to pray.
I am eager to see your face,
⁹    so don't hide from me.
I am your servant, Lord,
and you have helped me.
    Don't turn from me in anger.
You alone keep me safe.
    Don't reject or desert me.
¹⁰Even if my father and mother
should desert me,
    you will take care of me.

¹¹Teach me to follow, Lord,
and lead me on the right path
    because of my enemies.
¹²Don't let them do to me
    what they want.
People tell lies about me
    and make violent threats,
¹³but I know I will live
    to see how kind you are.