Add parallel Print Page Options

(A psalm by David for the music leader. Use stringed instruments.)

An Evening Prayer

You are my God and protector.
    Please answer my prayer.
I was in terrible distress,
    but you set me free.
Now have pity and listen
    as I pray.

How long will you people
    refuse to respect me?[a]
You love foolish things,
and you run after
    what is worthless.[b]

The Lord has chosen
    everyone who is faithful
to be his very own,[c]
    and he answers my prayers.
(A) But each of you
had better tremble
    and turn from your sins.
Silently search your heart
    as you lie in bed.
Offer the proper sacrifices
    and trust the Lord.

There are some who ask,
    “Who will be good to us?”
Let your kindness, Lord,
    shine brightly on us.
You brought me more happiness
than a rich harvest
    of grain and grapes.
I can lie down
    and sleep soundly
because you, Lord,
    will keep me safe.

(A psalm by David for the music leader. Use flutes.)

A Prayer for Help

Listen, Lord, as I pray!
    Pay attention when I groan.[d]
You are my King and my God.
Answer my cry for help
    because I pray to you.
Each morning you listen
    to my prayer,
as I bring my requests[e] to you
    and wait for your reply.

You are not the kind of God
who is pleased with evil.
    Sinners can't stay with you.
No one who boasts can stand
in your presence, Lord,
    and you hate evil people.
You destroy every liar,
and you despise violence
    and deceit.

Because of your great mercy,
    I come to your house, Lord,
and I am filled with wonder
as I bow down to worship
    at your holy temple.
You do what is right,
    and I ask you to guide me.
Make your teaching clear
    because of my enemies.

(B) Nothing they say is true!
    They just want to destroy.
Their words are deceitful
    like a hidden pit,
and their tongues are good
    only for telling lies.
10 Punish them, God,
and let their own plans
    bring their downfall.
Get rid of them!
They keep committing crimes
    and turning against you.

11 Let all who run to you
for protection
    always sing joyful songs.
Provide shelter for those
who truly love you
    and let them rejoice.
12 Our Lord, you bless those
    who live right,
and you shield them
    with your kindness.

(A psalm by David for the music leader. Use stringed instruments.[f])

A Prayer in Time of Trouble

(C) Don't punish me, Lord,
or even correct me
    when you are angry!
Have pity on me and heal
    my feeble body.
My bones tremble with fear,
and I am in deep distress.
    How long will it be?

Turn and come to my rescue.
Show your wonderful love
    and save me, Lord.
If I die, I cannot praise you
    or even remember you.
My groaning has worn me out.
At night my bed and pillow
    are soaked with tears.
Sorrow has made my eyes dim,
and my sight has failed
    because of my enemies.

(D) You, Lord, heard my crying,
and those hateful people
    had better leave me alone.
You have answered my prayer
    and my plea for mercy.
10 My enemies will be ashamed
    and terrified,
as they quickly run away
    in complete disgrace.

Footnotes

  1. 4.2 me: Or “my God.”
  2. 4.2 foolish … worthless: This may refer to idols and false gods.
  3. 4.3 has chosen … very own: Some Hebrew manuscripts have “work miracles for his faithful people.”
  4. 5.1 when I groan: Or “to my thoughts” or “to my words.”
  5. 5.3 requests: Or “sacrifices.”
  6. Psalm 6 instruments: The Hebrew text adds “according to the sheminith,” which may refer to a musical instrument with eight strings.

Bible Gateway Recommends