Prayer for Protection against Oppressors.
A Prayer of David.
1Hear a just cause, O Lord, give heed to my cry;
Give ear to my prayer, which is not from deceitful lips.
2Let my [a]judgment come forth from Your presence;
Let Your eyes look with equity.
3You have tried my heart;
You have visited me by night;
You have tested me and You find [b]nothing;
I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.
4As for the deeds of men, by the word of Your lips
I have kept from the paths of the violent.
5My steps have held fast to Your [c]paths.
My feet have not slipped.
6I have called upon You, for You will answer me, O God;
Incline Your ear to me, hear my speech.
7Wondrously show Your lovingkindness,
O Savior of those who take refuge [d]at Your right hand
From those who rise up against them.
8Keep me as [e]the apple of the eye;
Hide me in the shadow of Your wings
9From the wicked who despoil me,
My deadly enemies who surround me.
10They have closed their [f]unfeeling heart,
With their mouth they speak proudly.
11They have now surrounded us in our steps;
They set their eyes to cast us down to the ground.
12He is like a lion that is eager to tear,
And as a young lion lurking in hiding places.
13Arise, O Lord, confront him, bring him low;
Deliver my soul from the wicked with Your sword,
14From men with Your hand, O Lord,
From men [g]of the world, whose portion is in this life,
And whose belly You fill with Your treasure;
They are satisfied with children,
And leave their abundance to their babes.
15As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness;
I will be satisfied [h]with Your likeness when I awake.