Psalm 17

[Prayer Of David] Listen, Yahweh, to an upright cause, pay attention to my cry, lend an ear to my prayer, my lips free from deceit.

From your presence will issue my vindication, your eyes fixed on what is right.

You probe my heart, examine me at night, you test me by fire and find no evil. I have not sinned with my mouth

as most people do. I have treasured the word from your lips,

my steps never stray from the paths you lay down, from your tracks; so my feet never stumble.

I call upon you, God, for you answer me; turn your ear to me, hear what I say.

Show the evidence of your faithful love, saviour of those who hope in your strength against attack.

Guard me as the pupil of an eye, shelter me in the shadow of your wings

from the presence of the wicked who would maltreat me; deadly enemies are closing in on me.

Engrossed in themselves they are mouthing arrogant words.

They are advancing against me, now they are closing in, watching for the chance to hurl me to the ground,

like a lion preparing to pounce, like a young lion crouching in ambush.

Arise, Yahweh, confront him and bring him down, with your sword save my life from the wicked,

Yahweh, from mortals, by your hand, from mortals whose part in life is in this world. You fill their bellies from your store, their children will have all they desire, and leave their surplus to their children.

But I in my uprightness will see your face, and when I awake I shall be filled with the vision of you.