A Prayer for Protection

¹Lord , hear a just cause;[#17:1 Ps 9:4]

pay attention to my cry;

listen to my prayer –

from lips free of deceit.

²Let my vindication come from you,

for you see what is right.

³You have tested my heart;[#17:3 Ps 66:10; Zch 13:9]

you have examined me at night.

You have tried me and found nothing evil;

I have determined that my mouth will not sin.

⁴Concerning what people do:

by the words from your lips

I have avoided the ways of the violent.

⁵My steps are on your paths;

my feet have not slipped.

⁶I call on you, God,

because you will answer me;

listen closely to me; hear what I say.

⁷Display the wonders of your faithful love,[#17:7 Ps 85:7]

Saviour of all who seek refuge

from those who rebel against your right hand.

⁸Protect me as the pupil of your eye;[#17:8 Pr 7:2]

hide me in the shadow of your wings

⁹from the wicked who treat me violently,[#17:9 Lit from the presence of; #17:9 Or who plunder me]

my deadly enemies who surround me.

¹⁰They are uncaring; ,[#17:10 Lit have closed up their fat; #17:10 Ps 119:70]

their mouths speak arrogantly.

¹¹They advance against me; now they surround me.[#17:11 Vg; MT reads Our steps; #17:11 Ps 88:17]

They are determined

to throw me to the ground.

¹²They are like a lion eager to tear,[#17:12 Lit He is]

like a young lion lurking in ambush.

¹³Rise up, Lord !

Confront him; bring him down.

With your sword, save me from the wicked.

¹⁴With your hand, Lord , save me from men,

from men of the world

whose portion is in this life:

You fill their bellies with what you have in store;

their sons are satisfied,

and they leave their surplus to their children.

¹⁵But I will see your face in righteousness;[#17:15 Ps 11:7; Rv 22:4]

when I awake, I will be satisfied with your presence. ,