Psalms 26

Prayer of Innocence

1Of David.

Judge me, Lord !

For I have walked in my integrity.

In the Lord I trust;

I do not falter.

2Examine me, Lord, and test me;

search my heart and mind.

3Your mercy is before my eyes;

I walk guided by your faithfulness.

4I do not sit with worthless men,

nor with hypocrites do I mingle.

5I hate an evil assembly;

with the wicked I do not sit.

6I will wash my hands in innocence[#: the washing of hands was a liturgical act (Ex 30:19, 21; 40:31–32), symbolic of inner as well as outer cleanness, cf. Is 1:16.; #Ps 73:13.]

so that I may process around your altar, Lord,

7To hear the sound of thanksgiving,

and recount all your wondrous deeds.

8Lord, I love the refuge of your house,

the site of the dwelling-place of your glory.

9Do not take me away with sinners,

nor my life with the men of blood,

10In whose hands there is a plot,

their right hands full of bribery.

11But I walk in my integrity;[#Ps 101:6.]

redeem me, be gracious to me!

12My foot stands on level ground;[#: in safety, where there is no danger of tripping and falling. : at the Temple. Having walked around the altar, the symbol of God’s presence, the psalmist blesses God.]

in assemblies I will bless the Lord .

Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc
Published by: Confraternity of Christian Doctrine