Psalms 140

Psalm 140

Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies

1Deliver me, O Lord , from evildoers;[#Ps 17.13; 18.48]

protect me from those who are violent,

2who plan evil things in their minds[#Ps 36.4; 56.6]

and stir up wars continually.

3They make their tongue sharp as a snake’s,[#Ps 57.4; 58.4; Jas 3.8]

and under their lips is the venom of vipers. Selah

4Guard me, O Lord , from the hands of the wicked;[#Ps 71.4]

protect me from the violent

who have planned my downfall.

5The arrogant have hidden a trap for me,[#Ps 31.4; 35.7; 141.9]

and with cords they have spread a net,

along the road they have set snares for me. Selah

6I say to the Lord , “You are my God;[#Ps 16.2; 116.1; 143.1]

give ear, O Lord , to the voice of my supplications.”

7O Lord , my Lord, my strong deliverer,[#Ps 28.8; 144.10]

you have covered my head in the day of battle.

8Do not grant, O Lord , the desires of the wicked;[#Ps 10.2; 112.10]

do not further their evil plot. Selah

9Those who surround me lift up their heads;[#Ps 7.16; #140.9 Cn: Heb those who surround me are uplifted in head]

let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them!

10Let burning coals fall on them![#Ps 11.6; 21.9; 36.12]

Let them be flung into pits, no more to rise!

11Do not let the slanderer be established in the land;[#Ps 34.21]

let evil speedily hunt down the violent!

12I know that the Lord maintains the cause of the needy[#Ps 9.4; 35.10]

and executes justice for the poor.

13Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name;[#Ps 11.7; 97.12]

the upright shall live in your presence.

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Published by: National Council of the Churches of Christ