A Morning Prayer for Guidance

1 For the leader; with wind instruments. A psalm of David.

2 I Give ear to my words, O Lord; understand my sighing. [AA]

3 Attend to the sound of my cry, my king and my God! For to you I will pray, Lord;

4 in the morning you will hear my voice; in the morning I will plead before you and wait. [AB]

5 II You are not a god who delights in evil; no wicked person finds refuge with you;

6 the arrogant cannot stand before your eyes. You hate all who do evil;

7 you destroy those who speak falsely. [AC] A bloody and fraudulent man the Lord abhors.

8 III But I, through the abundance of your mercy, [1] will enter into your house. I will bow down toward your holy sanctuary out of fear of you. [AD]

9 Lord, guide me in your justice because of my foes; make straight your way before me. [AE]

10 IV For there is no sincerity in their mouth; their heart is corrupt. Their throat [2] is an open grave; [AF] on their tongue are subtle lies.

11 Declare them guilty, God; make them fall by their own devices. [AG] Drive them out for their many sins; for they have rebelled against you.

12 V Then all who trust in you will be glad and forever shout for joy. [AH] You will protect them and those will rejoice in you who love your name.

13 For you, Lord, bless the just one; you surround him with favor like a shield.