A Morning Prayer for Guidance

1 For the music director, on the wind instruments, a psalm of David.

2 Hear my words, ADONAI, consider my groaning.

3 Listen to the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to you.

4 ADONAI, in the morning You hear my voice. In the morning I order my prayer before You and watch expectantly.

5 For You are not a God who rejoices in evil. No wickedness dwells with you.

6 Braggarts will not stand before your eyes. You hate all wrongdoers.

7 You destroy those who speak falsehood. A person of bloodshed and deceit ADONAI detests.

8 But because of your great lovingkindness, I will enter Your House. I will bow toward Your holy Temple, in awe of You.

9 Lead me, ADONAI, in Your righteousness, because of my enemies. Make Your path straight before me.

10 For nothing upright is in their mouth. Inside them is a ruin — their throat an open grave. They flatter with their tongue. [1]

11 Declare them guilty, O God! Let them fall by their own schemes. Banish them because of their many transgressions — for they have rebelled against You.

12 But let all who take refuge in You rejoice! Let them always shout for joy! You will shelter them and they exult — those who love Your Name.

13 For You bless the righteous, ADONAI. You surround him with favor as a shield.