Psalm 17

1. LORD, hear me plead a righteous cause;
   with blameless lips I come before you
   and with my bitter cries implore you
   to rescue one who loves your laws.
   LORD, silence every accusation
   of those who in my harm delight
   and fix your eyes on what is right.
   To you I look for vindication.
   
   
2. Though in the night you probe my mind
   and test my inner thoughts and feelings,
   all that my heart may be concealing,
   you will in me no evil find.
   My mouth does not commit transgression.
   As for the works of wicked men,
   your word has kept me far from sin,
   from ways of violent oppression.
   
   
3. Your paths I took to travel by,
   and never did I slip or waver.
   I call on you, I seek your favour,
   for you will answer from on high.
   O Shield of those on you depending,
   display the wonders of your love.
   LORD, hear my prayer from heaven above
   and show your mercy neverending.
   
   
4. LORD, as the apple of your eye
   protect me, with your care provide me.
   Beneath your wings, O Saviour, hide me:
   my deadly foes in ambush lie.
   They close their hearts to all compassion
   and utter boastful vanity.
   They track me down, surrounding me
   to make me yield to their oppression.
   
   
5. They like a lion crave their prey.
   Rise up, O LORD, rise up to show them
   the sword you draw to overthrow them.
   Now with your hand snatch me away
   from those who trust in earthly treasure,
   who have in this life their reward.
   O gorge them and their offspring, LORD,
   with bitter fruits in fullest measure.
   
   
6. But I, when I awake, shall see
   your face in righteousness and glory.
   LORD, with your likeness then before me,
   how rich and full my joy shall be.