A Prayer for Protection+

1Listen to my words, O Lord,

and hear my sighs.

2Listen to my cry for help,

my God and king!

I pray to you, O Lord;

3you hear my voice in the morning;

at sunrise I offer my prayer+

and wait for your answer.

4You are not a God who is pleased with wrongdoing;

you allow no evil in your presence.

5You cannot stand the sight of the proud;

you hate all wicked people.

6You destroy all liars

and despise violent, deceitful people.

7But because of your great love

I can come into your house;

I can worship in your holy Temple

and bow down to you in reverence.

8Lord, I have so many enemies!

Lead me to do your will;

make your way plain for me to follow.

9 What my enemies say can never be trusted;

they only want to destroy.

Their words are flattering and smooth,

but full of deadly deceit.

10Condemn and punish them, O God;

may their own plots cause their ruin.

Drive them out of your presence

because of their many sins

and their rebellion against you.

11But all who find safety in you will rejoice;

they can always sing for joy.

Protect those who love you;

because of you they are truly happy.

12You bless those who obey you, Lord;

your love protects them like a shield.