Study Desk

A psalm of David.

I call to you, Lord , come quickly^(a) to me; hear me^(b) when I call to you.

May my prayer be set before you like incense;^(c) may the lifting up of my hands^(d) be like the evening sacrifice.^(e)

Set a guard over my mouth,^(f) Lord ; keep watch over the door of my lips.^(g)

Do not let my heart^(h) be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds⁽ⁱ⁾ along with those who are evildoers; do not let me eat their delicacies.^(j)

Let a righteous man strike me—that is a kindness; let him rebuke me^(k)—that is oil on my head.^(l) My head will not refuse it, for my prayer will still be against the deeds of evildoers.

Their rulers will be thrown down from the cliffs,^(m) and the wicked will learn that my words were well spoken.

They will say, "As one plows⁽ⁿ⁾ and breaks up the earth,^(o) so our bones have been scattered at the mouth^(p) of the grave."

But my eyes are fixed^(q) on you, Sovereign Lord ; in you I take refuge^(r)—do not give me over to death.

Keep me safe^(s) from the traps set by evildoers,^(t) from the snares^(u) they have laid for me.

Let the wicked fall^(v) into their own nets, while I pass by in safety.^(w)

A maskil^[b] of David. When he was in the cave.^(a) A prayer.

I cry aloud^(b) to the Lord ; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy.^(c)

I pour out before him my complaint;^(d) before him I tell my trouble.^(e)

When my spirit grows faint^(f) within me, it is you who watch over my way. In the path where I walk people have hidden a snare for me.

Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge;^(g) no one cares^(h) for my life.

I cry to you, Lord ; I say, "You are my refuge,⁽ⁱ⁾ my portion^(j) in the land of the living."^(k)

Listen to my cry,^(l) for I am in desperate need;^(m) rescue me⁽ⁿ⁾ from those who pursue me, for they are too strong^(o) for me.

Set me free from my prison,^(p) that I may praise your name.^(q) Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.^(r)