Psalm 26:1-28:9

Psalm 26 1Of David. Vindicate me, LORD, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the LORD and have not faltered.

2Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;

3for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.

4I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites.

5I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked.

6I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, LORD,

7proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds.

8LORD, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells.

9Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with those who are bloodthirsty,

10in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes.

11I lead a blameless life; deliver me and be merciful to me. 12My feet stand on level ground; in the great congregation I will praise the LORD .

Psalm 27 1Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?

2When the wicked advance against me to devour Or slander me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.

3Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.

4One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.

5For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.

6Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD .

7Hear my voice when I call, LORD ; be merciful to me and answer me.

8My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek.

9Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior.

10Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.

11Teach me your way, LORD ; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.

12Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations.

13I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. 14Wait for the LORD ; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD .

Psalm 28 1Of David. To you, LORD, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who go down to the pit.

2Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place.

3Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts.

4Repay them for their deeds and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done and bring back on them what they deserve.

5Because they have no regard for the deeds of the LORD and what his hands have done, he will tear them down and never build them up again.

6Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy.

7The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.

8The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. 9Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.