Day 26 of the 30-day Psalter: Morning and Evening

Your word is a lantern to my feet *

and a light upon my path.

I have sworn and am determined *

to keep your righteous judgments.

I am deeply troubled; *

preserve my life, O LORD, according to your word.

Accept, O LORD, the willing tribute of my lips, *

and teach me your judgments.

My life is always in my hand, *

yet I do not forget your law.

The wicked have set a trap for me, *

but I have not strayed from your commandments.

Your decrees are my inheritance for ever; *

truly, they are the joy of my heart.

I have applied my heart to fulfill your statutes *

for ever and to the end.

I hate those who have a divided heart, *

but your law do I love.

You are my refuge and shield; *

my hope is in your word.

Away from me, you wicked! *

I will keep the commandments of my God.

Sustain me according to your promise, that I may live, *

and let me not be disappointed in my hope.

Hold me up, and I shall be safe, *

and my delight shall be ever in your statutes.

You spurn all who stray from your statutes; *

their deceitfulness is in vain.

In your sight all the wicked of the earth are but dross; *

therefore I love your decrees.

My flesh trembles with dread of you; *

I am afraid of your judgments.

I have done what is just and right; *

do not deliver me to my oppressors.

Be surety for your servant's good; *

let not the proud oppress me.

My eyes have failed from watching for your salvation *

and for your righteous promise.

Deal with your servant according to your loving-kindness *

and teach me your statutes.

I am your servant; grant me understanding, *

that I may know your decrees.

It is time for you to act, O LORD, *

for they have broken your law.

Truly, I love your commandments *

more than gold and precious stones.

I hold all your commandments to be right for me; *

all paths of falsehood I abhor.

Your decrees are wonderful; *

therefore I obey them with all my heart.

When your word goes forth it gives light; *

it gives understanding to the simple.

I open my mouth and pant; *

I long for your commandments.

Turn to me in mercy, *

as you always do to those who love your Name.

Steady my footsteps in your word; *

let no iniquity have dominion over me.

Rescue me from those who oppress me, *

and I will keep your commandments.

Let your countenance shine upon your servant *

and teach me your statutes.

My eyes shed streams of tears, *

because people do not keep your law.

You are righteous, O LORD, *

and upright are your judgments.

You have issued your decrees *

with justice and in perfect faithfulness.

My indignation has consumed me, *

because my enemies forget your words.

Your word has been tested to the uttermost, *

and your servant holds it dear.

I am small and of little account, *

yet I do not forget your commandments.

Your justice is an everlasting justice *

and your law is the truth.

Trouble and distress have come upon me, *

yet your commandments are my delight.

The righteousness of your decrees is everlasting; *

grant me understanding, that I may live.

I call with my whole heart; *

answer me, O LORD, that I may keep your statutes.

I call to you;

oh, that you would save me! *

I will keep your decrees.

Early in the morning I cry out to you, *

for in your word is my trust.

My eyes are open in the night watches, *

that I may meditate upon your promise.

Hear my voice, O LORD, according to your loving-kindness; *

according to your judgments, give me life.

They draw near who in malice persecute me; *

they are very far from your law.

You, O LORD, are near at hand, *

and all your commandments are true.

Long have I known from your decrees *

that you have established them for ever.

Behold my affliction and deliver me, *

for I do not forget your law.

Plead my cause and redeem me; *

according to your promise, give me life.

Deliverance is far from the wicked, *

for they do not study your statutes.

Great is your compassion, O LORD; *

preserve my life, according to your judgments.

There are many who persecute and oppress me, *

yet I have not swerved from your decrees.

I look with loathing at the faithless, *

for they have not kept your word.

See how I love your commandments! *

O LORD, in your mercy, preserve me.

The heart of your word is truth; *

all your righteous judgments endure for evermore.

Rulers have persecuted me without a cause, *

but my heart stands in awe of your word.

I am as glad because of your promise *

as one who finds great spoils.

As for lies, I hate and abhor them, *

but your law is my love.

Seven times a day do I praise you, *

because of your righteous judgments.

Great peace have they who love your law; *

for them there is no stumbling block.

I have hoped for your salvation, O LORD, *

and have fulfilled your commandments.

I have kept your decrees *

and I have loved them deeply.

I have kept your commandments and decrees, *

for all my ways are before you.

Let my cry come before you, O LORD; *

give me understanding, according to your word.

Let my supplication come before you; *

deliver me, according to your promise.

My lips shall pour forth your praise, *

when you teach me your statutes.

My tongue shall sing of your promise, *

for all your commandments are righteous.

Let your hand be ready to help me, *

for I have chosen your commandments.

I long for your salvation, O LORD, *

and your law is my delight.

Let me live, and I will praise you, *

and let your judgments help me.

I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost; *

search for your servant,

for I do not forget your commandments.