Psalm 17: Exaudi, Domine

Hear my plea of innocence, O LORD;

give heed to my cry; *

listen to my prayer, which does not come from lying lips.

Let my vindication come forth from your presence; *

let your eyes be fixed on justice.

Weigh my heart, summon me by night, *

melt me down; you will find no impurity in me.

I give no offense with my mouth as others do; *

I have heeded the words of your lips.

My footsteps hold fast to the ways of your law; *

in your paths my feet shall not stumble.

I call upon you, O God, for you will answer me; *

incline your ear to me and hear my words.

Show me your marvelous loving-kindness, *

O Savior of those who take refuge at your right hand

from those who rise up against them.

Keep me as the apple of your eye; *

hide me under the shadow of your wings,

From the wicked who assault me, *

from my deadly enemies who surround me.

They have closed their heart to pity, *

and their mouth speaks proud things.

They press me hard,

now they surround me, *

watching how they may cast me to the ground,

Like a lion, greedy for its prey, *

and like a young lion lurking in secret places.

Arise, O LORD; confront them and bring them down; *

deliver me from the wicked by your sword.

Deliver me, O LORD, by your hand *

from those whose portion in life is this world;

Whose bellies you fill with your treasure, *

who are well supplied with children

and leave their wealth to their little ones.

But at my vindication I shall see your face; *

when I awake, I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.