Study Desk

For the choir director: A psalm of David, regarding the time Saul sent soldiers to watch David's house in order to kill him. To be sung to the tune "Do Not Destroy!" Rescue me from my enemies, O God. Protect me from those who have come to destroy me.

They have set an ambush for me. Fierce enemies are out there waiting, Lord , though I have not sinned or offended them.

You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me, for you, O God, are my fortress.

Don't kill them, for my people soon forget such lessons; stagger them with your power, and bring them to their knees, O Lord our shield.

They scavenge for food but go to sleep unsatisfied.

But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.

O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love.

For the choir director: A psalm of David useful for teaching, regarding the time David fought Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah, and Joab returned and killed 12,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. To be sung to the tune "Lily of the Testimony." You have rejected us, O God, and broken our defenses. You have been angry with us; now restore us to your favor.

You have shaken our land and split it open. Seal the cracks, for the land trembles.

But you have raised a banner for those who fear you— a rallying point in the face of attack. Interlude

Oh, please help us against our enemies, for all human help is useless.

With God's help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes.

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by stringed instruments. O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer!

From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety,

for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.

For you have heard my vows, O God. You have given me an inheritance reserved for those who fear your name.

For Jeduthun, the choir director: A psalm of David. I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him.

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.

O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. Interlude

A psalm of David, regarding a time when David was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water.