Study Desk

The proud hide a snare for me; the cords of their net are spread along the path, and lures are set out for me. Selah

I say to the LORD, "You are my God." Hear, O LORD, my cry for help.

I know that the LORD upholds justice for the poor and defends the cause of the needy.

Let the righteous man strike me; let his rebuke be an act of loving devotion. It is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. For my prayer is ever against the deeds of the wicked.

When their rulers are thrown from the cliffs, the people will listen to my words, for they are pleasant.

Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, and from the lures of evildoers.

A Maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A prayer. I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift my voice to the LORD for mercy.

Although my spirit grows faint within me, You know my way. Along the path I travel they have hidden a snare for me.

Look to my right and see; no one attends to me. There is no refuge for me; no one cares for my soul.

Listen to my cry, for I am brought quite low. Rescue me from my pursuers, for they are too strong for me.

Do not bring Your servant into judgment, for no one alive is righteous before You.

For the enemy has pursued my soul, crushing my life to the ground, making me dwell in darkness like those long since dead.

I stretch out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah

Let me hear Your loving devotion in the morning, for I have put my trust in You. Teach me the way I should walk, for to You I lift up my soul.

Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD; I flee to You for refuge.

Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

For the sake of Your name, O LORD, revive me. In Your righteousness, bring my soul out of trouble.

And in Your loving devotion, cut off my enemies. Wipe out all who afflict me, for I am Your servant.

Of David. Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.

executing justice for the oppressed, giving food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free,