Study Desk

They invoke your name for their crafty schemes; yes, your enemies misuse it.

For the leader. A psalm of David:

The arrogant hide snares for me; they spread nets by the side of the road, hoping to trap me there. (Selah)

I said to Adonai , "You are my God; listen, Adonai , to my plea for mercy."

Let the righteous strike me, let him correct me; it will be an act of love. Let my head not refuse such choice oil, for I will keep on praying about their wickedness.

For my eyes, Adonai , Adonai, are on you; in you I take refuge; don't pour out my life.

Keep me from the trap they have set for me, from the snares of evildoers.

With my voice I cry to Adonai , with my voice I plead to Adonai for mercy.

When my spirit faints within me, you watch over my path. By the road that I am walking they have hidden a snare for me.

Look to my right, and see that no one recognizes me. I have no way of escape; nobody cares for me.

Listen to my cry, for I have been brought very low. Rescue me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me. Lead me out of prison, so that I can give thanks to your name; in me the righteous will be crowning themselves, because you will have treated me generously.

A psalm of David: Adonai , hear my prayer; listen to my pleas for mercy. In your faithfulness, answer me, and in your righteousness.

For an enemy is pursuing me; he has crushed my life into the ground and left me to live in darkness, like those who have been long dead.

I spread out my hands to you, I long for you like a thirsty land. (Selah)

For your name's sake, Adonai , preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of distress.

By David: Blessed be Adonai , my rock, who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle.

Our sons in their youth will be like full-grown saplings, our daughters will be like sculptured pillars fit for the corner of a palace.

He secures justice for the oppressed, he gives food to the hungry. Adonai sets prisoners free,

Adonai takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who wait for his grace.

For he strengthens the bars of your gates, he blesses your children within you,