Study Desk

(A prayer by David.) I am innocent, Lord ! Won't you listen as I pray and beg for help? I am honest! Please hear my prayer.

Show your wonderful love. Your mighty arm protects those who run to you for safety from their enemies.

They are like hungry lions hunting for food, or like young lions hiding in ambush.

Use your powerful arm and rescue me from the hands of mere humans whose world won't last. You provide food for those you love. Their children have plenty, and their grandchildren will have more than enough.

(For the music leader. A psalm by David, the Lord 's servant. David sang this to the Lord after the Lord had rescued him from his enemies, but especially from Saul.) I love you, Lord God, and you make me strong.

You rescued me from enemies, who were hateful and too powerful for me.

You have been good to me because I do right; you have rewarded me for being innocent by your standards.

Your way is perfect, Lord , and your word is correct. You are a shield for those who run to you for help.

You clear the way for me, and now I won't stumble.

They cried out for help, but no one saved them; they called out to you, but there was no answer.

You are the living Lord ! I will praise you. You are a mighty rock. I will honor you for keeping me safe.

You took revenge for me, and you put nations in my power.

You give glorious victories to your chosen king. Your faithful love for David and for his descendants will never end.

(A psalm by David for the music leader.) The heavens keep telling the wonders of God, and the skies declare what he has done.

Yet their message reaches all the earth, and it travels around the world. In the heavens a tent is set up for the sun.

(A psalm by David for the music leader.) I pray that the Lord will listen when you are in trouble, and that the God of Jacob will keep you safe.

May God do what you want most and let all go well for you.

(A psalm by David for the music leader.) Our Lord , your mighty power makes the king glad, and he celebrates victories that you have given him.

(A psalm by David for the music leader. To the tune "A Deer at Dawn.") My God, my God, why have you deserted me? Why are you so far away? Won't you listen to my groans and come to my rescue?

When they cried out for help, you saved them, and you did not let them down when they depended on you.