Psalm 17

A prayer of David God, listen to me while I plead with you to act justly toward me. Hear me while I call out to you to help me. Pay attention to what I say while I pray because I am speaking honestly. 2 May you declare that I am innocent; may you decide what is right. \* 3 You know what I think, {even} during the night. You have examined me and not found anything that grieves you. I have determined that I will not sin by what I say. \* 4 Regarding the actions of people, according to what you have commanded, I have carefully avoided living a violent life. 5 I have carefully obeyed what you told me to do; I have not failed to do those things. \* 6 O God, I am praying to you because I know that you will answer me; please listen to what I am saying. 7 Wonderfully show how you faithfully love me; you who rescue with your great power the people who trust you to protect them from their enemies. \* 8 Protect me as carefully as people protect their own eyes; protect me like mother birds protect their babies under their wings. 9 Do not allow wicked people to attack me, those enemies of mine who surround me, wanting to kill me. 10 They never pity anyone, and they are always speaking boastfully. \* 11 They have searched for me and found me. They surround me, watching for an opportunity to attack and kill me. 12 These wicked people are like lions that are ready to tear {apart their prey}. They are like young lions that are hiding, waiting {to pounce on their prey}. \* 13 God, come and oppose my enemies and make them fall to the ground when you defeat them! Take violent action and deliver me from wicked men! 14 God, by your power rescue me from those people who are interested {only} in things here in this world. You provide them with many good things. They have many children and {when they die,} they leave their wealth to their descendants. \* 15 {God}, because I act in the right way, I will see you. When I wake up I will see you, and then I will be happy. \*