Psalms 26; Psalms 27; Psalms 28

1 Declare me innocent, O Lord, because I do what is right and trust you completely.

2 Examine me and test me, Lord; judge my desires and thoughts.

3 Your constant love is my guide; your faithfulness always leads me.

4 I do not keep company with worthless people; I have nothing to do with hypocrites.

5 I hate the company of the evil and avoid the wicked.

6 Lord, I wash my hands to show that I am innocent and march in worship around your altar.

7 I sing a hymn of thanksgiving and tell of all your wonderful deeds.

8 I love the house where you live, O Lord, the place where your glory dwells.

9 Do not destroy me with the sinners; spare me from the fate of murderers -

10 those who do evil all the time and are always ready to take bribes.

11 As for me, I do what is right; be merciful to me and save me!

12 I am safe from all dangers; in the assembly of his people I praise the Lord.

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; I will fear no one. The Lord protects me from all danger; I will never be afraid.

2 When evil people attack me and try to kill me, they stumble and fall.

3 Even if a whole army surrounds me, I will not be afraid; even if enemies attack me, I will still trust God.

4 I have asked the Lord for one thing; one thing only do I want: to live in the Lord's house all my life, to marvel there at his goodness, and to ask for his guidance.

5 In times of trouble he will shelter me; he will keep me safe in his Temple and make me secure on a high rock.

6 So I will triumph over my enemies around me. With shouts of joy I will offer sacrifices in his Temple; I will sing, I will praise the Lord.

7 Hear me, Lord, when I call to you! Be merciful and answer me!

8 When you said, "Come worship me," I answered, "I will come, Lord."

9 Don't hide yourself from me! Don't be angry with me; don't turn your servant away. You have been my help; don't leave me, don't abandon me, O God, my savior.

10 My father and mother may abandon me, but the Lord will take care of me.

11 Teach me, Lord, what you want me to do, and lead me along a safe path, because I have many enemies.

12 Don't abandon me to my enemies, who attack me with lies and threats.

13 I know that I will live to see the Lord's goodness in this present life.

14 Trust in the Lord. Have faith, do not despair. Trust in the Lord.

1 O Lord, my defender, I call to you. Listen to my cry! If you do not answer me, I will be among those who go down to the world of the dead.

2 Hear me when I cry to you for help, when I lift my hands toward your holy Temple.

3 Do not condemn me with the wicked, with those who do evil - those whose words are friendly, but who have hatred in their hearts.

4 Punish them for what they have done, for the evil they have committed. Punish them for all their deeds; give them what they deserve!

5 They take no notice of what the Lord has done or of what he has made; so he will punish them and destroy them forever.

6 Give praise to the Lord; he has heard my cry for help.

7 The Lord protects and defends me; I trust in him. He gives me help and makes me glad; I praise him with joyful songs.

8 The Lord protects his people; he defends and saves his chosen king.

9 Save your people, Lord, and bless those who are yours. Be their shepherd, and take care of them forever.