Psalms 26; Psalms 27; Psalms 28

1 Lord, defend me because I have lived an innocent life. I have trusted the Lord and never doubted.

2 Lord, try me and test me; look closely into my heart and mind.

3 I see your love, and I live by your truth.

4 I do not spend time with liars, nor do I make friends with those who hide their sin.

5 I hate the company of evil people, and I won't sit with the wicked.

6 I wash my hands to show I am innocent, and I come to your altar, Lord.

7 I raise my voice in praise and tell of all the miracles you have done.

8 Lord, I love the Temple where you live, where your glory is.

9 Do not kill me with those sinners or take my life with those murderers.

10 Evil is in their hands, and they do wrong for money.

11 But I have lived an innocent life, so save me and have mercy on me.

12 I stand in a safe place. Lord, I praise you in the great meeting. Of David.

1 The Lord is my light and the one who saves me. I fear no one. The Lord protects my life; I am afraid of no one.

2 Evil people may try to destroy my body. My enemies and those who hate me attack me, but they are overwhelmed and defeated.

3 If an army surrounds me, I will not be afraid. If war breaks out, I will trust the Lord.

4 I ask only one thing from the Lord. This is what I want: all my life. and look with my own eyes at his Temple.

5 During danger he will keep me safe in his shelter. He will hide me in his Holy Tent, or he will keep me safe on a high mountain.

6 My head is higher than my enemies around me. I will offer joyful sacrifices in his Holy Tent. I will sing and praise the Lord.

7 Lord, hear me when I call; have mercy and answer me.

8 My heart said of you, "Go, worship him." So I come to worship you, Lord.

9 Do not turn away from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger; you have helped me. Do not push me away or leave me alone, God, my Savior.

10 If my father and mother leave me, the Lord will take me in.

11 Lord, teach me your ways, and guide me to do what is right because I have enemies.

12 Do not hand me over to my enemies, because they tell lies about me and say they will hurt me.

13 I truly believe I will live to see the Lord's goodness.

14 Wait for the Lord's help. Be strong and brave, and wait for the Lord's help. Of David.

1 Lord, my Rock, I call out to you for help. Do not be deaf to me. If you are silent, I will be like those in the grave.

2 Hear the sound of my prayer, when I cry out to you for help. I raise my hands toward your Most Holy Place.

3 Don't drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil. They say "Peace" to their neighbors, but evil is in their hearts.

4 Pay them back for what they have done, for their evil deeds. Pay them back for what they have done; give them their reward.

5 They don't understand what the Lord has done or what he has made. So he will knock them down and not lift them up.

6 Praise the Lord, because he heard my prayer for help.

7 The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him, and he helps me. I am very happy, and I praise him with my song.

8 The Lord is powerful; he gives victory to his chosen one.

9 Save your people and bless those who are your own. Be their shepherd and carry them forever. A psalm of David.