Psalm 3–4

A Morning Prayer

David sang this when he ran away from his son Absalom.

3Lord, I have many enemies!

Many people have turned against me.

²Many are saying about me,

“God won’t rescue him.”

Selah

³But, Lord, you are my shield,

my wonderful God who gives me courage.

⁴I will pray to the Lord,

and he will answer me from his holy mountain.

Selah

⁵I can lie down and go to sleep,

and I will wake up again,

because the Lord gives me strength.

⁶Thousands of troops may surround me,

but I am not afraid.

⁷Lord, rise up!

My God, come save me!

You have struck my enemies on the cheek;

you have broken the teeth of the wicked.

⁸The Lord can save his people.

Lord, bless your people.

Selah

An Evening Prayer

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.

4Answer me when I pray to you,

my God who does what is right.

Make things easier for me when I am in trouble.

Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

²People, how long will you turn my honor into shame?

How long will you love what is false and look for new lies?

Selah

³You know that the Lord has chosen for himself those who are loyal to him.

The Lord listens when I pray to him.

⁴When you are angry, do not sin.

Think about these things quietly

as you go to bed.

Selah

⁵Do what is right as a sacrifice to the Lord

and trust the Lord.

⁶Many people ask,

“Who will give us anything good?”

Lord, be kind to us.

⁷But you have made me very happy,

happier than they are,

even with all their grain and new wine.

⁸I go to bed and sleep in peace,

because, Lord, only you keep me safe.