Psalm 17

Prayer for Deliverance from Persecutors

A Prayer of David.

1 Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry;

give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit.

2 From you let my vindication come;

let your eyes see the right.

3 If you try my heart, if you visit me by night,

if you test me, you will find no wickedness in me;

my mouth does not transgress.

4 As for what others do, by the word of your lips

I have avoided the ways of the violent.

5 My steps have held fast to your paths;

my feet have not slipped.

6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;

incline your ear to me, hear my words.

7 Wondrously show your steadfast love,

O savior of those who seek refuge

from their adversaries at your right hand.

8 Guard me as the apple of the eye;

hide me in the shadow of your wings,

9 from the wicked who despoil me,

my deadly enemies who surround me.

10 They close their hearts to pity;

with their mouths they speak arrogantly.

11 They track me down;a now they surround me;

they set their eyes to cast me to the ground.

12 They are like a lion eager to tear,

like a young lion lurking in ambush.

13 Rise up, O Lord, confront them, overthrow them!

By your sword deliver my life from the wicked,

14 from mortals—by your hand, O Lord—

from mortals whose portion in life is in this world.

May their bellies be filled with what you have stored up for them;

may their children have more than enough;

may they leave something over to their little ones.

15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;

when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.