PSALM 5  8 6 8 8 6 [Sing Psalms]

Recommended Tune: Orlington

1  O LORD, give ear to what I say;
think on me as I sigh,
2  And listen, O my King and God,
As I plead earnestly for help,
because to you I cry.

3  At dawning of the day, O LORD,
you listen to my plea;
As morning light returns again,
I lay before you my requests
and wait expectantly.

4  For you are not a God who will
in evil take delight;
With you the wicked cannot dwell,
5  Nor can the proud and boastful stay
one moment in your sight.

You hate all those who practise wrong,
6  and liars you destroy.
These are the ones the LORD abhors—
All who go thirsting after blood
and who deceit employ.

7  But by your mercy and your grace
to your house I’ll draw near;
I will bow down in reverence
Towards your holy temple, LORD,
and worship you in fear.

8  LORD, lead me in your righteousness
or I will go astray
Because of all my enemies;
Make straight the path in front of me,
and guide me in your way.

9  No word that issues from their mouth
can anyone believe;
Destructive thoughts control their heart.
Their throat is like an open grave;
their tongue speaks to deceive.

10  O God, declare their guilt; let them
by their own schemes be caught.
Expel them from your presence, LORD,
For in committing many sins
rebellion they have wrought.

11  But let all those who flee to you
rejoice with confidence;
Let them at all times sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them
and be their strong defence.

So those who truly love your name
will give a joyful shout.
12  Surely you bless the righteous, LORD;
Your favour keeps them safe from harm
and shields them round about.