Psalm 141 – A Prayer for Protection from Persecutors

A psalm of David.

141 Lord, I call to you: hasten, to me,

attend to my voice, when I call to you.

2 Let my prayer be presented as incense before you,

and my uplifted hands as the evening meal-offering.

3 Set, O Lord, a watch on my mouth,

put a guard on the door of my lips.

4 Incline not my heart to an evil matter,

to busy myself in deeds of wickedness,

in company with workers of evil:

never may I partake of their dainties.

5 A wound or reproof from a good person in kindness

is oil which my head shall never refuse.

In their misfortune my prayer is still with them.

6 Abandoned they are to the hands of their judges:

they shall learn that my words are true.

7 Like stones on a country road cleft and broken

so lie our bones scattered for Death to devour.

8 But my eyes are turned towards you, O Lord.

Do not pour out my life, for in you I take refuge.

9 Keep me safe from the trap they have laid for me,

from the snares of the workers of trouble.

10 Into their own nets let wicked people fall;

while I pass by in safety.