Psalm 26 – Prayer of a Devout Worshipper

26 A psalm of David.

26 Defend me, O Lord, for my walk has been blameless;

in the Lord have I trusted unswervingly:

2 Examine me, Lord, and test me;

test my heart and my mind.

3 For your love is before my eyes,

and your faithfulness governs my way.

4 I never sat down with the worthless,

nor companied with dissemblers.

5 I hate the assembly of knaves,

I would never sit down with the wicked;

6 but, with hands washed in innocence,

I would march round your altar, O Lord,

7 singing loud songs of thanks,

and telling of all your wonders.

8 O Lord, I love your house,

the place where your glory lives.

9 Do not gather me up with sinners;

slay me not with people of blood,

10 whose hands are stained with villainy,

and whose right hand is filled with bribes.

11 But my walk is blameless!

O redeem me, be gracious to me.

12 My foot stands on even ground,

in the choirs I will bless the Lord.