Psalm 5 – A Prayer for Guidance

Revision 2

For the leader: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by the flute.

5 Hear my words, Lord:

give heed to my whisper.

2 Attend to my loud cry for help,

my king and my God.

3 When I pray to you, Lord, in the morning,

hear my voice.

I make ready for you in the morning,

and look for a sign.

4 For you are no God who takes pleasure in wickedness:

no one of evil can be your guest.

5 No braggarts can stand in your presence,

you hate all workers of wrong.

6 You destroy all speakers of lies,

people of blood and deceit you abhor.

7 But I, through your kindness abundant,

may enter your house,

and towards the shrine of your temple

may reverently bow.

8 Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness

because of my enemies.

Make your way level before me.

9 For their mouth is a stranger to truth,

their heart is a pit of destruction.

Their throat is a wide open grave,

their tongue the smooth tongue of the hypocrite.

10 Condemn them, God;

let their schemes bring them down to the ground.

For their numberless crimes thrust them down

for playing the rebel against you.

11 But let all who take refuge in you

ring out their gladness forever.

Protect those who love your name,

so they may exult in you.

12 For you give your blessing, Lord, to the godly,

and the shield of your favour protects them.