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Psalm 28

A psalm of David.

¹ I pray to you, O Lord, my rock.
    Do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you are silent,
    I might as well give up and die.
² Listen to my prayer for mercy
    as I cry out to you for help,
    as I lift my hands toward your holy sanctuary.

³ Do not drag me away with the wicked—
    with those who do evil—
those who speak friendly words to their neighbors
    while planning evil in their hearts.
⁴ Give them the punishment they so richly deserve!
    Measure it out in proportion to their wickedness.
Pay them back for all their evil deeds!
    Give them a taste of what they have done to others.
⁵ They care nothing for what the Lord has done
    or for what his hands have made.
So he will tear them down,
    and they will never be rebuilt!

⁶ Praise the Lord!
    For he has heard my cry for mercy.
⁷ The Lord is my strength and shield.
    I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
    I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

⁸ The Lord gives his people strength.
    He is a safe fortress for his anointed king.
⁹ Save your people!
    Bless Israel, your special possession.^[a]
Lead them like a shepherd,
    and carry them in your arms forever.

Psalm 29

A psalm of David.

¹ Honor the Lord, you heavenly beings^[b];
    honor the Lord for his glory and strength.
² Honor the Lord for the glory of his name.
    Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.

³ The voice of the Lord echoes above the sea.
    The God of glory thunders.
    The Lord thunders over the mighty sea.
⁴ The voice of the Lord is powerful;
    the voice of the Lord is majestic.
⁵ The voice of the Lord splits the mighty cedars;
    the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon.
⁶ He makes Lebanon’s mountains skip like a calf;
    he makes Mount Hermon^[c] leap like a young wild ox.
⁷ The voice of the Lord strikes
    with bolts of lightning.
⁸ The voice of the Lord makes the barren wilderness quake;
    the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
⁹ The voice of the Lord twists mighty oaks^[d]
    and strips the forests bare.
In his Temple everyone shouts, “Glory!”

¹⁰ The Lord rules over the floodwaters.
    The Lord reigns as king forever.
¹¹ The Lord gives his people strength.
    The Lord blesses them with peace.

Psalm 30

A psalm of David. A song for the dedication of the Temple.

¹ I will exalt you, Lord, for you rescued me.
    You refused to let my enemies triumph over me.
² O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,
    and you restored my health.
³ You brought me up from the grave,^[e] O Lord.
    You kept me from falling into the pit of death.

⁴ Sing to the Lord, all you godly ones!
    Praise his holy name.
⁵ For his anger lasts only a moment,
    but his favor lasts a lifetime!
Weeping may last through the night,
    but joy comes with the morning.

⁶ When I was prosperous, I said,
    “Nothing can stop me now!”
⁷ Your favor, O Lord, made me as secure as a mountain.
    Then you turned away from me, and I was shattered.

⁸ I cried out to you, O Lord.
    I begged the Lord for mercy, saying,
⁹ “What will you gain if I die,
    if I sink into the grave?
Can my dust praise you?
    Can it tell of your faithfulness?
¹⁰ Hear me, Lord, and have mercy on me.
    Help me, O Lord.”

¹¹ You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.
    You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,
¹² that I might sing praises to you and not be silent.
    O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!

Reflection Question

How can I grow in trusting God as my strength and rescuer, choosing worship in every season, and remembering that even after seasons of sorrow, His joy and restoration will come?

Prayer Prompt

Lord, hear my cry when I call to You and remind me that You are my strength and my shield. When I feel weak, discouraged, or overwhelmed, help me place my full trust in You instead of leaning on my own understanding. Teach me to worship You not only in moments of victory, but also in seasons of waiting and struggle. Thank You for Your faithfulness through every high and low, and for the promise that sorrow does not last forever. Turn my mourning into joy, restore what has been broken within me, and fill my heart with gratitude for all You have done. May my life continually give You praise and honor. Amen.

Psalm 25

A psalm of David.

¹ O Lord, I give my life to you.
²     I trust in you, my God!
Do not let me be disgraced,
    or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.
³ No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced,
    but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.

⁴ Show me the right path, O Lord;
    point out the road for me to follow.
⁵ Lead me by your truth and teach me,
    for you are the God who saves me.
    All day long I put my hope in you.
⁶ Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love,
    which you have shown from long ages past.
⁷ Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth.
    Remember me in the light of your unfailing love,
    for you are merciful, O Lord.

⁸ The Lord is good and does what is right;
    he shows the proper path to those who go astray.
⁹ He leads the humble in doing right,
    teaching them his way.
¹⁰ The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness
    all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.

¹¹ For the honor of your name, O Lord,
    forgive my many, many sins.
¹² Who are those who fear the Lord?
    He will show them the path they should choose.
¹³ They will live in prosperity,
    and their children will inherit the land.
¹⁴ The Lord is a friend to those who fear him.
    He teaches them his covenant.
¹⁵ My eyes are always on the Lord,
    for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies.

¹⁶ Turn to me and have mercy,
    for I am alone and in deep distress.
¹⁷ My problems go from bad to worse.
    Oh, save me from them all!
¹⁸ Feel my pain and see my trouble.
    Forgive all my sins.
¹⁹ See how many enemies I have
    and how viciously they hate me!
²⁰ Protect me! Rescue my life from them!
    Do not let me be disgraced, for in you I take refuge.
²¹ May integrity and honesty protect me,
    for I put my hope in you.

²² O God, ransom Israel
    from all its troubles.

Psalm 26

A psalm of David.

¹ Declare me innocent, O Lord,
    for I have acted with integrity;
    I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
² Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me.
    Test my motives and my heart.
³ For I am always aware of your unfailing love,
    and I have lived according to your truth.
⁴ I do not spend time with liars
    or go along with hypocrites.
⁵ I hate the gatherings of those who do evil,
    and I refuse to join in with the wicked.
⁶ I wash my hands to declare my innocence.
    I come to your altar, O Lord,
⁷ singing a song of thanksgiving
    and telling of all your wonders.
⁸ I love your sanctuary, Lord,
    the place where your glorious presence dwells.

⁹ Don’t let me suffer the fate of sinners.
    Don’t condemn me along with murderers.
¹⁰ Their hands are dirty with evil schemes,
    and they constantly take bribes.
¹¹ But I am not like that; I live with integrity.
    So redeem me and show me mercy.
¹² Now I stand on solid ground,
    and I will publicly praise the Lord.

Psalm 27

A psalm of David.

¹ The Lord is my light and my salvation—
    so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
    so why should I tremble?
² When evil people come to devour me,
    when my enemies and foes attack me,
    they will stumble and fall.
³ Though a mighty army surrounds me,
    my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I am attacked,
    I will remain confident.

⁴ The one thing I ask of the Lord—
    the thing I seek most—
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
    delighting in the Lord’s perfections
    and meditating in his Temple.
⁵ For he will conceal me there when troubles come;
    he will hide me in his sanctuary.
    He will place me out of reach on a high rock.
⁶ Then I will hold my head high
    above my enemies who surround me.
At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy,
    singing and praising the Lord with music.

⁷ Hear me as I pray, O Lord.
    Be merciful and answer me!
⁸ My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”
    And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”
⁹ Do not turn your back on me.
    Do not reject your servant in anger.
    You have always been my helper.
Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me,
    O God of my salvation!
¹⁰ Even if my father and mother abandon me,
    the Lord will hold me close.

¹¹ Teach me how to live, O Lord.
    Lead me along the right path,
    for my enemies are waiting for me.
¹² Do not let me fall into their hands.
    For they accuse me of things I’ve never done;
    with every breath they threaten me with violence.
¹³ Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness
    while I am here in the land of the living.

¹⁴ Wait patiently for the Lord.
    Be brave and courageous.
    Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

Reflection Question

Where is God inviting me to trust His guidance more fully, wait patiently for His timing, and remain confident in His goodness even when fear, uncertainty, or opposition surrounds me?

Prayer Prompt

Lord, I lift my heart to You and ask You to guide me in Your truth. Show me Your ways and teach me to walk in obedience and humility. When fear rises within me or uncertainty clouds my mind, remind me that You are my light, my salvation, and my stronghold. Help me not to be shaken by the opinions of others or the difficulties around me, but to remain confident in Your goodness and faithfulness. Give me courage to wait patiently on You, trusting that Your timing is perfect and Your plans are good. Draw me closer to Your presence and help me seek You above everything else. Amen.

Psalm 22

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be sung to the tune “Doe of the Dawn.”

¹ My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
    Why are you so far away when I groan for help?
² Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer.
    Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief.

³ Yet you are holy,
    enthroned on the praises of Israel.
⁴ Our ancestors trusted in you,
    and you rescued them.
⁵ They cried out to you and were saved.
    They trusted in you and were never disgraced.

⁶ But I am a worm and not a man.
    I am scorned and despised by all!
⁷ Everyone who sees me mocks me.
    They sneer and shake their heads, saying,
⁸ “Is this the one who relies on the Lord?
    Then let the Lord save him!
If the Lord loves him so much,
    let the Lord rescue him!”

⁹ Yet you brought me safely from my mother’s womb
    and led me to trust you at my mother’s breast.
¹⁰ I was thrust into your arms at my birth.
    You have been my God from the moment I was born.

¹¹ Do not stay so far from me,
    for trouble is near,
    and no one else can help me.
¹² My enemies surround me like a herd of bulls;
    fierce bulls of Bashan have hemmed me in!
¹³ Like lions they open their jaws against me,
    roaring and tearing into their prey.
¹⁴ My life is poured out like water,
    and all my bones are out of joint.
My heart is like wax,
    melting within me.
¹⁵ My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay.
    My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.
    You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead.
¹⁶ My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs;
    an evil gang closes in on me.
    They have pierced^[a] my hands and feet.
¹⁷ I can count all my bones.
    My enemies stare at me and gloat.
¹⁸ They divide my garments among themselves
    and throw dice^[b] for my clothing.

¹⁹ O Lord, do not stay far away!
    You are my strength; come quickly to my aid!
²⁰ Save me from the sword;
    spare my precious life from these dogs.
²¹ Snatch me from the lion’s jaws
    and from the horns of these wild oxen.

²² I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters.^[c]
    I will praise you among your assembled people.
²³ Praise the Lord, all you who fear him!
    Honor him, all you descendants of Jacob!
    Show him reverence, all you descendants of Israel!
²⁴ For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy.
    He has not turned his back on them,
    but has listened to their cries for help.

²⁵ I will praise you in the great assembly.
    I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who worship you.
²⁶ The poor will eat and be satisfied.
    All who seek the Lord will praise him.
    Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy.
²⁷ The whole earth will acknowledge the Lord and return to him.
    All the families of the nations will bow down before him.
²⁸ For royal power belongs to the Lord.
    He rules all the nations.

²⁹ Let the rich of the earth feast and worship.
    Bow before him, all who are mortal,
    all whose lives will end as dust.
³⁰ Our children will also serve him.
    Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord.
³¹ His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born.
    They will hear about everything he has done.

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

¹ The Lord is my shepherd;
    I have all that I need.
² He lets me rest in green meadows;
    he leads me beside peaceful streams.
³     He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
    bringing honor to his name.
⁴ Even when I walk
    through the darkest valley,^[d]
I will not be afraid,
    for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
    protect and comfort me.
⁵ You prepare a feast for me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
    My cup overflows with blessings.
⁶ Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
    all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
    forever.

Psalm 24

A psalm of David.

¹ The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.
    The world and all its people belong to him.
² For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas
    and built it on the ocean depths.

³ Who may climb the mountain of the Lord?
    Who may stand in his holy place?
⁴ Only those whose hands and hearts are pure,
    who do not worship idols
    and never tell lies.
⁵ They will receive the Lord’s blessing
    and have a right relationship with God their savior.
⁶ Such people may seek you
    and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob.^[e] Interlude

⁷ Open up, ancient gates!
    Open up, ancient doors,
    and let the King of glory enter.
⁸ Who is the King of glory?
    The Lord, strong and mighty;
    the Lord, invincible in battle.
⁹ Open up, ancient gates!
    Open up, ancient doors,
    and let the King of glory enter.
¹⁰ Who is the King of glory?
    The Lord of Heaven’s Armies—
    he is the King of glory. 

Reflection Question

When I walk through seasons of suffering, uncertainty, or fear, how can I intentionally trust God as my Shepherd, remember His faithfulness, and approach Him with a heart that is surrendered, worshipful, and confident in His presence?

Prayer Prompt

Lord, even in moments when I feel alone or overwhelmed, help me remember that You are near and that You never abandon me. Thank You for being my Good Shepherd who leads me, restores me, and walks with me through every valley. Teach me to trust Your guidance when I cannot see the path ahead and to rest in the peace of Your presence. Create in me clean hands and a pure heart that seeks after You above all else. Remind me that You are the King of glory—strong, faithful, and victorious—and help me live each day with confidence in Your love, provision, and salvation. Amen.

Psalm 19

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

¹ The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
    The skies display his craftsmanship.
² Day after day they continue to speak;
    night after night they make him known.
³ They speak without a sound or word;
    their voice is never heard.^[a]
4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
    and their words to all the world.

God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.
⁵ It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.
    It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.
⁶ The sun rises at one end of the heavens
    and follows its course to the other end.
    Nothing can hide from its heat.

⁷ The instructions of the Lord are perfect,
    reviving the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,
    making wise the simple.
⁸ The commandments of the Lord are right,
    bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are clear,
    giving insight for living.
⁹ Reverence for the Lord is pure,
    lasting forever.
The laws of the Lord are true;
    each one is fair.
¹⁰ They are more desirable than gold,
    even the finest gold.
They are sweeter than honey,
    even honey dripping from the comb.
¹¹ They are a warning to your servant,
    a great reward for those who obey them.

¹² How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?
    Cleanse me from these hidden faults.
¹³ Keep your servant from deliberate sins!
    Don’t let them control me.
Then I will be free of guilt
    and innocent of great sin.

¹⁴ May the words of my mouth
    and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,
    O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Psalm 20

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

¹ In times of trouble, may the Lord answer your cry.
    May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm.
² May he send you help from his sanctuary
    and strengthen you from Jerusalem.^[b]
3 May he remember all your gifts
    and look favorably on your burnt offerings. Interlude

⁴ May he grant your heart’s desires
    and make all your plans succeed.
⁵ May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory
    and raise a victory banner in the name of our God.
May the Lord answer all your prayers.

⁶ Now I know that the Lord rescues his anointed king.
    He will answer him from his holy heaven
    and rescue him by his great power.
⁷ Some nations boast of their chariots and horses,
    but we boast in the name of the Lord our God.
⁸ Those nations will fall down and collapse,
    but we will rise up and stand firm.

⁹ Give victory to our king, O Lord!
    Answer our cry for help.

Psalm 21

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

¹ How the king rejoices in your strength, O Lord!
    He shouts with joy because you give him victory.
² For you have given him his heart’s desire;
    you have withheld nothing he requested. Interlude

³ You welcomed him back with success and prosperity.
    You placed a crown of finest gold on his head.
⁴ He asked you to preserve his life,
    and you granted his request.
    The days of his life stretch on forever.
⁵ Your victory brings him great honor,
    and you have clothed him with splendor and majesty.
⁶ You have endowed him with eternal blessings
    and given him the joy of your presence.
⁷ For the king trusts in the Lord.
    The unfailing love of the Most High will keep him from stumbling.

⁸ You will capture all your enemies.
    Your strong right hand will seize all who hate you.
⁹ You will throw them in a flaming furnace
    when you appear.
The Lord will consume them in his anger;
    fire will devour them.
¹⁰ You will wipe their children from the face of the earth;
    they will never have descendants.
¹¹ Although they plot against you,
    their evil schemes will never succeed.
¹² For they will turn and run
    when they see your arrows aimed at them.
¹³ Rise up, O Lord, in all your power.
    With music and singing we celebrate your mighty acts.

Reflection Question

How can I become more aware of God’s glory around me, allow His Word to shape my heart, and place my confidence in His strength instead of my own abilities or plans?

Prayer Prompt

Lord, let my heart be fully attentive to Your voice and Your ways. Open my eyes to see Your glory in all of creation and remind me that Your truth is perfect, trustworthy, and life-giving. Search me and reveal anything in me that does not honor You, and help my words, thoughts, and actions be pleasing in Your sight. When I face challenges or uncertainty, teach me to trust in Your strength rather than my own understanding. Fill me with confidence in Your faithfulness, joy in Your salvation, and gratitude for every victory You provide. You alone are my rock, my redeemer, and the source of my hope. Amen.

Psalm 18

For the choir director: A psalm of David, the servant of the Lord. He sang this song to the Lord on the day the Lord rescued him from all his enemies and from Saul. He sang:

¹ I love you, Lord;
    you are my strength.
² The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
    my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me,
    and my place of safety.
³ I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
    and he saved me from my enemies.

⁴ The ropes of death entangled me;
    floods of destruction swept over me.
⁵ The grave^[a] wrapped its ropes around me;
    death laid a trap in my path.
⁶ But in my distress I cried out to the Lord;
    yes, I prayed to my God for help.
He heard me from his sanctuary;
    my cry to him reached his ears.

⁷ Then the earth quaked and trembled.
    The foundations of the mountains shook;
    they quaked because of his anger.
⁸ Smoke poured from his nostrils;
    fierce flames leaped from his mouth.
    Glowing coals blazed forth from him.
⁹ He opened the heavens and came down;
    dark storm clouds were beneath his feet.
¹⁰ Mounted on a mighty angelic being,^[b] he flew,
    soaring on the wings of the wind.
¹¹ He shrouded himself in darkness,
    veiling his approach with dark rain clouds.
¹² Thick clouds shielded the brightness around him
    and rained down hail and burning coals.^[c]
13 The Lord thundered from heaven;
    the voice of the Most High resounded
    amid the hail and burning coals.
¹⁴ He shot his arrows and scattered his enemies;
    great bolts of lightning flashed, and they were confused.
¹⁵ Then at your command, O Lord,
    at the blast of your breath,
the bottom of the sea could be seen,
    and the foundations of the earth were laid bare.

¹⁶ He reached down from heaven and rescued me;
    he drew me out of deep waters.
¹⁷ He rescued me from my powerful enemies,
    from those who hated me and were too strong for me.
¹⁸ They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress,
    but the Lord supported me.
¹⁹ He led me to a place of safety;
    he rescued me because he delights in me.
²⁰ The Lord rewarded me for doing right;
    he restored me because of my innocence.
²¹ For I have kept the ways of the Lord;
    I have not turned from my God to follow evil.
²² I have followed all his regulations;
    I have never abandoned his decrees.
²³ I am blameless before God;
    I have kept myself from sin.
²⁴ The Lord rewarded me for doing right.
    He has seen my innocence.

²⁵ To the faithful you show yourself faithful;
    to those with integrity you show integrity.
²⁶ To the pure you show yourself pure,
    but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd.
²⁷ You rescue the humble,
    but you humiliate the proud.
²⁸ You light a lamp for me.
    The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness.
²⁹ In your strength I can crush an army;
    with my God I can scale any wall.

³⁰ God’s way is perfect.
    All the Lord’s promises prove true.
    He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.
³¹ For who is God except the Lord?
    Who but our God is a solid rock?
³² God arms me with strength,
    and he makes my way perfect.
³³ He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
    enabling me to stand on mountain heights.
³⁴ He trains my hands for battle;
    he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.
³⁵ You have given me your shield of victory.
    Your right hand supports me;
    your help^[d] has made me great.
³⁶ You have made a wide path for my feet
    to keep them from slipping.

³⁷ I chased my enemies and caught them;
    I did not stop until they were conquered.
³⁸ I struck them down so they could not get up;
    they fell beneath my feet.
³⁹ You have armed me with strength for the battle;
    you have subdued my enemies under my feet.
⁴⁰ You placed my foot on their necks.
    I have destroyed all who hated me.
⁴¹ They called for help, but no one came to their rescue.
    They even cried to the Lord, but he refused to answer.
⁴² I ground them as fine as dust in the wind.
    I swept them into the gutter like dirt.
⁴³ You gave me victory over my accusers.
    You appointed me ruler over nations;
    people I don’t even know now serve me.
⁴⁴ As soon as they hear of me, they submit;
    foreign nations cringe before me.
⁴⁵ They all lose their courage
    and come trembling from their strongholds.

⁴⁶ The Lord lives! Praise to my Rock!
    May the God of my salvation be exalted!
⁴⁷ He is the God who pays back those who harm me;
    he subdues the nations under me
⁴⁸     and rescues me from my enemies.
You hold me safe beyond the reach of my enemies;
    you save me from violent opponents.
⁴⁹ For this, O Lord, I will praise you among the nations;
    I will sing praises to your name.
⁵⁰ You give great victories to your king;
    you show unfailing love to your anointed,
    to David and all his descendants forever.

Reflection Question

How have I seen God strengthen, rescue, and sustain me in past battles, and how can remembering His faithfulness help me trust Him with the challenges I am facing today?

Prayer Prompt

Lord, You are my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. Thank You for sustaining me through every battle and for being faithful even when I felt weak or overwhelmed. Help me remember that my strength comes from You alone. When fear, uncertainty, or hardship rise against me, teach me to run to You first and trust in Your power to save and guide me. Make my steps secure, strengthen my heart for every challenge ahead, and remind me that You are always fighting for me. I will praise You for Your faithfulness, Your protection, and Your unfailing love. Amen.

Psalm 15

A psalm of David.

¹ Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?
    Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?
² Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right,
    speaking the truth from sincere hearts.
³ Those who refuse to gossip
    or harm their neighbors
    or speak evil of their friends.
⁴ Those who despise flagrant sinners,
    and honor the faithful followers of the Lord,
    and keep their promises even when it hurts.
⁵ Those who lend money without charging interest,
    and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.
Such people will stand firm forever.

Psalm 16

A psalm of David.

¹ Keep me safe, O God,
    for I have come to you for refuge.

² I said to the Lord, “You are my Master!
    Every good thing I have comes from you.”
³ The godly people in the land
    are my true heroes!
    I take pleasure in them!
⁴ Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods.
    I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood
    or even speak the names of their gods.

⁵ Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.
    You guard all that is mine.
⁶ The land you have given me is a pleasant land.
    What a wonderful inheritance!

⁷ I will bless the Lord who guides me;
    even at night my heart instructs me.
⁸ I know the Lord is always with me.
    I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

⁹ No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.^[b]
    My body rests in safety.
¹⁰ For you will not leave my soul among the dead^[c]
    or allow your holy one^[d] to rot in the grave.
¹¹ You will show me the way of life,
    granting me the joy of your presence
    and the pleasures of living with you forever.^[e]

Psalm 17

A prayer of David.

¹ O Lord, hear my plea for justice.
    Listen to my cry for help.
Pay attention to my prayer,
    for it comes from honest lips.
² Declare me innocent,
    for you see those who do right.

³ You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night.
    You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong.
    I am determined not to sin in what I say.
⁴ I have followed your commands,
    which keep me from following cruel and evil people.
⁵ My steps have stayed on your path;
    I have not wavered from following you.

⁶ I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God.
    Bend down and listen as I pray.
⁷ Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways.
    By your mighty power you rescue
    those who seek refuge from their enemies.
⁸ Guard me as you would guard your own eyes.^[f]
    Hide me in the shadow of your wings.
⁹ Protect me from wicked people who attack me,
    from murderous enemies who surround me.
¹⁰ They are without pity.
    Listen to their boasting!
¹¹ They track me down and surround me,
    watching for the chance to throw me to the ground.
¹² They are like hungry lions, eager to tear me apart—
    like young lions hiding in ambush.

¹³ Arise, O Lord!
    Stand against them, and bring them to their knees!
    Rescue me from the wicked with your sword!
¹⁴ By the power of your hand, O Lord,
    destroy those who look to this world for their reward.
But satisfy the hunger of your treasured ones.
    May their children have plenty,
    leaving an inheritance for their descendants.
¹⁵ Because I am righteous, I will see you.
    When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied.

Reflection Question

In what areas of my life is God calling me to walk in greater integrity, trust Him more deeply as my protector, and rest confidently in His presence instead of relying on my own strength?

Prayer Prompt

Lord, search my heart and help me live a life that is pleasing to You. Teach me to walk in integrity, speak truth, and honor You in the way I treat others. Remind me that You alone are my refuge, my security, and my portion. When I feel surrounded by trouble or opposition, help me rest under the shadow of Your wings and trust that You see me, hear me, and defend me. Keep my steps steady and my heart close to Yours. Fill me with confidence in Your presence and joy in Your salvation. Amen.

Psalm 11

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

¹ I trust in the Lord for protection.
So why do you say to me,
    “Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!
² The wicked are stringing their bows
    and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings.
They shoot from the shadows
    at those whose hearts are right.
³ The foundations of law and order have collapsed.
    What can the righteous do?”

⁴ But the Lord is in his holy Temple;
    the Lord still rules from heaven.
He watches everyone closely,
    examining every person on earth.
⁵ The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked.
    He hates those who love violence.
⁶ He will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked,
    punishing them with scorching winds.
⁷ For the righteous Lord loves justice.
    The virtuous will see his face.

Psalm 12

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by an eight-stringed instrument.^[a]

¹ Help, O Lord, for the godly are fast disappearing!
    The faithful have vanished from the earth!
² Neighbors lie to each other,
    speaking with flattering lips and deceitful hearts.
³ May the Lord cut off their flattering lips
    and silence their boastful tongues.
⁴ They say, “We will lie to our hearts’ content.
    Our lips are our own—who can stop us?”

⁵ The Lord replies, “I have seen violence done to the helpless,
    and I have heard the groans of the poor.
Now I will rise up to rescue them,
    as they have longed for me to do.”
⁶ The Lord’s promises are pure,
    like silver refined in a furnace,
    purified seven times over.
⁷ Therefore, Lord, we know you will protect the oppressed,
    preserving them forever from this lying generation,
⁸ even though the wicked strut about,
    and evil is praised throughout the land.

Psalm 13

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

¹ O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever?
    How long will you look the other way?
² How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul,
    with sorrow in my heart every day?
    How long will my enemy have the upper hand?

³ Turn and answer me, O Lord my God!
    Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die.
⁴ Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, “We have defeated him!”
    Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall.

⁵ But I trust in your unfailing love.
    I will rejoice because you have rescued me.
⁶ I will sing to the Lord
    because he is good to me.

Psalm 14

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

¹ Only fools say in their hearts,
    “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, and their actions are evil;
    not one of them does good!

² The Lord looks down from heaven
    on the entire human race;
he looks to see if anyone is truly wise,
    if anyone seeks God.
³ But no, all have turned away;
    all have become corrupt.^[b]
No one does good,
    not a single one!

⁴ Will those who do evil never learn?
    They eat up my people like bread
    and wouldn’t think of praying to the Lord.
⁵ Terror will grip them,
    for God is with those who obey him.
⁶ The wicked frustrate the plans of the oppressed,
    but the Lord will protect his people.

⁷ Who will come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel?
    When the Lord restores his people,
    Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice.

Reflection Question

When it feels like evil is winning, people are dishonest, or God seems silent, what does it look like for you to continue trusting in the Lord’s justice, protection, and unfailing love?

Prayer Prompt

Lord, when the world around me feels unstable and overwhelming, help me remember that You are still on the throne. When I feel forgotten, discouraged, or weary, remind me of Your unfailing love and faithfulness. Guard my heart from fear and help me trust You even when I cannot see what You are doing. Purify my words, strengthen my faith, and teach me to walk in righteousness and truth. Protect those who are hurting and oppressed, and let my life reflect Your justice and goodness. Restore my joy, renew my hope, and help me keep my eyes fixed on You. Amen.

Psalm 9

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be sung to the tune “Death of the Son.”

¹ I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart;
    I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.
² I will be filled with joy because of you.
    I will sing praises to your name, O Most High.

³ My enemies retreated;
    they staggered and died when you appeared.
⁴ For you have judged in my favor;
    from your throne you have judged with fairness.
⁵ You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked;
    you have erased their names forever.
⁶ The enemy is finished, in endless ruins;
    the cities you uprooted are now forgotten.

⁷ But the Lord reigns forever,
    executing judgment from his throne.
⁸ He will judge the world with justice
    and rule the nations with fairness.
⁹ The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed,
    a refuge in times of trouble.
¹⁰ Those who know your name trust in you,
    for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.

¹¹ Sing praises to the Lord who reigns in Jerusalem.^[a]
    Tell the world about his unforgettable deeds.
¹² For he who avenges murder cares for the helpless.
    He does not ignore the cries of those who suffer.

¹³ Lord, have mercy on me.
    See how my enemies torment me.
    Snatch me back from the jaws of death.
¹⁴ Save me so I can praise you publicly at Jerusalem’s gates,
    so I can rejoice that you have rescued me.

¹⁵ The nations have fallen into the pit they dug for others.
    Their own feet have been caught in the trap they set.
¹⁶ The Lord is known for his justice.
    The wicked are trapped by their own deeds. Quiet Interlude^[b]

¹⁷ The wicked will go down to the grave.^[c]
    This is the fate of all the nations who ignore God.
¹⁸ But the needy will not be ignored forever;
    the hopes of the poor will not always be crushed.

¹⁹ Arise, O Lord!
    Do not let mere mortals defy you!
    Judge the nations!
²⁰ Make them tremble in fear, O Lord.
    Let the nations know they are merely human. Interlude

Psalm 10

¹ O Lord, why do you stand so far away?
    Why do you hide when I am in trouble?
² The wicked arrogantly hunt down the poor.
    Let them be caught in the evil they plan for others.
³ For they brag about their evil desires;
    they praise the greedy and curse the Lord.

⁴ The wicked are too proud to seek God.
    They seem to think that God is dead.
⁵ Yet they succeed in everything they do.
    They do not see your punishment awaiting them.
    They sneer at all their enemies.
⁶ They think, “Nothing bad will ever happen to us!
    We will be free of trouble forever!”

⁷ Their mouths are full of cursing, lies, and threats.^[a]
    Trouble and evil are on the tips of their tongues.
⁸ They lurk in ambush in the villages,
    waiting to murder innocent people.
    They are always searching for helpless victims.
⁹ Like lions crouched in hiding,
    they wait to pounce on the helpless.
Like hunters they capture the helpless
    and drag them away in nets.
¹⁰ Their helpless victims are crushed;
    they fall beneath the strength of the wicked.
¹¹ The wicked think, “God isn’t watching us!
    He has closed his eyes and won’t even see what we do!”

¹² Arise, O Lord!
    Punish the wicked, O God!
    Do not ignore the helpless!
¹³ Why do the wicked get away with despising God?
    They think, “God will never call us to account.”
¹⁴ But you see the trouble and grief they cause.
    You take note of it and punish them.
The helpless put their trust in you.
    You defend the orphans.

¹⁵ Break the arms of these wicked, evil people!
    Go after them until the last one is destroyed.
¹⁶ The Lord is king forever and ever!
    The godless nations will vanish from the land.
¹⁷ Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless.
    Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them.
¹⁸ You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed,
    so mere people can no longer terrify them.

Reflection Question

Where in your life do you need to move from frustration and fear… to trusting that God still sees, still cares, and still rules even when things feel unfair or unresolved?

Prayer Prompt

Lord, when evil feels loud and answers feel delayed, help me remember that You are still my refuge. Remind me that You see every injustice, every burden, and every hidden struggle. Teach me to trust You instead of living anxious or bitter. Give me courage to keep praying, keep believing, and keep walking with You even when I do not understand everything around me. Amen.

Psalm 6

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by an eight-stringed instrument.^[a]

¹ O Lord, don’t rebuke me in your anger
    or discipline me in your rage.
² Have compassion on me, Lord, for I am weak.
    Heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony.
³ I am sick at heart.
    How long, O Lord, until you restore me?

⁴ Return, O Lord, and rescue me.
    Save me because of your unfailing love.
⁵ For the dead do not remember you.
    Who can praise you from the grave?^[b]

⁶ I am worn out from sobbing.
    All night I flood my bed with weeping,
    drenching it with my tears.
⁷ My vision is blurred by grief;
    my eyes are worn out because of all my enemies.

⁸ Go away, all you who do evil,
    for the Lord has heard my weeping.
⁹ The Lord has heard my plea;
    the Lord will answer my prayer.
¹⁰ May all my enemies be disgraced and terrified.
    May they suddenly turn back in shame.

Psalm 7

A psalm^[a] of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning Cush of the tribe of Benjamin.

¹ I come to you for protection, O Lord my God.
    Save me from my persecutors—rescue me!
² If you don’t, they will maul me like a lion,
    tearing me to pieces with no one to rescue me.
³ O Lord my God, if I have done wrong
    or am guilty of injustice,
⁴ if I have betrayed a friend
    or plundered my enemy without cause,
⁵ then let my enemies capture me.
    Let them trample me into the ground
    and drag my honor in the dust. Interlude

⁶ Arise, O Lord, in anger!
    Stand up against the fury of my enemies!
    Wake up, my God, and bring justice!
⁷ Gather the nations before you.
    Rule over them from on high.
⁸     The Lord judges the nations.
Declare me righteous, O Lord,
    for I am innocent, O Most High!
⁹ End the evil of those who are wicked,
    and defend the righteous.
For you look deep within the mind and heart,
    O righteous God.

¹⁰ God is my shield,
    saving those whose hearts are true and right.
¹¹ God is an honest judge.
    He is angry with the wicked every day.

¹² If a person does not repent,
    God^[b] will sharpen his sword;
    he will bend and string his bow.
¹³ He will prepare his deadly weapons
    and shoot his flaming arrows.

¹⁴ The wicked conceive evil;
    they are pregnant with trouble
    and give birth to lies.
¹⁵ They dig a deep pit to trap others,
    then fall into it themselves.
¹⁶ The trouble they make for others backfires on them.
    The violence they plan falls on their own heads.

¹⁷ I will thank the Lord because he is just;
    I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.

Psalm 8

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by a stringed instrument.^[a]

¹ O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
    Your glory is higher than the heavens.
² You have taught children and infants
    to tell of your strength,^[b]
silencing your enemies
    and all who oppose you.

³ When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—
    the moon and the stars you set in place—
⁴ what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
    human beings that you should care for them?^[c]
5 Yet you made them only a little lower than God^[d]
    and crowned them^[e] with glory and honor.
⁶ You gave them charge of everything you made,
    putting all things under their authority—
⁷ the flocks and the herds
    and all the wild animals,
⁸ the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea,
    and everything that swims the ocean currents.

⁹ O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!

Reflection Question:
When I feel weak, discouraged, or small, do I still believe God sees me, hears me, and cares for me?

Prayer Prompt:
Lord, meet me in my weakness, remind me of my value in Your eyes, and fill my heart with wonder at who You are and who You created me to be.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (NLT) copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Psalm 3

A psalm of David, regarding the time David fled from his son Absalom.

¹ O Lord, I have so many enemies;
    so many are against me.
² So many are saying,
    “God will never rescue him!” Interlude^[a]

³ But you, O Lord, are a shield around me;
    you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
⁴ I cried out to the Lord,
    and he answered me from his holy mountain. Interlude

⁵ I lay down and slept,
    yet I woke up in safety,
    for the Lord was watching over me.
⁶ I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies
    who surround me on every side.

⁷ Arise, O Lord!
    Rescue me, my God!
Slap all my enemies in the face!
    Shatter the teeth of the wicked!
⁸ Victory comes from you, O Lord.
    May you bless your people. Interlude

Psalm 4

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by stringed instruments.

¹ Answer me when I call to you,
    O God who declares me innocent.
Free me from my troubles.
    Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

² How long will you people ruin my reputation?
    How long will you make groundless accusations?
    How long will you continue your lies? Interlude
³ You can be sure of this:
    The Lord set apart the godly for himself.
    The Lord will answer when I call to him.

⁴ Don’t sin by letting anger control you.
    Think about it overnight and remain silent. Interlude
⁵ Offer sacrifices in the right spirit,
    and trust the Lord.

⁶ Many people say, “Who will show us better times?”
    Let your face smile on us, Lord.
⁷ You have given me greater joy
    than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.
⁸ In peace I will lie down and sleep,
    for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.

Psalm 5

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

¹ O Lord, hear me as I pray;
    pay attention to my groaning.
² Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God,
    for I pray to no one but you.
³ Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.
    Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.

⁴ O God, you take no pleasure in wickedness;
    you cannot tolerate the sins of the wicked.
⁵ Therefore, the proud may not stand in your presence,
    for you hate all who do evil.
⁶ You will destroy those who tell lies.
    The Lord detests murderers and deceivers.

⁷ Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house;
    I will worship at your Temple with deepest awe.
⁸ Lead me in the right path, O Lord,
    or my enemies will conquer me.
Make your way plain for me to follow.

⁹ My enemies cannot speak a truthful word.
    Their deepest desire is to destroy others.
Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave.
    Their tongues are filled with flattery.^[a]
10 O God, declare them guilty.
    Let them be caught in their own traps.
Drive them away because of their many sins,
    for they have rebelled against you.

¹¹ But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
    let them sing joyful praises forever.
Spread your protection over them,
    that all who love your name may be filled with joy.
¹² For you bless the godly, O Lord;
    you surround them with your shield of love.

Reflection Question:
Where do I need to trust God more deeply instead of letting fear, pressure, or anxiety control me?

Prayer Prompt:
God, remind me that You are my protector, my peace, and my guide. Help me bring every fear and burden to You and walk closely with You today.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (NLT) copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.