Psalm 57

To the leader: Do Not Destroy. Of David. A Miktam, when he fled from Saul, in the cave.
1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
   for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,
   until the destroying storms pass by.
2 I cry to God Most High,
   to God who fulfils his purpose for me.
3 He will send from heaven and save me,
   he will put to shame those who trample on me.
          Selah
God will send forth his steadfast love and his faithfulness.


4 I lie down among lions
   that greedily devour human prey;
their teeth are spears and arrows,
   their tongues sharp swords.


5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.
   Let your glory be over all the earth.


6 They set a net for my steps;
   my soul was bowed down.
They dug a pit in my path,
   but they have fallen into it themselves.
          Selah
7 My heart is steadfast, O God,
   my heart is steadfast.
I will sing and make melody.
8   Awake, my soul!
Awake, O harp and lyre!
   I will awake the dawn.
9 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
   I will sing praises to you among the nations.
10 For your steadfast love is as high as the heavens;
   your faithfulness extends to the clouds.


11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.
   Let your glory be over all the earth.

Psalm 86

A Prayer of David.
1 Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me,
   for I am poor and needy.
2 Preserve my life, for I am devoted to you;
   save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God; 3be gracious to me, O Lord,
   for to you do I cry all day long.
4 Gladden the soul of your servant,
   for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
   abounding in steadfast love to all who call on you.
6 Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer;
   listen to my cry of supplication.
7 In the day of my trouble I call on you,
   for you will answer me.


8 There is none like you among the gods, O Lord,
   nor are there any works like yours.
9 All the nations you have made shall come
   and bow down before you, O Lord,
   and shall glorify your name.
10 For you are great and do wondrous things;
   you alone are God.
11 Teach me your way, O Lord,
   that I may walk in your truth;
   give me an undivided heart to revere your name.
12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
   and I will glorify your name for ever.
13 For great is your steadfast love towards me;
   you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.


14 O God, the insolent rise up against me;
   a band of ruffians seeks my life,
   and they do not set you before them.
15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
   slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me;
   give your strength to your servant;
   save the child of your serving-maid.
17 Show me a sign of your favour,
   so that those who hate me may see it and be put to shame,
   because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.