Psalm 17

Prayer for Deliverance from Persecutors

A Prayer of David.
¹Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry;
   give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit.
²From you let my vindication come;
   let your eyes see the right.

³If you try my heart, if you visit me by night,
   if you test me, you will find no wickedness in me;
   my mouth does not transgress.
⁴As for what others do, by the word of your lips
   I have avoided the ways of the violent.
⁵My steps have held fast to your paths;
   my feet have not slipped.

⁶I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
   incline your ear to me, hear my words.
⁷Wondrously show your steadfast love,
   O saviour of those who seek refuge
   from their adversaries at your right hand.

⁸Guard me as the apple of the eye;
   hide me in the shadow of your wings,
⁹from the wicked who despoil me,
   my deadly enemies who surround me.