PSALM 5

LORD, listen to my words.  Understand my sadness.

Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God,

because I pray to you.

LORD, every morning you hear my voice.

Every morning, I tell you what I need,

and I wait for your answer.

You are not a God who is pleased with the wicked;

you do not live with those who do evil.

Those people who make fun of you cannot stand before you.

You hate all those who do evil.

You destroy liars;

the LORD hates those who kill and trick others.

Because of your great love, I can come into your Temple.

Because I fear and respect you,

I can worship in your holy Temple.

LORD, since I have many enemies, 

show me the right thing to do.

Show me clearly how you want me to live.

My enemies' mouths do not tell the truth;

in their hearts they want to destroy others.

Their throats are like open graves;

they use their tongues for telling lies.

God, declare them guilty!

Let them fall into their own traps.

Send them away because their sins are many;

they have turned against you.

But let everyone who trusts you be happy;

let them sing glad songs forever.

Protect those who love you

and who are happy because of you.

LORD, you bless those who do what is right;

you protect them like a soldier's shield.