A Prayer From the Innocent
A prayer of David.
David asks for a hearing as an innocent man, his heart examined at night and his feet not slipping. Hunted by a crouching lion, he asks to be kept as the apple of an eye, and looks past his enemies to seeing his Father's face.
17 1Hear a just cause, my Father; attend to my cry; listen to my prayer from lips free of deceit. 2Let my vindication come from your presence; let your eyes see what is right.
3You have searched my heart, you have examined me by night, you have tested me and found nothing; I have resolved that my mouth will not sin. 4As for the deeds of people, by the word of your lips I have kept myself from the paths of the violent. 5My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped.
6I call on you, for you will answer me, my Father; listen to me; hear my words. 7Show the wonder of your covenant love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their enemies. 8Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings, 9from the wicked who attack me, my deadly enemies who surround me.
10They have closed their hardened hearts; their mouths speak with arrogance. 11They have tracked us down and now surround us; they fix their eyes to throw us to the ground. 12He is like a lion hungry to tear its prey, like a young lion crouching in ambush.
13Rise up, my Father! Confront him, bring him down! Rescue my life from the wicked by your sword, 14by your hand, my Father, from such people—from people of this world whose reward is in this life. You fill their belly with what you have stored up; their children have plenty, and they leave their abundance to their little ones.
15As for me, I will see your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.
