To the leader: for the flutes. A Psalm of David.
PSALM 5
1 Hear my words, O Lord, give heed to my groaning:
listen to my cry, you that are my king and my God.
2 In the morning when I pray to you,
surely you will hear my voice:
at daybreak I lay my prayers before you, and look up.
3 For you are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness:
nor can any evil dwell with you.
4 The boastful cannot stand in your sight:
you hate all those that work mischief.
5 Those who speak lies you destroy:
you abhor the treacherous, O Lord,
and those that are stained with blood.
6 But because of your great goodness
I will come into your house:
I will bow down toward your holy temple in awe and fear of you.
7 Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness,
for my enemies lie in wait:
make straight your way before me.
8 For there is no truth in their mouth:
and within they are eaten up by malice.
9 Their throat is an open sepulchre:
and their tongue speaks smooth and flattering words.
10 Destroy them, O God,
let them fall by their own contriving:
cast them out for their many offences,
for they have rebelled against you.
11 But let all who put their trust in you rejoice:
let them shout with joy for ever.
12 Be the defender of those who love your name:
let them exult because of you.
13 For you will bless, O Lord, those that are righteous:
you will cover them with your favour as with a shield.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is discord, union;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy,
For your mercy and for your truth’s sake. Amen