Today's praises: Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might

Psalm 21

1

Psalm 21 For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1

O LORD, the king rejoices in your strength. How great is his joy in the victories you give!

2

You have granted him the desire of his heart and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah

3

You welcomed him with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure gold on his head.

4

He asked you for life, and you gave it to him-- length of days, for ever and ever.

5

Through the victories you gave, his glory is great; you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty.

6

Surely you have granted him eternal blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence.

7

For the king trusts in the LORD; through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken.

8

Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies; your right hand will seize your foes.

9

At the time of your appearing you will make them like a fiery furnace. In his wrath the LORD will swallow them up, and his fire will consume them.

10

You will destroy their descendants from the earth, their posterity from mankind.

11

Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed;

12

for you will make them turn their backs when you aim at them with drawn bow.

13

Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might.

Today's prayer: Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies-- make straight your way before me

Psalm 5

1

Psalm 5 For the director of music. For flutes. A psalm of David.

1

Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing.

2

Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.

3

In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.

4

You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell.

5

The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong.

6

You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the LORD abhors.

7

But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple.

8

Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies-- make straight your way before me.

9

Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with destruction. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongue they speak deceit.

10

Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.

11

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

12

For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

Today's bible teaching: Unless the LORD had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.

Psalm 94

1

Psalm 94

1

O LORD, the God who avenges, O God who avenges, shine forth.

2

Rise up, O Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve.

3

How long will the wicked, O LORD, how long will the wicked be jubilant?

4

They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers are full of boasting.

5

They crush your people, O LORD; they oppress your inheritance.

6

They slay the widow and the alien; they murder the fatherless.

7

They say, "The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed."

8

Take heed, you senseless ones among the people; you fools, when will you become wise?

9

Does he who implanted the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see?

10

Does he who disciplines nations not punish? Does he who teaches man lack knowledge?

11

The LORD knows the thoughts of man; he knows that they are futile.

12

Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD, the man you teach from your law;

13

you grant him relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked.

14

For the LORD will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance.

15

Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it.

16

Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?

17

Unless the LORD had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.

18

When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O LORD, supported me.

19

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.

20

Can a corrupt throne be allied with you-- one that brings on misery by its decrees?

21

They band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death.

22

But the LORD has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.

23

He will repay them for their sins and destroy them for their wickedness; the LORD our God will destroy them.

Today's bible teaching: If you make the Most High your dwelling-- even the LORD, who is my refuge-- then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.

Psalm 91

1

Psalm 91

1

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. ^[1]

2

I will say ^[2] of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

3

Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.

4

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5

You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,

6

nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.

7

A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

8

You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.

9

If you make the Most High your dwelling-- even the LORD, who is my refuge--

10

then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.

11

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

12

they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

13

You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14

"Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

15

He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

16

With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."

Today's prayer: Do not be far from me God, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.

Psalm 22

1

Psalm 22 For the director of music. To [the tune of] "The Doe of the Morning." A psalm of David.

1

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?

2

O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent.

3

Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the praise of Israel. ^[1]

4

In you our fathers put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them.

5

They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed.

6

But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people.

7

All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads:

8

"He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him."

9

Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother's breast.

10

From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother's womb you have been my God.

11

Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.

12

Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.

13

Roaring lions tearing their prey open their mouths wide against me.

14

I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me.

15

My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me ^[2] in the dust of death.

16

Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced ^[3] my hands and my feet.

17

I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me.

18

They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.

19

But you, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me.

20

Deliver my life from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs.

21

Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save ^[4] me from the horns of the wild oxen.

22

I will declare your name to my brothers; in the congregation I will praise you.

23

You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!

24

For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.

25

From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you ^[5] will I fulfill my vows.

26

The poor will eat and be satisfied; they who seek the LORD will praise him-- may your hearts live forever!

27

All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him,

28

for dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations.

29

All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before him-- those who cannot keep themselves alive.

30

Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord.

31

They will proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn-- for he has done it.

Today's praises: You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!

Psalm 68

1

Psalm 68 For the director of music. Of David. A psalm. A song.

1

May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him.

2

As smoke is blown away by the wind, may you blow them away; as wax melts before the fire, may the wicked perish before God.

3

But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.

4

Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds ^[1] -- his name is the LORD-- and rejoice before him.

5

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.

6

God sets the lonely in families, ^[2] he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

7

When you went out before your people, O God, when you marched through the wasteland, Selah

8

the earth shook, the heavens poured down rain, before God, the One of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel.

9

You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance.

10

Your people settled in it, and from your bounty, O God, you provided for the poor.

11

The Lord announced the word, and great was the company of those who proclaimed it:

12

"Kings and armies flee in haste; in the camps men divide the plunder.

13

Even while you sleep among the campfires, ^[3] the wings of [my] dove are sheathed with silver, its feathers with shining gold."

14

When the Almighty ^[4] scattered the kings in the land, it was like snow fallen on Zalmon.

15

The mountains of Bashan are majestic mountains; rugged are the mountains of Bashan.

16

Why gaze in envy, O rugged mountains, at the mountain where God chooses to reign, where the LORD himself will dwell forever?

17

The chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands; the Lord [has come] from Sinai into his sanctuary.

18

When you ascended on high, you led captives in your train; you received gifts from men, even from ^[5] the rebellious-- that you, ^[6] O LORD God, might dwell there.

19

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Selah

20

Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.

21

Surely God will crush the heads of his enemies, the hairy crowns of those who go on in their sins.

22

The Lord says, "I will bring them from Bashan; I will bring them from the depths of the sea,

23

that you may plunge your feet in the blood of your foes, while the tongues of your dogs have their share."

24

Your procession has come into view, O God, the procession of my God and King into the sanctuary.

25

In front are the singers, after them the musicians; with them are the maidens playing tambourines.

26

Praise God in the great congregation; praise the LORD in the assembly of Israel.

27

There is the little tribe of Benjamin, leading them, there the great throng of Judah's princes, and there the princes of Zebulun and of Naphtali.

28

Summon your power, O God ^[7] ; show us your strength, O God, as you have done before.

29

Because of your temple at Jerusalem kings will bring you gifts.

30

Rebuke the beast among the reeds, the herd of bulls among the calves of the nations. Humbled, may it bring bars of silver. Scatter the nations who delight in war.

31

Envoys will come from Egypt; Cush ^[8] will submit herself to God.

32

Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord, Selah

33

to him who rides the ancient skies above, who thunders with mighty voice.

34

Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the skies.

35

You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!

Today's bible teaching: You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.

Psalm 45

1

Psalm 45 For the director of music. To [the tune of] "Lilies." Of the Sons of Korah. A maskil. ^[1] A wedding song.

1

My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.

2

You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever.

3

Gird your sword upon your side, O mighty one; clothe yourself with splendor and majesty.

4

In your majesty ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness; let your right hand display awesome deeds.

5

Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king's enemies; let the nations fall beneath your feet.

6

Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.

7

You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.

8

All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad.

9

Daughters of kings are among your honored women; at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir.

10

Listen, O daughter, consider and give ear: Forget your people and your father's house.

11

The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord.

12

The Daughter of Tyre will come with a gift, ^[2] men of wealth will seek your favor.

13

All glorious is the princess within [her chamber]; her gown is interwoven with gold.

14

In embroidered garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions follow her and are brought to you.

15

They are led in with joy and gladness; they enter the palace of the king.

16

Your sons will take the place of your fathers; you will make them princes throughout the land.

17

I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever

Today's bible teaching: Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you

Psalm 32

1

Psalm 32 Of David. A maskil. ^[1]

1

Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

2

Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.

3

When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.

4

For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Selah

5

Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD"-- and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah

6

Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him.

7

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah

8

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

9

Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.

10

Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.

11

Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!

Today's bible teaching: Let the righteous rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him; let all the upright in heart praise him

Psalm 64

1

Psalm 64 For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1

Hear me, O God, as I voice my complaint; protect my life from the threat of the enemy.

2

Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from that noisy crowd of evildoers.

3

They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their words like deadly arrows.

4

They shoot from ambush at the innocent man; they shoot at him suddenly, without fear.

5

They encourage each other in evil plans, they talk about hiding their snares; they say, "Who will see them ^[1] ?"

6

They plot injustice and say, "We have devised a perfect plan!" Surely the mind and heart of man are cunning.

7

But God will shoot them with arrows; suddenly they will be struck down.

8

He will turn their own tongues against them and bring them to ruin; all who see them will shake their heads in scorn.

9

All mankind will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what he has done.

10

Let the righteous rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him; let all the upright in heart praise him!

Today's bible teaching: The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand

Psalm 121

A song of ascents

1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; 4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand; 6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; 8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Today's prayer: Help, LORD, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men.

Psalm 12

1

Psalm 12 For the director of music. According to sheminith. ^[1] A psalm of David.

1

Help, LORD, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men.

2

Everyone lies to his neighbor; their flattering lips speak with deception.

3

May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue

4

that says, "We will triumph with our tongues; we own our lips ^[2] --who is our master?"

5

"Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise," says the LORD. "I will protect them from those who malign them."

6

And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times.

7

O LORD, you will keep us safe and protect us from such people forever.

8

The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men.

Today's prayer: Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate me by your might.

Psalm 54

1

Psalm 54 For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A maskil ^[1] of David. When the Ziphites had gone to Saul and said, "Is not David hiding among us?"

1

Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate me by your might.

2

Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth.

3

Strangers are attacking me; ruthless men seek my life-- men without regard for God. Selah

4

Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.

5

Let evil recoil on those who slander me; in your faithfulness destroy them.

6

I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, O LORD, for it is good.

7

For he has delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.

Today's bible teaching: Make vows to the LORD your God and fulfill them; let all the neighboring lands bring gifts to the One to be feared

Psalm 76

1

Psalm 76 For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of Asaph. A song.

1

In Judah God is known; his name is great in Israel.

2

His tent is in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion.

3

There he broke the flashing arrows, the shields and the swords, the weapons of war. Selah

4

You are resplendent with light, more majestic than mountains rich with game.

5

Valiant men lie plundered, they sleep their last sleep; not one of the warriors can lift his hands.

6

At your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both horse and chariot lie still.

7

You alone are to be feared. Who can stand before you when you are angry?

8

From heaven you pronounced judgment, and the land feared and was quiet--

9

when you, O God, rose up to judge, to save all the afflicted of the land. Selah

10

Surely your wrath against men brings you praise, and the survivors of your wrath are restrained. ^[1]

11

Make vows to the LORD your God and fulfill them; let all the neighboring lands bring gifts to the One to be feared.

12

He breaks the spirit of rulers; he is feared by the kings of the earth.

Today's bible teaching: My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him

Psalm 62

1

Psalm 62 For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.

1

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.

2

He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

3

How long will you assault a man? Would all of you throw him down-- this leaning wall, this tottering fence?

4

They fully intend to topple him from his lofty place; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse. Selah

5

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.

6

He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

7

My salvation and my honor depend on God ^[1] ; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

8

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Selah

9

Lowborn men are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie; if weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath.

10

Do not trust in extortion or take pride in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.

11

One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong,

12

and that you, O Lord, are loving. Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done.

Today's prayer: May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you

Psalm 20

1

Psalm 20 For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1

May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.

2

May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion.

3

May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. Selah

4

May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.

5

We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests.

6

Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand.

7

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

8

They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.

9

O LORD, save the king! Answer ^[1] us when we call!

Today's prayer: Do not be far from me God, for trouble is near and there is no one to help

Psalm 22

1

Psalm 22 For the director of music. To [the tune of] "The Doe of the Morning." A psalm of David.

1

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?

2

O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent.

3

Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the praise of Israel. ^[1]

4

In you our fathers put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them.

5

They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed.

6

But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people.

7

All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads:

8

"He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him."

9

Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother's breast.

10

From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother's womb you have been my God.

11

Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.

12

Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.

13

Roaring lions tearing their prey open their mouths wide against me.

14

I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me.

15

My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me ^[2] in the dust of death.

16

Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced ^[3] my hands and my feet.

17

I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me.

18

They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.

19

But you, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me.

20

Deliver my life from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs.

21

Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save ^[4] me from the horns of the wild oxen.

22

I will declare your name to my brothers; in the congregation I will praise you.

23

You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!

24

For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.

25

From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you ^[5] will I fulfill my vows.

26

The poor will eat and be satisfied; they who seek the LORD will praise him-- may your hearts live forever!

27

All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him,

28

for dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations.

29

All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before him-- those who cannot keep themselves alive.

30

Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord.

31

They will proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn-- for he has done it.

Today's prayer: Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray

Psalm 5

1

Psalm 5 For the director of music. For flutes. A psalm of David.

1

Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing.

2

Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.

3

In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.

4

You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell.

5

The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong.

6

You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the LORD abhors.

7

But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple.

8

Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies-- make straight your way before me.

9

Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with destruction. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongue they speak deceit.

10

Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.

11

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

12

For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

Today's bible teaching: My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth

Psalm 121

1

Psalm 121 A song of ascents.

1

I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from?

2

My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

3

He will not let your foot slip-- he who watches over you will not slumber;

4

indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

5

The LORD watches over you-- the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

6

the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

7

The LORD will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life;

8

the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Today's bible teaching: LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?

Psalm 15

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Psalm 15 A psalm of David.

1

LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?

2

He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart

3

and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman,

4

who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts,

5

who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.

Today's prayer: May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us

Psalm 67

1

Psalm 67 For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm. A song.

1

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, Selah

2

that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.

3

May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you.

4

May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. Selah

5

May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you.

6

Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us.

7

God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him.

Today's bible teaching: Let the righteous rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him; let all the upright in heart praise him!

Psalm 64

1

Psalm 64 For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1

Hear me, O God, as I voice my complaint; protect my life from the threat of the enemy.

2

Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from that noisy crowd of evildoers.

3

They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their words like deadly arrows.

4

They shoot from ambush at the innocent man; they shoot at him suddenly, without fear.

5

They encourage each other in evil plans, they talk about hiding their snares; they say, "Who will see them ^[1] ?"

6

They plot injustice and say, "We have devised a perfect plan!" Surely the mind and heart of man are cunning.

7

But God will shoot them with arrows; suddenly they will be struck down.

8

He will turn their own tongues against them and bring them to ruin; all who see them will shake their heads in scorn.

9

All mankind will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what he has done.

10

Let the righteous rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him; let all the upright in heart praise him!

Today's prayer: Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.

Psalm 61

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Psalm 61 For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David.

1

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.

2

From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

3

For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.

4

I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. Selah

5

For you have heard my vows, O God; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

6

Increase the days of the king's life, his years for many generations.

7

May he be enthroned in God's presence forever; appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.

8

Then will I ever sing praise to your name and fulfill my vows day after day.

Today's prayer: Be merciful to me, O God, for men hotly pursue me; all day long they press their attack

Psalm 56

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Psalm 56 For the director of music. To [the tune of] "A Dove on Distant Oaks." Of David. A miktam. ^[1] When the Philistines had seized him in Gath.

1

Be merciful to me, O God, for men hotly pursue me; all day long they press their attack.

2

My slanderers pursue me all day long; many are attacking me in their pride.

3

When I am afraid, I will trust in you.

4

In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?

5

All day long they twist my words; they are always plotting to harm me.

6

They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, eager to take my life.

7

On no account let them escape; in your anger, O God, bring down the nations.

8

Record my lament; list my tears on your scroll ^[2] -- are they not in your record?

9

Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me.

10

In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise--

11

in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

12

I am under vows to you, O God; I will present my thank offerings to you.

13

For you have delivered me ^[3] from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. ^[4]

Today's bible teaching: But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless

Psalm 10

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Psalm 10 ^[1]

1

Why, O LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

2

In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises.

3

He boasts of the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD.

4

In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

5

His ways are always prosperous; he is haughty and your laws are far from him; he sneers at all his enemies.

6

He says to himself, "Nothing will shake me; I'll always be happy and never have trouble."

7

His mouth is full of curses and lies and threats; trouble and evil are under his tongue.

8

He lies in wait near the villages; from ambush he murders the innocent, watching in secret for his victims.

9

He lies in wait like a lion in cover; he lies in wait to catch the helpless; he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net.

10

His victims are crushed, they collapse; they fall under his strength.

11

He says to himself, "God has forgotten; he covers his face and never sees."

12

Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless.

13

Why does the wicked man revile God? Why does he say to himself, "He won't call me to account"?

14

But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.

15

Break the arm of the wicked and evil man; call him to account for his wickedness that would not be found out.

16

The LORD is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land.

17

You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,

18

defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.

Today's bible teaching: Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture

Psalm 37

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Psalm 37 Of David. ^[1]

1

Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong;

2

for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.

3

Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

4

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:

6

He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

7

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

8

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret--it leads only to evil.

9

For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

10

A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.

11

But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.

12

The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them;

13

but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.

14

The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright.

15

But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.

16

Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked;

17

for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.

18

The days of the blameless are known to the LORD, and their inheritance will endure forever.

19

In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.

20

But the wicked will perish: The LORD's enemies will be like the beauty of the fields, they will vanish--vanish like smoke.

21

The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously;

22

those the LORD blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be cut off.

23

If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm;

24

though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

25

I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.

26

They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed.

27

Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever.

28

For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off;

29

the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.

30

The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just.

31

The law of his God is in his heart; his feet do not slip.

32

The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, seeking their very lives;

33

but the LORD will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned when brought to trial.

34

Wait for the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.

35

I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a green tree in its native soil,

36

but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found.

37

Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future ^[2] for the man of peace.

38

But all sinners will be destroyed; the future ^[3] of the wicked will be cut off.

39

The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.

40

The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him

Today's bible teaching: The LORD will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life

Psalm 121

1

Psalm 121 A song of ascents.

1

I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from?

2

My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

3

He will not let your foot slip-- he who watches over you will not slumber;

4

indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

5

The LORD watches over you-- the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

6

the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

7

The LORD will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life;

8

the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Today's bible teaching: O God who hear prayer, to you all men will come

Psalm 65

1

Psalm 65 For the director of music. A psalm of David. A song.

1

Praise awaits ^[1] you, O God, in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled.

2

O you who hear prayer, to you all men will come.

3

When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave ^[2] our transgressions.

4

Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple.

5

You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas,

6

who formed the mountains by your power, having armed yourself with strength,

7

who stilled the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the turmoil of the nations.

8

Those living far away fear your wonders; where morning dawns and evening fades you call forth songs of joy.

9

You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it. ^[3]

10

You drench its furrows and level its ridges; you soften it with showers and bless its crops.

11

You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.

12

The grasslands of the desert overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness.

13

The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing.

Today's prayer: Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering

Psalm 26

1

Psalm 26 Of David.

1

Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.

2

Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;

3

for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth.

4

I do not sit with deceitful men, nor do I consort with hypocrites;

5

I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked.

6

I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, O LORD,

7

proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds.

8

I love the house where you live, O LORD, the place where your glory dwells.

9

Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with bloodthirsty men,

10

in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes.

11

But I lead a blameless life; redeem me and be merciful to me.

12

My feet stand on level ground; in the great assembly I will praise the LORD.

Today's bible teaching: Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed

Psalm 21

1

Psalm 21 For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1

O LORD, the king rejoices in your strength. How great is his joy in the victories you give!

2

You have granted him the desire of his heart and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah

3

You welcomed him with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure gold on his head.

4

He asked you for life, and you gave it to him-- length of days, for ever and ever.

5

Through the victories you gave, his glory is great; you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty.

6

Surely you have granted him eternal blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence.

7

For the king trusts in the LORD; through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken.

8

Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies; your right hand will seize your foes.

9

At the time of your appearing you will make them like a fiery furnace. In his wrath the LORD will swallow them up, and his fire will consume them.

10

You will destroy their descendants from the earth, their posterity from mankind.

11

Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed;

12

for you will make them turn their backs when you aim at them with drawn bow.

13

Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might.

Today's prayer: O LORD my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me

Psalm 7

1

Psalm 7 A shiggaion ^[1] of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning Cush, a Benjamite.

1

O LORD my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me,

2

or they will tear me like a lion and rip me to pieces with no one to rescue me.

3

O LORD my God, if I have done this and there is guilt on my hands--

4

if I have done evil to him who is at peace with me or without cause have robbed my foe--

5

then let my enemy pursue and overtake me; let him trample my life to the ground and make me sleep in the dust. Selah

6

Arise, O LORD, in your anger; rise up against the rage of my enemies. Awake, my God; decree justice.

7

Let the assembled peoples gather around you. Rule over them from on high;

8

let the LORD judge the peoples. Judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, according to my integrity, O Most High.

9

O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure.

10

My shield ^[2] is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart.

11

God is a righteous judge, a God who expresses his wrath every day.

12

If he does not relent, he ^[3] will sharpen his sword; he will bend and string his bow.

13

He has prepared his deadly weapons; he makes ready his flaming arrows.

14

He who is pregnant with evil and conceives trouble gives birth to disillusionment.

15

He who digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit he has made.

16

The trouble he causes recoils on himself; his violence comes down on his own head.

17

I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.