Today's prayer: For the sake of David your servant, do not reject your anointed one.

Psalm 132

1

Psalm 132 A song of ascents.

1

O LORD, remember David and all the hardships he endured.

2

He swore an oath to the LORD and made a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:

3

"I will not enter my house or go to my bed--

4

I will allow no sleep to my eyes, no slumber to my eyelids,

5

till I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob."

6

We heard it in Ephrathah, we came upon it in the fields of Jaar ^[1] : ^[2]

7

"Let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool--

8

arise, O LORD, and come to your resting place, you and the ark of your might.

9

May your priests be clothed with righteousness; may your saints sing for joy."

10

For the sake of David your servant, do not reject your anointed one.

11

The LORD swore an oath to David, a sure oath that he will not revoke: "One of your own descendants I will place on your throne--

12

if your sons keep my covenant and the statutes I teach them, then their sons will sit on your throne for ever and ever."

13

For the LORD has chosen Zion, he has desired it for his dwelling:

14

"This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it--

15

I will bless her with abundant provisions; her poor will I satisfy with food.

16

I will clothe her priests with salvation, and her saints will ever sing for joy.

17

"Here I will make a horn ^[3] grow for David and set up a lamp for my anointed one.

18

I will clothe his enemies with shame, but the crown on his head will be resplendent."

Today's prayer: O LORD, I call to you; come quickly to me. Hear my voice when I call to you

Psalm 141

1

Psalm 141 A psalm of David.

1

O LORD, I call to you; come quickly to me. Hear my voice when I call to you.

2

May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.

3

Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.

4

Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not eat of their delicacies.

5

Let a righteous man ^[1] strike me--it is a kindness; let him rebuke me--it is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it. Yet my prayer is ever against the deeds of evildoers;

6

their rulers will be thrown down from the cliffs, and the wicked will learn that my words were well spoken.

7

[They will say,] "As one plows and breaks up the earth, so our bones have been scattered at the mouth of the grave. ^[2] "

8

But my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign LORD; in you I take refuge--do not give me over to death.

9

Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, from the traps set by evildoers.

10

Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety.

Today's bible teaching: The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth

Psalm 145

1

Psalm 145 A psalm of praise. Of David. ^[1]

1

I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever.

2

Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.

3

Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.

4

One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.

5

They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. ^[2]

6

They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds.

7

They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

8

The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.

9

The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.

10

All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you.

11

They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might,

12

so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

13

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. ^[3]

14

The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.

15

The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.

16

You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

17

The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.

18

The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

19

He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.

20

The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.

21

My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.

Today's prayer: Save me, Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues.

Psalm 120

A song of ascents.

1I call on the Lord in my distress,

and he answers me.

2Save me, Lord,

from lying lips

and from deceitful tongues.

3What will he do to you,

and what more besides,

you deceitful tongue?

4He will punish you with a warrior’s sharp arrows,

with burning coals of the broom bush.

5Woe to me that I dwell in Meshek,

that I live among the tents of Kedar!

6Too long have I lived

among those who hate peace.

7I am for peace;

but when I speak, they are for war.

Today's bible teaching: Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

Psalm 97

1

Psalm 97

1

The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.

2

Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

3

Fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side.

4

His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles.

5

The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.

6

The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.

7

All who worship images are put to shame, those who boast in idols-- worship him, all you gods!

8

Zion hears and rejoices and the villages of Judah are glad because of your judgments, O LORD.

9

For you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.

10

Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

11

Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.

12

Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name.

Today's bible teaching: Then men will say, "Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth."

Psalm 58

1

Psalm 58 For the director of music. [To the tune of] "Do Not Destroy." Of David. A miktam. ^[1]

1

Do you rulers indeed speak justly? Do you judge uprightly among men?

2

No, in your heart you devise injustice, and your hands mete out violence on the earth.

3

Even from birth the wicked go astray; from the womb they are wayward and speak lies.

4

Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like that of a cobra that has stopped its ears,

5

that will not heed the tune of the charmer, however skillful the enchanter may be.

6

Break the teeth in their mouths, O God; tear out, O LORD, the fangs of the lions!

7

Let them vanish like water that flows away; when they draw the bow, let their arrows be blunted.

8

Like a slug melting away as it moves along, like a stillborn child, may they not see the sun.

9

Before your pots can feel [the heat of] the thorns-- whether they be green or dry--the wicked will be swept away. ^[2]

10

The righteous will be glad when they are avenged, when they bathe their feet in the blood of the wicked.

11

Then men will say, "Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth."

Today's prayer: Hear my prayer, O LORD, listen to my cry for help; be not deaf to my weeping. For I dwell with you as an alien, a stranger, as all my fathers were.

Psalm 39

1

Psalm 39 For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.

1

I said, "I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence."

2

But when I was silent and still, not even saying anything good, my anguish increased.

3

My heart grew hot within me, and as I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:

4

"Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life.

5

You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath. Selah

6

Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.

7

"But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.

8

Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools.

9

I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this.

10

Remove your scourge from me; I am overcome by the blow of your hand.

11

You rebuke and discipline men for their sin; you consume their wealth like a moth-- each man is but a breath. Selah

12

"Hear my prayer, O LORD, listen to my cry for help; be not deaf to my weeping. For I dwell with you as an alien, a stranger, as all my fathers were.

13

Look away from me, that I may rejoice again before I depart and am no more."

Today's bible teaching: You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Psalm 77

1

Psalm 77 For the director of music. For Jeduthun. Of Asaph. A psalm.

1

I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me.

2

When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands and my soul refused to be comforted.

3

I remembered you, O God, and I groaned; I mused, and my spirit grew faint. Selah

4

You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak.

5

I thought about the former days, the years of long ago;

6

I remembered my songs in the night. My heart mused and my spirit inquired:

7

"Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again?

8

Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time?

9

Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?" Selah

10

Then I thought, "To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High."

11

I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

12

I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.

13

Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God?

14

You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.

15

With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Selah

16

The waters saw you, O God, the waters saw you and writhed; the very depths were convulsed.

17

The clouds poured down water, the skies resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth.

18

Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked.

19

Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.

20

You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Today's praises: Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth

Psalm 57

1

Psalm 57 For the director of music. [To the tune of] "Do Not Destroy." Of David. A miktam. ^[1] When he had fled from Saul into the cave.

1

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.

2

I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills [his purpose] for me.

3

He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me; Selah God sends his love and his faithfulness.

4

I am in the midst of lions; I lie among ravenous beasts-- men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.

5

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.

6

They spread a net for my feet-- I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path-- but they have fallen into it themselves. Selah

7

My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.

8

Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.

9

I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.

10

For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

11

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.

Today's prayer: May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer

Psalm 19

1

Psalm 19 For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

2

Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.

3

There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. ^[1]

4

Their voice ^[2] goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,

5

which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

6

It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.

7

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

8

The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

9

The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.

10

They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.

11

By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

12

Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.

13

Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.

14

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer

Today's bible: The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.

Psalm 28

1

Psalm 28 Of David.

1

To you I call, O LORD my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit.

2

Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place.

3

Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts.

4

Repay them for their deeds and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done and bring back upon them what they deserve.

5

Since they show no regard for the works of the LORD and what his hands have done, he will tear them down and never build them up again.

6

Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy.

7

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

8

The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.

9

Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.

Today's bible teaching: Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD.

Psalm 4

1

Psalm 4 For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.

1

Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.

2

How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame ^[1] ? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods ^[2] ? Selah

3

Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him.

4

In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Selah

5

Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD.

6

Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?" Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD.

7

You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.

8

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Today's prayer: Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me; O LORD, be my help

Psalm 30

1

Psalm 30 A psalm. A song. For the dedication of the temple. ^[1] Of David.

1

I will exalt you, O LORD, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me.

2

O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.

3

O LORD, you brought me up from the grave ^[2] ; you spared me from going down into the pit.

4

Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; praise his holy name.

5

For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

6

When I felt secure, I said, "I will never be shaken."

7

O LORD, when you favored me, you made my mountain ^[3] stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.

8

To you, O LORD, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy:

9

"What gain is there in my destruction, ^[4] in my going down into the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness?

10

Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me; O LORD, be my help."

11

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

12

that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.

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

Psalm 37

1

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 praises: Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises

Psalm 47

1

Psalm 47 For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.

1

Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.

2

How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!

3

He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet.

4

He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom he loved. Selah

5

God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the LORD amid the sounding of trumpets.

6

Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises.

7

For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm ^[1] of praise.

8

God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.

9

The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings ^[2] of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted.

Today's bible teaching: The voice of the LORD shakes the desert; the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh.

Psalm 29

1

Psalm 29 A psalm of David.

1

Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

2

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his ^[1] holiness.

3

The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.

4

The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic.

5

The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.

6

He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, Sirion ^[2] like a young wild ox.

7

The voice of the LORD strikes with flashes of lightning.

8

The voice of the LORD shakes the desert; the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh.

9

The voice of the LORD twists the oaks ^[3] and strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, "Glory!"

10

The LORD sits ^[4] enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever.

11

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

Today's bible teaching: Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked

Psalm 97

1

Psalm 97

1

The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.

2

Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

3

Fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side.

4

His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles.

5

The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.

6

The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.

7

All who worship images are put to shame, those who boast in idols-- worship him, all you gods!

8

Zion hears and rejoices and the villages of Judah are glad because of your judgments, O LORD.

9

For you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.

10

Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

11

Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.

12

Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name.

Today's bible teaching: Be strong and take heart, all who hope in the LORD.

Psalm 31

For the leader. A psalm of David.

I

2In you, LORD, I take refuge;^a

let me never be put to shame.

In your righteousness deliver me;

3incline your ear to me;

make haste to rescue me!

Be my rock of refuge,

a stronghold to save me.

4For you are my rock and my fortress;^b

for your name’s sake lead me and guide me.

5Free me from the net they have set for me,

for you are my refuge.

6^*Into your hands I commend my spirit;^c

you will redeem me, LORD, God of truth.

7You hate those who serve worthless idols,

but I trust in the LORD.

8I will rejoice and be glad in your mercy,

once you have seen my misery,

[and] gotten to know the distress of my soul.^d

9You will not abandon me into enemy hands,

but will set my feet in a free and open space.

II

10Be gracious to me, LORD, for I am in distress;

affliction is wearing down my eyes,

my throat and my insides.

11My life is worn out by sorrow,

and my years by sighing.

My strength fails in my affliction;

my bones are wearing down.^e

12To all my foes I am a thing of scorn,

and especially to my neighbors

a horror to my friends.

When they see me in public,

they quickly shy away.^f

13I am forgotten, out of mind like the dead;

I am like a worn-out tool.^*

14I hear the whispers of the crowd;

terrors are all around me.^*

They conspire together against me;

they plot to take my life.

15But I trust in you, LORD;

I say, “You are my God.”^g

16My destiny is in your hands;

rescue me from my enemies,

from the hands of my pursuers.

17Let your face shine on your servant;^h

save me in your mercy.

18Do not let me be put to shame,

for I have called to you, LORD.

Put the wicked to shame;

reduce them to silence in Sheol.

19Strike dumb their lying lips,

which speak arrogantly against the righteous

in contempt and scorn.ⁱ

III

20How great is your goodness, Lord,

stored up for those who fear you.

You display it for those who trust you,

in the sight of the children of Adam.

21You hide them in the shelter of your presence,

safe from scheming enemies.

You conceal them in your tent,

away from the strife of tongues.^j

22Blessed be the LORD,

marvelously he showed to me

his mercy in a fortified city.

23Though I had said in my alarm,

“I am cut off from your eyes.”^k

Yet you heard my voice, my cry for mercy,

when I pleaded with you for help.

24Love the LORD, all you who are faithful to him.

The LORD protects the loyal,

but repays the arrogant in full.

25Be strong and take heart,

all who hope in the LORD.

Today's bible teaching: The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress

Psalm 46

1

Psalm 46 For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According to alamoth. ^[1] A song.

1

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

2

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

3

though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah

4

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.

5

God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.

6

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

7

The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

8

Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth.

9

He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields ^[2] with fire.

10

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

11

The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

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

Psalm 15

1

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: Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors

Psalm 27

1

Psalm 27 Of David.

1

The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?

2

When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, ^[1] when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.

3

Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.

4

One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.

5

For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.

6

Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.

7

Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.

8

My heart says of you, "Seek his ^[2] face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek.

9

Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.

10

Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.

11

Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.

12

Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.

13

I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

14

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Today's bible teaching: In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent

Psalm 4

1

Psalm 4 For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.

1

Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.

2

How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame ^[1] ? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods ^[2] ? Selah

3

Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him.

4

In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Selah

5

Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD.

6

Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?" Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD.

7

You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.

8

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Today's bible teaching: Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.

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: Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with none to rescue

Psalm 50

1

Psalm 50 A psalm of Asaph.

1

The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets.

2

From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.

3

Our God comes and will not be silent; a fire devours before him, and around him a tempest rages.

4

He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people:

5

"Gather to me my consecrated ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice."

6

And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for God himself is judge. Selah

7

"Hear, O my people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testify against you: I am God, your God.

8

I do not rebuke you for your sacrifices or your burnt offerings, which are ever before me.

9

I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens,

10

for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.

11

I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine.

12

If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.

13

Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?

14

Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High,

15

and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me."

16

But to the wicked, God says: "What right have you to recite my laws or take my covenant on your lips?

17

You hate my instruction and cast my words behind you.

18

When you see a thief, you join with him; you throw in your lot with adulterers.

19

You use your mouth for evil and harness your tongue to deceit.

20

You speak continually against your brother and slander your own mother's son.

21

These things you have done and I kept silent; you thought I was altogether ^[1] like you. But I will rebuke you and accuse you to your face.

22

"Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with none to rescue:

23

He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him ^[2] the salvation of God.

Today's prayer: Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me

Psalm 35

1

Psalm 35 Of David.

1

Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me.

2

Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid.

3

Brandish spear and javelin ^[1] against those who pursue me. Say to my soul, "I am your salvation."

4

May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay.

5

May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away;

6

may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them.

7

Since they hid their net for me without cause and without cause dug a pit for me,

8

may ruin overtake them by surprise-- may the net they hid entangle them, may they fall into the pit, to their ruin.

9

Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in his salvation.

10

My whole being will exclaim, "Who is like you, O LORD? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them."

11

Ruthless witnesses come forward; they question me on things I know nothing about.

12

They repay me evil for good and leave my soul forlorn.

13

Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered,

14

I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother.

15

But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee; attackers gathered against me when I was unaware. They slandered me without ceasing.

16

Like the ungodly they maliciously mocked ^[2] ; they gnashed their teeth at me.

17

O Lord, how long will you look on? Rescue my life from their ravages, my precious life from these lions.

18

I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among throngs of people I will praise you.

19

Let not those gloat over me who are my enemies without cause; let not those who hate me without reason maliciously wink the eye.

20

They do not speak peaceably, but devise false accusations against those who live quietly in the land.

21

They gape at me and say, "Aha! Aha! With our own eyes we have seen it."

22

O LORD, you have seen this; be not silent. Do not be far from me, O Lord.

23

Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord.

24

Vindicate me in your righteousness, O LORD my God; do not let them gloat over me.

25

Do not let them think, "Aha, just what we wanted!" or say, "We have swallowed him up."

26

May all who gloat over my distress be put to shame and confusion; may all who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and disgrace.

27

May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, "The LORD be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant."

28

My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long.