Psalm 17

Psalm 17

A David Prayer

1-2Listen while I build my case, God,the most honest prayer you’ll ever hear.Show the world I’m innocent—in your heart you know I am.3Go ahead, examine me from inside out,surprise me in the middle of the night—You’ll find I’m just what I say I am.My words don’t run loose.4-5I’m not trying to get my wayin the world’s way.I’m trying to get your way,your Word’s way.I’m staying on your trail;I’m putting one footIn front of the other.I’m not giving up.6-7I call to you, God, because I’m sure of an answer.So—answer! bend your ear! listen sharp!Paint grace-graffiti on the fences;take in your frightened children whoAre running from the neighborhood bulliesstraight to you.8-9Keep your eye on me;hide me under your cool wing feathersFrom the wicked who are out to get me,from mortal enemies closing in.10-14Their hearts are hard as nails,their mouths blast hot air.They are after me, nipping my heels,determined to bring me down,Lions ready to rip me apart,young lions poised to pounce.Up, God: beard them! break them!By your sword, free me from their clutches;Barehanded, God, break these mortals,these flat-earth people who can’t think beyond today.I’d like to see their belliesswollen with famine food,The weeds they’ve sownharvested and baked into famine bread,With second helpings for their childrenand crusts for their babies to chew on.15And me? I plan on lookingyou full in the face. When I get up,I’ll see your full statureand live heaven on earth.