26
Psalm 26 – Prayer of a Devout Worshipper
A psalm of David.
1 Defend me, O Lord, for my walk has been blameless;
in the Lord have I trusted unswervingly:
2 Examine me, Lord, and test me;
test my heart and my mind.
3 For your love is before my eyes,
and your faithfulness governs my way.
4 I never sat down with the worthless,
nor companied with dissemblers.
5 I hate the assembly of knaves,
I would never sit down with the wicked;
6 but, with hands washed in innocence,
I would march round your altar, O Lord,
7 singing loud songs of thanks,
and telling of all your wonders.
8 O Lord, I love your house,
the place where your glory lives.
9 Do not gather me up with sinners;
slay me not with people of blood,
10 whose hands are stained with villainy,
and whose right hand is filled with bribes.
11 But my walk is blameless!
O redeem me, be gracious to me.
12 My foot stands on even ground,
in the choirs I will bless the Lord.