Psalm 26

Psalm 26 – Prayer of a Devout Worshipper

A psalm of David.

1Defend me, O Lord, for my walk has been blameless;

in the Lord have I trusted unswervingly:

2Examine me, Lord, and test me;

test my heart and my mind.

3For your love is before my eyes,

and your faithfulness governs my way.

4I never sat down with the worthless,

nor companied with dissemblers.

5I hate the assembly of knaves,

I would never sit down with the wicked;

6but, with hands washed in innocence,

I would march round your altar, O Lord,

7singing loud songs of thanks,

and telling of all your wonders.

8O Lord, I love your house,

the place where your glory lives.

9Do not gather me up with sinners;

slay me not with people of blood,

10whose hands are stained with villainy,

and whose right hand is filled with bribes.

11But my walk is blameless!

O redeem me, be gracious to me.

12My foot stands on even ground,

in the choirs I will bless the Lord.