Yahweh, hear my cry for vindication;

Pay attention to my ringing cry;

Give ear to my prayer

[spoken] without deceiving lips.

A verdict in my favor will come forth from you;

Your eyes will see correctly.

You have tested my heart;

You have visited me by night;

You have refined me and found nothing shameful in me;

My mouth did not transgress.

As for human deeds--

I have kept myself from robber's paths;

my steps have held firmly on your tracks;

my feet will not be moved.

I call to you because you will answer me, God;

Incline your ear to me;

Listen to my speech.

Reveal the wonders of your steadfast love,

you savior of those who seek refuge from rebels against your right hand.

Keep me as the pupil of/the daughter of [your] eye;

Hide me in the shadow of your wings

From wicked folks who assault me;

From my mortal enemies who encircle me. [end of Psalm for Pentecost 23]

They have closed their heart with fat;

Their mouths have spoken arrogantly.

They have tracked me down;

Now they surround me;

They have set their eyes to throw me to the earth.

Their image--

like a lion desiring to tear;

like a young lion dwelling in secret places.

Rise up, Yahweh;

Confront them to their face;

Make them bow down!

Deliver my life from the wicked by your sword;

A cruel death from your hand, Yahweh;

May a cruel death put an end to their portion among the living.

As for your treasured ones--

Fill their belly;

Let their children be satisfied;

Let them give what is left over to their infants.

I--in vindication!--will see your face;

when I awake I will be satisfied by your form.

 

© Ralph W. Klein

December 11, 2000