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Psalm 26[a]

Prayer of Innocence

Of David.

I

Judge me, Lord!
    For I have walked in my integrity.(A)
In the Lord I trust;
    I do not falter.
Examine me, Lord, and test me;
    search my heart and mind.(B)
Your mercy is before my eyes;
    I walk guided by your faithfulness.(C)

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Footnotes

  1. Psalm 26 Like a priest washing before approaching the altar (Ex 30:17–21), the psalmist seeks God’s protection upon entering the Temple. Ps 26:1–3, matched by Ps 26:11–12, remind God of past integrity while asking for purification; Ps 26:4–5, matched by Ps 26:9–10, pray for inclusion among the just; Ps 26:6–8, the center of the poem, express the joy in God at the heart of all ritual.

Psalm 26

Of David.

Vindicate me,(A) Lord,
    for I have led a blameless life;(B)
I have trusted(C) in the Lord
    and have not faltered.(D)
Test me,(E) Lord, and try me,
    examine my heart and my mind;(F)
for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love(G)
    and have lived(H) in reliance on your faithfulness.(I)

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