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The Prayer of an Innocent Believer

Of David.

26 Lord, defend me because I have lived an innocent life.
    I have trusted the Lord and never doubted.
Lord, try me and test me;
    look closely into my heart and mind.
I see your love,
    and I live by your truth.
I do not spend time with liars,
    nor do I make friends with those who hide their sin.
I hate the company of evil people,
    and I won’t sit with the wicked.
I wash my hands to show I am innocent,
    and I come to your altar, Lord.
I raise my voice in praise
    and tell of all the miracles you have done.
Lord, I love the Temple where you live,
    where your glory is.
Do not kill me with those sinners
    or take my life with those murderers.
10 Evil is in their hands,
    and they do wrong for money.
11 But I have lived an innocent life,
    so save me and have mercy on me.
12 I stand in a safe place.
    Lord, I praise you in the great meeting.

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)

I do not sit(J) with the deceitful,
    nor do I associate with hypocrites.(K)
I abhor(L) the assembly of evildoers
    and refuse to sit with the wicked.
I wash my hands in innocence,(M)
    and go about your altar, Lord,
proclaiming aloud your praise(N)
    and telling of all your wonderful deeds.(O)

Lord, I love(P) the house where you live,
    the place where your glory dwells.(Q)
Do not take away my soul along with sinners,
    my life with those who are bloodthirsty,(R)
10 in whose hands are wicked schemes,(S)
    whose right hands are full of bribes.(T)
11 I lead a blameless life;
    deliver me(U) and be merciful to me.

12 My feet stand on level ground;(V)
    in the great congregation(W) I will praise the Lord.