Psalms 26

Prayer of Innocence

1Of David.

Judge me, Lord!

For I have walked in my integrity.#Ps 7:9.

In the Lord I trust;

I do not falter.

2Examine me, Lord, and test me;

search my heart and mind.#Ps 17:3; 139:23.

3Your mercy is before my eyes;

I walk guided by your faithfulness.#Ps 86:11.

4I do not sit with worthless men,

nor with hypocrites do I mingle.

5I hate an evil assembly;

with the wicked I do not sit.

6I will wash my hands#I will wash my hands: the washing of hands was a liturgical act (Ex 30:19, 21; 40:31–32), symbolic of inner as well as outer cleanness, cf. Is 1:16. in innocence#Ps 73:13.

so that I may process around your altar, Lord,

7To hear the sound of thanksgiving,

and recount all your wondrous deeds.

8Lord, I love the refuge of your house,

the site of the dwelling-place of your glory.#Ps 29:9; 63:3; Ex 24:16; 25:8.

III

9Do not take me away with sinners,

nor my life with the men of blood,#Ps 28:3.

10In whose hands there is a plot,

their right hands full of bribery.

11But I walk in my integrity;#Ps 101:6.

redeem me, be gracious to me!#Ps 25:16.

12My foot stands on level ground;#On level ground: in safety, where there is no danger of tripping and falling. In assemblies: at the Temple. Having walked around the altar, the symbol of God’s presence, the psalmist blesses God.

in assemblies I will bless the Lord.#Ps 22:23; 35:18; 149:1.

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Psalms 26: NABRE

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