Add parallel Print Page Options

(A psalm by David for the music leader.)

The Wonders of God and the Goodness of His Law

The heavens keep telling
    the wonders of God,
and the skies declare
    what he has done.
Each day informs
    the following day;
each night announces
    to the next.
They don't speak a word,
and there is never
    the sound of a voice.
(A) Yet their message reaches
    all the earth,
and it travels
    around the world.

In the heavens a tent
    is set up for the sun.
It rises like a bridegroom
and gets ready like a hero
    eager to run a race.
It travels all the way
across the sky.
    Nothing hides from its heat.

(B) The Law of the Lord is perfect;
    it gives us new life.
His teachings last forever,
and they give wisdom
    to ordinary people.
The Lord's instruction is right;
    it makes our hearts glad.
His commands shine brightly,
    and they give us light.

Worshiping the Lord is sacred;
    he will always be worshiped.
All his decisions
    are correct and fair.
10 They are worth more
    than the finest gold
and are sweeter than honey
    from a honeycomb.

11 By your teachings, Lord,
    I am warned;
by obeying them,
    I am greatly rewarded.
12 None of us know our faults.
Forgive me when I sin
    without knowing it.
13 Don't let me do wrong
    on purpose, Lord,
or let sin have control
    over my life.
Then I will be innocent,
and not guilty
    of some terrible fault.

14 Let my words and my thoughts
    be pleasing to you, Lord,
because you are my mighty rock[a]
    and my protector.

(A psalm by David for the music leader.)

A Prayer for Victory

I pray that the Lord
will listen when you
    are in trouble,
and that the God of Jacob
    will keep you safe.
May the Lord send help
    from his temple
and come to your rescue
    from Mount Zion.
May he remember your gifts
and be pleased
    with what you bring.

May God do what you want most
    and let all go well for you.
Then you will win victories,
    and we will celebrate,
while raising our banners
    in the name of our God.
May the Lord answer
    all your prayers!

I am certain, Lord,
that you will help
    your chosen king.
You will answer my prayers
from your holy place
    in heaven,
and you will save me
    with your mighty arm.

Some people trust the power
of chariots or horses,
    but we trust you, Lord God.
Others will stumble and fall,
but we will be strong
    and stand firm.

Give the king victory, Lord,
    and answer our prayers.[b]

(A psalm by David for the music leader.)

Thanking the Lord for Victory

Our Lord, your mighty power
    makes the king glad,
and he celebrates victories
    that you have given him.
You did what he wanted most
    and never told him “No.”
You truly blessed the king,
and you placed on him
    a crown of finest gold.
He asked to live a long time,
and you promised him life
    that never ends.

The king is highly honored.
You have let him win victories
    that have made him famous.
You have given him blessings
    that will last forever,
and you have made him glad
    by being so near to him.
Lord Most High,
    the king trusts you,
and your kindness
    keeps him from defeat.

With your mighty arm, Lord,
you will strike down all
    of your hateful enemies.
They will be destroyed by fire
    once you are here,
and because of your anger,
    flames will swallow them.
10 You will wipe their families
from the earth,
    and they will disappear.
11 All their plans to harm you
    will come to nothing.
12 You will make them run away
by shooting your arrows
    at their faces.

13 Show your strength, Lord,
so that we may sing
    and praise your power.

Footnotes

  1. 19.14 mighty rock: See the note at 18.2.
  2. 20.9 victory … prayers: Or “victory. He (God or the king) answers us.”

Bible Gateway Recommends