Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies

To the leader. A Psalm of David.

1Deliver me, O LORD, from evildoers;

protect me from those who are violent,

2who plan evil things in their minds

and stir up wars continually.

3They make their tongue sharp as a snake's,

and under their lips is the venom of vipers. Selah

4Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked;

protect me from the violent

who have planned my downfall.

5The arrogant have hidden a trap for me,

and with cords they have spread a net;140.5 Or they have spread cords as a net

along the road they have set snares for me. Selah

6I say to the LORD, ‘You are my God;

give ear, O LORD, to the voice of my supplications.’

7O LORD, my Lord, my strong deliverer,

you have covered my head in the day of battle.

8Do not grant, O LORD, the desires of the wicked;

do not further their evil plot.140.8 Heb adds they are exalted Selah

9Those who surround me lift up their heads;140.9 Cn Compare Gk: Heb those who surround me are uplifted in head; Heb divides verses 8 and 9 differently

let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them!

10Let burning coals fall on them!

Let them be flung into pits, no more to rise!

11Do not let the slanderer be established in the land;

let evil speedily hunt down the violent!

12I know that the LORD maintains the cause of the needy,

and executes justice for the poor.

13Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name;

the upright shall live in your presence.