[1] LORD, listen to me and understand what I am trying to say. [2] My God and King, listen to my prayer. [3] Every morning, LORD, I lay my gifts before you and look to you for help. And every morning you hear my prayers. [4] God, you don't want evil people near you. They cannot stay in your presence. [5] Fools cannot come near you. You hate those who do evil. [6] You destroy those who tell lies. LORD, you hate those who make secret plans to hurt others. [7] But by your great mercy, I can enter your house. I can worship in your holy Temple with fear and respect for you. [8] LORD, show me your right way of living, and make it easy for me to follow. People are looking for my weaknesses, so show me how you want me to live. [9] My enemies never tell the truth. They only want to destroy people. Their words come from mouths that are like open graves. They use their lying tongues to deceive others. [10] Punish them, God! Let them be caught in their own traps. They have turned against you, so punish them for their many crimes. [11] But let those who trust in you be happy forever. Protect and strengthen those who love your name. [12] LORD, when you bless good people, you surround them with your love, like a large shield that protects them.
