Rescue me, Lord, from evildoers; protect me from the violent,
who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day.
They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent’s;
the poison of vipers is on their lips.
Keep me safe, Lord, from the hands of the wicked;
protect me from the violent, who devise ways to trip my feet.
The arrogant have hidden a snare for me;
they have spread out the cords of their net
and have set traps for me along my path.
I say to the Lord, “You are my God.” Hear, Lord, my cry for mercy.
Sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer,
you shield my head in the day of battle.
Do not grant the wicked their desires, Lord; do not let their plans succeed.
Those who surround me proudly rear their heads;
may the mischief of their lips engulf them. May burning coals fall on them;
may they be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, never to rise.
May slanderers not be established in the land;
may disaster hunt down the violent.
I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor
and upholds the cause of the needy.
Surely the righteous will praise your name,
and the upright will live in your presence.
A prayer for this week.
Heavenly Father, Your character perfectly combines Justice with Mercy. Please build up in me a deep desire to see justice in the world, allied to mercy and compassion for those who suffer injustice. AMEN.