Prayer for Protection against Oppressors.

A Prayer of David. 1
Hear a just cause, O LORD, give heed to my cry;
Give ear to my prayer, which is not from deceitful lips. 2
Let my judgment come forth from Your presence;
Let Your eyes look with equity. 3
You have tried my heart;
You have visited {me} by night;
You have tested me and You find nothing;
I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress. 4
As for the deeds of men, by the word of Your lips
I have kept from the paths of the violent. 5
My steps have held fast to Your paths.
My feet have not slipped.

 6
I have called upon You, for You will answer me, O God;
Incline Your ear to me, hear my speech. 7
Wondrously show Your lovingkindness,
O Savior of those who take refuge at Your right hand
From those who rise up {against them.} 8
Keep me as the apple of the eye;
Hide me in the shadow of Your wings 9
From the wicked who despoil me,
My deadly enemies who surround me. 10
They have closed their unfeeling {heart,}
With their mouth they speak proudly. 11
They have now surrounded us in our steps;
They set their eyes to cast {us} down to the ground. 12
He is like a lion that is eager to tear,
And as a young lion lurking in hiding places.

 13
Arise, O LORD, confront him, bring him low;
Deliver my soul from the wicked with Your sword, 14
From men with Your hand, O LORD,
From men of the world, whose portion is in {this} life,
And whose belly You fill with Your treasure;
They are satisfied with children,
And leave their abundance to their babes. 15
As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness;
I will be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake.