Psalm 17 – KJV

Psalm 17

1 Hear the right, O Lord, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.
2 Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.
3 Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
4 Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.
5 Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.
6 I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.
7 Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.
8 Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,
9 From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.
10 They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.
11 They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth;
12 Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.
13 Arise, O Lord, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword:
14 From men which are thy hand, O Lord, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.
15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.

Psalm 17 – Prayer

Heavenly Father,

I come before You with a heart that seeks Your righteousness and truth. Hear my cry, O Lord, and attend to my prayer. Let my words rise before You, not out of deceit or selfish ambition, but in sincerity and faith. Judge my cause, for You are the righteous King who sees the heart and knows the ways of man.

Examine me, O God, and prove me; try my heart and reins, for I desire to walk in Your paths and keep my feet from slipping. By the word of Your lips, I have sought to avoid the ways of the destroyer. Hold me steadfast, O Lord, and keep me under the shadow of Your wings.

Protect me from those who oppress me, from the wicked who seek my soul and surround me with prideful hearts. Arise, O Lord, and deliver me by Your mighty hand. Show me Your lovingkindness, for it is marvelous and beyond compare.

As I seek Your face, grant me the assurance of Your presence. Satisfy me with Your likeness, that I may awake in righteousness and rejoice in Your glory. Keep me as the apple of Your eye, and let Your steadfast love be my refuge in all things.

Lord, You are my portion, my shield, and my deliverer. To You alone do I lift my soul, in Jesus’ name I pray.

Amen.

Psalm 17 – Poem

O Lord, I lift my heart to Thee,
In truth and justice, hear my plea.
Thy searching eyes, so pure, so wise,
Behold my soul beneath the skies.

At night Thou triest, my heart’s intent,
Thy gaze upon my spirit bent.
No wicked thought my lips betray,
Thy word has kept my feet in stay.

Upon the paths of Thee, I stand,
Upheld by Thy almighty hand.
O God, incline Thine ear once more,
Thy lovingkindness I implore.

Guard me within Thy tender care,
Hide me beneath Thy wings so fair.
Though foes surround, their hearts of stone,
I walk with Thee, I’m not alone.

Their eyes with greed, their mouths with pride,
Yet in Thy justice, I confide.
Arise, O Lord, Thy power proclaim,
Deliver me in Thy great name.

From earthly treasures, hearts may stray,
But I shall seek Thy face each day.
And when I wake in morning’s light,
Thy righteousness will fill my sight.

O Lord, my refuge, strong and true,
Forever I will dwell with You.