Psalm 17:1-9 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 17:1-9 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry; give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit.
Verse 2From you let my vindication come; let your eyes see the right.
Verse 3If you try my heart, if you visit me by night, if you test me, you will find no wickedness in me; my mouth does not transgress.
Verse 4As for what others do, by the word of your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent.
Verse 5My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped.
Verse 6I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me, hear my words.
Verse 7Wondrously show your steadfast love, O savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand.
Verse 8Guard me as the apple of the eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings,
Verse 9from the wicked who despoil me, my deadly enemies who surround me.
Devotion
In the inspired poetry of the psalms, God is sometimes regarded as a most sense-able God. The psalmist asks God to lend an ear or to cast an eye to the prayer uplifted. Further, the psalmist anticipates an answer. God will incline the ear and show steadfast love—even extend the divine right arm. Ours is not a God afar, but one who hears and sees what we need. All it requires is that we pray boldly.
Prayer
Oh God, our faithful God, true fountain ever flowing, give us a healthy frame, a conscience free from blame, and souls unstained by sin. Amen.