Psalms for Morning Prayer

Psalm 5

To my words give ear, O Lord, give heed to my groaning. Attend to the sound of my cry, my King and my God.

It is you whom I invoke, O Lord. In the morning you hear me; in the morning I offer you my prayer, watching and waiting.

You are no God who loves evil; no sinner is your guest. The boastful shall not stand their ground before your face.

You hate all who do evil; you destroy all who lie. The deceitful and bloodthirsty man the Lord detests.

But I, through the greatness of your love, have access to your house. I bow down before your holy temple, filled with awe.

Lead me, Lord, in your justice, because of those who lie in wait; make clear your way before me.

No truth can be found in their mouths, their heart is all mischief. Their throat a wide-open grave, all honey their speech.

All those you protect shall be glad and ring out their joy. You shelter them; in you they rejoice, those who love your name.

It is you who bless the just man, Lord: you surround him with favor as with a shield.

Psalm 63

O God, you are my God, for you I long; for you my soul is thirsting. My body pines for you like a dry, weary land without water.

So I gaze on you in the sanctuary to see your strength and your glory. For your love is better than life, my lips will speak your praise.<br So I will bless you all my life, in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul shall be filled as with a banquet, my mouth shall praise you with joy.

On my bed I remember you. On you I muse through the night for you have been my help; in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.

My soul clings to you; your right hand holds me fast.