Lord, Rescue Me From Evildoers

1 LORD, rescue me from evildoers; from all their fury, save my life. 2 Their hearts plan evil to betray me; they daily stir up war and strife. 3 Their tongues are sharper than a serpent’s; with deadly venom their words sting. 4 O Lord, protect me from the wicked, like vipers they will ruin bring. 5 Keep me from those who rage against me, those who for me have spread a net. In their pride they seek my destruction and in my path their snares have set. 6 Lord, save me, hear my cry for mercy. “You are my God,” so I have said. 7 O Lord, you are my strong defender and in the battle shield my head. 8 Let not my foes’ desires be granted; Lord, let their plotting not succeed. 9 Let their own sin be their undoing; repay them for their pride and greed. 10 May burning coals fall down upon them; let them be thrown into the fire. 11 Lord, put an end to all their slander and fling them into pits of mire. 12 I know, Lord, you uphold the needy; justice for the poor you proclaim. 13 Surely the righteous with thanksgiving will in your presence praise your name. – Book of Praise: Anglo-Genevan Psalter, alt.