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An Evening Prayer

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A song of David.

Answer me when I pray to you,
    my God who does what is right.
Lift the load that I carry.
    Be kind to me and hear my prayer.

People, how long will you turn my honor into shame?
    You love what is false, and you look for new lies. Selah
You know that the Lord has chosen for himself those who are loyal to him.
    The Lord listens when I pray to him.
When you are angry, do not sin.
    Think about these things quietly
    as you go to bed. Selah
Do what is right as a sacrifice to the Lord.
    And trust the Lord.

Many people ask,
    “Who will give us anything good?
    Lord, be kind to us.”
But you have made me very happy.
    I am happier than they are,
    even with all their grain and wine.
I go to bed and sleep in peace.
    Lord, only you keep me safe.

Psalm 4

To the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness (uprightness, justice, and right standing with You)! You have freed me when I was hemmed in and enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me and hear my prayer.

O you sons of men, how long will you turn my honor and glory into shame? How long will you love vanity and futility and seek after lies? Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself [and given distinction to] him who is godly [the man of loving-kindness]. The Lord listens and heeds when I call to Him.

Be angry [or stand in awe] and sin not; commune with your own hearts upon your beds and be silent (sorry for the things you say in your hearts). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!(A)

Offer just and right sacrifices; trust (lean on and be confident) in the Lord.

Many say, Oh, that we might see some good! Lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, O Lord.

You have put more joy and rejoicing in my heart than [they know] when their wheat and new wine have yielded abundantly.

In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You, Lord, alone make me dwell in safety and confident trust.