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(Written by David when he was running from his son Absalom.)

An Early Morning Prayer

(A) I have a lot of enemies, Lord.
Many fight against me and say,
    “God won't rescue you!”

But you are my shield,
and you give me victory
    and great honor.
I pray to you, and you answer
    from your sacred hill.

I sleep and wake up refreshed
because you, Lord,
    protect me.
Ten thousand enemies attack
from every side,
    but I am not afraid.

Come and save me, Lord God!
Break my enemies' jaws
    and shatter their teeth,
because you protect
    and bless your people.

Psalm 3[a]

A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom.(A)

Lord, how many are my foes!
    How many rise up against me!
Many are saying of me,
    “God will not deliver him.(B)[b]

But you, Lord, are a shield(C) around me,
    my glory, the One who lifts my head high.(D)
I call out to the Lord,(E)
    and he answers me from his holy mountain.(F)

I lie down and sleep;(G)
    I wake again,(H) because the Lord sustains me.
I will not fear(I) though tens of thousands
    assail me on every side.(J)

Arise,(K) Lord!
    Deliver me,(L) my God!
Strike(M) all my enemies on the jaw;
    break the teeth(N) of the wicked.

From the Lord comes deliverance.(O)
    May your blessing(P) be on your people.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 3:1 In Hebrew texts 3:1-8 is numbered 3:2-9.
  2. Psalm 3:2 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verses 4 and 8.