A Prayer for Help against the Wicked

121 [1][2]Help, Lord, for no one is faithful anymore; those who are loyal have vanished from the human race. 2 Everyone lies to their neighbor; they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their hearts. 3 May the Lord silence all flattering lips and every boastful tongue- 4 those who say, "By our tongues we will prevail; our own lips will defend us-who is lord over us?" 5 "Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, I will now arise," says the Lord. "I will protect them from those who malign them." 6 And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold[3] refined seven times. 7 You, Lord, will keep the needy safe and will protect us forever from the wicked, 8 who freely strut about when what is vile is honored by the human race.

A Morning Prayer of Trust in God

31 [4]Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! 2 Many are saying of me, "God will not deliver him."[5] 3 But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.

4 I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain. 5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. 6 I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side. 7 Arise, Lord! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. 8 From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.