Psalms

¹ Listen while I build my case, God, the most honest prayer you'll ever hear.

² in your heart you know I am.

³ surprise me in the middle of the night— You'll find I'm just what I say I am. My words don't run loose.

⁴ in the world's way. I'm trying to get your way, your Word's way.

⁵ I'm putting one foot In front of the other. I'm not giving up.

⁶ So—answer! bend your ear! listen sharp!

⁷ take in your frightened children who Are running from the neighborhood bullies straight to you.

⁸ hide me under your cool wing feathers

⁹ from mortal enemies closing in.

¹⁰ their mouths blast hot air.

¹¹ determined to bring me down,

¹² young lions poised to pounce.

¹³ By your sword, free me from their clutches;

¹⁴ these flat-earth people who can't think beyond today. I'd like to see their bellies swollen with famine food, The weeds they've sown harvested and baked into famine bread, With second helpings for their children and crusts for their babies to chew on.

¹⁵ you full in the face. When I get up, I'll see your full stature and live heaven on earth.