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1 Why do you stand so far off, O LORD, * and hide yourself in time of trouble? 2 The wicked arrogantly persecute the poor, * but they are trapped in the schemes they have devised. 3 The wicked boast of their heart's desire; * the covetous curse and revile the LORD. 4 The wicked are so proud that they care not for God; * their only thought is, "God does not matter." 5 Their ways are devious at all times; your judgments are far above out of their sight; * they defy all their enemies. 6 They say in their heart, "I shall not be shaken; * no harm shall happen to me ever." 7 Their mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and oppression; * under their tongue are mischief and wrong. 8 They lurk in ambush in public squares and in secret places they murder the innocent; * they spy out the helpless. 9 They lie in wait, like a lion in a covert; they lie in wait to seize upon the lowly; * they seize the lowly and drag them away in their net. 10 The innocent are broken and humbled before them; * the helpless fall before their power. 11 They say in their heart, "God has forgotten; * he hides his face; he will never notice." 12 Rise up, O LORD; lift up your hand, O God; * do not forget the afflicted. 13 Why should the wicked revile God? * why should they say in their heart, "You do not care"? 14 Surely, you behold trouble and misery; * you see it and take it into your own hand. 15 The helpless commit themselves to you, * for you are the helper of orphans. 16 Break the power of the wicked and evil; * search out their wickedness until you find none. 17 The LORD is King for ever and ever; * the ungodly shall perish from his land. 18 The LORD will hear the desire of the humble; * you will strengthen their heart and your ears shall hear; 19 To give justice to the orphan and oppressed, * so that mere mortals may strike terror no more.
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chanted by the Rev. Philip Mayer St. Peter's by the Lake Episcopal Church The Colony, Texas |