Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends

Chapter 1: Psalms 1–17

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Psalm 17 with Augustine – Testing the Heart of OneWho Prays

Hear me, LORD, my plea is just; listen to my cry. Hear my prayer—it does not rise from deceitful lips. Let my vindication come from you (vv. 1–2). From the knowledge of you, let me judge truth. That is, may I not judge by anything except that which I learn from you. You examine me at night and test me (v. 3). For my heart has been tested and found genuine by the experience of tribulation. You will find that I have planned no evil. This testing is not only at night, but is also called fire, in that it burns. By these I was examined and found righteous. My mouth has not transgressed, though people tried to bribe me (vv. 3–4). That nothing may come out of my mouth, but that which relates to your glory and praise, not to human works, which they do against your will. I have kept myself from the ways of the violent, through what your lips have commanded (v. 4), because of the words of your peace. I call on you, God, for you will answer me (v. 6). With a free and strong effort have I directed my prayers to you: so that I might have this power. You have heard me even when praying weakly. Rise up, LORD, confront them, bring them down (v. 13). Arise, Lord, you who they think is asleep, and regardless of people’s sins, let them be blinded by their own malice, that vengeance may prevent their act, so that they are cast down. By your hand save me from such people, LORD (v. 14). Deliver my soul by restoring me after the serious injuries the ungodly have inflicted on me.