Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends

Chapter 2: Psalms 18–38

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Psalm 26 with Augustine – God’s Purifying Fire Vindicate me, LORD, for I have led a blameless life (v. 1). Judge me, Lord, so that, after the mercy which you first showed me, I have some reward for my innocence. I have trusted in the LORD and have not faltered. Test me, LORD,

and try me (vv. 1–2). If any of my secret sins are hidden from me, try me, Lord, making me known, not to you who sees everything, but to myself, and to others. Examine my heart and my mind . Purify my thoughts and desires as if with fire. For I have always been mindful of your unfailing

Augustine on Psalm 26 “If any of my secret sins are hidden fromme, try me, Lord, making me known, not to you who sees everything, but to myself, and to others.”

love (v. 3). So that I will not be consumed by that fire, my eyes are not on my merits, but on your mercy, by which you have brought me on to such a life. I do not sit with the deceitful (v. 4). I have not chosen to give my heart to those who try to provide what is impossible, although they may be blessed with earthly things. Nor do I associate with hypocrites. And since this is the cause of all wickedness, therefore I will not hide my conscience with those who work wickedly. I abhor the assembly of evildoers (v. 5). But to arrive at this council of pride, congregations of evildoers are formed, which I have hated. And refuse to sit with the wicked (v. 5), that is, I will not join or consent with them. Do not take away my soul along with sinners (v. 9). My soul has loved the beauty of your house. My feet stand on level ground (v. 12). My love has not withdrawn from your righteousness. In the great congregation